Document Document Title
US09005845B2 Solid oxide fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof
A solid oxide fuel cell. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a unit cell, which includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer that are sequentially laminated from an inner region to an outer region of the unit cell; and an interconnector electrically connected to the first electrode layer, exposed to outside of the unit cell, and electrically insulated from the second electrode. The solid oxide fuel cell further includes a first porous current collector on an outer surface of the second electrode layer; a first adhesive layer interposed between the first porous current collector and the second electrode layer; a second porous current collector on an outer surface of the interconnector; and a second adhesive layer interposed between the second porous current collector and the interconnector.
US09005842B2 Proton exchange membrane composition
Proton exchange membrane compositions having high proton conductivity are provided. The proton exchange membrane composition includes a hyper-branched polymer, wherein the hyper-branched polymer has a DB (degree of branching) of more than 0.5. A polymer with high ion conductivity is distributed uniformly over the hyper-branched polymer, wherein the hyper-branched polymer has a weight ratio equal to or more than 5 wt %, based on the solid content of the proton exchange membrane composition.
US09005835B2 Fuel cell with reduced mass transfer limitations
This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.
US09005830B2 Freeze start operation in a fuel cell with a blocked anode cell
Methods for starting a fuel cell system are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing hydrogen to an inlet of an anode of the fuel cell pressurizing the anode to a pressure; determining whether a blocked cell condition exists; if a blocked cell condition exists, if no blocked cell condition exists, initiating a normal start sequence, alternately reducing the pressure of the anode and increasing the pressure of the anode until an exit condition exists, the exit condition selected from a voltage of the fuel cell being stable, or a temperature of the fuel cell being greater than about 0° C., or both, and when the exit condition exists, initiating the normal start sequence.
US09005826B2 Electrochemical battery
A battery has a cathode and an anode, between which a solid electrolyte is disposed. The battery has a process gas feed on the cathode side. The battery is characterized in that an electrically conductive supporting body is disposed on the cathode surface. At least one chamber connected to the anode has a porous, oxidizable material and a redox pair that is gaseous at an operating temperature of the battery.
US09005815B2 Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing same, and rechargeable lithium battery
A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method of manufacturing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the negative active material. The negative active material includes carbon particles having interplanar spacing (d002) ranging from about 0.34 nm to about 0.50 nm at a 002 plane, measured by X-ray diffraction using CuKα, and nitrogen on the surface of the carbon particles.
US09005807B2 Current collector for bipolar secondary battery
A bipolar secondary battery current collector is a bipolar secondary battery current collector having electrical conductivity. The current collector has an expansion section that expands in a thickness direction of the current collector at a temperature equal to or higher than a prescribed temperature.
US09005806B2 Nano-structured lithium-sulfur battery and method of making same
An apparatus includes a first conductive substrate (e.g., a metal foil) having a first surface; a plurality of conductive stalks (e.g., carbon nano-tubes) extending from the first surface; an electrically insulating coating (e.g., sulfur) about the carbon stalks; a second conductive substrate (e.g., a lithium oxide foil); and an electrolyte (e.g., a polymer electrolyte) disposed between the first surface of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate. In various embodiments: the sulfur is disposed at a thickness of about 3 nanometers+/−1 nanometer; the stalks are at a density such that a gap between them as is between 2 and 200 diameters of an ion transported through the electrolyte; and there is a separator layer within the electrolyte having a porosity amenable to passage by such ions. Also detailed is a method for making the foil with the coated carbon nano-tubes.
US09005805B2 Secondary battery of novel structure
Disclosed herein is a plate-shaped secondary battery configured to have a structure in which an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in a battery case in a sealed state by thermal welding, wherein a protuberance is formed at an outer edge sealed portion of an electrode assembly receiving part of the battery case such that the protuberance protrudes upward and downward from the sealed portion, and the protuberance extends along the outer edge of the electrode assembly receiving part continuously in a curved line or in a straight line in a state in which the protuberance is adjacent to the electrode assembly receiving part.
US09005794B2 Battery connector system
A battery connector system includes a tray assembly configured to be mounted to a battery module made from a plurality of battery cells. The tray assembly includes a tray and a plurality of busbars held by the tray. The tray having a base with channels extending through the base. The channels receive cell tabs from corresponding battery cells. The tray has a tray connector configured to mate with an electrical connector. The busbars are aligned with corresponding channels and configured to be electrically connected to corresponding cell tabs. The busbars are coupled to the tray. The busbars have pins positioned in the tray connector for direct connection with the electrical connector. Optionally, the battery connector system may include a wire harness connector configured to be coupled to the tray connector that includes a housing holding a plurality of terminals being terminated to corresponding wires configured to be routed to a centralized battery management system and the battery connector system may include a circuit board connector configured to be coupled to the tray connector that has a housing holding a circuit board with a plurality of terminals mounted thereto. Either the wire harness connector or the circuit board connector is selectively coupled to the tray connector to define a centralized or decentralized battery management system, respectively.
US09005788B2 Management scheme for multiple battery cells
A series-parallel battery system with a buffer resistor coupled to each junction of batteries or battery cells. Buffer resistors on the same row are coupled to a measurement node. Terminals of the battery system and the measurement nodes are treated as measurement points that are coupled to a conventional battery management unit. The buffer resistors provide a means for limiting in-rush current and a means for maintaining voltage balance across the row of batteries in the parallel columns of batteries. A control unit in series with each series of batteries monitors current in the series and comprises a switch to deactivate the column when the current exceeds a set of predetermined current levels.
US09005779B2 Compound comprising a five-membered hetero ring, an organic electrical element using the same and a terminal thereof
Disclosed are a compound comprising a five-membered hetero ring, an organic electrical element using the same and a terminal thereof.
US09005760B2 Process for producing phosphorescent body and phosphorescent body produced by the process, and nail stone including phosphorescent body
To provide a process for producing a phosphorescent body which allows efficient production of a granule-shaped phosphorescent body with a simple facility and a phosphorescent body produced by the process, and a nail stone including the phosphorescent body. In a process for producing a phosphorescent body containing at least a phosphorescent material and a glass material, at least the phosphorescent material and the glass material are mixed to give a paste mixture 2. A plurality of layers of the mixture 2 are stacked to form a granule-shaped laminate 3. The laminate 3 is sintered so that the laminate 3 is melted and shaped by the action of the surface tension of the melted laminate 3.
US09005759B2 Powdered composition
A pulverulent and mineral oil-free composition which is present as binary system and contains as main constituents a) from 5 to 40% by weight of at least one fatty acid derivative and/or fatty alcohol derivative, b) from 0.5 to 10% by weight of at least one silicone oil and c) from 20 to 85% by weight of at least one support material, with the components a) and b) having been applied to the support material c), is proposed. Suitable components a) are, in particular, fatty alcohol alkoxylates comprising ethylene oxide units and propylene oxide units. Polydimethylsiloxanes are particularly suitable representatives of silicone oils b). The support material c) is selected from the group consisting of chalk, dolomite, shell limestone and silica. The composition has a bimodal particle size distribution in the range from 10 to 120 μm. Such compositions are used, in particular, as antifoams for dry mortar applications.
US09005752B2 Drawn poly(ethyleneterephthalate) fiber, poly(ethyleneterephthalate) tire-cord, their preparation method and tire comprising the same
The present invention relates to a drawn PET fiber which has good dimensional stability and can be applied to a cap ply cord for a pneumatic tire, a PET tire cord, their preparation methods, and a tire including the same.
US09005737B2 Coated articles and methods of making same
A coated substrate. The coated substrate includes a unitary substrate having a major surface. A first coating is applied to a first surface segment of the major surface. A second coating applied to a second surface segment of the major surface. The first coating is different than the second coating.
US09005728B2 Disposable absorbent pad
A disposable absorbent pad has an absorbent structure configured to absorb fluid. The disposable absorbent pad is adapted to provide a shear strength between the pad and the substrate when the pad is adhered to the substrate between about 1,500 grams per square inch and about 3,500 grams per square inch.
US09005726B2 Recording medium for ink jet ink, ink jet printed material, and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a recording medium for an ink jet ink, which is capable of printing directly with an ink jet ink without a surface treatment step necessary for use of an ordinal plastic film as a substrate and which causes no problem of peeling or the like after printing, and also provides a printed material produced by ink jet printing on the recording medium and a production method therefor. Specifically, printing is performed with various ink jet inks on a layer (A) of a single-layer or multi-layer film (I) used as a recording medium, the layer (A) containing a cyclic polyolefin resin or an acid-modified polyolefin resin.
US09005720B2 Liquid-crystal display
Disclosed are liquid-crystal (LC) media for use in LC displays of the PS (polymer stabilized) or PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type which contain a liquid-crystal (LC) mixture that contains one or more compounds of formula I
US09005718B2 Process for depositing films simultaneously onto both sides of a substrate
A process for the simultaneous deposition of films onto both sides of a substrate (2), which comprises in particular introducing a substrate (2) into a reaction chamber (106, 206) or making said substrate run therethrough, in which chamber at least two electrodes (110, 210) are placed. At least one dielectric barrier (14, 114) is placed between these at least two electrodes (110, 210). An adjustable inductor (L) is placed in the secondary circuit of the transformer in parallel with the circuit comprising the at least two electrodes. A high-frequency electrical voltage is generated, said voltage being such that it generates a filamentary plasma (112, 212) on each side of the substrate between the at least two electrodes (110, 210).
US09005715B2 Method for the surface treatment of large parts, gripper of parts suitable for implementing such a method, use of said gripper and treatment cubicle
A system and method of painting parts of large dimensions that present a certain amount of flexibility that makes their shape geometrically unstable in the event of being moved. The surface of a part is moved in front of a paint spray device by an arm of a robot, while the spray device remains stationary relative to the robot and while the part is being deformed. Other elements include a gripper for gripping parts of large dimensions, the gripper being adapted to implement the method; an installation; and a booth for performing surface treatment of parts.
US09005713B2 Oxide coating foundation for promoting TBC adherence
A process for improving the adherence of a thermal barrier coating to a substrate includes the steps of providing a substrate, depositing a masking layer of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or titanium alloy, or titanium on a surface of the substrate, depositing a non-thermally grown oxide layer of alumina or titania on the masking layer, and depositing a thermal barrier coating on the oxide layer.
US09005704B2 Methods for depositing films comprising cobalt and cobalt nitrides
Cobalt-containing films, as well as methods for providing the cobalt-containing films. Certain methods pertain to exposing a substrate surface to a precursor and a co-reactant to provide a cobalt-containing film, the first precursor having a structure represented by: wherein each R is independently C1-C6 substituted or un-substituted alkanes, branched or un-branched alkanes, substituted or un-substituted alkenes, branched or un-branched alkenes, substituted or un-substituted alkynes, branched or un-branched alkynes or substituted or un-substituted aromatics, L is a coordinating ligand comprising a Lewis base.
US09005703B2 Substrate processing method
A hydrophobizing agent is supplied to a substrate and a surface of the substrate is hydrophobized. Thereafter, the substrate is dried. The substrate to be processed is maintained in a state of not contacting water until it is dried after being hydrophobized. Collapse of a pattern formed on the substrate surface is thereby suppressed or prevented.
US09005700B2 Method for making UV-absorbing ophthalmic lenses
Described herein is a cost-effective and time-efficient method for making UV-absorbing contact lenses. In contrast to the conventional method for making UV-absorbing contact lenses which involves copolymerizing a lens forming composition including a UV-absorbing vinylic monomer, a method of the invention involves dipping a contact lens in a solution of UV-absorbing polymer comprising carboxyl-containing monomeric units and UV-absorbing monomeric units to form a UV-absorbing coating on the contact lens.
US09005696B2 Medical device for bone implant and method for producing such a device
A bone implantable medical device made from a biocompatible material, preferably comprising titania or zirconia, has at least a portion of its surface modified to facilitate improved integration with bone. The implantable device may incorporate a surface infused with osteoinductive agent and/or may incorporate holes loaded with a therapeutic agent. The infused surface and/or the holes may be patterned to determine the distribution of and amount of osteoinductive agent and/or therapeutic agent incorporated. The rate of release or elution profile of the therapeutic agent may be controlled. Methods for producing such a bone implantable medical device are also disclosed and employ the use of ion beam irradiation, preferably gas cluster ion beam irradiation for improving bone integration.
US09005695B2 Composite stent with inner and outer stent elements and method of using the same
An endoprosthesis comprising a stent, a cover fully covering the stent wherein the cover has variable porosity in the radial direction; and an adhesion layer connecting the stent to the cover. Another aspect of the invention is a method of implanting an endoprosthesis which includes a stent, providing a cover with variable porosity in the radial direction, connecting the stent to the cover with an adhesion layer to form a covered stent, and implanting the covered stent within a body lumen of a patient.
US09005689B2 Process for the preparation of a flavor active composition
The invention concerns a flavor active composition obtainable by a multi-step reaction comprising a first reaction between an amino compound and a carbonyl compound to obtain a first intermediate reaction mixture, a second reaction with a second amino compound alone or in combination with a carbonyl compound to obtain a second intermediate reaction mixture, further separate reactions with another amino compound alone or in combination with a carbonyl compound to obtain further intermediate reaction mixture, further separate reactions with compounds from other chemical classes such as alcohols, phenolic compounds, epoxydes or organic acids and combinations thereof leading to suitable intermediates, a last reaction comprising a mixture of all the preceding intermediate mixtures alone or in combination with amino and/or carbonyl compounds to obtain the final flavor composition.
US09005688B2 Thermally stable high impact flavoring particles
The present invention relates to inclusion products containing or consisting of one or a plurality of flavoring materials and a maltodextrin fraction. Moreover, a production process for said inclusion products is provided according to the invention. The invention further relates to maltodextrin fractions, in particular those that are suitable for preparing inclusion products according to the invention, and corresponding use of maltodextrin fractions according to the invention.
US09005687B2 Methods for reducing soluble metal ions in diatomaceous earth filter aids
A method for reducing the amount of beverage soluble metal ions in a diatomaceous earth filter aid is disclosed. The beverage soluble metal ions can be copper and/or iron. In the method, the diatomaceous earth filter aid is contacted with a hop compound selected from iso-alpha-acids, dihydroiso-alpha-acids, tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids, hexahydroiso-alpha-acids, alpha-acids, and beta-acids. The diatomaceous earth filter aid can also be contacted with and an acid other than the hop compound such as phosphoric acid. The iso-alpha-acids, dihydroiso-alpha-acids, tetrahydroiso-alpha-acids, hexahydroiso-alpha-acids, alpha-acids, or beta-acids bind the copper and iron metal ions and/or change the form of copper and iron in diatomaceous earth so the copper and iron are rendered substantially insoluble in a beverage such as beer. A method for filtering a beverage using the treated diatomaceous earth filter aid is also disclosed. A method for increasing the flavor stability of a malt beverage filtered with a diatomaceous earth filter aid is also disclosed.
US09005681B2 Food product containing starch gel, starch granule, production method and use thereof
Here is provided a method of producing a starch gel-containing food, the method comprising the steps of: treating starch granules with an enzyme at a temperature of about 10° C. or higher and about 70° C. or lower to obtain an enzyme-treated starch; mixing a food material, the enzyme-treated starch and water to obtain a mixture; heating the mixture thereby gelatinizing the enzyme-treated starch in the mixture; and cooling the mixture containing the gelatinized enzyme-treated starch thereby gelling the starch to obtain a starch gel-containing food, wherein the enzyme is selected from the group consisting of amyloglucosidase, isoamylase, α-glucosidase, α-amylase having a characteristic capable of improving a gel forming ability of a starch, and cyclodextrin glucanotransferase.
US09005675B2 Skin formulation, preparation and uses thereof
Serum compositions for application to skin are described which contain an amniotic fluid extract in combination with embryonic stem cells. Formulations containing the serum composition are also described. The serum compositions and formulations may be applied to skin for treatment of symptoms of aging, wounds, burns, scars or other skin lesions. Methods of preparing the serum compositions and formulations are also disclosed.
US09005657B2 In situ mixing and application of hydrocolloid systems for pre- and post harvest use on agricultural crops
In-situ methods of applying ethylene response manipulation formulations are disclosed. The formulations comprise at least one ethylene response manipulation agent which is at least partially encapsulated, a polyol liquid medium, or a hydrogel medium, or a combination of polyol and hydrogel medium. A preferred ethylene response manipulation agent is 1-methylcyclopropene.
US09005651B2 Sustained drug delivery system
A drug delivery system for delivering a drug at a sustained constant rate for a long period, which can be transplanted into an affected part safely and in a simple manner and can deliver a drug to the affected part for a long period. A sustained drug delivery system in which an implant is implanted into a body, wherein the implant is a PEG capsule comprising a box-shaped PEG and a porous PEG sheet.
US09005648B2 Inorganically surface-modified polymers and methods for making and using them
In alternative embodiments, the invention provides articles of manufacture comprising biocompatible nanostructures comprising PolyEther EtherKetone (PEEK) surface-modified (surface-nanopatterned) to exhibit nanostructured surfaces that promote osseointegration and bone-bonding for, e.g., joint (e.g., knee, hip and shoulder) replacements, bone or tooth reconstruction and/or implants, including their use in making and using artificial tissues and organs, and related, diagnostic, screening, research and development and therapeutic uses, e.g., as primary or ancillary drug delivery devices. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides biocompatible nanostructures that promote osseointegration and bone-bonding for enhanced cell and bone growth and e.g., for in vitro and in vivo testing, restorative and reconstruction procedures, implants and therapeutics.
US09005646B2 Compositions for repair of defects in tissues, and methods of making the same
Tissue repair compositions, particularly bone repair compositions, containing (a) bone fragments and (b) homogenized connective tissue, and methods for making the same are provided. Some of the inventive tissue repair compositions contain a radioprotectant. The compositions can be used in the form of an injectable gel, an injectable paste, a paste, a putty, or a rehydratable freeze-dried form. Kits for using such tissue repair compositions are also provided.
US09005641B2 Compositions and methods for preventing or reducing resistance of insects to insecticides
A method for preventing or reducing resistance to a pesticide of a substrate pest, which method comprises the administration to the substrate or the pest of a composition comprising: (a) a rapid-release formulation of an inhibitor of a factor causing or contributing to the resistance of the pest to the pesticide; and, substantially simultaneously, (b) a non-rapid release formulation of the pesticide. The invention also provides compositions suitable for use in such a method.
US09005633B2 Psoralen-inactivated viral vaccine and method of preparation
A method to prepare inactivate viral vaccine by exposing the virus to a predetermined concentration of an inactivating psoralen, and a preselected intensity of ultraviolet radiation for a time period sufficiently long to render the virus non-infectious but less than that which would result in degradation of its antigenic characteristics.
US09005616B2 Methods and compositions for the inhibition of transplant rejection
Methods for modulating immune responses in a subject are provided. A preferred embodiment provides methods and compositions for reducing or inhibiting transplant rejection in a subject, preferably a human subject. Transplant rejection can be inhibited or reduced in a subject by administering an effective amount of B7-H4 polypeptide, fragments or fusions thereof to inhibit or reduce the biological activity of an immune cell or to reduce the amounts of proinflammatory molecules at a site of transplant. Th1, Th17 and Th22 cells are exemplary T cells that can be targeted for inhibition by B7-H4 polypeptides, fusion proteins or fragments thereof to inhibit or reduce inflammation.
US09005608B2 Stabilized solubility-enhanced formulations for oral delivery
Methods and compositions are described whereby poorly water-soluble beneficial agents such as vitamins and co-factors are formulated into self-emulsifying formulas (SEF) and optionally sorbing the SEF into pores of porous solid particulates, or preparing supersaturated solutions (SSS) and sorbing the SSS into pores of porous solid particulates. These formulations are useful as dosage forms with oral availability.
US09005607B2 Stem cell culture method
Methods for culturing pluripotent stem cells on fiber scaffolds are provided which result in the expansion of the number of stem cells without loss of pluripotency. Cells obtained by such methods, implants containing such cells and medical methods using such cells are also disclosed.
US09005602B2 Modified vaccinia virus strains for use in diagnostic and therapeutic methods
Modified viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including cancer, and as anti-tumor and/or antiangiogenic agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.
US09005601B2 Methods and compositions including spore-forming bacteria for increasing the health of animals
Methods, compositions and bacterial isolates for improving the gastrointestinal health of animals and in particular of poultry are provided herein. The methods include administering an endospore-forming bacteria to an animal. The bacteria are selected for the ability to reduce the growth and presence of bacterial pathogens, such as Salmonella, Clostridium, and Campylobacter, in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. The bacteria are also selected for the ability to improve at least one production parameter in the animal.
US09005596B2 Bi-functional co-polymer use for ophthalmic and other topical and local applications
The invention contemplates a copolymer which is a graft or block copolymer useful to change wettability and surface characteristics of biological surfaces. Methods for use of these formulations and coatings to change wettability and sterically stabilize, and lubricate biological surfaces in a subject, for example, in the treatment of dry eye syndrome, and to prevent adherence of unwanted proteins, for example in the treatment of contact lens intolerance, are provided.
US09005593B2 Method for shaping the hair using at least one reducing composition, at least one care composition, and heating
The present disclosure relates to a method for shaping hair fibers comprising: applying to the hair fibers at least one reducing composition comprising at least one reducing agent and at least one cationic polymer, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one reducing agent to the at least one cationic polymer ranges from 0.1:1 to 10:1; rinsing the hair fibers; applying at least one care composition comprising at least one aminated silicone; optionally rinsing the hair fibers; and heating the hair fibers with a heating device at a temperature ranging from 50 to 280° C., the heating being carried out before or after an optional rinsing of the hair fibers.
US09005592B2 Compositions having HASE rheology modifiers
A monomer compound that contains at least one polymerizable functional group per molecule, and at least one bicycloheptyl-, bicycloheptenyl-, or branched (C5-C42)alkyl-polyether radical per molecule, wherein the bicycloheptyl- or bicycloheptenyl-polyether radical may optionally be substituted on one or more of the ring carbon atoms by one or two (C1-C6)alkyl groups per ring carbon atom is useful in making polymers, particularly pH responsive polymers.
US09005591B2 Compositions for imparting hydrophobicity and water repellency to hair
Compositions and methods are disclosed for imparting water repellency to the hair. The compositions generally comprise a first hydrophobic particulate material having a coefficient of dynamic friction of 0.5 or greater in combination with a second hydrophobic particulate material having a coefficient of dynamic friction less than 0.5.
US09005589B2 Cosmetic composition made from ion-exchange resins filled with lipoaminoacids
Disclosed is a composition of ion-exchange resins made from a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer or an acrylic-divinylbenzene copolymer filled with at least one lipoaminoacid with the formula (I), in which R1 is the chain characterizing a fatty acid, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branching, including 7 to 21 atoms of carbon, R2 is the chain characterizing an amino acid and m is between 1 and 50, or a mixture of the compounds with the formula (I).
US09005588B2 Substantive sunscreen formulation
Disclosed is a substantive emulsion and methods for its use comprising 40 to 45% by weight of water, 25 to 30% by weight of a combination of octocrylene, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and oxybenzone, and 3 to 5% by weight of a combination of VP eicosene copolymer, acrylates/C12-22 alkyl methacrylate copolymer, trimethylsiloxysilicate, and acrylates/dimethicone copolymer, wherein the emulsion has a sun protection factor of at least 50, and wherein the emulsion is very water resistant.
US09005586B2 Dentifrice containing zinc ions and polyphosphate ions
The invention includes a dentifrice composition that comprises a zinc ion source, a polyphosphate ion source, an anethole and a silica. The silica has a mean particle size of about 5 to about 12 microns, an Einlehner hardness of about 1 to about 20, and an oil absorption of about 40 to less than about 100 cc/100 g. The composition contains zinc ions and polyphosphate ions in a weight ratio of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1 and has a RDA value of about 100 to about 200 and a PCR value of about 75 to about 110. Related methods are also included.
US09005584B2 Spray formulations with reduced clogging/sedimentation characteristics
Spray compositions are formulated with powders (e.g. corn starch) which improve skin feel, and also have a hydrophobically modified oxide additive (e.g. modified silica) to reduce the incidence of can/bottle clogging and sedimentation caused by the powder. The oxide is a mixed hydrophobic/hydrophilic oxide such as hydrophobicly modified fumed silica (e.g. silica dimethyl silylate). In one embodiment DEET can be delivered by such formulations.
US09005581B2 Modified pyrazine derivatives and uses thereof
Provided herein are compounds, preparations and formulations comprising pyrazine derivatives having multiple poly(ethylene glycol) containing substituents. Many of the compounds disclosed herein are excretable by the renal system of a subject or patient and are useful for visualizing the renal system of a subject or patient. Upon excitation by electromagnetic radiation, a number of the compounds disclosed herein exhibit luminescence and are externally detectable when present in the body fluid of a patient or subject. Also provided herein are methods for visualizing the renal system of a subject or patient.
US09005575B2 Arg-Gly-Asp-conjugated alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone hybrid peptide for use in diagnosing and treating melanoma, including metastatic melanoma and methods related to same
The present invention is directed to novel non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools/compounds comprising a hybride cyclic peptide which utilizes a cyclic peptide chelating group wherein the compound binds to a MSH receptor to image and treat cancers, especially, melanoma, including metastatic melanoma in vivo. The present invention represents a clear advance in the art which presently relies on tissue biopsy for diagnoses of these cancers. The novel imaging probes are capable of detecting cancerous melanoma cells, as well as their metastatic spread in tissues. This represents a quantum step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including metastatic melanoma using non-invasive molecular imaging techniques. The novel probes of the present invention will also be useful to initiate therapy for melanoma as well as monitor patients response to chemotherapy treatments and other interventions or therapies used in the treatment of melanoma/metastatic melanoma. Compound according to the present invention may be used as diagnostic tools for a number of conditions and diseases states as well as therapeutic agents for treating such conditions and disease states.
US09005571B2 Process for the storage delivery of hydrogen using catalyst
Hydrogenated liquid organic compounds are used for storage and supply of hydrogen at near ambient conditions. The hydrogen is released from the hydrogenated liquid organic compounds through a catalytic dehydrogenation reaction using a M/support or M-M′/support catalyst. The M/support catalyst comprises a metal M selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os, or combination thereof, and a support selected from Y2O3 or V2O5 or combinations thereof. The M-M′/support catalyst comprises a first metal M selected from Cu, Ag, Au, or combination thereof, a second metal M′ selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os, Fe, Ni, Re, Mo, W, V, Cr, Co or combinations thereof, and a support selected from activated carbon, alumina, alumite, zirconia, silica or combination thereof. Synergistic effects are created by using the combination of the M and M′ in the catalyst, which result in shifting of the equilibrium of the reaction favorably to dehydrogenation.
US09005569B2 Microstructure and manufacturing method therefor
A microstructure that can develop non-conventional and novel physical properties and a method for producing the same are provided. Ethanol is added to a mixture solution produced by adding a surfactant solution to a peroxotitanic acid aqueous solution to produce precipitates, and the precipitates collected from the mixture solution are let dried to produce precursor powders 5. The precursor powders 5 are calcined at a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, a microstructure 2 can be produced which is formed of monophasic Ti4O7 in nano size. The microstructure 2 of monophasic Ti4O7 produced in this fashion can be fine-grained in nano size unlike prior-art crystals.
US09005568B2 Process for production of powder of perovskite compound
The invention provides a process for production of powder of perovskite compound which comprises: the first step for obtaining an aggregate of perovskite compound which comprises at least one A group element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb and at least one B group element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf and Sn, and which is represented by the general formula ABO3 wherein A is at least one A group element and B is at least one B group element; and the second step for heating the aggregate of perovskite compound obtained in the first step in a solvent at a temperature in a range from 30° C. to 500° C. whereby disintegrating the aggregate. The process makes it unnecessary to resort to a conventional mechanical crushing means or to make use of impact caused by milling media or airflow, but it makes possible to obtain a powder of perovskite compound which is not contaminated with impurities derived from milling media or chipping particles but has a high purity and a narrow particle size distribution.
US09005566B2 Staged combustion of sulfureous combustible effluents with recovery of the sulfur in the claus process
A process for advantageously efficiently treating a sulfureous combustible effluent stream by recovering the sulfur in elemental form comprises a step of combustion of the sulfureous combustible effluent stream with an oxidant gas in excess, and then a step of post-combustion of the effluents from the combustion step with an acidic gas. The stream of the post-combustion effluents, free of chemical compounds that are harmful to the efficacy of the Claus catalysts, is treated in a Claus unit, which performs the recovery of the sulfur in elemental form.
US09005563B2 Silicon wafer and method for producing it
Silicon wafers having an oxygen concentration of 5·1017 to 7.5·1017 cm−3 have the following BMD densities after the following thermal processes, carried out alternatively: a BMD density of at most 1·108 cm−3 after a treatment for three hours at 780° C. and subsequently for 16 hours at 1000° C., and a BMD density of at least 1·109 cm−3 after heating of the silicon wafer at a heating rate of 1 K/min from a start temperature of 500° C. to a target temperature of 1000° C. and subsequent holding at 1000° C. for 16 hours. The wafers are prepared by a method of irradiation of a heated wafer with flashlamp which delivers energy which is from 50 to 100% of the energy density necessary for melting the wafer surface.
US09005558B2 Method and apparatus for exhaust gas control of an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: a NOx purification catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine; a degradation degree estimating unit estimating a degradation degree of the NOx purification catalyst; and an air-fuel ratio control unit adjusting an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into the NOx purification catalyst, wherein, until the estimated degradation degree of the NOx purification catalyst reaches a predetermined degradation degree, the air-fuel ratio control unit adjusts the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas to a rich air-fuel ratio, and, when the estimated degradation degree of the NOx purification catalyst exceeds the predetermined degradation degree, the air-fuel ratio control unit changes the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas from the rich air-fuel ratio to a lean air-fuel ratio so that the NOx purification catalyst is regenerated.
US09005551B2 Sample vessels
A sample vessel may include a segmented tubule and an interface receiving the tubule. The segmented tubule may include an opening for receiving a sample material and at least one compressible section, the at least one compressible section having a wall constructed at least partially from a material having sufficient flexibility to permit compression of opposed sections of the wall into contact with one another, and at least two segments of the tubule being fluidically isolated from one another by a bonding of a fluid-tight seal between opposed sections of the tubule wall, wherein said fluid-tight seal irreversibly opens upon application of fluid pressure greater than a threshold value to permit selective fluid communication between the opposed sections. The interface may facilitate delivery of a sample material to the tubule through the opening.
US09005542B2 Storage system for storing laboratory objects at low temperatures
The storage arrangement has a chamber. Several Dewar flasks are arranged in the chamber and above them a picking device. The picking device has at least one cassette lift, with which storage cassettes can be removed from above from the Dewar flasks. This arrangement is suitable for storing laboratory objects at very low temperatures.
US09005538B2 Stacked catalyst bed for Fischer-Tropsch
The invention pertains to a reactor tube comprising a fixed bed of Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles, wherein the catalyst particles in 5%-40% of the fixed bed volume at the upstream end have an average outer surface to volume ratio (S/V) of between 3.0 to 4.5 mm-1, and the remaining catalyst particles have an average S/V of between 4.5 to 8.0 mm-1, and wherein the difference between the average S/V of the particles at the upstream end and the remaining fixed bed volume is at least 0.5 mm-1. Additionally the fixed bed volume at the upstream end shows a full-bed apparent catalytic activity per volume unit lower than the full-bed apparent catalytic activity per volume unit in the remaining fixed bed volume and/or the weight of catalytically active metal per weight unit at the upstream end is more than 70% lower than in the remaining fixed bed volume.
US09005537B1 Continuous flow, high capacity system for rapidly converting the combination natural gas and coal to liquid fuels
A continuous high capacity system for converting a combination of natural gas and coal into liquid fuel, using a pug for blending less than 200 micron diameter particulate with a plasticizing agent; a sealing auger for forming an agglomerated material and sealing, a cutting device, a vacuum chamber to remove air from the cut material, a second sealing auger for forming a de-aerated agglomerated material and sealing, a second cutting device, a gas injection chamber for impregnating the de-aerated cut material with natural gas, an extruder forming an extrudate, a heating chamber to evolve at least one gas; a pressure sensor and temperature sensors in the heating chamber, a cooling chamber providing controlled pressure and controlled temperature cooling of the evolved gasses, wherein the cooling chamber liquefies sequentially at least 50 percent of the evolved gasses forming a liquid.
US09005533B2 PCM device and catalytic converter
A PCM device (1) is provided for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle. A simplified installation of the PCM device (1), with reduced heat stresses, is achieved through the provision of at least one storage plate (2), which has two plate bodies (3, 4), which follow each other, enclose a storage space (7) filled with heat storage material (18) and have a wave structure (5, 6) each. The wave structure (5) of one plate body (3) extends sloped in relation to the wave structure (6) of the other plate body (4).
US09005523B2 Cold-mist decontamination unit and method of operating same
A method of decontaminating a room or space, comprising the steps of providing a cold-mist decontamination device capable of generating an atomized mist comprised of a decontaminant and water, inputting into an internal processor the parameters of the room or space and the concentration of the decontaminant in the decontamination solution, measuring the temperature and humidity in the room or space, and determining the maximum amount of the decontamination solution that can be introduced into the room or space in atomized form without condensing the decontaminant on surfaces within the room or space.
US09005520B2 Steel compositions for special uses
The invention concerns steels having excellent resistance over time, in a corrosive atmosphere due to oxidizing environments such as, for example, fumes or water vapor, under high pressure and/or temperature. The invention concerns a steel composition for special applications, said composition containing, by weight, about 1.8 to 11% of chromium (and preferably between about 2.3 and 10% of chromium), less than 1% of silicon, and between 0.20 and 0.45% of manganese. It has been found that it is possible to adjust the contents of the composition based on a predetermined model, selected to obtain substantially optimal properties with respect to corrosion in specific conditions of high temperature performances. Said model can involve as additive of as residue at least one element selected among molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, and nickel.
US09005519B2 Powder metallurgical material, production method and application thereof
This invention relates to power metallurgical material, production method and application thereof. A metallurgy powder material with pressure-proof & good compactness, satisfactory to the component content requirements for 316 stainless steel, wherein, 5˜9% (by weight) of Fe3P (or Fe3PO4). The powder metallurgical material has properties of pressure resistance and corrosion resistance, and excellent compactness.
US09005513B2 Layered-modeling method for manufacturing three-dimensional object
An object of the present invention is to easily eliminate fumes inside a chamber, so as to improve a positional accuracy of irradiation with a light beam and a machining accuracy in a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object. A stacked-layers forming device 1 includes a powder layer forming unit 3, a light beam irradiating unit 4, a base 22 which is fixed and on which a powder layer 32 is formed, a lifting/lowering frame 34 which surrounds the circumference of the base 22 and is freely capable of being lifted and lowered, a cover frame 36 which has a window 36a allowing transmission of light beam in its top surface, and whose bottom surface is opened, and which is disposed on the lifting/lowering frame 34 to form a chamber C, and a gas tank 71 for supplying an ambient gas. The lifting/lowering frame 34 is lowered to reduce the volume of the chamber C, so as to discharge fumes generated inside the cover frame 36, which performs replacement with the ambient gas. Since the volume of the chamber C is reduced, it is possible to easily eliminate the fumes, which makes it possible to improve the positional accuracy of irradiation with the light beam L, and the machining accuracy.
US09005511B2 System and method for continuous flow production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders by the action of laser pyrolysis
The invention relates to a system for continuous flow production of nanometric or sub-micrometric powders under the action of laser pyrolysis by interaction between a beam emitted by a laser and a flow of reagents emitted by at least one injector, wherein the laser is followed by an optical device allowing the energy of the beam to be distributed along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the flow of reagents, in an elongated cross-section with adjustable dimensions at least at one interaction area between this beam and the flow of reagents emitted by at least two injectors located perpendicularly to the axis of the beam. It also concerns a method for producing such powders.
US09005510B2 Processes for producing polymer fibers by electrospinning, colloidal dispersions for use therein, and polymer fibers prepared by such processes
Processes for forming polymer fibers, comprising: (a) providing a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and (b) electrospinning the colloidal dispersion; polymer fibers prepared by such processes; and colloidal dispersions comprising: at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and at least 10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 0.1% by weight.
US09005493B2 Method and apparatus for making retarder in stereoscopic glasses
A 3-d stereoscopic viewing lens which the retarder film is made of a PVA film. A 3-D stereoscopic viewing lens having a linear polarized film, one or more lens substrate layers, and an epoxy layer. A process of making retarder film including mounting a PVA film to an assembly line; wetting, cleaning, and washing the PVA film through said assembly line; softening, expanding and stretching the PVA film's x-axis through said assembly line; adding gap filling agent to the PVA film; stretching the PVA film's y-axis through a width frame holder and as a result transforming the PVA film into a retarder film.
US09005486B2 Proton conducting ceramics in membrane separations
Perovskite materials of the general formula SrCeO3 and BaCeO3 are provided having improved conductivity while maintaining an original ratio of chemical constituents, by altering the microstructure of the material. A process of making Pervoskite materials is also provided in which wet chemical techniques are used to fabricate nanocrystalline ceramic materials which have improved grain size and allow lower temperature densification than is obtainable with conventional solid-state reaction processing.
US09005484B2 Low polarity nano silver gels
A composition that includes an stabilized silver nanoparticles, a gellant and an optional wax. The gellant and the stabilized silver nanoparticles are soluble or dispersable in either an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon solvent, a mineral oil solvent or an alkane solvent.
US09005478B2 2,2′-binaphthalene ester chiral dopants for cholesteric liquid crystal displays
A liquid crystal composition comprising a chiral dopant compound represented by the following structure (Structure 1): wherein: R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, —(C═O)R9, —(C═O)R10, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkoxy, NHCOR9, NHSO2R9, COOR9, OCOR9, aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted; R4 is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted; R5, R6, R7, and R8 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, alkoxy, NHCOR9, NHSO2R9, COOR9, OCOR9, aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine with each other, or R5 can combine with R4 to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; R9 and R10 are independently alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, naphthyl, styryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyaryl, cycloalkoxy, or heterocyclic all either substituted or unsubstituted, or combine to form a carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring. Also featured are liquid crystal compositions comprising a chiral dopant compound represented by any of Structure 2-4.
US09005448B2 Mobile water treatment and resin transfer hub
A system and method for providing mobile or temporary water treatment involving ion exchange resins includes a service center, one or more treatment vehicles, a resin transfer hub and one or more resin transport vehicles. The service center can be used to regenerate one or more types of ion exchange resins. The treatment vehicle carries water treatment equipment including a tank holding ion exchange resin. The resin transfer hub facilitates moving resin between a treatment vehicle and a resin transport vehicle. The resin transport vehicle is adapted for carrying resin by one or more of land, sea and air between the resin forwarding center and the service center. In operation, a treatment vehicle brings resin requiring regeneration to the resin transfer hub, where it is emptied and then re-filled with regenerated resin. Resin requiring regeneration is transferred to a resin transport vehicle for transport to the service center. The resin transport vehicle is re-filled there with regenerated resin, which is taken back to the resin transfer hub for transferred to a treatment vehicle.
US09005442B2 Anaerobic lagoon or tank design for eflluent carbon to nitrogen ratio control
An anaerobic lagoon wastewater treatment system, which includes a plurality of wastewater treatment zones. The treatment zones are either formed by providing a plurality of separate lagoons or by providing one or more partitioning elements within one lagoon. One or more treatment zones may also be provided in the form of an anaerobic tank. The first wastewater treatment zone in the direction of wastewater flow has a smaller volume than the second wastewater treatment zone. Further, the first wastewater treatment zone achieves a significant reduction in fat, oil and grease removal, as well as in total suspended solids removal, but only a modest reduction in biological oxygen demand. An effluent from the first wastewater treatment zone is mixed with an effluent from the second wastewater treatment zone such that a predetermined ratio of carbon to nitrogen is maintained within the mixture of first and second effluents.
US09005441B2 Filtering membrane module and filtering apparatus having the same
A filtering membrane module and a filtering apparatus having the same, which is capable of remarkably reducing a vibration of filtering membrane module during an aeration process for a maintenance cleaning of filtering membrane, and preventing a crack from occurring in the filtering membrane module by the vibration, wherein the filtering membrane module comprises a filtering membrane; a header, to which the filtering membrane is potted, including a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side; a first coupling unit provided at the first lateral side; and a second coupling unit provided at the second lateral side.
US09005436B2 Porous composite particulate materials, methods of making and using same, and related apparatuses
In an embodiment, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles. Each composite particle includes an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric layer. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. For example, the shell particles and/or core particles may be made from diamond, graphitic carbon, silicon carbide, boron nitride, tungsten carbide, combinations of the foregoing, or other acid-base-resistant materials. The porous composite particulate materials disclosed herein and related methods and devices may be used in separation technologies, including, but not limited to, chromatography, and solid phase extraction.
US09005421B2 Silicides for photoelectrochemical water splitting and/or the production of electricity
The invention relates to a method for the photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen and oxygen and for the simultaneously or separately conducted photoelectrical/photovoltaic production of electricity, characterized in that water is brought into contact with silicides, while applying light at the same time, or the contact with water can be foregone if electricity is produced exclusively. The invention enables the production of hydrogen and oxygen in a simple way directly from water, wherein the use of UV light and cost-intensive catalysts can be foregone.
US09005420B2 Variable property electrodepositing of metallic structures
Variable property deposit, at least partially of fine-grained metallic material, optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein, is disclosed. The electrodeposition conditions in a single plating cell are suitably adjusted to once or repeatedly vary at least one property in the deposit direction. In one embodiment denoted multidimension grading, property variation along the length and/or width of the deposit is also provided. Variable property metallic material deposits containing at least in part a fine-grained microstructure and variable property in the deposit direction and optionally multidimensionally, provide superior overall mechanical properties compared to monolithic fine-grained (average grain size: 2 nm-5 micron), entirely coarse-grained (average grain size: >20 micron) or entirely amorphous metallic material deposits.
US09005419B2 Composition and method for gel electrophoresis with in-situ calibration
The invention relates to, among other things, a method for performing electrophoresis with in-situ calibration. The method includes combining a volume of a test sample with a volume or quantity of a calibrating sample to form a final volume, where the volume of the calibrating sample includes a known concentration of a calibrator and the final volume includes a known ratio of test sample to calibrating sample. The method also includes depositing a loading fraction in a receiving well of an electrophoretic gel, in which the loading fraction is a fraction of the final volume, and separating the loading fraction along a common separation lane of the electrophoretic gel such that components of the test sample and the calibrator are separated from one another along the common separation lane. The method also includes detecting the calibrator and separated components of the test sample within the common separation lane and measuring the level of the calibrator and separated components of the test sample based on the detecting, thereby performing electrophoresis with in-situ calibration.
US09005414B2 Magnet arrangement for a target backing tube, target backing tube including the same, cylindrical target assembly and sputtering system
The disclosure relates to a magnet arrangement for a sputtering system, wherein the magnet arrangement is adapted for a rotatable target of a sputtering system and includes: a first magnet element extending along a first axis; a second magnet element being disposed around the first magnet element symmetrically to a first plane; wherein the second magnet element includes at least one magnet section intersecting the first plane; and wherein a magnetic axis of the at least one magnet section is inclined with respect to a second plane being orthogonal to the first axis. Further, the disclosure relates to a target backing tube for a rotatable target of a sputtering system, a cylindrical rotatable target for a sputtering system, and a sputtering system.
US09005400B2 Device and method for controlling the conversion of biomass to biofuel
Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to control the conversion of carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a process having a control system that enables the system to produce a fuel of uniform quality, even with a change in biomass supply.
US09005398B2 Composition and use of hydrogenated alkyl ketene dimers
Latent dispersants were made by the hydrogenation of an alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer, or ketene multimer. Adding the latent dispersant to paper or paperboard increased its resistance to water and water vapor while maintaining recyclability and repulpability. Additionally, provided is a method for increasing the repulpability of a wax coated paper or paperboard. Dispersants made by the hydrolysis of the alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer, and ketene multimer are also described.
US09005396B2 Method for forming a fire resistant cellulose product, and associated apparatus
A method is provided for forming a fire resistant cellulose product. A fire-retarding solution and a bonding agent are combined with refined cellulose fibers to form a fiber mixture, and the fire-retarding solution and bonding agent are substantially uniformly distributed with respect to the cellulose fibers within the fiber mixture. The fiber mixture is exposed to an actuating element, wherein the actuating element is configured to actuate the bonding agent so as to facilitate cohesion of the cellulose fibers and form the fiber mixture into a fiber board member, the fiber board member having opposing major surfaces. A cellulose sheet member is engaged with each major surface of the fiber board member, such that each cellulose sheet member substantially covers the respective major surface. An associated apparatus is also provided.
US09005393B2 Method and apparatus for phase change enhancement
A method of operating an evaporator is described. In evaporator feed water, a Taylor bubble is developed which has an outer surface including a thin film in contact with an inner surface of an outer wall of an evaporator tube. The Taylor bubble is heated as it rises within the evaporator tube so that liquid in the thin film transitions into vapor within the bubble.
US09005384B2 Method for forming laminate and laminating device
A surface of a laminate base body including a projection is caused to penetrate at least a film-shaped laminating body and surely laminated by a simple configuration, and a laminate thereof is formed at a uniform thickness without an occurrence of voids. A laminating device is provided with a heating unit configured to heat at least an insulating resin film; an upper plate and a lower plate configured to be capable of opening and closing, and configured to form a chamber that becomes sealed upon closing; a receiving member having an elasticity and disposed on the upper plate; an elastic membrane body disposed on the lower plate; a vacuuming unit configured to vacuum inside of the chamber; and a compressing unit configured to bloat the elastic membrane body.
US09005382B2 Method of manufacturing CMC articles having small complex features
A method for forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component for gas turbine engines. The method contemplates replacing a plurality of plies with insert material. The insert material can be partially cured or pre-cured and applied in place of a plurality of small plies or it may be inserted into cavities of a component in the form of a paste or a ply. The insert material is isotropic, being formed of a combination of matrix material and chopped fibers, tow, cut plies or combinations thereof. The use of the insert material allows for features such as thin edges (650) with thicknesses of less than about 0.030 inches and small radii such as found in corners (680, 710). The CMC components of the present invention replace small ply inserts cut to size to fit into areas of contour change or thickness change, and replace the small ply inserts with a fabricated single piece discontinuously reinforced composite insert, resulting in fewer defects, such as wrinkles, and better dimensional control.
US09005373B2 Treatment solution for producing chrome and cobalt-free black conversion coatings
The invention relates to chromium- and cobalt-free treatment solutions for producing black coatings which afford corrosion protection. The treatment solution of the invention contains oxo cations or complex halogen ions or mixtures of oxo cations and complex halogen ions, an oxidant and an organic sulphur compound.
US09005369B2 Filter assembly for a dishwasher
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.
US09005365B2 Method and apparatus for depositing LED organic film
In one embodiment the disclosure relates to an apparatus for depositing an organic material on a substrate, including a source heater for heating organic particles to form suspended organic particles; a transport stream for delivering the suspended organic particles to a discharge nozzle, the discharge nozzle having a plurality of micro-pores, the micro-pores providing a conduit for passage of the suspended organic particles; and a nozzle heater for pulsatingly heating the micro-pores nozzle to discharge the suspended organic particles from the discharge nozzle.
US09005357B2 Method of preparing molybdenum oxide films
Present invention relates to methods of preparing molybdenum oxide inks and molybdenum oxide films, and use of the molybdenum oxide films as hole-transporting layers in optoelectronic devices. The ink for forming a hybrid molybdenum (VI) oxide (MoO3) film on a substrate comprises an ammonium molybdate, at least one inorganic salt different from ammonium molybdate, and a solvent or a solvent mixture.
US09005354B1 Filterless material separator
A device for separating foreign material from air without the use of filters includes a chamber to receive the foreign material and air, an exhaust port and a pressure source that draws air from the chamber through the exhaust port, and an air inlet through which an additional quantity of air enters the chamber to move the foreign material away from the exhaust port so that the foreign material is not entrained in the exhaust air. A valve regulates the quantity of additional air introduced into the chamber through the air inlet. The exhaust port is positioned downstream of the air inlet. The foreign material collects in the dead air space of the receiving end of the chamber.
US09005347B2 Air purifier
An air purifier includes a frame, a fan unit, and an electrostatic precipitator. The precipitator has a first strip with a first continuous conductive electrode layer directly adjacent to an edge, and a second strip with a second continuous conductive electrode layer directly adjacent to an edge. The first and second strips are nested with one another. The edge of the first strip is opposed to the edge of the second strip. An electrostatic precipitator for an air purifier includes a first spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode, a second spiral strip having a continuous conductive electrode and nested with the first strip, a plurality of combs. Each comb extends from an outer periphery of the precipitator to an intermediate region between the outer periphery and a center of the precipitator.
US09005343B2 Integrated leukocyte, oxygen and/or CO2 depletion, and plasma separation filter device
A blood filter device comprising: a housing comprising an outer wall and a first inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; a membrane which is capable of separating plasma from the blood, wherein the membrane forms an inner chamber; a leukocyte and oxygen and/or carbon dioxide depletion media disposed wherein the inner chamber, the leukocyte and oxygen and/or carbon dioxide depletion media is capable of depleting leukocytes and oxygen and/or carbon dioxide from the blood; an outer chamber disposed between the outer wall and the membrane, wherein the plasma which permeates through the membrane enters the outer chamber and exits the filter device via the first outlet; whereby the blood which has been depleted of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide, leukocytes and plasma exists and filter device via the second outlet.
US09005340B2 Fiber bed assembly including a re-entrainment control device for a fiber bed mist eliminator
A fiber bed assembly used to remove aerosols and/or wetted soluble solids from a moving gas stream includes a fiber bed support and a fiber bed supported by the fiber bed support so that the gas stream passes through the fiber bed moving from an upstream space to a downstream space with respect to the fiber bed. A re-entrainment control device is located within a downstream space defined by the fiber bed so that at least a portion of the gas stream passes through the re-entrainment control device. The re-entrainment control device is shaped to change the direction of the average flow path of the gas stream as the gas stream passes through the re-entrainment control device so as to cause aerosols and/or wettable solids contained therein to be separated from the gas stream by inertial force. A re-entrainment control device and method of use are also disclosed.
US09005339B2 Method of treating flowback fluid
A method of treating flowback fluid comprising: introducing the flowback fluid into a first stage vertical separator to produce a first gas stream, a liquid stream, and a solids stream; passing the first gas stream from the first stage vertical separator to a sales line; passing the liquid stream from the first stage vertical separator to a second stage horizontal separator with the pressure in the second stage horizontal separator being less than the pressure in the first stage vertical separator but greater than atmospheric pressure to produce a second gas stream, a water stream; and a liquid hydrocarbon stream; passing the second gas stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a combustor or flare nozzle; passing the water stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a water storage tank; and passing the liquid hydrocarbon stream from the second stage horizontal separator to a liquid hydrocarbon storage tank.
US09005336B2 Monoterpene component-rich essential oil, method for producing same and method for remediating environmental pollutants using the essential oil
To develop a means for effectively utilize terpene compounds contained in tree leaves, whereby branches and leaves cut in tree thinning and pruning can be effectively utilized as a resource. For this purpose, provided are a monoterpene component-rich essential oil containing 90% or more of monoterpene components; a method for producing the monoterpene component-rich essential oil which includes subjecting coniferous leaves to microwave steam distillation and collecting a distillate thus obtained; and a method for removing environmental pollutants which includes bringing the monoterpene component-rich essential oil into contact with atmosphere containing the environmental pollutants.
US09005333B1 Systems and methods for reducing ammonia emissions from and for recovering the ammonia liquid effluents
A system and method for passive capture of ammonia in an ammonia-containing liquid effluent. The invention allows for the passage of ammonia through microporous hydrophobic gas-permeable membranes and its capture in a circulated stripping solution with concomitant production of a concentrated non-volatile ammonium salt.
US09005327B2 Apparatus, method and system for receiving and/or discharging medium for disposal
A device for receiving and/or discharging a disposal medium from cleaning and/or rinsing processes of an application apparatus can comprise a separation equipment which is provided to receive the disposal medium discharged by the application device and to subject the disposal medium to a separation. The device can also comprise a receiving equipment which is provided to receive a disposal medium and a suction device which is provided to suction and/or suction off at least a part of the disposal medium led to or into the receiving equipment.
US09005318B2 Process for upgrading low rank carbonaceous material
A process for upgrading brown coal having a first water content including subjecting the brown coal to a conditioning step which includes heating the brown coal to a first temperature to produce a conditioned brown coal having a second water content which is lower than the first water content; attritioning the conditioned brown coal to enable water to be released from the microstructure of the brown coal and thereby producing an admixture of the brown coal and released water; forming aggregates of the admixture; drying the aggregates to produce upgraded brown coal having a third water content which is lower than the second water content.
US09005314B2 Biphenyl benzyl ether marker compounds for liquid hydrocarbons and other fuels and oils
A compound having formula (I) wherein G represents at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl and C1-C12 alkoxy.
US09005313B2 Device for preparing bio-oil, system for preparing bio-oil and method for preparing bio-oil using the same
A device for preparing bio-oil, a system for preparing bio-oil and a method for preparing bio-oil using the same are provided. Biomass is supplied to an inclined portion of a reactor, and high-temperature hot sand is supplied to an upper side of the biomass supplied to the inclined portion. Then, a heater heats the inclined portion. Thus, the fast pyrolysis performance of the biomass can be enhanced, thereby increasing the yield of bio-oil. Also, combustion gas produced from the heater is supplied to the interior of the reactor, so that the interior of the reactor can be simply formed under a nonoxidizing atmosphere. Accordingly, the device for preparing bio-oil can be manufactured into a very simple structure.
US09005311B2 Electrode active surface pretreatment
Electrode structures and methods of formation are provided. The formation process may include an initial high rate discharge to precondition the electrode active surface. The resulting electroactive surface may have reduced pitting and defects resulting in more uniform utilization of the electrode during subsequent cycling.
US09005308B2 Implantable film/mesh composite for passage of tissue therebetween
The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices which include at least one mesh and at least one film attached to the mesh along different portions of the mesh creating at least one aperture between the mesh and the film.
US09005307B2 Prosthetic ball-and-socket joint
A prosthetic joint includes: (a) first member having a balanced centroidal axis, and comprising a rigid material and a concave interior defining a cup surface, the cup surface including: (i) a cantilevered first flange defining a wear-resistant protruding first contact rim, the first flange being asymmetric relative to the balanced centroidal axis; and (ii) a cantilevered second flange defining a wear-resistant protruding second contact rim; (b) a second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact rims bear against the contact surface of the second member, to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (d) wherein the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the first and second contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the contact surface, when the joint is under load.
US09005306B2 Medical Implants With Compliant Wear-Resistant Surfaces
A medical implant includes a first member adapted to be implanted to bond and having a substantially rigid first contact surface; and a second member adapted to be implanted to bone and having a substantially rigid second contact surface which bears against the first contact surface so as to transfer load from one member to the other while allowing relative motion between the two members; At least one of the first and second contact surfaces is adapted to have resilient properties when placed under load.
US09005304B2 Acetabular prosthetic device
An acetabular prosthetic device comprising at least one acetabular augment coupled to an acetabular cup by an augment coupling element to secure the acetabular prosthetic device in place wherein the acetabular cup comprises a shell having at least one groove formed on the outer surface thereof to slidably receive the augment coupling element therein and the acetabular augment comprises an augment body configured to engage the shell and the ilia bone such that the augment coupling element is moved along the groove to position the acetabular body to engage both the shell and ilia bone to secure the acetabular prosthetic device in place.
US09005297B2 Patient-specific elbow guides and associated methods
A patient-specific alignment guide includes a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to a corresponding bone portion of a patient's elbow joint. The patient-specific alignment guide defines a first longitudinal guiding bore aligned with a reference axis associated with the elbow joint of patient when the alignment guide is mounted onto the corresponding bone portion.
US09005293B2 Bi-directional fixating transvertebral body screws and posterior cervical and lumbar interarticulating joint calibrated stapling devices for spinal fusion
A self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatus is disclosed which includes at least first and second sliding boxes. A first screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body is disposed within the first sliding box, and a second screw member having a tapered end and a threaded body disposed within the second sliding box. An adjuster adjusts the height of the sliding boxes. The screw members are screwed into vertebral bodies in order to fuse the vertebral bodies together. A plurality of the self-drilling bone fusion screw apparatuses may be attached together and/or integrated via a plate or cage. Also disclosed is a cervical facet staple that includes a curved staple base and at least two prongs attached to the bottom surface of the curved staple base.
US09005286B2 PLGA/HA hydroxyapatite composite bone grafts and method of making
The present invention involves tissue engineering constructs made from a new composite bone graft material made from biocompatible poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and bioceramic particles exposed on its surface using a gas foaming particle leaching (GF/PL) method and infused with collagen. Methods and apparatus for of forming scaffolds are also disclosed.
US09005277B2 Unitary quick-connect prosthetic heart valve deployment system
A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable coupling stent, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the coupling stent attached thereto. The coupling stent may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes a hollow two-piece handle through which a balloon catheter passes. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.
US09005272B2 Repositionable endoluminal support structure and its applications
An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by pivot joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
US09005268B2 Thoracic stent graft
A thoracic arch stent graft (1) has a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material (3) and at least one fenestration (13, 15) in the wall on one side thereof. A combination guide and tubular side arm assembly (20, 22) is mounted into the or each fenestration. The combination guide and tubular side arm assembly comprises a tubular portion (24) and a funnel portion (26) extending from a distal end of the tubular portion. The funnel portion has an angled open end. The tubular portion and the funnel portion are formed from a biocompatible graft material wall and have a lightweight space frame (38 40) formed from a resilient wire and supporting the graft material and defining the combination guide and tubular side arm assembly.
US09005263B2 System, devices, and methods including actively-controllable sterilizing excitation delivery implants
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
US09005258B2 Low profile fastening assembly
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly that can be used for the fixation or anchoring of orthopedic devices or instruments to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a low profile variable angle or fixed angle fastener assembly that is able to securely connect the orthopedic device to bone tissue. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a fastener assembly having a locking mechanism that will quickly and easily lock the fastener assembly with respect to the orthopedic device.
US09005257B2 Universal locking and compression device for bone plate
A kind of bone plate gimbal lock pressure device. The body of the bone plate (1) has a microscler slippery hole (2), in which there has a locking slider (3); on the slider (3) there is a cone-shaped screw hole (3-3) with a cone-head screw (4) inside. The shapes at two inside sides of the microscler slippery hole (2) cross section are internal arc-shaped, and the shapes of the two sides of the locking slider (3) are correspondingly external arc (3-1); in the middle of the locking slider (3) there is a notch (3-2). The locking slider (3) can slide in the microscler slippery hole (2) to meet the pressure requirement, and also can sway from side to side to adjust the direction of the cone-head screw (4) according to the requirement. The two sides of the locking slider (3) are arc; after tightening the screw (4), the arc contact will make the locking slider (3) not take off.
US09005255B2 Orthopedic compression plate
An orthopedic plate has a first end including a locking screw hole that receives a locking screw and spaced from that hole is a compression housing that extends from the bone-facing side of the plate and which receives a compression screw that forms an angle of from about 10° to about 70° with a longitudinal axis of the plate. In a further embodiment, the plate also includes a second end with a chamfer for insertion of the plate into bone, and in a still further embodiment, the plate is an MTP plate.
US09005254B2 Methods for repairing craniomaxillofacial bones using customized bone plate
Bone plates and methods of using the bone plates for adjoining bone fragments are disclosed herein. A device for adjoining at least two bone fragments includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one filling material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable bone plate releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable bone plate has a first surface, a second surface, a proximal end, and a distal end and at least one aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface for receiving a fastener; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and a delivery system housing the at least one filling material.
US09005253B2 Bone stabilization device
A bone plate for the stabilization of bones includes upper and lower surfaces extending along a central longitudinal axis. The lower surface is configured to contact a target portion of bone when in an operative configuration a through opening extending through the plate from the upper surface to the lower surface. The through opening is sized and shaped to receive a stabilization plate. The through opening has an elongated curved shape selected to conform to a cross-sectional shape of a proximal portion of the stabilization plate.
US09005245B2 Acromioclavicular joint fixation technique
A reconstruction system and method for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The reconstruction system comprises two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) joined by a continuous loop of flexible material. Each button is provided with at least one opening that allows the passage of the flexible material. The button may be formed, for example, of metal, PEEK or PLLA. The flexible material may be FIBERWIRE® suture.
US09005243B2 Buttress and surgical stapling apparatus
Multilayer structures including a porous layer and a non-porous layer are useful as buttresses when associated with a surgical stapling apparatus.
US09005241B2 Means and method for reversibly connecting a patch to a patch deployment device
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for reversibly coupling an implant to a deployment device.
US09005238B2 Endoscopic surgical devices
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided and includes a handle assembly; a tube assembly operatively supported on and extending from the handle assembly, the tube assembly defining a longitudinal axis; an articulation assembly operatively supported on and extending from a distal end of the tube assembly; and a tool assembly operatively supported on and extending from a distal end of the articulation assembly. In use, a rotation of the handle assembly about the longitudinal axis results in a concomitant rotation of the tool assembly; an actuation of the handle assembly in a particular manner results in a concomitant actuation of the tool assembly; and a pivoting of the handle assembly in any off-axis direction relative to the longitudinal axis results in a concomitant articulation of the tool assembly via the articulation assembly.
US09005237B2 Device and method for clot capture
A clot removal device and method for removing a clot from a blood vessel may employ a tubular clot capture element. The clot capture element may be configured for deployment in a blood vessel for surrounding a clot. The clot capture element may have an opening therein configured to receive and guide a clot engaging element and may be configured to radially contract upon retraction, such that when the clot capture element surrounds a clot and is retracted in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel, the clot capture element is configured to exert a radially inward compression force on the clot.
US09005235B2 Embolization device and a method of using the same
Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leaden. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
US09005231B2 Safe and convenient, disposable automatic lancet
An improved safe and convenient disposable automatic lancet, comprising a housing (1), a needle core (2), a spring (3) and a protective rod (4), wherein, a pressing arm of a trigger button (10) is divided into a first pressing leg (11) and a second pressing leg (19), and the first pressing leg (11) is used for triggering an elastic arm in a locking structure to form a press-type trigger structure, and the second pressing leg (19) fits with a safety sleeve (20) and a press-down channel (17) to achieve a safety function of the trigger button (10); a barb (12) on the second pressing leg (19) fits with a self-locking hook (13) on the housing (1) so as to achieve a self-locking function after one press. In order to shorten the exposed needle length of a needle body on the needle core (2), in the automatic lancet, the distance between the second pressing leg (19) and the needle tip (7) is designed to be less than the distance between the first pressing leg (11) and the needle tip (7). Since the exposed needle length depends on the position of the safety sleeve (20), the exposed needle length is shortened, therefore the puncture performance increases, which enables the design of the lancet to be more reasonable and practical.
US09005227B2 Fluid ejection device and method of controlling fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device includes: a fluid chamber; a volume varying unit configured to vary the volume of the fluid chamber; a fluid supplying unit configured to supply fluid to the fluid chamber at a predetermined pressure; and an ejection command switching unit configured to switch a fluid ejection between a pulsed flow ejection which ejects the fluid in a pulsed manner by activating the volume varying unit and varying the volume of the fluid chamber and a continuous flow ejection which ejects the fluid with a fluid supply pressure from the fluid supplying unit higher than that in the case of the pulsed flow ejection in a state in which the volume varying unit is stopped.
US09005221B2 Knot setter
A surgical knot setter includes an elongated shaft having a long axis and proximal and distal portions. A tip is provided at the distal end of the shaft. The tip has a loop with an interior loop opening and a gate opening for permitting ingress and egress of a suture into the loop opening. The loop is laterally offset from the long axis and distal to the distal end of the shaft, such that the loop is laterally and longitudinally offset from the distal end of the shaft. A closure is provided for selectively opening and closing the gate opening between open and closed positions to selectively permit or prevent the suture from passing through the gate opening. An actuator moves the closure between the open and closed positions. A method for tying suture knots is also disclosed.
US09005212B2 Device for guiding a drilling tool for forming a second bore in a bone
A device serves for guiding a drilling tool for forming a second bore in a bone, which second bore intersects an already existing first bore. A frame, having a first end and a second end has a rod-shaped body arranged at its first end. Said rod-shaped body is designed to be inserted into said already existing first bore. A guide sleeve is arranged at said second end of said frame and has a longitudinal axis intersecting said rod-shaped body in an area of its distal end. A fixing device is provided at said guide sleeve, said fixing device protrudes distally from said guide sleeve, said protruding fixing device can be placed on a body of a patient to be treated in an area where said second bore is to be formed.
US09005211B2 Navigated application guide for targeted spinal drug delivery
An apparatus and method for positioning a guide tube fixation device at a spinal structure of a patient are provided. The method includes attaching an attachment element to the spinal structure, attaching a guide tube to the attachment element, wherein said guide tube is calibrated prior to attachment, and navigating a part of the guide tube to a predetermined location relative to a target region of the patient. The apparatus includes an attachment device for attaching to the spinal structure, a joint attached to the attachment device, and a guide tube holding device attached to the joint and operable to hold and/or guide a guide tube, said guide tube configured to guide a cannula, needle and/or fluid to a desired site or location.
US09005204B2 Derotation apparatus for treating spinal irregularities
Treatment of spinal irregularities, including, in one or more embodiments, derotation apparatus and systems that can be used to reduce the rotation of vertebral bodies. Derotation apparatus that may comprise a tube assembly comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve disposed over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve may have a distal end for attachment to an implant. The tube assembly may further comprise a handle assembly. The tube assembly may further comprise a ball joint assembly disposed between the tube assembly and the handle assembly. The ball joint assembly may comprise a ball joint configured for attachment to a coupling rod. The ball joint assembly further may comprise a reducing extension below the ball joint, the reducing extension being sized to fit in a central bore of the inner sleeve. Orthopedic fixation devices comprising a ball joint are also disclosed.
US09005201B2 Intramedullary rod with vent
The invention relates to a device for providing skeletal support. A bone support device comprising an upright rod having a proximal and a distal end; at least one support member located near the proximal end for securing the rod to the bone; at least one distal anchoring element; and a vent member is provided.
US09005193B2 Multichannel ablation with frequency differentiation
Apparatus, including an energy generator, configured to supply first ablation power modulated at a first frequency and second ablation power modulated at a second frequency different from the first frequency. The apparatus also includes a probe, having at least one electrode coupled to receive the first and second ablation powers simultaneously and to dissipate the first and second ablation powers in body tissue in contact with the at least one electrode.
US09005182B2 Intradermal delivery of substances
The present invention provides improved methods for ID delivery of drugs and other substances to humans or animals. The methods employ small gauge needles, especially microneedles, placed in the intradermal space to deliver the substance to the intradermal space as a bolus or by infusion. It has been discovered that the placement of the needle outlet within the skin and the exposed height of the needle outlet are critical for efficacious delivery of active substances via small gauge needles to prevent leakage of the substance out of the skin and to improve absorption within the intradermal space. The pharmacokinetics of hormone drugs delivered according to the methods of the invention have been found to be very similar to the pharmacokinetics of conventional SC delivery, indicating that ID administration according to the methods of the invention is likely to produce a similar clinical result (i.e., similar efficacy) with the advantage of reduction or elimination of pain for the patient. Delivery devices which place the needle outlet at an appropriate depth in the intradermal space and control the volume and rate of fluid delivery provide accurate delivery of the substance to the desired location without leakage.
US09005176B2 Absorbent pad
[Problem] To provide an absorbent pad that can be easily unstuck from a diaper or lower-body underwear[Means for Solving Problem] An absorbent pad 200 where a hook tape 32 is exposed on an outer surface of the absorbent pad 200 configured by forming an attachment panel 31, that can be divided, via a folding portion 31c, into an extended portion 31a provided with the hook tape 32 formed on the top surface side thereof and a base portion 31b fixed to an outer sheet 25; and by folding back the attachment panel 31 via the folding portion 31c such that the extended portion 31a is layered on the base portion 31b side.
US09005173B2 Skin abrasion system and method
A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.
US09005164B2 Low-profile one-way valve
A valve configured for a lumen of medical device is provided. The valve includes a valve body that may be elastically deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. The valve body includes a lumen having a closed configuration and an open configuration. The lumen may be actuated from the closed configuration to the open configuration by elastically deforming the valve body from the first configuration to the second configuration. The valve body may include a portion configured to form a seal with an interior surface of a lumen of a medical device.
US09005159B2 Liquid infusion apparatus
The present invention relates to a liquid infusion apparatus, including: a finger module provided in a main body such that the finger module can elastically move backward from a liquid delivery tube; a tube clamp, in which two clamp bodies spaced apart from each other approach each other by means of restoring force of an elastic member upon the opening of a door during infusion, so as to compress and block the liquid delivery tube; and a tube blockage detection device which detects whether the liquid delivery tube is blocked by a cause, for example, when the outlet-side portion of the liquid delivery tube, which delivers medicinal liquid pumped by a liquid pump during infusion, is bent.
US09005158B2 Eradication of pigmentation and scar tissue
The invention is a non-surgical method for the eradication of pigmentation and scar tissue from an area of skin. The method comprises repeatedly puncturing the area of skin with an array of needles. As the needles are inserted into the skin, the needles and surface of the skin are washed with a clean solution. As the needles are withdrawn from the skin, the flow of clean solution ceases and the dirty solution, which contains cellular fluids and pigments released by the action of the needles, is removed from the surface. The invention is also a solution, which is used to clean the needles and to aid in destroying the pigment containing cells, and an apparatus, which is especially designed to move the needles into and out of the surface of the skin and to provide synchronization of the motion of the needles and flow of the solution such as to maximize the effectiveness of the method.
US09005150B2 Flow balancing system and method, especially for citrate
A renal failure therapy system includes a blood pump; a citrate pump; and a control unit configured to automatically control the blood pump and the citrate pump to achieve a citrate flowrate that is based on at least a blood flowrate.
US09005145B2 Muscle and/or joint exercise apparatus
An apparatus of muscle and/or joint exercise adapted to reeducation and/or physical conditioning of a body part of a user, including a hollow body; a mobile member translatable inside the body; a motor-driven means arranged on the bottom of the body and adapted for driving and decelerating in displacement the mobile member in both translatory directions; a cooperating means between the body and a frame, this cooperating means being arranged on the bottom of the body and including: at least one hinge of the body on the frame, the hinge providing at least at least one degree of rotational freedom for the body around an axis of rotation; and a removable means for installing and removing the body, the removable means being designed for removably installing the body on a base slidingly mounted in the frame.
US09005131B2 Respiratory monitoring, diagnostic and therapeutic system
Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the breath chemistry of a patient's breath using a specially designed self-condensing sensor module mounted in a mask, nasal cannula, headband with boom apparatus, or similar device for directing the patients' breath towards the self-condensing sensor. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH provided by the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor provides for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values. The specially designed self-condensing sensor module incorporates a data transfer means, e.g. direct wiring or by providing a transmitter with an antenna for wireless transferring of the pH data to a processing receiver. The self-condensing pH sensor comprises a multi-tubular design with the outer tubular member housing a silver chloride reference element, an ion conducting path, and an antimony sensor plug isolated in an inner tubular member that is co-linearly or coaxially configured with the outer tubular member. A transmitter with an antenna transfers the observed pH data by employing one of many wireless methods, such as radio-frequency (RF) energy. Alternately, the transfer of observed pH data is accomplished by direct wire methods. The pH data is transferred or updated at specific intervals, which can be varied according to the patient's needs, to the processing receiver that is engaged to the treatment apparatus. In the therapeutic configuration, the processing receiver computes and diagnoses the breath chemistry data and determines at what frequency the treatment apparatus should be activated.
US09005128B2 Ultrasound imaging apparatus and method for displaying ultrasound image
An imaging part acquires a plurality of ultrasound image data by sequentially imaging the subject with ultrasound waves. A display controller causes a display to display, side by side, a plurality of ultrasound images based on the plurality of ultrasound image data acquired by the imaging part.Moreover, the display controller causes the display to display measurement markers for obtaining quantitative information of tissues shown in the ultrasound images in a state superimposed in relatively the same positions on the plurality of ultrasound images.
US09005126B2 Ultrasonic tissue displacement/strain imaging of brain function
Tissue Pulsatility Imaging (TPI) is an ultrasonic technique developed to measure tissue displacement or strain in the brain due to blood flow over the cardiac and respiratory cycles. Such measurements can be used to facilitate the mapping of brain function as well as to monitor cerebral vasoreactivity. Significantly, because tissue scatters ultrasound to a greater extend than does blood, using ultrasound to measure tissue displacement or strain in the brain is easier to implement than using ultrasound to measure blood flow in the brain. Significantly, transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) has been used to measure blood flow in the brain to map brain function and monitor cerebral vasoreactivity; however, TCD can only acquire data through the three acoustic windows in the skull, limiting the usefulness of TCD. TPI is not so limited.
US09005125B1 Tonometer
A tonometer includes a pair of arms pivotally connected at proximal ends thereof, one arm having a contact member at a distal end. Mounted to the one arm and in contact with the contact member is a pressure transducer providing an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure applied to the contact member. A control circuit responds to the signal to indicate on a visual display the intraocular pressure.
US09005124B2 Device to block emesis and reflux and associated system and method
A nasogastric/orogastric (Ng/Og) device includes a main lumen configured for at least one of gastric decompression, enteral feeding and enteral medication administration. An expandable esophageal cuff is carried by the device body and configured in a normally expanded position such that when inserted within the esophagus, the esophageal cuff conforms to the interior surface of the esophagus and emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach and past the esophageal cuff. A vacuum lumen is carried by the device body and connected to the expandable esophageal cuff. When vacuum is applied, the esophageal cuff is contracted against the device body to permit the device to be inserted and placed within the esophagus. When the vacuum is released, the esophageal cuff expands against the interior surface of the esophagus.
US09005106B2 Intra-aortic electrical counterpulsation
In some embodiments of the present invention, apparatus is provided, including a sensing electrode configured to be implanted at a non-cardiac site in a vicinity of an aorta of a subject and to detect an electrical parameter of the aorta, and a control unit configured to receive the detected parameter and to generate an output in response to the detected parameter. Additional embodiments are also described.
US09005105B2 Hard-wired implanted controller system
A circulatory assist system is disclosed, the system including an implantable electrical device having an electric motor, an implantable controller connected to the implantable electrical device, and an implantable power source connected to the controller for supplying power to the controller. The controller is attachable to a first side of a percutaneous connector. A second side of the percutaneous connector, opposite to the first side, allows external connectivity to said controller.
US09005103B2 Method and device for the treatment of overweight
A device and a method of applying the device for the treatment of obesity or overweight in mammals, especially humans refers to a suitable substrate to be worn at the body of the patient and includes a thyroid stimulating pulsating magnetic field, whereby the magnetic field can be controlled and programmed as to the duration, frequency and pulsation of the magnetic field.
US09005101B1 Smart surface biological sensor and therapy administration
A method and system enabling delivery of a therapy type is provided. The method includes receiving a value of a parameter measured by physical sensors while a mammal is in contact with a first subset of the physical sensors. A second subset of the physical sensors, whose received value differs from a predetermined reference value of an environmental parameter, is determined. A physical part subset of the second subset, corresponding to a specified body part, is determined by utilizing the second subset and virtual data for identifying virtual sensors spatially distributed to map a space occupied by the mammal's body parts. In response, a therapy device positioned in sufficiently close proximity to the specified body part to effectively deliver the specified therapy type to the specified body part, is determined and a control signal is generated and transmitted to the associated therapy device.
US09005096B2 Folding method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for forming patterns on sheet material are disclosed. The method comprises a continuous lateral stretch process for producing zero- or near zero-curvature structures. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises pre-gathering the sheet material in the lateral direction to form longitudinal corrugated folds and then feeding the corrugated material through one or more sets of oscillating formers, preferably articulating discs, to impart folding in the lateral direction. Optionally, the sheet material may be fed through one or more sets of patterned rollers.
US09005095B2 Method for manufacturing restored winding cores
The present invention provides a restored winding core and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein at least one discarded winding core is first collected. At least one of the extremities of the discarded winding core is internally ground on a predetermined grinding distance to remove the crimping portion and provide a ground portion thereon. The ground portion defines a female joint socket extending at the corresponding extremity of the discarded winding core for providing a machined core extremity. The method also comprises the step of providing at least one hollow insert tube diametrically snugly fitting into the female joint socket. The at least one insert tube is inserted inside the corresponding female joint socket for providing a restored core extremity. The present invention thus allows to restore the damaged extremities of a winding core which can then be reused as a new winding core of the same length. The present method also allows to join several discarded winding cores end to end for providing a restored winding core of a longer length.
US09005085B2 Leg-powered treadmill
A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt running between front and rear pulley rollers is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion. Since an essential feature of treadmill is the concave shape of the running surface of belt in its respective upper portion, to insure that this shape is maintained during actual use. The prevents the lower portion of the treadmill belt from drooping down (i.e., it must be held taut), to prevent the concave top portion to be pulled taut into a flat shape between the front and rear pulley rollers.
US09005082B2 Control device and control method for vehicle
An ECU increases an engine rotation speed when the ECU determines that an inclination angle of an uphill is larger than or equal to a predetermined value, an accelerator is off and a vehicle speed in a direction opposite to a travelling direction of a vehicle, indicated by a specified range, is increasing. Subsequently, the ECU acquires an engine stall predicted vehicle speed, and calculates a predetermined value used in an immediate engine stall determination condition from a current rate of increase per unit time of a turbine rotation speed. Then, the ECU determines that immediate engine stall determination is affirmative when a rotation speed difference between the engine rotation speed and the turbine rotation speed becomes smaller than the predetermined value, and executes engine stall prevention control.
US09005081B2 System and method for reduced track slippage
An on-board system for providing traction control for a variable-load bearing vehicle having tracks subject to slippage is disclosed. The system includes a member(s) configured to be activated by an operator of the vehicle with an operator-to-vehicle interface or alternatively, automatic control without operator intervention, based only on measured actual vehicle tread speed, without obtaining actual vehicle speed. Member activation serves to control engine power level sufficient to reduce the slippage. Automatic control, after operator activation, is linked to at least one look-up table having predetermined power level values to provide the engine power level control, required to reduce the slippage.
US09005079B2 Drive transmission system and method
A drive system and method includes a gearbox system, a first hydraulic motor driving a first input shaft, a second hydraulic motor driving a second input shaft, a drive pump driving the first and second hydraulic motors, and a system control for controlling the drive pump, the clutch assembly, and the first and second hydraulic motors. The gearbox system includes the first input shaft having a first input gear driving a first output gear on an output shaft, the second input shaft having a second input gear driving a second output gear disengageable from the output shaft, and a clutch assembly for engaging the second output gear with the output shaft. The clutch assembly includes a clutch to engage the second output gear with the output shaft, and a fluid access channel through a rotary manifold to provide pressurized fluid to activate the clutch.
US09005069B2 Power interrupting apparatus and power transmitting apparatus
A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
US09005067B2 Speed reduction mechanism, and motor torque transmission device including the same
When an outer ring is fitted to an inner periphery of an input member, which defines a center hole, and an inner ring is fitted to an eccentric portion with clearances in a reduction-transmission mechanism, in a state where tooth tips of the input member contact bottomlands of a rotation force applying member on a line perpendicular to a second axis and a fourth axis, a size between the second axis and a third axis is set to a size that is smaller than or equal to half of a size obtained by adding a diameter difference between an outside diameter of a ball bearing and an inside diameter of the input member, which defines the center hole, a diameter difference between an inside diameter of the ball bearing and an outside diameter of the eccentric portion and an operating clearance of the ball bearing.
US09005059B2 Rear derailleur
A rear derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a linkage and an electric motor unit. The base member includes a bicycle mounting portion for attaching to a bicycle. The movable member includes a chain guide having a first pulley that rotates around a first pulley axis in a center pulley plane that bisects the first pulley. The linkage movably supports the movable member relative to the base member. The electric motor unit is stationary with respect to at least a part of the base member and operatively coupled to the linkage to move the movable member relative to the base member between an outermost lateral position and an innermost lateral position. The electric motor unit is at least partially disposed inward of the center pulley plane while the movable member is disposed in the outermost lateral position.
US09005056B2 Baseball bat
A hollow non-wood baseball or softball bat wherein the impact portion of the bat contains an inner barrel that is positioned by means of a (i) foam insert, (ii) tube extending from the bat's knob, or (iii) line attached to the bat's knob and end cap and extending throughout the bat such that the inner barrel does not come into contact with the inside wall of the bat when the bat is at rest yet when swung the inner barrel is allowed to move so as to amplify the rebound effect given to the ball upon impact with the bat.
US09005055B2 Apparatus for a throwing game
A throwing disc, goal apparatus, and game are provided. A disc includes a central hub with blades projecting equiangularly from the hub. The blades are circumscribed by and joined to an outer perimeter ring that aids in throwing. The blades of the disc act as airfoils and impart unique flight characteristics to the disc. A goalpost is comprised of two vertical sections, joined by a horizontal cross-bar located above the midline of the vertical sections, and supported by a rectangular frame oriented perpendicularly to the vertical sections. A scoring pad is included. The game is played by tossing the disc and attempting to pass the disc while in flight between the vertical posts and above the horizontal cross-bar of the goalpost, and landing the disc on the scoring pad.
US09005046B2 Golf club head or other ball striking device with wear indicator
A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having the ball striking surface located at a front of the head and a plurality of parallel face grooves extending laterally across at least a portion of the ball striking surface, a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, and an indicator on the ball striking surface of the face. The indicator is located in an area between the face grooves and proximate a lateral center of the ball striking surface, and includes at least one indent in the ball striking surface. The indent has a depth that is substantially less than a depth of any of the face grooves. Methods associated with such ball striking devices are also provided.
US09005040B2 Counter track joint with axial displacement range
A joint in the form of a counter track joint is disclosed that comprises a joint outer part with first outer ball tracks and second outer ball tracks; a joint inner part with first inner ball tracks and second inner ball tracks; wherein first aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points of a ball with the first outer ball track and with the first inner ball track, and second aperture angles are respectively formed between tangents to contact points between a ball with the second outer ball track and with the second inner ball track. The first aperture angles of the first track pairs open towards a first side of the joint, and the second aperture angles of the second track pairs open towards a second side of the joint. Outer axial play is provided between the joint outer part and the ball cage. Inner axial play is provided between the ball cage and the joint inner part. Axial play permits relative axial displacement of the joint inner part with respect to the joint outer part.
US09005039B2 Aluminum alloy propeller shaft and friction welding process thereof
An aluminum alloy propeller shaft including a tube made of an aluminum alloy, and a pair of yoke members made of an aluminum alloy, the yoke members including cylindrical base portions friction-welded to opposite end portions of the tube, each of the yoke members including a tip end portion having a pair of bearing retaining holes aligned with each other in a radial direction of the base portion. Variation in length between a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in one of the yoke members and a central axis of the bearing retaining holes in the other yoke member with respect to a reference length is set within a range of from +2.0 mm to −2.0 mm. A friction welding process of producing an aluminum alloy propeller shaft, including a friction step, a position displacement detection step, a rotation stop step and an upset step.
US09005038B2 Rotation transmitting apparatus, vehicle steering system, and intermediate shaft
A rotation transmitting apparatus includes a first shaft on which multiple external teeth are formed so as to be arranged in a circumferential direction, and a second shaft in which multiple internal teeth are formed so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction, the second shaft being fitted to the first shaft so as to be slidable relative to the first shaft in the axial direction and so as to be engageable with the first shaft in a rotational direction through the use of the external teeth and the internal teeth. A protrusion is formed on the tooth flank of one of the external tooth and the internal tooth, the protrusion being projected toward the corresponding tooth flank of the other of the external tooth and the internal tooth. The protrusion is made of a resin that is more elastically deformable than the tooth flank.
US09005034B2 Systems and methods for out-of-band gaming machine management
Gaming machines may be remotely accessed by a gaming machine management server. The gaming machine management server may access a respective gaming machine while the respective gaming machine is powered off. The gaming machine management server may access a respective gaming machine while the respective gaming machine is powered on and concurrently while an operating system of the respective gaming machine is being executed.
US09005032B1 System and method for allowing affiliations to utilize in-game items to assist other players
One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured to provide a virtual space, in accordance with one or more implementations. Users of virtual spaces may encounter barriers in a game. During these barriers, users may receive and/or provide assistance to other affiliation members. One aspect of the disclosure relates to allowing affiliations or other groups to utilize in-game items to assist other players in game progress in an online game. This may incent positive player actions towards affiliation members, may enhance engagement between affiliation members, may provide an incentive for users to join an affiliation, and/or have other results. These results may ultimately contribute to enhanced retention, enhanced monetization, enhanced user satisfaction, and/or other enhancements.
US09005027B2 Distributed network architecture for introducing dynamic content into a synthetic environment
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to computer-based simulations and synthetic environment generation, and more particularly, to a system, a computer-readable medium, a method and an apparatus for generating synthetic environments in a distributed architecture to, among other things, introduce dynamic content.
US09005021B2 System and method for flexible banking of wagering game machines
A method of altering a wagering game theme for a flexible bank of wagering game machines, the flexible bank including a first sub-portion, a second sub-portion, and one or more display elements disposed between the first and second sub-portions, includes the acts of displaying graphical content relating to a first wagering game theme on the first and second sub-portions and on the one or more display elements and using a controller, responsive to a trigger, to switch the second sub-portion to display a second wagering game theme different than the first wagering game theme and to cause the one or more display elements to display a blank display or graphical content different than the first and second wagering game themes.
US09005013B2 Gaming system and method for rewarding players
A gaming system and method of rewarding players of electronic gaming machines connected by a network to a host computer, including storing player-useable points at a network-accessible location, enabling a player to convert at least some of the points into monetary units at a conversion rate, wherein the monetary units are convertible into credits for wagering on at least one of the electronic gaming machines, awarding a personal points conversion rate multiplier to a player, and applying the points conversion rate multiplier to the conversion rate.
US09005001B2 Wagering gaming device having simulated control of movement of game functional elements
A wagering gaming device that enables a player to affect the movement of a functional element of a game by use of a user input device. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled wagering gaming device that receives input from a user input device. The user manipulates the input device in the manner in which he wishes the functional element or to move. The processor receives the information from the input device and calculates parameters. The processor moves the functional element. This sequence or feature may be employed in a primary game, bonus game or in any stand alone game.
US09004998B2 Social interaction during online gaming
Technology is described for enabling social interaction during online gaming. In some examples, the technology can include receiving from a remote device a movement signal indicating an actual movement of a human sports player during a real sporting event in which the human sports player is participating; receiving from a local control device a control signal from a user, wherein the control signal indicates input to a simulation; comparing the received movement signal with the received control signal; computing based on the comparison a score to award to the user; and awarding the computed score to the user.
US09004997B1 Providing enhanced game mechanics
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for dynamically locking a camera-linked reticle onto a target vehicle are presented. In one or more embodiments, a computing device may provide a user interface that includes a controlled vehicle and a target vehicle. Subsequently, the computing device may receive user input moving a camera-linked reticle within a predetermined distance of the target vehicle. In response to receiving the user input moving the camera-linked reticle within the predetermined distance of the target vehicle, the computing device may lock the camera-linked reticle onto the target vehicle. In some embodiments, the camera-linked reticle may include a reticle portion of the user interface that is configured to indicate an aim of at least one gun associated with the controlled vehicle, and may be further configured to maintain a substantially constant directional relationship with a viewing angle.
US09004996B2 Program, server, and method for pinball game
One object of a game program according to an embodiment is to provide a pinball game requiring more strategies. The game program comprises: a stage selection module for receiving stage selection by the user; a ball selection module for receiving selection of one or more ball objects by the user from a plurality of ball objects each having parameters; a screen display module for displaying a game screen; an owned point updating module for updating the owned point information such that the points are consumed in accordance with the game play; an injection module for injecting the ball objects; a ball-hitting operation module for operating flippers in accordance with instructions from the user; a game progress module for progressing the pinball game based at least on the parameters assigned to the selected ball objects; and a level updating module for updating the level of the ball objects.
US09004992B2 Apparatus to monitor a parked vehicle at a convenience station
A service unit for providing a convenience service to a cab of a tractor trailer includes a supply panel which is operable to attach to a cab of a tractor trailer. The supply panel provides conditioned air to the cab. A vibration detection unit is configured to interact with the supply panel and detect an idling engine by detecting a vibration with a vibration detector, transmitting the vibration as vibration signals to a controller, performing a signal analysis on the vibration signals to identify an engine idle signature, and storing a duration of the engine idle signature.
US09004989B1 Vacuum apparatus and product recovery method
A vacuum apparatus and method for recovering poultry breast sub-tenders or other trim products from poultry or meat carcass shells, or for recovering other materials. The apparatus has a cover which can be lowered on to a base to form a vacuum chamber. One or more vacuum hoses extend from the apparatus for suctioning the product into the vacuum chamber. A product container is removably positioned in the vacuum chamber such that the product suctioned into the vacuum chamber will fall into the product container by gravity.
US09004985B2 Fixed abrasive pad and method for forming the same
A fixed abrasive pad includes a substrate and a plurality of discrete abrasive blocks attached thereon, wherein the abrasive blocks comprise a plurality of abrasive sub-layers, wherein the abrasive density of the sub-layers increases layer-by-layer from the top sub-layer to the bottom sub-layer according to a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio ranges from about 1.099 to about 1.124.
US09004974B2 Miniature customizable room building toy components
A building toy component comprises a main body having opposing top and bottom surfaces and a thickness. The building toy component also comprises at least one slot that opens on a peripheral edge of the main body, wherein a nominal width of the slot is substantially equal to the thickness of the main body. The slot includes opposing sidewall having at least one engagement strip within each slot. In particular, each engagement strip extends traversely across a sidewall of the slot and tapers along a height of the sidewall.
US09004968B1 Fin cover for water vessel and associated use thereof
A fin cover for protecting environmental surroundings from a water vessel fin during non-use of the water vessel preferably includes a body capable of receiving the water vessel fin therein. Such a body may have a reinforced closed distal end provided with a guard. The body may further have a plurality of rubber grooves located at an inner surface thereof. At least one fastener attached to the body in such a manner that the body is maintained at a substantially stable position about the water vessel fin.
US09004966B2 Swim fin attachment
The present invention is generally directed to a swim fin generally including a fin blade and a bootie, the bootie including a foot pocket configured to receive a user's foot and ankle, the foot pocket attached to the top surface of the fin blade; and a strap system including one or more straps pulling the user's foot and ankle into the foot pocket toward the distal edge of the fin blade and down against a top surface of the fin blade. Some aspects of the present invention may also include a foot pocket formed from a first portion having a first elastic characteristic connected to the top surface of the fin blade; and a second portion having a second elastic characteristic portion disposed at least on a portion of the top surface of the foot pocket, the second elastic characteristic being greater than the first elastic characteristic.
US09004950B2 Card device and socket
A card device for insertion into and ejection from a host device. The card device includes a first electrode array including first electrodes linearly aligned in a second direction along the leading edge, and a second electrode array including second electrodes aligned in the second direction between the first electrode array and the trailing edge. A first concave region includes electrodes from the first and second electrode array. A second concave region, adjacent to the first concave region, includes a first region, which is adjacent to the first electrodes in the first concave region, and a second region, which is adjacent to the second electrodes in the first concave region. At least one of the first electrodes is situated in the first region of the second concave region, and no electrodes are situated in the second region of the second concave region.
US09004941B2 Connector with side power bay
A receptacle connector, a plug connector and an electrical connector assembly, the receptacle connector comprises a housing, a cage, a separation unit, a plurality of receptacle terminals, and a plurality of receptacle power terminals. The housing comprises a first tongue plate and a second tongue plate which are arranged transversely at an interval. The cage is installed to the housing and surrounds the first tongue plate and the second tongue plate to define a mating space. The separation unit extends into the mating space to separate the mating space into an HDMI receptacle portion and a power receptacle portion which are arranged transversely. The receptacle terminal is provided to the first tongue plate for transmitting a signal conforming to a HDMI transmission specification. The power terminal is provided to the second tongue plate for transmitting power.
US09004939B2 Connector
A connector has a tube (11) formed such that a first half tube (16) and a second half tube (21) are connected via maximum width portions (14). The first half tube (16) is formed with a high rigidity portion (17) that has a higher rigidity than the second half tube (21) and is arranged substantially in a central part of the first half tube (16) in a width direction. The first half tube (16) is formed with first thin portions (22) by being partly thinned in areas deviated from the high rigidity portion (17). The second half tube (21) is formed with second thin portions (23) by being partly thinned and the second thin portions (23) have an axial dimension shorter than that of the first thin portions (22).
US09004938B2 Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting an external circuit board has an insulating main body, a first connector module, a second connector module and a flexible conducting wire. The first connector module is disposed inside the insulating main body and electrically connected to the external circuit board. The second connector module is disposed inside the insulating main body and located above the connector module. The flexible conducting wire has two ends electrically connected to the second connector module and the external circuit board. The flexible conducting wire replaces a traditional metal conducting pin, so as to achieve simple process and decrease electromagnetic interference.
US09004934B2 Card edge connector
A card edge connector defines an insulative housing, the housing includes a lengthwise base portion with opposite end walls along a lengthwise direction thereof, and a card-receiving slot runs forwards for an electrical card; a plurality of terminals are loaded in the housing and the terminals defines contacting portions exposing to the card-receiving slot and welding portions extending out of the housing; a pair of latch members are fixed to the end walls, each latch member comprises a locking portion, the locking portion bends inwards and downwards slantwise, the locking portion also defines an upper guiding surface and a lower resisting surface opposite to the upper guiding surface, wherein the guiding surfaces are disposed slantwise to the electrical card while the resisting surface is parallel to the electrical card.
US09004911B1 Apparatus and method for solid fuel chemical looping combustion
The disclosure provides an apparatus and method utilizing fuel reactor comprised of a fuel section, an oxygen carrier section, and a porous divider separating the fuel section and the oxygen carrier section. The porous divider allows fluid communication between the fuel section and the oxygen carrier section while preventing the migration of solids of a particular size. Maintaining particle segregation between the oxygen carrier section and the fuel section during solid fuel gasification and combustion processes allows gases generated in either section to participate in necessary reactions while greatly mitigating issues associated with mixture of the oxygen carrier with char or ash products. The apparatus and method may be utilized with an oxygen uncoupling oxygen carrier such as CuO, Mn3O4, or Co3O4, or utilized with a CO/H2 reducing oxygen carrier such as Fe2O3.
US09004907B2 Injection molding machine having a transport device disposed on a baseplate
An injection molding machine for producing molded parts has a machine table with a base frame on which three supporting elements with a baseplate disposed thereon are arranged. The base plate has a temperature-control element.
US09004904B2 Apparatus for moulding plastic preforms
An apparatus for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers, includes a clean room, at least one blow station having a blow mold for shaping the plastic preforms by at least one process pressure, and a venting device for venting or reducing the process pressure into the atmosphere. The venting device has at least one venting valve through which pressure can be vented into the atmosphere via a sound absorber, and a pressure drop safety device for closing the venting valve before the atmospheric pressure level on the venting device is reached.
US09004893B2 Hard candy cotton candy maker
A cotton candy machine including, a base having a switch, motor and heater, and a head The head includes a shaft removably coupled to the motor and a dish coupled to the shaft. A cover is disposed between the dish and a lid. The shaft, cover and lid are in a fixed relationship relative to each other. The cover and the lid form a cavity which is configured to receive hard candy which can be melted when said dish and cover combination are heated to a predetermined temperature. The lid has a lip formed on its top surface around an inner annular ring portion of the lid. The is lip configured to enable the hard candy, when melted, and the head is rotating at a predetermined speed, to form strands or threads which are collectable as cotton candy.
US09004889B2 Internal gear pump
An internal gear pump includes an inner rotor having n teeth and an outer rotor having (n+1) teeth. A tooth profile of the inner rotor is an envelope of a group of locus circles (13) each having a diameter C and having a center on a trochoidal curve (T), the trochoidal curve being drawn along a locus of a fixation point, which is located distant from a center of a rolling circle (12) by e, when the rolling circle (12) rolls along a base circle (11) without sliding. A tooth profile of the outer rotor is an envelope of a group of tooth-profile curves of a formation inner rotor, the envelope being obtained by first drawing the formation inner rotor in which a diameter of the locus circle (13) is equal to C′ determined from expression (C−t), revolving a center (OI) of the formation inner rotor by one lap along a circle (S) having a diameter (2e) and centered on a center (OO) of the outer rotor, and rotating the formation inner rotor 1/n times during the revolution.
US09004886B2 Pressure monitoring system for infusion pumps
A pressure monitoring system allows for more accurate and reliable measurement of the pressure inside of a tube in a pump. The pressure monitoring system prevents movement of the tubing or a change in size of the tubing due to external forces applied to the pump, eliminating inaccuracies due to handling of the pump during use.
US09004884B2 In-tank fluid transfer assembly
A fluid transfer assembly includes a housing within which at least a portion of a pump element can be disposed. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface and defines a cavity therethrough. The housing is configured to be coupled to a reservoir such that the first surface is disposed within an interior volume of the reservoir and the second surface is disposed outside the interior volume of the reservoir. The housing includes a seal portion configured to fluidically isolate the first surface from the second surface. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the pump element such that movement of the pump element produces a fluid flow from an inlet opening defined by the first surface and an outlet opening defined by the second surface.
US09004882B2 Variable displacement vane pump having multiple dampening springs
A variable displacement pump includes: a first urging member arranged to urge the cam ring in a direction to increase the eccentric amount; a second urging member arranged to urge the cam ring in a direction to decrease the eccentric amount; a control hydraulic chamber arranged to receive a discharge pressure, and thereby to move the cam ring against the urging force of the first urging member; and a hydraulic pressure introduction section configured to introduce the discharge pressure to the control hydraulic chamber when the discharge pressure becomes greater than a predetermined pressure which is in a range where the cam ring is movable against a resultant force of the urging forces of the first and second urging members, and where the cam ring is not movable only against the urging force of the first urging member.
US09004874B2 Interlaminar stress reducing configuration for composite turbine components
A turbomachinery blade includes: an airfoil; and a shank extending from a root of the airfoil, the shank being constructed from a composite material including reinforcing fibers embedded in a matrix The shank includes a pair of spaced-apart side faces that cooperatively define: a dovetail disposed at a radially inboard end of the shank, comprising spaced-apart, diverging faces; a first neck portion having a concave curvature disposed radially outboard of the dovetail, and defining a primary minimum neck at which a thickness of the shank is at a local minimum; and a second neck portion disposed radially outboard of the first minimum neck, the second neck portion having a concave curvature and defining a secondary minimum neck at which the thickness of the shank is at a local minimum.
US09004869B2 Centrifugal pump impellers
A centrifugal pump impeller includes front and back shrouds and a plurality of pumping vanes therebetween, each pumping vane having a leading edge in the region of an impeller inlet and a trailing edge, the front shroud has an arcuate inner face in the region of the impeller inlet, the arcuate inner face having a radius of curvature (Rs) in the range from 0.05 to 0.16 of the outer diameter of the impeller (D2) The back shroud includes an inner main face and a nose having a curved profile with a nose apex in the region of the central axis which extends towards the front shroud, there being a curved transition region between the inner main face and the nose. Fr is the radius of curvature of the transition region and the ratio Fr/D2 is from 0.32 to 0.65. Other ratios of various dimensions of the impeller are also described.
US09004864B2 Wind turbine
A wind turbine having a set of curved blades mounted on a central rotatable hub. Each of the blades has a defined pitch angle, to a rotational axis of the hub, along the blade from the hub to the tip. A curve is provided on the wind contact surface along each of the blades over the blade surface from the leading edge of the blade to the trailing edge of the blade by an amount between about 6 and about 24 degrees. The defined pitch angle from any point along the leading edge of the blade being defined by the arc-sine of a ratio of blade velocity to apparent wind velocity, with a variance of ±30 percent of the complementary angle to the arc-sine; and apparatus for varying the velocity of the blade to control power output so that it is within fifteen percent of maximum obtainable power of the blade most distant from the hub.
US09004863B2 Ceiling fan having a single fan blade
A ceiling fan including a motor having a rotating flange; a single integrally formed fan blade, wherein the fan blade includes two substantially equally weighted wing portions disposed opposite each other; and a center portion disposed between and integrally formed with the two wing portions and having a passageway therethrough, wherein the passageway is sized such that the fan motor fits at least partially within the passageway; and means for attaching the center portion of the fan blade to the rotating flange of the motor is provided.
US09004857B2 Barrel-shaped centrifugal compressor
In a centrifugal compressor, for the purpose of preventing the positions of a diaphragm and a head flange in a radial direction from moving with respect to a casing, preventing the unstable vibration of the rotor and enabling an efficient and stable operation even on high-pressure conditions, there is provided a barrel-shaped centrifugal compressor including a casing, a diaphragm located in the casing to define a flow channel, and a head flange attached to the end of the casing by a shear key, wherein in the inner peripheral surface of the casing and the outer peripheral surface of abutment portions of the diaphragm and the head flange in which they are abutted on the inner peripheral surface of the casing, sliding key grooves which are vertical to the surfaces are provided at least two portions in a peripheral direction, and sliding keys are provided in the key grooves.
US09004842B2 Hoist apparatus
A hoist apparatus is provided for loading an article onto a vehicle. The hoist apparatus generally includes a frame; a stationary sheave block including at least a first pulley and a second pulley; a moveable sheave carrier adapted for movement along the length of the frame, the moveable sheave carrier including at least a third pulley and a fourth pulley. At least one powered winch mechanism is attached to the moveable sheave carrier for moving the moveable sheave carrier along the length of the frame. A cable is provided which includes a first end detachably fixed to an article to be loaded onto a vehicle and a second end fixed to the hoist apparatus, the cable being adapted for travelling through the first pulley and the second pulley of the stationary sheave block and the third pulley and fourth pulley of the moveable sheave carrier in a predetermined path.
US09004839B2 Glass substrate storage and transportation system and a glass substrate storage platform
A glass substrate storage and transportation system is provided, including a storage platform and a transportation platform. The storage platform includes a plurality of storage housings for receiving the upright glass substrates. A glass substrate storage platform is also provided. The glass substrate storage and transportation system and the glass substrate storage platform adopt a vertical storage mode to store the glass substrates for solving the technical problems of the space utilization rate being low and the product having defect resulted by the particle pollution.
US09004833B1 Toggle bolt device
A fastener apparatus is disclosed that features projecting locking members that extend and retract when a central drive shaft is rotated. The exterior of the connector has a body that is partially threaded to receive a nut so that two structures (e.g. flanges, panels, plates, beams, etc.) can be pulled together by tightening the bolt when the locking members are in the extended position. In one embodiment, the shaft can be an eyebolt.
US09004831B2 Machine tool comprising a machine spindle, a tool holder and a contact point for electric current or data transmission
A machine tool having a motor-driven machine spindle which can be rotated about a spindle axis. The machine spindle has a tool holder arranged at the face. A tool is exchangeably arranged on the machine spindle. The tool has a coupling element which is compatible with the tool holder of the machine spindle. The coupling element has a rear surface pointing toward the machine spindle. The machine tool has at least one galvanic contact point for the electric current or data transmission, the point being arranged between the machine spindle and the tool and rotating together with the machine spindle. The galvanic contact point has a contact element which is arranged at the face of the tool holder on the spindle side, and a contact element which is arranged on the rear surface of the coupling element on the tool side.
US09004826B2 Solid step drill
A solid step drill, including a front tip and a rear end between which a center axis extends and around which the drill is rotatable in a predetermined direction. At least two cylindrical sections are concentric with the center axis, a first section extending rearward from the front tip and having a first diameter, and a second section extending behind the first section and having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, the first section transforming into the second section via a step. The tip includes two primary cutting edges, which individually co-operate with a respective chip flute that is delimited by a concave surface and countersunk in the first section and in the second section, the respective chip flute intersecting the step while forming a secondary cutting edge. Adjacent to the secondary cutting edge, a chip breaking recess is formed between a cutting edge line of the cutting edge and the concave surface.
US09004822B2 Rotary cutting tool with effective chip evacuation
A rotary cutting tool, such as a milling cutter (10) includes a central hub (12), a cutting rim (14) and a plurality of spokes (22) connecting the central hub (12) to the cutting rim (14). Each spoke (22) is separated by an opening (32) and polygonal in cross-sectional shape formed by two side walls (22a, 22b), two front walls (22c, 22d) and a rear wall (22e). One of the side walls (22a) of each spoke (22) is formed at a pitch angle (42) with respect to a central axis (11) of the cutting tool (10) that is sufficient to cause lift of chips through the opening (32), thereby providing effective chip evacuation during a material removal operation.
US09004821B2 Air conveyor guide adjustment mechanism
An air conveyor system includes a base, a first guide position relative to the base, and a guide adjustment mechanism coupled to the first guide. The guide adjustment mechanism infinitely adjusts the first guide within a predetermined range and includes an electric linear actuator and a pivot arm coupled to the electric linear actuator that rotates in response to adjustment of the electric linear actuator. The guide adjustment mechanism also includes a first linkage arm coupled to the first guide and the pivot arm. The first linkage arm laterally moves the first guide responsive to rotation of the pivot arm.
US09004814B2 Passive underground flood protection
Some examples provide methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation system, and more Specifically, to reducing and/or restricting water from entering underground transportation systems via vents based on the weight of the water, while not restricting ventilation airflow when water is not present. Some example systems for restricting water flow in a surface vent may include a frame that receives water, a door pivotally coupled to the frame(where the door may pivot between a first position and a second position), and a reservoir pivotally coupled to the door. The reservoir may collect the received water and may cause the door to pivot between the first position and the second position based on weight of the collected water.
US09004787B2 Long hinge actuator snubbing
A device may comprise an upper module cover, a lower module cover, an outer frame, and an actuator having a movable frame. The movable frame may be at least partially disposed intermediate the upper module cover and the lower module cover. A hinge flexure may interconnect the outer frame and the movable frame such that the movable frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. The upper module cover and/or the lower module cover may be adapted to limit a movement of the movable frame.
US09004786B2 Light quantity adjusting device and imaging apparatus
Provided is a light quantity adjusting device that adjusts size of a diaphragm opening centering on an optical axis of an optical system that includes: a first pair of a first and a second rectilinear diaphragm blades slidably arranged at positions opposing across the diaphragm opening in a direction moving to and from the optical axis on a plane orthogonal to the optical axis; a second pair of a third and a fourth rectilinear diaphragm blades slidably arranged at positions opposing across the diaphragm opening, in a direction orthogonal the first pair of blades move, and in a direction to and from the optical axis; and a driving unit that adjusts a size of the diaphragm opening by sliding the blades. The driving unit drives the blades so as to adjustably form and maintain a shape of an opening perimeter of the diaphragm opening in nearly similar shapes.
US09004780B2 Hybrid device identifier
An identification assembly for use with a fiber-optic connector includes a non-conducting over-nut, an electrical assembly disposed at the proximal end of the over-nut, and an RFID tag supported by the distal end of the over-nut. The over-nut is configured to surround and couple with the fiber-optic connector. The electrical assembly includes a first electrical contact configured to electrically connect to the fiber-optic connector, a second electrical contact configured for electrical engagement with a contact portion of a light source assembly, and one or more electrical components coupled between the first and second contacts and providing a defined electrical characteristic. The identification assembly enables identification using either electrical-characteristic based or RFID-based identification approaches.
US09004778B2 Indexable optical fiber connectors and optical fiber connector arrays
Indexable optical fiber connectors, optical connector arrays, and optical connector systems are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an optical fiber connector includes a connector body comprising an optical coupling face and a connector housing that surrounds the connector body. The connector housing includes a first interconnecting surface having an indentation arraying feature, and a second interconnecting surface having a protrusion arraying feature. The first interconnecting surface and the second interconnecting surface are orthogonal to the optical coupling face. The indentation arraying feature is configured to mate with a corresponding protrusion arraying feature of a first adjacent interconnecting optical fiber connector by a non-locking engagement relationship. Similarly, the protrusion arraying feature is configured to mate with a corresponding indentation arraying feature of a second adjacent optical fiber connector by a non-locking engagement relationship.
US09004768B1 Cooling-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same
Cooling-enhanced bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may have a bearing surface. The bearing assembly may further include a support ring that carries the plurality of superhard bearing elements. The support ring may include at least an upper surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface. A plurality of cooling features may be arranged on at least one of the upper surface, the inner surface, or the outer surface of the support ring.
US09004762B1 Linear motion module
A linear motion module comprises a linear rail, a sliding block and balls. The sliding block is slidingly disposed on the linear rail and comprises a sliding block body, circulation elements and end caps. The inside of the sliding block body is configured with inner circulation grooves, the inner circulation groove and the rail groove constitute an inner circulation passage, and each of two sides of the sliding block body is configured with at least a circulation channel that corresponds to the inner circulation passage and penetrates through the sliding block body. Each of the circulation elements includes at least a circulation tube, and the opposite two circulation tubes are connected to each other to constitute an outer circulation passage. Each of the end caps is configured with at least two circulation guiding grooves, and the circulation guiding groove is connected to the inner and outer circulation passages.
US09004758B2 Inflatable structure for packaging and associated apparatus and method
An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening.
US09004753B1 Infrared detection of defects in wind turbine blades
A method and an apparatus for detecting defects in the composite materials of a wind turbine blade or similar type of structure using an infrared (IR) camera. The temperature of the wind turbine blade is changed in such a way as to produce IR intensity changes in the region of the defect that can be visually detected or detected using a computer and signal processing algorithms. The same approach will work on other composite structures such as those found on aircraft.
US09004751B2 Fault diagnosis device for temperature sensor
A fault diagnosis device conducts a fault diagnosis in a temperature sensor. At starting an internal combustion engine, a thermal equilibrium condition may be established and temperature deviations of temperatures detected by at least two reference temperature sensors from each other may be equal to or less than a predetermined value, with the temperatures detected by the reference temperature sensors being greatly deviated from one detected by a temperature sensor being diagnosed. In this case, if the temperatures detected by the reference temperature sensors do not drop by a predetermined temperature or more from starting the engine until a predetermined time elapses, the fault diagnosis device determines that the temperature sensor being diagnosed is faulty.
US09004739B2 Backlight module
The present invention provides a backlight module, which includes a backplane, a backlight source arranged inside the backplane, a reflector plate arranged inside the backplane, a light guide plate arranged on the reflector plate, and a mold frame mounted to the backplane. The mold frame forms a projection. The backplane forms a retention slot corresponding to the projection. The projection and the retention slot mate each other through interference fitting, whereby with the interference fitting between the projection and the retention slot, the mold frame is fixedly connected to the backplane. The backlight module uses a projection formed on the mold frame and a retention section formed in the backplane to mate the projection through interference fitting pawl section so as to fixedly mount the mold frame to the backplane through interference-fitting connection thereby showing a simple structure, being easy to assemble, effectively saving time, and thus controlling the cost.
US09004736B1 Light guides having reflective coatings
Assemblies and techniques are provided for light guides integrated into display devices having front light sources. In one aspect, a light guide can include one or more reflective coatings that are applied or otherwise integrated onto one or more internal surfaces of the light guide. Application of at least one reflective coating can modify the luminance and/or chromaticity of the light guide. The one or more coatings can comprise one or more applied layers of paint, such as a layer of a glossy colored paint and/or a layer of a chrome paints.
US09004726B2 Light directing films
Light directing films employing at least two layers forming a continuous corrugated boundary between major surfaces of the film. Light received by a major surface of the film is internally redirected by interacting with the facets of the corrugated inter-layer boundary and is emitted from the opposing major surface towards a new propagation direction which is different from the original propagation direction by up to 90 degrees. Light directing films may have additional layers and/or layer boundaries which may provide additional bend angles to light rays or otherwise diffuse the emitted beam.
US09004724B2 Reflector (optics) used in LED deco lamp
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an LED decorative lamp is provided. The LED decorative lamp comprises a light engine having at least one LED mounted on a platform, a current regulated driver configured to provide power to the at least one LED, the driver mounted inside a base, a substantially hollow envelope forming an enclosure over the light engine and driver, and a reflector disposed above the light engine. The reflector is configured to improve the light distribution of the at least one LED.
US09004722B2 Low-profile LED heat management system
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for low-profile lighting systems. In one aspect, an LED-based light engine, which may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional light engines, may be retained in both conventionally-dimensioned and low-profile light fixtures. In another aspect, a light engine can include both convective and conductive heat transfer components, the efficacy of which will vary based on the dimensions of a light fixture in which the light engine is installed.
US09004720B2 Retaining bracket for spotlights
A retaining bracket for spotlights is provided. The retaining bracket comprising bracket bearings which are arranged at the ends of the retaining bracket, for accommodating the spotlight housing and a central supporting bearing for connecting the retaining bracket to a supporting apparatus The distance of the bracket bearings from one another is capable of being adjusted in self-centering fashion.
US09004703B2 Method for generating diffuse reflection light and device thereof
A method for generating diffuse reflection light and a diffuse reflection lamp are provided. The diffuse reflection lamp comprises a reflective plate (10), a connector (20) and a dragging device (40). The reflective plate (10) is removably fixed on the lamp by the connector (20) to reflect the light from the lamp. One end of the dragging device (40) is connected with the reflective plate (10), and the other end is connected with the connector (20); or the dragging device (40) hoops around the outer edge of the reflective plate (10). Therefore, the reflective plate (10) is elastically bended toward and formed into a curved arc surface to collect the diffuse reflection light.
US09004691B2 Head-up display device using a concave cylindrical lens for projecting image on screen
A head-up display device for projecting an image on a display screen includes: a liquid crystal display element for generating an original image; a light source for emitting light toward the liquid crystal display element; a reflection mirror for reflecting a light image of the original image passing through the liquid crystal display element and for projecting the light image on the display screen; and a concave cylindrical lens having a concave surface and disposed between the liquid crystal display element and the reflection mirror. The concave surface has a curved shape along with x axis of three-dimensional coordinates of the concave cylindrical lens. The concave surface extends along with y axis. The concave surface is rotated around the x axis so that z axis of the concave surface is tilted from an optical axis from the light source to the reflection mirror.
US09004690B2 Device and method for measuring a cornea
In order to measure a cornea with the aid of a projection (S11) of a two-dimensional reference pattern onto the cornea and of a detection (S12) of the reflection pattern reflected by the cornea by virtue of the reference pattern, a plurality of different reflection images of one or more reflection patterns reflected by the cornea are stored (S13). For points on the cornea a phase value of the reflection pattern is respectively calculated on the basis of intensities respectively measured in the stored reflection images at a pixel corresponding to the relevant point. At least one measured geometrical value of the cornea is calculated (S2) on the basis of the calculated phase value. The measurement of the cornea on the basis of a plurality of different reflection images of one or more reflection patterns reflected by the cornea enables a continuous measurement of the cornea in which corresponding pixels are acquired and evaluated for each point on the cornea.
US09004688B2 Method for examining or machining a human eye
An instrument is proposed for examining or machining a human eye, with an eye-tracker for acquiring eye movements and for outputting a signal that is representative of the acquired eye movements, the eye-tracker including an interferometric image-acquisition device that has been set up for time-resolved acquisition of sectional images of the eye and that operates on the basis of two-dimensional or three-dimensional optical coherence tomography, and also an evaluating module ascertaining the eye movements solely from the sectional images.
US09004680B2 Eyewear attachments, eyewear assemblies, and methods of affixing eyewear
Eyewear attachments are provided that can include a bridge pad having a base extending between terminal ends and defining a perimeter, and each terminal end having a tower extending normally from the base and forming at least a portion of a top opposing the base of the bridge pad. Eyewear assemblies are provided that can include a frame having a bridge extending between two lense housings, each of the lense housings have an upper portion opposing a lower portion of the housed lense, and a bridge pad coupled to the frame. Methods of affixing eyewear in useful configuration are provided that can include, providing eyewear having a bridge pad, the bridge pad extending away from the eyewear and toward the face when the eyewear is in the worn position, and aligning at least a portion of the bridge pad below an upper portion of the orbital bone of the face.
US09004678B2 Safety glasses for blocking harmful electromagnetic radiation and preventing dazzling
Disclosed are safety glasses for blocking of harmful electromagnetic radiation and prevention of dazzling which protect eyes from harmful electromagnetic radiation and are ergonomically balanced by arranging the lens portion at the front and the adjuster and battery at the rear side of the temple to ensure convenient wearing of the glasses. The safety glasses include an inner/outer hosing formed of a soft material to closely contact the face of the user and fabricated through double injection molding, thereby ensuring convenient wearing of the glasses.
US09004670B2 Temperature adjusting member and printer including the same
A temperature adjusting member includes: a thermoelectric conversion module; a casing which contains the thermoelectric conversion module; an exterior pipe which contains the casing; and a support body which brings the casing into contact with an inner wall of the exterior pipe. The support body includes a holding portion, a connecting portion and a support portion. The holding portion holds the casing; the connecting portion is connected to the holding portion; and the support portion supports the holding portion by the connecting portion. The connecting portion is connected to the support portion such that the holding portion is movable toward the inner wall of the exterior pipe.
US09004667B2 Light irradiation device, light irradiation module, and printing apparatus
A light irradiation device according to an embodiment includes a light emitting element, and a substrate on which the light emitting element is mounted. The substrate includes a laminated body constituted so that a plurality of insulating layers are laminated, a first heat transfer member disposed in the laminated body so that a part thereof is located directly below the light emitting element, and a second heat transfer member disposed between the insulating layers so as to surround the first heat transfer member when seen in a plan view. Thermal conductivities of the first heat transfer member and second heat transfer member are higher than a thermal conductivity of the laminated body.
US09004664B2 Ink jet recording aqueous pigment ink
An ink jet recording aqueous pigment ink contains a self-dispersing pigment, a quaternary amino acid, a non-polymeric, nonionic material having a melting point of 40° C. or more, and at least one of trialkylamine and trialkanolamine. The content of the non-polymeric, nonionic material is 3% to 15% by mass relative to the total mass of the ink jet recording aqueous pigment ink.
US09004657B2 Liquid container, liquid container set, and ink jet recording apparatus
A liquid container detachably mounted on a liquid consuming apparatus includes: a liquid including dispersed particles and a solvent in which the dispersed particles are dispersed; and an accommodation bag accommodating the liquid and provided with a discharge portion discharging the liquid, in which a ratio of a volume of the liquid with respect to a capacity of the accommodation bag when the accommodation bag is used from an initial period of filling is 95% or less.
US09004656B2 Ink-jet recording head and ink-jet recording apparatus having the same
An ink-jet recording head includes a recording head and pressure damper assembly module including a recording head part at a lower position having nozzle holes on an under surface and an ink passage communicating with the nozzle holes, and a pressure damper part higher than the recording head part having an ink containing chamber inside. The ink-jet recording head further includes first flexible tube supplying ink in the ink containing chamber to the ink passage and connecting an ink discharge part communicating with the ink containing chamber and an ink supply part at one end side in the recording head part communicating with one end of the ink passage; and a second flexible tube connected with another end side in the recording head part and communicating with another end of the ink passage. At least the inside of the first flexible tube is filled with the ink.
US09004650B2 Liquid discharge head, cleaning method for liquid discharge head, liquid discharge apparatus, and substrate for liquid discharge head
A substrate for a liquid discharge head includes an upper protection film that covers at least a region corresponding to each of thermal energy generation elements. The upper protection film and at least one of the upper protection films adjacent to the upper protection film within a liquid chamber are respectively connected to different external electrodes, and a voltage can be applied therebetween via the different external electrodes.
US09004648B2 Inkjet printheads containing epoxy adhesives and methods for fabrication thereof
Inkjet printheads containing a first plate, a second plate, and a cured adhesive composition disposed between and bonding the first plate and the second plate. The cured adhesive composition has a glass transition temperature of greater than about 115° C. and is stable when exposed to acrylate monomer. Also, inkjet printheads having a first plate, a second plate, and a cured thin film adhesive disposed between and bonding to both of the first plate and the second plate. The cured thin film adhesive contains a polyimide film disposed between a cured first adhesive layer and a cured second adhesive layer. Methods of preparing such inkjet printheads.
US09004647B2 Print carriage
A system and method for depositing a substance onto a continuously moving substrate in first and second transverse swathes, is achieved by providing a print carriage having a first set of inkjet heads and a second set of inkjet heads. The carriage is traversed across the substrate in a forward pass, while depositing the first and second swathes from the respective first and second plurality of inkjet heads and subsequently traversed across the substrate in a reverse pass. The first and second sets of inkjet heads are arranged such that the first and second swathes complement one another on both forward and reverse passes to provide substantially complete coverage of the substrate. In this manner complementary swathes may be deposited from a single head.
US09004644B2 Liquid ejection apparatus, method of controlling liquid ejection apparatus, and computer readable medium
When it is determined that jamming of a recording medium has occurred and an image to be formed on the recording medium is a color image, a liquid ejection apparatus performs recovery action for first nozzle of a first liquid ejection head ejecting black liquid and second nozzles of second liquid ejection heads ejecting color liquid which is not black, after the jamming of the recording medium is resolved. On the other hand, when the image to be formed on the recording medium is a monochrome image, the liquid ejection apparatus performs the recovery action for the first nozzles of the first liquid ejection head.
US09004643B2 Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a head including an ejection face inclining an ejection opening region having ejection openings; a capping unit for selectively establishing a sealing state or an open state; an air supply opening and an air discharge opening; a humidification unit for performing a humidifying maintenance; a recording control unit for performing image recording; and a flushing control unit for performing flushing. The flushing control unit controls the head to perform the flushing such that an amount of the liquid discharged from each of a discharge-side ejection-opening group and a supply-side ejection-opening group is greater than that of the liquid discharged from the other ejection-opening group.
US09004637B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a discharge disabling unit configured to disable a discharge operation of a defective nozzle, which is in a defective discharge state, among a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge liquid droplets to a recording medium, when a value obtained by quantifying a degree of defective state of the defective nozzle is greater than a discharge disable threshold value; a complement unit configured to complement an image defect using two nozzles on either side of the defective nozzle of which discharge operation is disabled; and a threshold value change unit configured to change the discharge disable threshold value depending on a discharge order between the nozzles which complement the image defect and nozzles adjacent to the nozzles which complement the image defect.
US09004633B2 Ink-jet recording apparatus
To provide an ink jet recording apparatus in which the residual vibration of any ink can be prevented to avoid the spread of the ink at an opening portion and to perform the continuous discharge of the ink stably. An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a recording head including a pressure chamber and a nozzle, the pressure chamber containing ink, the nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber and having an opening portion formed therein to discharge the ink, a piezoelectric element forming part of the pressure chamber, and a driving signal producing section producing a driving signal to be input to the piezoelectric element to change the volume of the pressure chamber.
US09004627B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus which can make a distribution tank compact and has excellent pressure-control precision is provided with an inkjet portion A having a recording head 11 for applying ink to a recording medium 1 and a distribution tank 12 for supplying ink to the recording head 11, an ink supply means B having a main tank 21 for supplying ink to the distribution tank 12, and an air supply means C having an air chamber 31 communicating with a space 12ain the distribution tank 12 and a pressure adjustment mechanism provided on the air chamber 31 via a solenoid valve, where the pressure of the space 12a and the internal pressure of the air chamber 31 are equal to each other.
US09004621B2 Electronic device, case unit, and locking device
An electronic device includes: a case; an object member held by the case; an operating portion provided in the case side; a biasing member; a pushing member moved by operating the operating portion; a locking member movable between an engagement position where the locking member engages with the object member held by the case and a disengagement position where the locking member disengages from the object member, biased toward the engagement position by the biasing member, and pushed toward the disengagement position by moving the pushing member.
US09004620B2 Storage assembly
A storage assembly has a container, a plurality of drawers arranged to be located in the container, and a gang lock arrangement. The gang lock includes a locking member located in the container and a locking unit locatable in the container. The locking unit has a support, and also a shifting part and a retaining part carried by the support. The shifting part is arranged to move the locking member with respect to the container such that the locking member releasably engages with, and thus releasably retains, the plurality of drawers in the container. The retaining part includes a resiliently biased latch member arranged to releasably retain the locking unit in the container.
US09004616B2 Brake control system for motor vehicles
A brake control system for motor vehicles includes a stability system for stabilizing the vehicle from the standpoint of driving dynamics during braking, a triggering unit for the automatic output of a braking demand as a function of the traffic situation, a braking unit which converts the braking demand into a braking action, and a control unit for modifying the braking demand prior to its implementation as a function of the state of the stability system.
US09004609B2 Method and device for working rock
A method for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like with a driving device (1; 2; 15), including: that a cutting head (4) rotating around a general axis of rotation (R) and having cutting elements directed essentially radially outwardly is applied against a rock surface to be worked. The rock cutting elements (13), are formed on cutting rolls (7) are brought to roll against the rock side during pressing against the rock and rotation of the cutting head (4), and the rock cutting elements during rolling are brought to cut sidewardly arranged grooves in the rock surface at a distance from each other. The invention also concerns a rotatable cutting head and a device and a rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like.
US09004603B1 Armrest assembly for a chair
An armrest assembly includes an adjusting seat received in a base slideable in a length direction. The adjusting seat is slideable in a width direction relative to a seat fixed to the base. A first control button initially engaged with the adjusting seat can be operated to disengage from the adjusting seat and to disengage a transverse positioning block from the seat, allowing adjustment in the length and width directions. A lower rod is fixed to a chair body and is received in an upper rod movable in a height direction. A second control button is mounted in a window in the upper rod and includes engagement teeth engaged with a gear on a screw rod in threading connection with a screw rod coupling seat on the lower rod. The second control button can be operated to disengage the engagement teeth from the gear, allowing adjustment in the height direction.
US09004602B2 Latching device for a head restraint
In a latching device for a head restraint, a locking element is movably mounted in a carrier device. The locking element can be moved from a locked position into an unlocked position by actuation of an actuating device. The latching device is movably mounted with respect to a retaining rod. In the unlocked position, the locking element allows the latching device to be moved with respect to the retaining rod, while in the locked position the locking element engages in at least one cut-out of the retaining rod for latching the latching device with respect to the retaining rod. According to the invention, in the locked position the carrier device, together with the locking element arranged therein, is mirror-symmetrical to an xz plane extending substantially perpendicularly to the carrier device.
US09004599B2 Seat module for an aircraft passenger
A seat module for an aircraft passenger includes a seat including a horizontal squab and a backrest, and a separation panel extending along at least one side of the seat. The seat is configured to move between a straight position, in which the backrest of the seat extends approximately vertically, and a reclined position, in which the backrest extends in a plane approximately perpendicular to the separation panel. The separation panel is lined, on a surface portion facing the seat, with a trim configured to form a surface on which the passenger may sit or lie.
US09004596B2 Chair with improved back spring
Disclosed is a stackable chair containing a flexible back support frame mechanism that includes an improved spring system designed to allow reclining movement of a back support frame relative to a seat assembly. The back support frame and seat assembly are connected using right and left spring members disposed in a substantial surface-to-surface contact relationship with the seat assembly and back support frame members.
US09004591B2 Fixture unit and cover fixing method
A fixing unit includes: an attachment member attached to a seat body; an engaging member engaged with an opening provided to the seat body; and a string member connecting the attachment member and the engaging member, the string member being engaged with a cover. The engaging member includes: a body to which the string member is attached; a first contact portion provided to the body to be in contact with a first periphery of the opening; and an insert portion provided on the body at a position spaced apart from the first contact portion, the insert portion being inserted into the opening. The insert portion includes a first restricting portion to be in contact with a second periphery of the opening opposite the first periphery to restrict the insert portion from being detached from the opening.
US09004587B2 Canopy assembly for use in a child carrier apparatus and its assembly method
A canopy assembly can include a support bow having a side end portion, and a mount fixture including two coupling parts pivotally connected together, one of the two coupling parts being adapted to securely affix with the side end portion, and the other one of the two coupling parts being configured to affix with a support frame of a child carrier apparatus. Each of the two coupling parts can include a retaining structure integrally formed therewith, the retaining structures being engaged with each other to hold the two coupling parts together while allowing relative rotation between the two coupling parts.
US09004583B2 Structure for front portion of vehicle and method for manufacturing vehicle
A vehicle front structure includes: a bumper face disposed at a vehicle front end; and a lower grill disposed at a bumper opening section of the bumper face. The bumper face includes: a hook cover (20), after formed integrally with the bumper face within the bumper opening section, separated from the bumper face; and a hook cover holding mechanism (26) formed within the bumper opening section integrally with the bumper face to detachably fix the hook cover (20). The hook cover (20) includes: a cover body section (40) for closing a hook cover attachment portion in the bumper face; and a cover snap-fit claw (32) for snap-fitting onto a bumper engaging portion in the hook cover attachment portion. The hook cover holding mechanism (26) includes a hold latch nail (34) for engaging with the cover snap-fit claw (32) by resilient deformation of the hook cover (20).
US09004580B2 Instrumental panel support structure
A support structure is configured for locating an instrument panel within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure includes a support bracket and an end bracket. The support bracket is attached to a body panel of the vehicle. The support bracket includes a lateral biasing guide. The end bracket is attached to an end of the instrument panel. The end bracket has a first side. The first side abuts the lateral biasing guide of the support bracket such that the lateral biasing guide biases the instrument panel in a lateral direction until the end bracket abuts the lateral datum surface of the first body panel.
US09004579B2 Baffle structure of open car
A baffle structure of an open car that may be disposed in a traverse direction at a rear side of a seat of the open car to protect an occupant, may include a lower cross member that may be disposed along a lower floor panel of a vehicle body in the traverse direction and of which a cross-section thereof may be in a shape of pipe, an upper cross member that may be disposed in the traverse direction at a predetermined distance from the lower cross member and of which a cross-section thereof has quadrangle shape, and a column of which a lower end portion thereof may be connected to the lower cross member, an upper end thereof may be connected to the upper cross member, and a cross-section thereof has a quadrangle pipe shape.
US09004575B2 Aerodynamic skirt assembly
A resilient or flexible skirt panel assembly having an integral bracing system is disclosed. In operation, the bracing system need not attach to a trailer base rail. The innovation discloses straight, straight-angled and curved skirt panel orientations. Additionally, angled braces, ‘v-braces,’ ‘v-wings,’ and integral rib bracing mechanisms are disclosed. In aspects, the skirt panel and bracing mechanisms can absorb (or bend) under force while effectively having a ‘memory’ to return to their original shape upon removal of the force. The skirt assembly can include a hem along the bottom edge of the skirt panel thereby enhancing performance and longevity of the assembly. Additionally, an “anti-skid” clamping assembly can be employed to connect the skirt assemblies to the trailer I-beam, base rail or cross-members.
US09004574B1 E Z roller
A roll-up golf cart side curtain having a rigid PVC pipe installed on the bottom of said curtain to assist in quickly rolling up the curtain into a neat, compact position. The rigid pipe is cut down one side, along the entire length and installed on the bottom of the curtain.
US09004572B2 Actuating device for an adjustable convertible top system of a motor vehicle
An actuating device for an adjustable convertible top system of a motor vehicle includes at least two hydraulic drive cylinders. A first drive cylinder transmits an adjustment movement to a first gearing arrangement, and a second drive cylinder transmits the adjustment movement to a second gearing arrangement. The first drive cylinder and the second drive cylinder are connected hydraulically in series, such that an annular volume of the first drive cylinder is in fluid communication with a circular volume of the second drive cylinder via a connecting line. There is a difference between an annular area of the first drive cylinder forming the annular volume and a circular area of the second drive cylinder forming the circular volume. Intermediate gears having a different geometry and/or kinematics compensate for a speed difference between the two drive cylinders resulting from the difference.
US09004560B2 Robot hand and robot
A robot hand includes a pair of bits and holds a microtube by causing the pair of bits to perform an opening-closing operation. The pair of bits has a lug that comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of a container body or a cap portion of the microtube, and a rectangular recess in which parts of the cap portion and a flange of the microtube are inserted while the lug is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the microtube. The rectangular recess includes surfaces between which the cap portion and the flange are disposed. The pair of bits is closed while a corner of the rectangular recess is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the container body to retain the microtube in an orientation different from that in the state in which the cap portion is inserted in the rectangular recess.
US09004557B2 Remote release mechanism for tow fitting
A release fitting for an elongate strap is provided. The release fitting includes a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap. An arm is pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion. The body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position. A shaft assembly slidably is disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion. A bracket is pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole.
US09004555B1 Pet waste disposal kit and method
A pet waste disposal kit includes a kit bag with an impermeable lining that can be worn around the waist or over the shoulder of the pet handler. The kit bag serves as the secondary container for filled waste collection bags, and it also serves to store the other materials contained in the kit. The kit also includes a supply of lightweight, impermeable, biodegradable plastic gloves, which can be made of biodegradable polyethylene, and a supply of waste collection bags made of lightweight, impermeable, biodegradable plastic, containing a disinfecting-deodorizing mixture. The disinfecting-deodorizing mixture contains a highly alkaline compound, a desiccant and a deodorizer. The waste collection bags have re-sealable zip-locks or twist ties. The kit also includes a supply of antiseptic hand wipes or a liquid hand sanitizer.
US09004551B2 Latchable or lockable device
A lockable or latchable device includes first and second members proximate to each other, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other. The device also includes a magnetorheological fluid disposed in the device such that the fluid is in simultaneous contact with at least a portion of each of the first and second members when the first and second members are in a position for locking or latching. A permanent magnet is disposed in the device to inhibit displacement of the magnetorheological fluid when the first and second members are in the locked or latched position. An electromagnet is disposed in the device such that magnetic flux from the electromagnet, when activated, disrupts the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet when the first and second members are in the locked or latched position to unlatch or unlock the device.
US09004545B2 Clamp for sanitary fitting
A clamp for sanitary fittings includes a clamp body formed of a first arcuate member and a second arcuate member movable about a hinge assembly from an open configuration to a closed, latched configuration. The hinge assembly detachably couples the first arcuate member to the second arcuate member. The hinge assembly includes an arcuate finger extending from an end of the first arcuate member, a pin-receiving recess formed within the arcuate finger, and a post formed on an end of the second arcuate member. Upon assembly, the arcuate finger cradles around the post and the post fits within the pin-receiving recess.
US09004541B2 Two-part composite fitting
A fitting for sealingly connecting to a pipe end of a pipe comprising a plastic material, comprising a base member and a support member, wherein the base member is made of a metal, and the support member is designed as a separate part made of plastic. The base member comprises means on the inside thereof, and the support member comprises means on the outside thereof for connecting the base member and the support member in a sealing fashion. A system comprising such a fitting with a composite or multi-layered pipe and a sleeve, or such a fitting with a plastic pipe and a sleeve.
US09004524B1 Collapsible two seat perambulator
A buggy for transporting children has a frame and wheels that are rotably mounted relative to the frame to support the frame above a ground surface. A primary seat is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a first child. A secondary seat is operatively supported by the frame for supporting a second child. The buggy is convertible between an in use configuration for transporting children and a folded storage configuration, whether or not the secondary seat is attached. The secondary seat may be detachable. The secondary seat may be positioned at least partly behind and at least partly below the primary seat.
US09004521B2 Ball mount holder assembly
A ball mount holder assembly for mounting to a carrying device includes a body having opposed sides and a stake flange that extends substantially perpendicularly from one of the opposed sides that is adapted to be secured to a surface. A pin flange extends substantially perpendicularly from an opposite one of the opposed sides and in a direction opposite the stake flange and is adapted to receive and carry a ball mount.
US09004516B2 Bicycle fork having lock-out, blow-off, and adjustable blow-off threshold
A bicycle fork includes a pair of fork leg assemblies, each of the leg assemblies having an upper leg telescopingly engaged with a lower leg. A damping assembly is provided in at least one of the legs. The damping assembly includes lock-out and blow-off compression circuits. These compression circuits are externally adjustable without tools. Furthermore, these two compression circuits may be adjusted independently of each other.
US09004501B2 Ice skate blade assembly
An ice skate blade assembly for attachment to a footwear comprising a flexible sole includes; an elongated blade comprising an ice engaging edge; the elongated blade and the ice engaging edge comprising a flexible region; the elongated blade and the ice engaging edge flexible to flex in the flexible region; and the elongated blade comprising an upper portion extending opposite the ice engaging edge, the upper portion for attachment of the elongated blade to the flexible sole of the footwear.
US09004493B2 Seal arrangement and hinge of a chain with the seal arrangement
A sealing arrangement used to create a seal between a first part of a chain and a second part of the chain, wherein the second part can at least be pivoted in relation to the first part, includes a sealing ring with an annular sealing lip for sealing a lubricant area between parts which can be pivoted towards each other, and an elastic ring which is adapted to be fixed to one of the parts and which is adapted to exert pressure in the sealing ring. In addition, a supporting ring is arranged between the sealing ring and the elastic ring.
US09004490B2 Projectile target system
According to one aspect of the present invention, a projectile target is disclosed comprising a target having a substantially sealed chamber having a front face and a rear face with an enclosing side wall disposed intermediate. The front and rear faces are formed by membranes configured to allow a projectile to pass therethrough and then substantially seal to maintain the substantially sealed chamber. Pressure wave sensors are disposed within the chamber and are configured to detect pressure waves created by the projectile. A target controller receives signals from the pressure sensors indicative of the pressure sensed by the sensors and determines an impact point of the projectile on the front face of the target.
US09004484B2 Sheet-medium conveying device and image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet-medium conveying device, which has a first sheet-medium stacker part provided on a casing so as to be capable of being opened from and closed to the casing; a second sheet-medium stacker part provided on the first sheet-medium stacker part so as to be capable of being drawn from and inserted into the first sheet-medium stacker part; and an auxiliary member provided on the first sheet-medium stacker part so as to be capable of being moved, the auxiliary member being engaged with the second sheet-medium stacker part so as to be moved together with the drawing of the second sheet-medium stacker part so that the auxiliary member covers a gap portion between the main sheet-medium stacker surface and the expanded sheet-medium stacker surface when the second sheet-medium stacker part is in a drawn state.
US09004477B2 Saw buck
An apparatus for holding a log or similar material during cutting is disclosed. The apparatus includes a log holder having a housing and a saddle. A cavity formed in the housing is tapered along a longitudinal axis for receiving an end of a log. The saddle is disposed adjacent to the tapered cavity and offset from the longitudinal axis to inhibit rotation of the log during cutting. A pole and a base rotatably support the log holder in the elevated position.
US09004457B2 Portable hand rail for boat docks
A portable, universal, hand rail apparatus that can be easily and quickly attached or detached to any dock that has cracks between adjacent dock boards.
US09004435B2 Hanger bar for recessed luminaires with integral nail
A hanger bar assembly for a recessed luminaire is disclosed. The hanger bar assembly includes a first hanger bar member having a first attachment structure disposed on an end thereof, and a second hanger bar member having a second attachment structure disposed on an end thereof, the second hanger bar member being adjacent to the first hanger bar member. The first and the second attachment structures each include a first wall having a first fastener aperture and a second wall having a second fastener aperture, the first and second fastener apertures being formed about a common central longitudinal axis.
US09004427B2 Mounting and hinge assembly for a shelf
A mounting assembly for connecting a light shelf to a structure in cantilever fashion. A pair of receiver units attach to the structure and each has a pair of brackets with a slot there between. A recess is formed on an upper interior surface of the upper bracket. The lower bracket has an abutment support surface distal to the structure. A pair of inserter units attach to opposite sides of the shelf, each having an insertion leg and an abutment support. The insertion leg inserts into the recess of a corresponding receiver when the abutment support rests on the abutment surface. The weight of the shelf pulls the abutment support into engagement with the abutment surface and pushes the insertion leg into engagement with the recess, holding the shelf horizontally.
US09004422B2 Fire protection sprinkler support system
A support system for a fire protection sprinkler includes a support bar having a pair of end brackets disposed at the ends of the support bar. A center bracket assembly is mounted on the support bar and includes a support bracket and a hinge bracket pivotally connected to the support bracket by a hinge pin. The pair of end bracket assemblies each include an outside bracket and an inside bracket secured to the outside bracket wherein at least one of the outside and the inside bracket has an upper end connected to the support bar and includes an angled body extending laterally outward from the upper end away from the center bracket wherein the outside and inside brackets define a channel therebetween for receiving an upper rail of a T-shaped rail of a drop ceiling system.
US09004417B2 Fastening device
The invention relates to a fastening device (10) for at least one cable (44), having an edge clip part (12) for fitting the fastening device (10) to an edge (28) of a base part (26). A holding device (30) for at least one cable strap (40) surrounds at least one cable (44). The holding device (30) includes fastening sections (38) that constitute a mount for the cable strap (40) in three directions of cable strap orientation orthogonal to each other, so that a cable strap (40) can be fastened to the base part (26) selectively oriented in one of the three directions of cable strap orientation.
US09004416B2 Clamp
A clamp includes a clamp main body, a flexible member, a pipe holding portion, a pipe insertion path, and a pair of opposite pieces. At least one opposite piece of the pair of opposite pieces, is pressed by an outer circumference of a pipe inserted into the pipe insertion path, and is bendable in a direction in which the pipe insertion path is expandable. One opposite piece extends up to a position adjacent to the pipe holding portion. An extending end portion of one opposite piece protrudes toward an inside of the pipe insertion path from one portion of the flexible member adjacent to the end portion.
US09004403B2 Container for a supply unit, oxygen supply device and passenger supply unit and system of an arrangement of a number of containers
The invention is related to a container for a supply unit, in particular an oxygen supply unit and/or a passenger supply unit (PSU), having a container well at least, wherein a container door can be pivotably joint at a container well's edge, in particular pivotable about a hinge at the container well's edge, wherein the container well at least consists of a sheet moulded compound material moulded from a composite of thermoset sheet material based on fiber-reinforced polymer matrices mainly.
US09004393B2 Supersonic hovering air vehicle
Embodiments of the present invention include an aircraft capable of sustained out-of-ground-effect hover flight and sustained supersonic flight. At least some embodiments includes two wings powered by an engine to counterrotate while hovering, and to not rotate and sweep while flying at transonic and supersonic speeds. Other embodiments include two rotating wings that generate a force per unit area of under 100 lb/ft2 within the rotating wing disk during hover. Still other embodiment include a vehicle with rotating wings that can increase pitch to accelerate the aircraft, align the chord line of the wings with the airstream, and sweep the wings. Still further embodiments include a power plant that powers unducted rotating wings during hover and disengages from the wings to propel the aircraft at supersonic speeds.
US09004386B2 Spinning reel fishing line guide mechanism and spinning reel
A spinning reel fishing line guide mechanism for guiding a fishing line onto a spool includes a support member and a fixation member. The spinning reel fishing line guide mechanism is attached to a tip of a rotor arm and is pivotable between a fishing-line guide position and a fishing-line release position. The support member is attached pivotably to the tip of the rotor arm. The support member includes an outer member made of metal and an inner member made of synthetic resin. The inner member is fixed to an inner surface of the outer member.
US09004379B2 Paint container assembly for a paint sprayer
A paint container assembly includes: a container body; a cover detachably mounted to the container body and having a peripheral end and a central recessed portion which defines a cylindrical recess; and a vent conduit having a cylindrical plug portion and an extension portion. The plug portion is rotatably inserted into the recess. The extension portion has a free open end, and defines a fluid channel extending from an upper end of the plug portion to the free open end. The free open end of the extension portion is disposed adjacent to the peripheral end of the cover and distal from the central recessed portion of the cover for preventing paint material from flowing out of the container body through the fluid channel.
US09004374B1 Irrigation method using thixotropic materials
The steps of the irrigation method include: flowing a stream of water having input and output and intermediate location; interposing a feeding device into the stream of water at the intermediate location, the feeding device having input and output ends; inserting a quantity of nutrient fertilizer into the feeding device; converting the nutrient fertilizer from the viscous state to the less viscous state through the flow of water through the feeding device; and intermixing the viscous nutrient fertilizer with the water entering the feeding device whereby the water leaving the device to plants and soil will include a fertilizer.
US09004353B1 Check cashing automated banking machine
An automated banking machine is operated at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The machine is operative to carry out a financial transfer responsive at least in part to a determination that data read through a card reader of the machine corresponds to a financial account that is authorized to conduct a transaction through operation of the machine. The machine also includes a check acceptor operative to receive checks from machine users. The check acceptor is operative image checks and data resolved from check images is used in operation of the machine to cause financial transfers.
US09004348B1 Systems and methods for high speed document mailing
High speed document mailing comprises receiving package tracking data electronically from a courier for a document to be shipped via the courier, digitally placing the package tracking data onto a page within the document, printing out the document, and automatically inserting the document into an envelope such that the package tracking data on the page is visible through a window of the envelope.
US09004343B2 Soldering apparatus
In a reflow soldering apparatus, air heated by heaters is blown by fans onto a printed circuit board. Temperature controllers that control temperature of the heaters supply operation amount thereof to a calculation unit that calculates consumed electric energy of soldering apparatus. Inverters that control revolution of fans supply a value of current to the calculation unit. A control unit supplies a coefficient of the consumed electric energy to the calculation unit. The calculation unit calculates a total amount of consumed electric energy of the reflow soldering apparatus based on the operation amount, value of current and coefficient of the consumed electric energy thus obtained. A display unit displays on an operation screen the total amount of consumed electric energy of the reflow soldering apparatus, which has been calculated by the calculation unit.
US09004339B1 Cartridgizable feeder belt for surgical stapler
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt lying substantially in a single plane; and staples fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt. A cartridge may hold at least one feeder belt, where that cartridge may be detachably held by a receiver. The cartridge itself may be reloadable. A surgical method may include providing a surgical instrument including a detachable cartridge holding a feeder belt, where staples are fixed to and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; deforming at least one staple to a deformed state; frangibly separating at least one deformed staple from the feeder belt; and removing the cartridge from the surgical instrument.
US09004331B2 Fixture apparatus for automotive air-conditioning outlet
A fixture apparatus for vehicle air-conditioner vent outlet is provided, including a fixing unit, a dial, a traction element, a clamp and a support element. The fixing unit is installed with the dial and limits the dial to only rotate at location. The clamp includes two coupled clips. The traction element is disposed with outer screw thread at some segment extending into the fixing unit and contacts the dial in a screw-like manner. When the dial rotates, the traction element moves linearly. One end of traction element outside of the fixing unit is coupled to the coupling position of the two clips of the clamp. The support element is coupled to outer wall of fixing unit, located on a same side of the clamp.
US09004330B2 Electronic device holder
A holder for holding an electronic device includes a frame and a harness pivotably connected to the frame. The harness has a pair of parallel elongated bars and at least one bracing member extending between the elongated bars. The frame has one or more side tabs for retaining an electronic device within the frame. A holder for holding an electronic device has a retaining member including a plurality of retaining tabs; and a harness member rotatably connected to the retaining member and rotatable between a stowed position and an inclined position. A holder for holding an electronic device has a harness having two parallel elongated bars; a frame having a base member and two parallel arms each having an opening therein; and a pivotable retaining member pivotably connected to the parallel arms. The retaining member releasably holds the electronic device. The elongated bars are slidably inserted into the openings of the arms.
US09004321B2 Reusable pour-on gun system
A reusable pour-on gun system is disclosed that is comprised of a pour-on gun component that does not need an inlet valve, a cap assembly including a one-way valve system, the cap assembly adapted to be coupled to a liquid reservoir container, and a hose component coupled on one end to the pour-on gun component and on the other end to the cap assembly.
US09004316B2 Aerosol spray texture apparatus for a particulate containing material
A composition for forming an acoustic texture material on a surface has a propellant material and acoustic texture material. The propellant material includes di-methyl ether. The acoustic texture material includes a coating portion including a base, a filler, and a binder and chips of chip material having a physical structure. When the propellant material and the acoustic texture material are mixed together, the propellant material does not substantially alter the physical structure of the chip material.
US09004309B1 Bucket stabilizer
A bucket stabilizer including a disk-shaped base with an annular wall having a top perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lower perimeter continuously disposed on the base. A plurality of securement tines are disposed on the inner surface proximal the top perimeter and are configured to removable secure a bottom portion of a five gallon mixer bucket. Right angled brackets configured to support the mixer bucket are disposed on the inner surface. A hemispherical opening configured to receive a user's foot to stabilize the device.
US09004302B2 Package with foil seals and penetrating means
Improved packages, methods for manufacturing the packages and methods for producing beverages using the packages are provided. The packages (10) include a cap (60), a container (20), and an adapter (30) positioned between and connected to the cap and container. The adapter (30) is configured to penetrate seals (28, 66) on the cap and the container by means of a spike member (50) to allow contents (p) of the cap (60) to mix with contents (d) of the container (20).
US09004299B2 Storage rack
A rotating storage rack including a base and a plurality of vertically stacked shelves allows high storage density for shoes, boots, and other footwear, as well as miscellaneous wardrobe accessories, including purses.
US09004295B2 Equipment rack assembly and methods of use thereof
An equipment rack assembly having a member; a first securing assembly, where the first securing assembly is operationally connected to the member; a second securing assembly, where the second securing assembly is operationally connected to the member; and an equipment pulling assembly having a first part and a second part, where the first part of equipment pulling assembly is operationally connected to the first securing assembly and the second part of equipment pulling assembly is operationally connected to the second securing assembly; and where the equipment pulling assembly includes a movable cable and a hanger that is operationally connected to the cable, where equipment is attached to the hanger so that the equipment can be moved between the first part and the second part of equipment pulling assembly while being hanged on the equipment rack assembly.
US09004292B2 Squeezable beverage bottle and filter system
Embodiments of the present disclosure could generally provide a relatively easily squeezable beverage bottle that allows control of the flow rate of the liquid being dispensed to the user. The bottle could provide sufficient radial rigidity—or resistance to squeezing—to return to its original shape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or denting and to withstand the rigors of filling, shipping, transporting, dispensing, etc. The present disclosure generally provides a beverage bottle filtering system that provides adequate filtering of water taken from the bottle at a suitable rate. In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a support system to adequately secure the filter media within a filter housing while ensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal of filter media within filter system to eliminate “bypass flow” (i.e., water that might leak past filter system) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water.
US09004291B2 Fluid filter
A fluid filter including: an upper case member having a flow outlet; a lower case member having a flow inlet; a filter element having a folded filter material and a holding frame which holds the circumferential part of the filter material and is sandwiched between the upper case member and the lower case member; and a reinforcing member provided to extend in a direction crossing the ridge line direction of the folds of the filter material, the reinforcing member is provided in such a manner that, when the height of the folds is defined as h1, the lower end thereof is positioned above a position of 0.6 h1 from the upper end of the folds.
US09004289B2 Filter device
In at least one embodiment, a filter device for filtering out of solid substance from a solid-liquid-mixture, including a bearing shaft extending along a rotation axis; a rotation body detachable from the bearing shaft and supported by the bearing shaft to be rotatable about the rotation axis; one or more filter cells formed on the rotation body and each includes a filter structure attached to the rotation body for filtering out the solid substance and allowing the liquid to pass from an inlet side to an outlet side, and a connection channel formed in the rotation body and that extends from the outlet side to an outlet opening which is formed on an axial side of the rotation body in a radial distance to the rotation axis; and a control device having a structural control unit for providing a connection between the respective outlet opening and a plurality of lines.
US09004287B2 Apparatus for sorting agricultural products
An apparatus for sorting agricultural products, including: a conveyor line (1) to convey products (P) along an advancement direction (A); an entry section (3), where the products are arranged on the conveyor line; an unloading section (4); a control section (6), interposed between the entry section and the unloading section to attribute a signal indicative of predefined physical characteristics to each product. The conveyor line includes: a first conveyor device (9) to convey the agricultural products forward; a second conveyor device (20), to convey the products forward and to cause the products to roll over, extending from the entry section to at least as far as an intermediate tract of the control section and that is movable between a first operating configuration, wherein it supports the products, and a second operating configuration, wherein it releases the products onto the first conveyor device.
US09004286B2 Process for concentrating manganese ores via reverse cationic flotation of silicates
A process for concentrating manganese from the tailing of a manganese-carrying mineral including removing a coarse particle size fraction from the tailing, desliming and conducting an acidic or a basic reverse cationic flotation. The manganese-carrying minerals are typically minerals with low manganese content from the lithologies “Tabular Pelite” (or PETB), Pelite Siltite (or PEST), Detritic (or DETR), Rich Pelite (or PERC) and Metallurgical Bioxide (or BXME). In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a reverse cationic flotation used to concentrate manganese which is carried out using depressor agents and collector agents as flotation reagents.
US09004284B2 Mineral slurry drying method and system
The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in mineral slurries, particularly mineral slurries containing minerals of small particle diameter, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel mineral products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the mineral slurry with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the dried minerals using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.
US09004275B2 Protective cover for portable eletronic device
A protective cover for a portable electronic device includes a housing and a cover detachably mounted to the housing. The housing includes a first bottom wall, a first compartment, and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment defined at two opposite sides of the housing. The first compartment is configured to receive the portable electronic device; the second compartment is configured to receive a card. The cover is configured to cover the second compartment.
US09004269B2 Conveyor chain
A conveyor chain constructed so as to prevent a leakage of lubricant oil to the outside. The conveyor chain comprises a plurality of bearing elements operable to revolve in a raceway between an outer circumferential surface of a bush and an inner circumferential surface of a roller. A pair of right and left thrust bearing annular members are press-fitted onto the outer circumferential surface of the bush and are positioned between the inner side surface of an inner link plate and the outwardly-facing end surfaces of the bearing elements. Annular sealing members for sealing lubricant oil within bearing element raceway are disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the roller and an inner circumferential surface of the thrust bearing annular member. The sealing members slidably contact but are not deformed by the inner circumferential surface of the roller.
US09004264B2 Extendable conveyors with modular front ends
An extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a base unit and a mechanically extendable section, which is adjustably positionable between a nested position within the base unit and an extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. The conveyor includes a conveying surface for conveying articles extending at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. The mechanically extendable section is an outmost mechanically extendable section and the outmost mechanically extendable section has a modular front end portion which can carry a loading set and an unloading set.
US09004260B2 Feeding device used in surface treating process
A feeding device is used for hanging a workpiece on a fixture. The fixture includes two elastic portions. The feeding device includes a base for carrying the workpiece, a mounting seat, a driving member for driving the mounting seat, a guiding assembly, and a driving mechanism mounted on the mounting seat and connected to the guiding assembly for driving the guiding assembly. The guiding assembly passes through the base, and includes first and second guiding members. The driving member is capable of driving the first and second guiding members in the workpiece. The driving mechanism is capable of driving the first and second guiding members move away from each other to a position adjacent the inner walls of the workpiece, and the elastic portions resist against the inner walls of the workpiece, such that the workpiece is hung on the fixture.
US09004259B1 Repositionable extendable stop
Repositionable extendable stops for material handling applications include top loading/unloading stops which engage with actuator through quick disconnects. Actuators are easily repositioned to a new stop location, and the stop reconnected to the actuator by loading the stop through the top of the conveyor.
US09004257B2 Sensor device in a bank note processing machine
A sensor device in a banknote processing machine comprising a transport device by means of which banknotes to be processed are transported past the sensor device, a cleaning device that cleans the sensor device or a transparent region of the sensor device, and a control device that controls the components of the banknote processing machine. The sensor device includes means for enlarging the spacing between the transport device and the sensor device. The control device controls the means and the cleaning device in such a way that the spacing between the transport device and the sensor device is enlarged by the means while the cleaning device cleans the sensor device.
US09004256B2 Medium storing device
A temporary storage in a medium storing device carries out ON/OFF monitoring of a jam sensor between a winding start position of a drum and a clamp point of a delivering roller. Accordingly, when bills are rewound in the reset operation, even when a relationship between a pulse count and a bill position becomes different from actual one, it is possible to detect, without using a pulse count, a jam between the winding start position and the clamp point. It is possible to more securely detect the abnormality in bill storing in comparison with the prior art.
US09004254B2 Parking brake system
A parking brake system that uses a locking device to maintain a parking release condition may include a control lever that may be rotatably connected to the exterior of a transmission, a shift cable that may be rotatably connected to an end of the control lever, the locking device that may be connected to the other end of the shift cable and selectively maintains the parking release condition, and a parking device that includes a piston member in a cylinder and that may be connected to the end of the control lever and uses hydraulic pressure to move the control lever and the shift cable such that the parking release condition may be maintained.
US09004246B2 System for damping oscillations in a structure
A system for damping oscillations in a structure provides two masses that can be controlled to rotate at the frequency of oscillation of the structure and in opposite directions about axes of rotation transverse to the direction of the oscillations. The masses have individually controllable moments of inertia, and when their moments of inertia are equal a harmonic linear force is generated. The phases of the rotating masses can be individually controlled whereby the direction of the resulting harmonic linear force can be controlled. The moments of inertia can be controlled by shifting their centers of gravity relative to the respective axes of rotation.
US09004244B2 Brake assembly with improved brake shoe retention
A brake assembly having a brake shoe and an anchor pin. The brake shoe may have an anchor pin slot that may include first and second connecting surfaces that extend from an arcuate bearing surface. The anchor pin may have a flat and may be inserted into the anchor pin slot when the flat is aligned with the second connecting surface.
US09004239B2 Support for supporting a structure on a surface
A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake.
US09004231B2 Elevator installation with a sound pick-up
An elevator installation includes a cage, a counterweight which balances the cage and a supporting and/or drive structure at which the cage and the counterweight are suspended. The elevator installation has a sound pick-up designed for detecting solid-borne sound generated at the counterweight.
US09004228B2 Container for collecting waste lubricant
A container for collecting a liquid lubricant has a housing having one end formed with an inlet opening connectable to a source of the liquid lubricant and an opposite end formed with a vent hole, with a piston inside the housing subdividing the housing into a front lubricant compartment into which the inlet opening opens and a rear compartment into which the vent hole opens. The piston is shiftable between a front position close to the intake opening and a rear position close to the vent hole such that as the liquid lubricant fills the lubricant compartment the piston moves into the rear position. Formations on the piston and on the housing seal between the piston and the housing around the vent hole only when the piston is in the rear position.
US09004222B2 Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus transmits rotational force of a motor to a rack shaft via a driver pulley, a belt, a driven pulley, and a ball nut. A ball bearing and the driven pulley are fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut. Also, the ball nut is rotationally supported to the inner circumferential surface of a housing via the ball bearing. A female thread portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the driven pulley. The ball nut has a male thread portion formed in a first end and a flange formed in a second end. By fastening the male thread portion and the female thread portion to each other, the ball bearing is clamped between the flange and the driven pulley, while the ball nut and the driven pulley are fastened to each other.
US09004218B2 Joystick with improved control for work vehicles
A system for controlling a work vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a controller configured to control motion of the work vehicle and an electronic joystick communicatively coupled to the controller. The electronic joystick may be configured to transmit signals to the controller as it is moved between a neutral position and a full stroke position. The joystick may also be configured such that a varying joystick force is required to move the joystick between the neutral and full stroke positions. In addition, a rate of change of the joystick force may be varied as the electronic joystick is moved across a start/stop position defined between the neutral and full stroke positions.
US09004202B2 Omnidirectional wheel that can be driven by a motor and vehicle provided therewith
Spherical wheel that can be driven by a motor comprising a first body (1.1) and a second body (1.2) which are substantially hemispherical and are mounted coaxially to one another so as to pivot about a support axle (2), the bodies being separated by an interstice (3) into which there extends a shaft (6), said shaft having an end that is rigidly connected to the support axle and an opposite end that is connected to a drive motor, characterized in that at least one element (7, 17) extending at least one portion of the outer surface of the bodies extends into the interstice.Vehicle comprising a chassis that is supported by such wheels.
US09004201B2 Jumping robot
A jumping robot is provided. In another aspect, a jumping robot weighs less than 50 grams, jumps at least 20 cm high and has a maximum linear dimension of 10 cm. A further aspect provides a robot that employs an electromagnetic actuator that actuates at least two of: jumping, steering, self-righting, and/or mid-air orientation control.
US09004199B2 Drill bits and methods of manufacturing such drill bits
In one aspect, an impregnated drill bit is provided having at least one insert positioned within at least one of the plurality of blades such that the insert spans more than 75% of the height of the blade and at least a portion of the blade has a blade height of at least 40 mm. In another aspect, an impregnated drill bit is provided having a plurality of blades with at least a portion of at least one blade having a blade height of at least 60 mm. Also provided are methods of manufacturing such impregnated drill bits.
US09004194B2 Downhole tractor
A method of translating a member through a bore involving moving fluid through a tubular member such as a drill string, and generating impulses on the member by varying the passage of fluid through the member using a valve which opens at a first rate and closes at a different second rate to urge the member to advance in a selected direction. The valve may close quickly and open slowly, or may close slowly and open quickly.
US09004186B2 Resin laminated film for enclosing fire extinguishing agent and fire extinguishing equipment utilizing the same
A fire extinguishing equipment for extinguishing cooking oil fires includes fire extinguishing agent, a single-layer hot-melt resin film enclosing the fire extinguishing agent, at least one float, and a quadratic prism-shaped paper case enclosing the single-layer hot-melt adhesive film and the at least one float. The quadratic prism-shaped paper case includes a plurality of sides, at least one of which has al least one outlet.
US09004182B2 Expandable downhole actuator, method of making and method of actuating
Disclosed herein is a downhole actuator. The actuator includes, a discontinuous tubular being configured to restrict longitudinal expansion while longitudinally contracting in response to radial expansion.
US09004175B2 Method and system for rapid containment and intervention of a subsea well blowout
A method and system for rapid containment and intervention of a subsea well blowout that can be performed in a rapid and efficient manner, where containment will minimize the damage to the environment and assets. The method can include disconnecting a riser from a subsea well after a blowout has occurred and moving the mobile offshore drilling unit away from the subsea well. Connecting a lower marine riser package with a blowout preventer, and diverting the well. The pressure and flow of the well fluid can be observed. At least of portion of the diversion path can be closed off and kill fluid and or cement pumped to the subsea well to kill and control the well.
US09004174B2 System, apparatus, and method for monitoring a subsea flow device
A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a radiation output that is indicative of the characteristic.
US09004172B2 Systems, materials, and methods for recovering material from bedrock using supercritical argon compositions
A material to be used for hydraulic fracturing, comprising argon maintained as a supercritical fluid, and a proppant. The material may also include any one of a variety of gels, foaming agents, and/or gases. The material may be used in a system to recover resources from bedrock, the system comprising the fracturing material, at least one mixer, a pump to inject the material into a bore well, and a recovery unit to recover the resource from the well. The material and system may be used in a variety of methods for extracting resources from bedrock, the method including mixing the proppant with the supercritical argon to form a mixture, pumping the mixture into a bore well, and recovering the resource from the bore well. Additionally, the material and bore well may comprise a structure used in the extraction of resources from bedrock.
US09004167B2 Methods of using invert emulsion fluids with high internal phase concentration
In a method of gravel packing a wellbore in a subterranean formation, the wellbore comprising a cased section and an uncased section, the method may include pumping into the wellbore a gravel pack composition comprising gravel and a carrier fluid comprising an invert emulsion fluid, where the invert emulsion fluid may comprise: an oleaginous external phase; a non-oleaginous internal phase, wherein a ratio of the oleaginous external phase and non-oleaginous internal phase is less than 50:50 and an emulsifier stabilizing the oleaginous external phase and the non-oleaginous internal phase.
US09004161B2 Apparatus and methods for real time communication in drill strings
A drill pipe made according to one embodiment includes a number of serially connected tubulars with a communication device placed between the connecting ends of the tubulars, wherein the communication device provides a direct data communication link between the adjoining tubulars.
US09004157B2 Blowout preventer
A blowout preventer comprising: a main body comprising a seal seating profile, one or more bonnet guideways, and one or more slide guideways; a bonnet attached to the main body, wherein the bonnet comprises one or more guide rods, a ram unit, and a seal seating profile; two retention units attached to the main body and the bonnet, wherein each retention unit comprise a clamp block, one or more guide rods, and a bonnet guideway; and a metal seal, wherein the metal seal is seated in the seal seating profile of the main body and the seal seating profile of the bonnet.
US09004156B2 Flow activated sensor assembly
A sensor assembly for detection of fluid flow signaling over a tubular conveyance. The assembly may be employed for activation of a variety of different downhole actuators such as firing heads for perforating guns or hydrostatic set modules for packer deployment. The assembly is configured with a flow translation device which is disposed in a manner exposed to fluid flow directed through an oilfield tubular coupled to the assembly. Thus, a detector coupled to the translation device may obtain mechanical data from the device which is reliably indicative of the flow, irrespective of the physical nature of the flow itself. As such, enhanced reliability for subsequent actuator firing based on the flow signaling may be achieved.
US09004147B2 Method and apparatus for press casting
An apparatus for press casting includes a casting mold formed of a fixed mold and a first moving mold operable to move relative to the fixed mold. The apparatus further includes a second moving mold operable to move relative to the first moving mold. A mold cavity, which forms a cast product, is configured by the fixed mold and the second moving mold. When the first moving mold is moved to a first predetermined position, a molten metal passage and a gas exhaust port, which communicate with the mold cavity, are formed at positions outside the mold cavity. A communication between the mold cavity and the molten metal passage, and the gas exhaust port is cut off by the second moving mold when the second moving mold is moved to a second predetermined position while the first moving mold is maintained at the first predetermined position thereof.
US09004144B2 Window covering with independently movable support rods
A window treatment system and method of installing the system are provided. The system includes a first and a second u-track positioned on opposite sides of a window frame. A first support rod and a second support rod each have a first end positioned in the first u-track and a second end positioned in the second u-track. A shade is coupled to the first and the second support rods and the rods frictionally support the shade and rods within the window frame. The method includes attaching a first u-track to a first side of a window frame and attaching a second u-track to a second, opposing side of a window frame. A shade is installed on the first and second support rods. A first end of a first and second support rod is inserted into the first u-shaped track and a second end of the first and second support rods are inserted in the second u-shaped track.
US09004142B2 Blind assembly with two blind head rail
A blind for a building opening, having; an upper blind roller, located in an upper region of the head rail, a lower blind attachment located in a lower region of the head rail, an upper blind stored on the upper blind roller, a lower blind stored on the lower blind attachment, upper and lower blind control mechanism operable to operate the blinds and in which the upper blind roller is located in an upper plane in the head rail and the lower blind attachment is located in a lower plane, the axes being displaced vertically from one another, and in which the upper blind depends down beside the lower blind attachment, and in which the lower blind depends down alongside said upper blind, so as to provide a head rail having a slim, aesthetically pleasing profile.
US09004139B2 Two-way up-down curtain
A two-way up-down curtain includes a fixed top base including a device space and its bottom is drilled several eyelets. A coil rope control device is located in the device space is coiled with a first and a second thread. The threads penetrate through the eyelet in the bottom of the fixed top base. A curtain under the fixed top base includes a mobile top, a bottom and a curtain. The first thread penetrates through the mobile top, curtain and bottom downwards, and through the bottom downwards with an extended end. A pulling base is only fixed to the extended end of the first thread mutually, so that the user can push and pull the mobile top or the pulling base by hand to change the state of the curtain. The mobile top can be actually prevented from moving to result in clearance to the fixed top base.
US09004135B2 Method and apparatus for bonding together two wafers by molecular adhesion
The invention provides a method of bonding a first wafer onto a second wafer by molecular adhesion, the method comprising applying a point of initiation of a bonding wave between the first and second wafers, the method further comprising projecting a gas stream between the first wafer and the second wafer generally toward the point of initiation of the bonding wave while the bonding wave is propagating between the wafers. The invention also provides a bonding apparatus for carrying out the bonding method.
US09004134B2 Method and plant for applying a heat-shrinkable lable to containers
A container labelling method consisting of predisposing means for supporting at least one container in an erect position; from below, mounting onto the body of said at least one container a heat-shrinkable label in the form of an annular band; and causing the label to adhere to said container. The method is implemented by a plant comprising a device for supporting and transporting at least one container which acts from above on the container suspended in an erect position; means for mounting a heat-shrinkable annular band onto the container from below; and means for causing said label to adhere to said container by heat-shrinkage.
US09004130B2 Manual and automatic heat welding gun
A portable, handheld, light-weight device for sealing seams between adjacent sheets of flooring in which a seam following guide is incorporated as an inseparable part of the body of the handheld device. The guide has a pair of laterally separated rollers carried by a roller mounting that has a narrow, seam following element located midway between the rollers. A support on the body may be extended to hold a sealant dispensing tip out of contact with the adjacent sheets of flooring, or collapsed to allow the tip to contact the adjacent sheets of flooring that are to be sealed together with sealant therebetween. An electrically powered propulsion system drives the rollers and is operable to automatically advance the device along a seam as sealant is discharged into it. Alternatively, the device can be manipulated manually with the propulsion system disabled for use in detail work.
US09004127B2 Tension-based non-pneumatic tire
A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner surface, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a hub and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface may assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load. With the portion of the tire in the footprint region not bearing a significant portion of the load, non-pneumatic tire may exhibit a more comfortable ride subject to less noise and vibration and improved handling capabilities.
US09004118B2 Filling system
A filling system for a detergent vessel comprises a reservoir (2) having a dispensing nozzle (3) and a detergent vessel (16) having a filling spout (15). The nozzle has a collar with engagement means which when inserted into the filling spout engage a portion of the filling spout providing an effective seal.
US09004113B2 Pipe having variable cross section
A pipe having variable cross section and including a working core pipe, capillary pipes or sheets, an outer pipe, a connection support, and a cavity. The capillary pipes or sheets are attached to an external surface of the working core pipe. The connection support connects the working core pipe and the outer pipe. The cavity is formed between the working core pipe and the outer pipe and has variable cross section.
US09004110B2 Water hammer arrestor
A hollow, cylindrical water hammer arrestor includes an axial passage; two externally threaded extensions disposed at both ends respectively, each of the externally threaded extensions having a diameter less than that of the axial passage; a plurality of first rings disposed in the axial passage, each of the first rings having a plurality of teeth formed on an inner surface; and a plurality of second rings disposed in the axial passage, each of the second rings having a smooth inner surface. The first and second rings are alternately disposed from one end of the axial passage to the other end in the axial passage.
US09004107B2 Methods and apparatus for enhanced gas flow rate control
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling gas flow to a semiconductor-processing chamber. The invention includes deactivating ratio setpoint feedback control in a flow ratio controller; initiating gas flow through the flow ratio controller; moving valves of the flow ratio controller to a preset position based on a stored position when an upstream pressure reaches a stored upstream pressure value, wherein the stored position and the stored upstream pressure value were stored during a prior process run; determining that steady state flow ratio controller output flows have been reached; and activating ratio setpoint feedback control in the flow ratio controller. Numerous additional features are disclosed.
US09004105B2 Valve device
A valve device includes a housing (2) and a valve piston (4) axially displaceable in a piston bore (3) of housing (2). First and second load connections (A, B) can alternately be connected to a pressure connection (P) and to tank connections (T1, T2) by moving the piston from an idle position by first and second solenoids (5, 6). First and second pilot control chambers (7, 9) pressurize first and second piston back sides (8, 10) of the valve piston (4). The pressure in the pilot control chambers (7, 9) is controlled by first and second pilot control pistons (12, 13) movable by the solenoids (5, 7). The pilot control chambers (7, 9) are connected via a connection (11) to the pressure connection (P). The pilot control pistons (12, 13) open or close connections (14) between the pilot control chambers (7, 9) and the tank connections (T1, T2).
US09004102B2 Apparatus and method for offloading a hydrocarbon fluid
Disclosed are various apparatus and method for transferring a hydrocarbon fluid between two bodies. To this purpose, a transfer skid and transfer hoses are moved from a first body to a second body to be installed thereupon to provide fluid communication between the two bodies. Offloading of hydrocarbon fluid may then take place between the two bodies. Emergency release operation may be triggered during the offloading, where the transfer hoses are disconnected from the transfer skid, and are returned to the first body. Various features of the transfer skid and associated apparatus allow the transfer skid to be installed on the second body with improved mating connections, transfer hoses to be returned to the first body after offloading operation without hydrocarbon fluid leakage, and transfer hoses to disconnect with speed and safety during emergency release operation.
US09004092B2 Device for draining a tank of a spaceborne system
A device (1) for draining a tank of fluid under pressure pertaining to a space system includes a pyrotechnic actuator that is suitable to perforate a conduit (2) in fluid communication with the tank, the device including a collar (4) that is suitable to enclose the conduit, the collar bearing: a pyrotechnic cartridge (5) for perforation, oriented radially towards the conduit (2), and an anvil (11), diametrically opposed to the cartridge in relation to the conduit, that is suitable to collect debris generated by the perforation.
US09004083B2 Dishwasher, especially domestic dishwasher
A dishwasher including a cutlery basket that has an adjustable compartment. The adjustable compartment receives a cutlery item that is adjustable between a loading position for loading and/or unloading the adjustable compartment and an angled position for carrying out cleaning and/or drying the cutlery item. In the angled position, a first clearance height of the cutlery item is reduced in relation to a second clearance height of the cutlery item in the loading position.
US09004080B2 Water-bearing domestic appliance including a suspension apparatus with attachment means formed by openings through the base body
A water-bearing domestic appliance is provided which has an appliance element and an appliance component that is attached to the appliance element at a suspension point. The suspension point is disposed in a region of the center of gravity of the appliance component.
US09004074B2 Method for extraction of nicotine from tobacco raw material
The invention relates to methods of nicotine extraction from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb. The proposed method for extraction of nicotine from tobacco, caporal and tobacco crumb implies continuous extraction from raw material with low-boiling solvents at vapor phase followed by solvent stripper and recurrence for further reuse in the process.
US09004073B2 Electronic cigarette
An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a fibrous element downstream of the heater.
US09004070B2 Tracheotomy tube set
A tracheotomy tube set is provided with a tracheotomy tube including: a cannula including a connecting member at a proximal end and a bellows member joining to the connecting member, a balloon cuff formed proximal to a distal end of the cannula, a first wing extending from one side of one end of the balloon cuff, a second wing extending from the other side of one end of the balloon cuff, a first wedge balloon formed between the first wing and an insertion section between the balloon cuff and the distal end of the cannula, an opposite second wedge balloon formed between the second wing and the insertion section, and a line having one end communicating with both the first and second wedge balloons; and a fixation device including a split flange, a hole through the split flange, and two slots formed at both sides of the fixation device respectively.
US09004069B2 Method of detecting endotracheal tube misplacement
A method of intubating a subject is disclosed. The method comprises inserting an endotracheal tube into the tracheal airway of the subject; inflating a cuff associated with the endotracheal tube within the airway below the vocal cords; measuring a level of at least one measure being indicative of leakage of secretion past the cuff to the lungs; comparing the level of the measure with an optimal level of the measure; and adjusting inflation of the cuff based on the comparison so as to generally minimize leakage of secretion from above the cuff to the lungs, while minimizing pressure associated damages to the airway. The measure(s) can be carbon dioxide concentration, a proxy measure from which such concentration can be inferred, or the level of one or more additives delivered to a subject during intubation.
US09004062B2 Device for dosed administration of sprayable substances with operating and release options
A device for dosed administration of a sprayable substance, in particular aerosols, with an electronic unit for recording the administrations. The device includes a first housing part that forms a seat for a container, which contains the sprayable substance and has a valve. The device also includes a second housing part, which is movable relative to the first housing part and has an actuating part for acting on the valve to actuate the valve for administration of the sprayable substance. The electronic unit records the administrations of the sprayable substance and includes a switch that is actuated by the relative movement of first and second housing parts.
US09004059B2 Reusable heater in a package
A heater in a housing with an opening. The heater reacts with oxygen to produce heat and upon consumption of the oxygen, the heating reaction stops and can be restarted at a later point in time upon the introduction of additional oxygen and is used in a package for heating pre-moistened substrates such as sanitary wipes, and the like.
US09004056B2 Electronically adjusted bowsight
A sight and range finder for a projectile launching device are disclosed. The range finder calculates a range between a target and a projectile launching device, and transmits a signal indicative of the range. The sight visually aligns the target with the projectile launching device. A drive assembly moves an alignment member of the sight, and at least one processor receives the signal and actuates the drive assembly to move the alignment portion a selected distance based on the range.
US09004045B2 Tank ventilation and cooling system for hybrid vehicles
A deaeration and cooling system for a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine includes an absorption refrigerator configured to cool fuel in the fuel tank. The absorption refrigerator includes a burner, an evaporator and an exhaust-gas heat exchanger. Thermal energy for operating the absorption refrigerator is obtained from the combustion of evaporated fuel. The evaporated fuel is removed from the fuel tank and supplied to the burner of the absorption refrigerator.
US09004026B2 Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine may include at least one camshaft mounted via at least one bearing with at least one phase adjuster. The at least one bearing may be a rolling bearing. An oil feed ring may surround the camshaft adjacent to the rolling bearing, wherein the oil feed ring may have at least one external annular channel and at least one first radial bore aligned with a second radial bore in the camshaft. An outer diameter of the oil feed ring may be smaller than an outer diameter of the rolling bearing. An oil supply of the at least one phase adjuster may be introduced via an oil gallery defined in a cylinder head through the annular channel through the second radial bore into the camshaft.
US09004020B2 Method for warming an internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine
The disclosure relates to a method for expediting warm up of an internal combustion engine cylinder block and engine oil utilizing an existing oil coolant circuit. A method for warming up an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder, a cylinder block which is formed by an upper crankcase half mounted to a lower crankcase half, said lower crankcase half containing an oil sump which is fed, via a supply line, by a coolant jacket, an inlet side of said coolant jacket supplied in turn with oil via the oil sump by an oil pump, the method comprising: releasing oil from the coolant jacket via gravity to reduce a cooling capacity of the internal combustion engine.
US09004009B2 Rotary pet brush
Disclosed is a rotary brush for use in grooming a pet, such as a dog or cat. The brush includes a handle to which a head is rotatably mounted. The head preferably includes a series of channels that accepted elongated rows of tines. The tines can be formed in any of a variety of shapes or arrangements to facilitate proper grooming. A skin guard can also be included to prevent the tines from damaging the pet's skin. An accumulator is secured to the handle and is interdigitated with the series of upstanding tines. In this manner, the accumulator collects hair gathered by the tines.
US09004006B2 Process chamber lid design with built-in plasma source for short lifetime species
An apparatus and a method for depositing materials, and more particularly a vapor deposition chamber configured to deposit a material during a plasma-enhanced process are provided. In one embodiment a chamber comprises a chamber body defining a process volume, a substrate support disposed in the process volume and configured to support one or more substrates, a process lid assembly disposed over the substrate support, wherein the process lid assembly has a plasma cavity configured to generate a plasma and provide one or more radical species to the process volume, a RF (radio frequency) power source coupled to the gas distribution assembly, a plasma forming gas source coupled with the process lid assembly, and a reactant gas source coupled with the process lid assembly.
US09004004B2 Optical sensing methods and apparatus for detecting a color of a marking substance
Marking devices for dispensing a marking substance on the ground and marking methods are provided. The marking devices and marking methods use one or more detection mechanisms to detect one or more characteristics of the marking substance. In some embodiments, the detection mechanism may be, but is not limited to, an optical sensor, an olfactory sensor, a weight sensor, a switch device, and any combination thereof. The one or more detection mechanisms may provide, for example, the capability to: (1) determine the type of marking substance that is installed in the marking device; (2) determine in advance of or during a marking operation the amount of marking substance within the marking dispenser; and (3) determine when the marking dispenser is becoming empty.
US09003994B2 In-line mooring connector and tensioner
A mooring system for offshore vessels uses a chain stopper within a preset mooring line. The chain stopper has means for attaching a removable hydraulic chain jack actuator which may be used to stroke the chain through the stopper assembly while both the stopper and the mooring line remain under load.
US09003988B2 Marine lifting apparatus
A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames provides a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a package to be lifted and/or a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames. In this fashion, an object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel that is positioned in between the barges and under the frames.
US09003986B2 Autonomous sailing vessel
An unmanned ocean-going vessel including a primary hull, a rigid wing rotationally coupled with the primary hull where the rigid wing freely rotates about a rotational axis of the rigid wing, a controller configured to maintain a desired heading, a control surface element configured to aerodynamically control a wing angle of the rigid wing based on a position of the control surface element, where the controller is configured to determine a control surface angle and generate a signal to position the control surface element based on the control surface angle, a rudder, where the controller is further configured to determine a rudder position and generate a signal to position the rudder to the rudder position, and a keel including ballast sufficient to provide a positive righting moment sufficient to cause the primary hull to passively right from any position.
US09003972B2 Reflection densitometer
A method for determining optical density is disclosed. A first measurement is taken on a white area of a substrate (402). A second measurement is taken on an area of the substrate printed with ink (404). A relative optical density of the ink is determined using the first and second measurements (406).
US09003968B2 Screw extruder
In a screw extruder comprising a screw shaft on which at least one screw blade is disposed, a filter screen surrounding the screw shaft and including filter openings is arranged within oppositely located frames and a funnel-shaped filtrate trough is disposed below and on the outer side of the filter screen, the screw shaft is cylindrical in the region of an inlet port, widens conically in its central region, and is cylindrical in the region of the discharge port, and the filtrate trough comprises at least two chambers, which chambers are each provided with a drain for filtrate, and the first chamber in the region of the inlet port has a longitudinal extension corresponding to at least the length of the cylindrical portion of the screw shaft in the same region.
US09003961B2 Self adjusting rotisserie device
A self adjusting rotisserie device utilizing multiple positions to achieve leveling on uneven surfaces and automatic alignment on each end of a spit through the use of rotational standards and rotational attachment of a hanging motor housing and a hanging bearing housing, each fixedly attached to rods and removably attached to two standards, and each removably attached to a base; a method of cooking food utilizing a self adjusting rotisserie.
US09003960B2 Frying apparatus and method
A frying apparatus includes a basin for holding a volume of oil, the basin including a plurality of catches on opposed internal sidewalls of the basin, and a basket dimensioned to be received in the basin and including a pair of handles and at least one catch member. The catch member is movable between a safety position in which the catch member is biased away from the basket and towards the sidewalls, and a clearance position in which the catch member is urged inwards towards the basket. When the catch member is in the safety position, the catch member is configured to engage one of the catches on the internal sidewalls of the basin.
US09003953B2 Lockable hydraulic actuator
An apparatus comprising a downhole tool having a body defining an outer surface, a plurality of standoffs distributed about the outer surface, and a hydraulic circuit operatively coupled to the standoffs. The hydraulic circuit includes a plurality of hydraulically actuated pistons, each of which is operatively coupled to a respective one of the standoffs to extend and retract the respective standoff. The pistons are hydraulically coupled and sized to extend or retract the respective standoffs at substantially the same rate in response to a hydraulic control signal.
US09003945B2 Protection grid
The invention relates to protection grid against a projectile, for example of the rocket type that incorporates a body extended by a fuse, said grid incorporating bars linked together by uprights, and is characterized in that said grid is formed in a single piece and is of a thickness that is less than three times the thickness of a bar, the section of a bar and uprights being polygonal with square edges.
US09003943B2 Object-focussed decision support
The invention relates to a method for decision support of a combat object (1) in a combat situation comprising the steps of: a) detecting (3) an enemy object (2) such that a plurality of characteristic parameters of the enemy object (2) is determined, b) calculating (4) at least one quality factor for at least one combat sensor of the combat object (1), wherein each quality factor is adapted for indicating identification ability of a combat sensor, and calculating (4) at least one signature factor for at least one enemy sensor of the enemy object (2) based on a predetermined model, wherein each signature factor is adapted for indicating identification ability of an enemy sensor, c) allocating (5) each quality factor calculated in the previous step b) to each combat sensor and allocating (5) each signature factor calculated in the previous step b) to each enemy sensor, and d) controlling (6) each combat sensor against the enemy object (2) based on the result of the previous step c). In this way, support for the pilot on a target-oriented basis is provided in order to make a quick and efficient decision in a combat situation.
US09003927B2 Tire repair tool
A tire repair tool including a combined reamer and plugger wherein a single combined bit is fitted into a handle, the bit including a reamer element and a plugger element.
US09003923B2 Cover structure of machine tool
A cover structure of a machine tool, including a fixed cover for isolating the inside portion of the machine tool from the outside, the inside portion serving as a machining space, and a one-side opening type slide door for opening and closing an opening portion formed in the fixed cover, includes a stop structure portion for, when the slide door is closed, stopping the slide door at a predetermined distance away from the end surface of the opening portion of the fixed cover. The stop structure portion is provided on a portion of the slide door other than the closing-direction-side end surface of the slide door, or at a portion of the fixed cover other than the slide-door-closing-side end surface of the opening portion of the fixed cover.
US09003921B2 Removable pedal platform
The invention relates to a bicycle pedal which comprises a body, a platform, and a pin, where the pin comprises a traction spike, a thread, a shoulder and a head. The platform is removable, and the platform is constrained in relation to the body by the pin, where the shoulder and head are used to locate the platform away from the body during tightening.
US09003920B2 Pedal arm, manufacturing apparatus thereof, and manufacturing method thereof
A pedal arm provided with an arm main body has a first end portion, a second end portion, a pedal pad portion, and a shaft portion. The arm main body includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion in a first direction, and a third wall portion and a fourth wall portion in a second direction. One of the first wall portion and the second wall portion includes an abutting portion where the first end portion and the second end portion contacts, and the third wall portion and the fourth wall portion include a first curved portion and a second curved portion. A first depressed wall portion and a second depressed wall portion are formed on the first curved portion and the second curved portion, which are formed in inward convex shapes, respectively, and parts of the first depressed wall portion and the second depressed wall portion contact.
US09003919B2 Ceiling-mounted scara robot
A ceiling-mounted SCARA robot includes: a base, a first arm that is connected to the lower side of the base via a first coupling part centering around a first articulated shaft and that can pivotally move around the first articulated shaft within a horizontal plane, a second arm that is connected to the lower side of the first arm via a second coupling part centering around a second articulated shaft and that can pivotally move around the second articulated shaft within a horizontal plane, a working shaft that is mounted on the second arm, a second articulated shaft motor and a second articulated shaft reducer for driving the second arm, and a working-shaft rotation motor that rotates the working shaft. The second articulated shaft reducer is provided on the second coupling part, and the working-shaft rotation motor is arranged directly below the second articulated shaft reducer.
US09003911B2 Ball screw device
A ball screw device even with a small lead angle and a small number of circulation rolls, includes a rotational part, which keeps unequal division of tongue portions and legs connected to the tongue portions to a minimum and ensures the strength of the tongue portions. A recirculating part of the ball screw device includes a pair of legs, each having a tongue portion for scooping up balls in a direction approximately tangential to a spiral raceway, and a main body connecting the pair of legs. First divided faces for dividing the pair of legs along a ball recirculating path, and a second divided face for dividing the main body along the ball recirculating path are also included. The second divided face is formed by an upper divided face and a lower divided face of the ball recirculating path so that the upper divided face and the lower divided face intersect with each other when viewed from a flat surface of the nut.
US09003908B2 Working vehicle
According to one embodiment, a working vehicle includes: a main change speed mechanism configured to transmit a rotating power, generated by a power source; a first auxiliary change speed mechanism configured to transmit the rotating power, transmitted through the main change speed mechanism, to drive wheels; a second auxiliary change speed mechanism configured to transmit the rotating power to the drive wheels; a first lever configured to operate the first auxiliary change speed mechanism to perform a first auxiliary shift operation; and a second lever configured to operate the second auxiliary change speed mechanism to perform a second auxiliary shift operation, wherein: the first auxiliary change speed mechanism is activated when the second auxiliary change speed mechanism in a neutral state; and the second auxiliary change speed mechanism is activated when the first auxiliary change speed mechanism is in the neutral state.
US09003905B1 Power transmitting apparatus for vehicle
A power transmitting apparatus may selectively transmit torque of power source to two input shafts through two clutches and may output changed torque through two output shafts after the torque selectively transmitted to the two input shafts is changed, wherein the two input shafts may respectively have a plurality of input gears fixed thereon, the two output shafts may respectively have a plurality of speed gears rotatable on the output shafts and a plurality of synchronizers operably connecting each speed gear to any one of the output shafts, and each input gear may be engaged with at least one speed gear.
US09003902B1 Drive assembly
A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover and having a variable speed transmission disposed within a housing is disclosed. A power take off is driven by an output shaft of the prime mover and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.
US09003890B2 Spiral concentrically wound bourdon tube
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a pressure sensor that provides improved reliability, reduced cost, and improved performance over currently available pressure sensor designs. The pressure sensor may include a spiral concentrically wound tube coil having a sealed end and an open end, wherein the stem or open end of the tube is oriented so as to be parallel with a plane of the coil windings. In one embodiment, the spiral concentrically wound tube coil may be a Bourdon tube.
US09003887B2 Ultrasonic sensor
An ultrasonic sensor includes a cylindrical case having a bottom and a side wall, a piezoelectric element attached to an inner bottom surface of the case, a terminal retainer configured to hold outer terminals and inner terminals, and wires connected to the inner terminals and configured to feed power to the piezoelectric element. The side wall of the case has a thin portion adjacent to an opening of the case and a thick portion adjacent to the bottom of the case. The elastic member is provided between the thick portion and the terminal retainer. An opening region surrounded by the thick portion is preferably covered with the elastic member. The case is preferably internally filled with a filler.
US09003868B2 Liquid chromatograph and sample introducing apparatus
Disclosed herein is a sample introducing apparatus which is designed such that the analytical flow path runs from the needle to the separation column without the flow path switching means placed at the downstream side of the needle. This design reduces dead volume, which in turn reduces the diffusion of the sample injected into the analytical flow path. Moreover, the absence of the flow path switching means at the downstream side of the needle to inject a sample into the analytical flow path eliminates connection of the pipe with the flow path switching means. This prevents the sample from remaining in the connecting part, thereby reducing sample carry-over and improving the accuracy of analysis.
US09003861B2 Auto-calibration systems for coin counting devices
Systems and methods for calibrating a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-calibrating coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable carrier holding at least one test coin or other test object. The carrier can move the test object past or through the coin sensor to calibrate the coin sensor. Embodiments of the present technology can include rotatable and linearly moveable carriers that are configured to move an attached test object through a coin sensor. Additionally, auto-calibrating coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can be configured to initiate an auto-calibration based on the commencement of a coin counting session, a set schedule, a temperature change, and/or other events.
US09003859B2 Bending instrument and methods of using same
A bending instrument is disclosed having first and second lever assemblies. The first lever assembly has a first lever and a first bending member, and the second lever assembly has a second lever that is configured for pivotal motion relative to the first lever. The bending instrument also has a gear assembly that is rotatively coupled to a distal portion of the first lever and which defines a lobe on which a second bending member is mounted. The second bending member of the gear assembly is configured to be angularly rotated upon the pivotal rotation of the second lever relative to the first lever.
US09003858B1 Bending die having surface microstructures and bending punch thereof
Provided are a bending die having surface microstructures and a bending punch thereof applicable to stamping processing to bend a blank to form a shape. The bending die includes a lower die, an upper die, and a workpiece placing piece. The lower die includes a die, and the die includes a forming surface. The upper die includes a bending punch, the bending punch stamps a blank placed on the die in a back and forth stroke, and the bending punch includes a working portion coming into contact with the blank during stamping. The workpiece placing piece is disposed between the upper die and the lower die and used to position or/and press the blank placed on the die. A plurality of microstructures are disposed on the forming surface and/or on the surface of the working portion.
US09003851B2 Embossing device, embossing method, and embossed can
To provide an embossing device, an embossing method and an embossed can which are capable of conducting embossing having a non-shaped section and an arbitral number of embossed areas, and are capable of improving quality or productivity.An embossed can 10 is a double-embossed surface can in which on a can barrel 101 a first pattern 104 is printed; a first concave part 105 is formed in the state that it is so positioned as to almost conform to the first pattern 104; a second pattern 106 is printed at a position which is distant in the circumferential direction with the non-shaped section therebetween; and a second concave portion 107 is formed in the state that it is so positioned as to almost conform to the second pattern 106.
US09003846B2 Method for measuring flatness of sheet material and method for manufacturing steel sheet using the same
Measuring sheet material flatness includes projecting a bright and dark pattern made up of bright parts and dark parts onto a sheet material surface travelling in a lengthwise direction, picking up an image of pattern with image pickup device to acquire a pattern image, with the pickup device having a field of view larger than a sheet material width. The acquired pattern image is analyzed, wherein a pattern in which a bright part is disposed at a predetermined set pitch respectively in longitudinal and lateral directions is formed by an LED light at a predetermined pitch respectively in the longitudinal and lateral directions. The pattern is projected onto the surface such that the longitudinal direction of the pattern lies along a lengthwise direction of the sheet material, and the lateral direction of the pattern lies along a width direction of the sheet material.
US09003845B2 Lock apparatus and method
Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar.
US09003839B2 Laundry machine
A laundry machine is provided that includes a tub to receive wash water, a drum rotatably disposed in the tub, a shaft connected to the drum, a bearing housing to support the shaft, a tub back including a rim that extends in a front to rear direction and coupled to the bearing housing at a front thereof, a rear gasket coupled to the rim of the tub back, and a suspension configured to reduce vibration of the drum. The rear gasket is connected between the tub back and the tub rear.
US09003837B2 Apparatus including a plurality of spray distribution nozzles for washing articles without agitation
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for washing articles. Said method and apparatus enabling efficient cleaning and drying of garments and other items within a receptacle (29) having no rotational components. In a preferred embodiment, this is achieved by providing at least one receptacle (29) for containing the washing articles, the receptacle (29) having a plurality of subdivisions for accommodating separate articles. The present invention also includes a plurality of spray distribution nozzles (15, 16) to direct a suitable quantity of water and detergent onto the separate washing articles and then controlling a predetermined cycle of washing and rinsing. As the washing articles are washed and dried separately, the creases that are associated with prior art washing machines are significantly reduced, and the garments are ready to wear without the further laborious and time-consuming task of ironing.
US09003835B2 Precision roll forming of textured sheet glass
A process and apparatus for precision glass roll forming a supply of molten glass at a glass temperature of 1000° C. or higher with a pair of hot forming rolls having a surface temperature of about 500° C. or higher located vertically below the glass feed. The forming rolls thin the supplied stream of molten glass to produce a formed glass ribbon. A pair of cold sizing and texturing rolls maintained at a surface temperature of about 400° C. or lower or 300° C. or lower is located vertically below the forming rolls. The sizing and texturing rolls thin and texture the formed glass ribbon to produce a sized glass ribbon having a desired texture, thickness and thickness uniformity. The sized and textured glass ribbon may have a thickness of 1 mm or less that varies in thickness by no more than +/−0.025 mm.
US09003832B2 Method of making a silica crucible in a controlled atmosphere
A silica crucible is made in a mold cavity of the type in which ambient atmosphere can be drawn through silica grain in the cavity. In one embodiment, a silica grain layer is formed in the mold cavity and gas, which may comprise helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, or a mixture thereof, is introduced into the mold cavity. The silica grain layer is heated while substantially no ambient atmosphere is drawn through the silica grain. Thereafter, at least a portion of the silica grain layer is fused while drawing ambient atmosphere through the silica grain. The gas displaces air in the mold cavity thereby reducing nitrogen oxides and ozone.
US09003827B2 Expansion unit for a vapour compression system
An expansion device unit (4) for a vapor compression system (1), and a vapor compression system (1) are disclosed. The expansion device unit (4) comprises an inlet opening (17) arranged to receive fluid medium, at least two outlet openings (18) arranged to deliver fluid medium, a main expanding section (6) adapted to expand fluid medium received via the inlet opening (17) before delivering the fluid medium to the outlet openings (18), and a distribution section (7) arranged to split the fluid flow received via the inlet opening (17) into at least two fluid flows to be delivered via the outlet openings (18). The main expanding section (6) and/or the distribution section (7) is/are arranged to cause pressures in fluid delivered via at least two of the outlet openings (18) to be distinct. The main expanding section (6) is operated on the basis of one or more parameters measured in the fluid flow delivered by one of the outlet openings (18). The distinct pressure levels allow distinct evaporating temperature in evaporator paths (5a, 5b, 5c) connected to the outlet openings (18). Thereby a large temperature difference between inlet temperature and outlet temperature of a secondary fluid flow across the evaporator (5) can be obtained, without requiring that the entire mass flow must be compressed from a low pressure level by the compressor (2). Thereby energy is conserved.
US09003819B2 Heat pump apparatus using supercooling degree to control expansion valve
A heat pump apparatus includes: a refrigerant circuit which includes a compressor, an utilization-side heat exchanger, a first expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger; an injection pipe which includes a solenoid switching valve and a second expansion valve; and an objective supercooling degree table which stores objective supercooling degrees according to condensing pressure in the refrigerant circuit and rotation number of the compressor. In the heat pump apparatus, liquid refrigerant is injected to the compressor by way of the injection pipe. The heat pump apparatus switches between a first case where the liquid refrigerant is injected to the compressor and a second case where the liquid refrigerant is not injected, and a value of the objective supercooling degree is changed between the first case and the second case to control the first expansion valve based on the value of the objective supercooling degree.
US09003815B2 Air conditioner having an air dehumidifying device and method for operating such an air conditioner
An aircraft air conditioning system has a fresh air line connected to a fresh air inlet for supplying fresh air to the air conditioning system and a sorption device disposed in the fresh air line which contains a sorbent for taking up moisture from the fresh air flowing through the fresh air line. The sorption device is adapted to expose the sorbent contained in the sorption device to ambient pressure surrounding an aircraft carrying the aircraft air conditioning system when the aircraft is flying for the purpose of regeneration of the sorbent. The sorption device is thermally connectable to a heat source that is adapted, when the aircraft is flying and while the sorbent contained in the sorption device is exposed to the ambient pressure, to supply thermal energy from the heat source to the sorbent contained in the sorption device for the purpose of assisting the regeneration.
US09003799B2 Thermodynamic cycle optimization for a steam turbine cycle
Heat flow from a steam seal header could be used in a stage, such as a low pressure stage, of a steam turbine. However, the dump steam temperature from the steam seal header can be too high requiring removal of excess heat, typically through attemperation, before the dump steam is provided to the low pressure stage. Attemperation poses reliability and life issues and lowers efficiency. To address such short comings, one or more heat pumps are used to transfer heat from the dump steam to the fluid entering a boiler. This allows the dump steam temperature to be within acceptable limits, and at the same time, increase the temperature of the fluid so that the steam cycle performance is enhanced. Preferably, solid-state heat pumps are used as they are reliable, silent and can be precisely controlled.
US09003793B2 Turbocharger assembly with compressed air cooled bearings
A turbocharger assembly includes a compressor assembly, a turbine wheel, a shaft, a bearing assembly, and a cooling gas conduit. The compressor assembly includes a compressor impeller. The compressor impeller includes an outermost impeller edge and has a maximum cross-sectional dimension at the outermost impeller edge. The shaft interconnects the compressor impeller and the turbine wheel. The bearing assembly surrounds at least a portion of the shaft. The cooling gas conduit is disposed in fluid communication with the compressor assembly and the bearing assembly. At least a portion of the cooling gas conduit is disposed adjacent the outermost impeller edge such that the cooling gas conduit is configured to receive a portion of intake gases flowing along the outermost impeller edge and guide the portion of the intake gases toward the bearing assembly to cool the bearing assembly.
US09003770B2 Nacelle rear assembly for turbojet engine
The invention relates to a nacelle rear assembly for a turbojet engine, that comprises: a hood, an inner structure in the shape of a sheath in which at least the rear portion (15) is of the O-duct type and is capable of axial sliding between an operational position in which it covers the gas generator (3) of said turbojet engine and defines an annular cold-air jet with said hood, and a maintenance position downstream from said operational position. The downstream portion (15) is conformed so as to be capable of sliding without blocking relative to said gas generator (3), and the inner structure includes an upstream portion (13) that can be separated from the downstream portion (15) and that includes at least two doors (13a, 13b) capable of opening towards the outside.
US09003765B1 Engine having a rotary combustion chamber
A poppet valve engine incorporates a single rotary combustion chamber serving multiple cylinders to decrease emissions and increase thermodynamic efficiency. Virtually zero emissions are achievable by on-board fuel reforming to hydrogen. Limited heat range exposure of the rotary combustion chamber, low temperature combustion, and ceramic coatings reduce heat loss while three stage combustion, intake and fuel preheating, and fuel reforming reduce combustion process irreversibility. A supercharger increases the power density to allow engine displacement reduction. A z-crankshaft assembly coupled with a pre-combustion chamber allow knock-less and stable hydrogen combustion at virtually all load and speed conditions. Variable compression, possible in certain configurations of the z-crankshaft assembly, further increases thermal efficiency.
US09003762B2 Turbine exhaust plume mitigation system
Various embodiments include an exhaust plume mitigation system for a turbine and systems incorporating the exhaust plume mitigation system. In some embodiments, the exhaust plume mitigation system includes: a first conduit fluidly connecting a compressor to an exhaust chamber of the turbine; a first control valve operably connected with the first conduit for regulating flow of compressor air through the first conduit; and a fluid inductor including: a first inlet fluidly connected with the first conduit; a second inlet fluidly connected with ambient; and an outlet fluidly connected with the exhaust chamber.
US09003761B2 System and method for exhaust gas use in gas turbine engines
In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a first gas turbine engine. The first gas turbine engine has a first compressor configured to intake air and to produce a first compressed air and a first combustor configured to combust a first mixture to produce a first combustion gas. The first mixture has a first fuel, at least a first portion of the first compressed air, and a second combustion gas from a second gas turbine engine. The first gas turbine engine also includes a first turbine configured to extract work from the first combustion gas.
US09003760B2 Acoustic processing panel, more particularly adapted for an air intake in an aircraft nacelle
An acoustic treatment panel that is connected to an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, includes at least one acoustically resistive structure (30) and a reflective layer (32), between which are located—in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the nacelle—bands (34) of alveolar cells spaced in such a way as to allow the passage of hot air provided for a frost treatment, characterized in that it includes pipes (36) for hot air that are each delimited by at least one partition that extends from the acoustically resistive layer (30) up to the reflective layer (32) in such a way as to insulate the bands (34) of cells in the longitudinal direction.
US09003759B2 Particle separator for tip turbine engine
A particle separator (20) for a tip turbine engine (10) includes a generally conical inclined leading surface (24) leading to a maximum radius (25) and a tapered trailing surface (56) having a radius at all points therealong less than the maximum radius (25). The trailing surface (56) of the particle separator (20) is tapered and/or curved radially inwardly away from the maximum radius (25). Air flowing toward the core airflow inlet is first diverted radially outwardly by the inclined leading surface (24) of the particle separator (20) to the maximum radius (25) of the particle separator (20). The air then follows the trailing surface (56) radially inwardly to flow axially into the core airflow inlet. While the air can follow the contours of the particle separator (20) around the maximum radius (25) and into the core airflow inlet, any particles, such as dirt, will have more inertia and will pass radially outwardly of the core airflow inlet through the bypass fan.
US09003746B2 Sealing tool
A sealing tool for a packaging machine comprises a sealing tool outer part, a sealing tool inner part that is movable in the sealing tool outer part, and a seal provided between the sealing tool outer part and the sealing tool inner part. The has a planar and annular design and is fixed in a first holding region at the sealing tool outer part as well as in a second holding region at the sealing tool inner part. The second holding region is disposed at or in the proximity of an outer edge of the sealing tool inner part.
US09003743B2 Apparatus for inflating and sealing pillows in packaging cushions
A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.
US09003742B2 Closure top buffer with an inspection unit
An apparatus for producing containers may include a transport unit which transports the containers along a specified transport path, at least one handling unit which handles the containers in a specified manner, a closing unit which is located downstream of the handling unit in a transport direction of the containers and which fits closure tops onto the containers, and a feeding unit which feeds the closure tops to the closing unit. An inspection unit may be provided upstream of the feeding unit in a transport direction of the closure tops. The inspection unit inspects the closure tops and emits at least one signal which is characteristic of the physical condition of the closure tops.
US09003737B2 Demountable wall system
The present invention relates generally to modular demountable wall systems and more particularly, to a flexible and versatile demountable wall system for where control of air pressure and contaminants may be required.
US09003736B2 System for a floor covering
A system for a floor covering that includes covering panels (10A, 10B) made of a hard material, having relatively little thickness (e), with upper and lower surfaces (1a, 2a; 1b, 2b), perimetral edges (3a, 3b) and recesses (4a, 4b), and attachment parts (20) made of a relatively flexible material and having projecting members (21a, 21b) and spacing members (22a, 22b). In practice, the projecting members (21a, 21b) of the attachment parts are introduced in the recesses (4a, 4b) of the covering panels (10A, 10B) assuring the link between covering panels (10A, 10B), and the spacing members (22a, 22b) of the attachment parts (20) remain between the facing edges (3a, 3b) of the covering panels (10A, 10B) filling a gap (G) between them in the form of a joint.
US09003735B2 Floor panel assembly
A floor panel assembly includes adjacent floor panels connected together along edges thereof with a locking element extending between the edges. The locking element has a first locking surface; a locking portion at one end; a control portion near another end; and a connecting portion connecting the locking portion to the control portion. The connecting portion is slidably accommodated in a channel of one of the panels and pushed towards a first end of the channel when the locking element is moved or deformed from a first position to a second position by the control portion, the front position being when the panels are disconnected and movable relative to each other and the second position being when the panels are fixedly connected to each other.
US09003715B2 Roof anchoring safety system
A roof anchoring safety device that may be retro fit to a roofing structure. The safety device is capable of being transitioned from an actuated state to a retracted state. When in a retracted state, the device is concealed. When in an actuated state, the device is capable of connecting to a safety tether. The device may be installed during initial build of roof an accessed in future for maintenance and or future additions therein. The device is concealed by a cap that is designed to prevent ingress of ambient matter.
US09003709B2 Retention clip for outer belt weatherstrip
A retention clip for attaching an outer belt weatherstrip to a flange includes a backing plate and an anti-rotation feature attached thereto. The anti-rotation feature biases against the flange to draw the backing plate against the flange to remove lash from between the flange and the backing plate in a lateral direction relative to a first primary axis of the retention clip. An axial biasing member biases against the top edge of the flange to remove lash from between a lower edge of the flange and a latch of the retention clip in an axial direction along the first primary axis. A spacing element engages an interior surface of the outer belt weatherstrip in abutting engagement to resist movement of the outer belt weatherstrip relative to the retention clip along the first primary axis. A release mechanism allows the retention clip to disengage from the flange.
US09003700B2 Multi-functional furniture-accessory system
A central housing in a generally rectilinear configuration. The central housing has a horizontal open top, a horizontal open bottom and side walls. A horizontal lower divider panel is between the top and the bottom. Lateral openings in the housing are located in the lower section of the upstanding side walls adjacent to the bottom extent. A plurality of interchangeable upper components is chosen from the class including a cover having seat and table top on the top and bottom of the planar surfaces, an ice chest a large planter, an upper horizontal divider panel and an ice chest. The upper components are adapted to be selectively positioned on the open top and depend into the upper component. A plurality of lower components is chosen from the class including doors and casters. A lateral opening is formed in the housing adjacent to the bottom.
US09003697B2 Greenhouse system
There is provided a greenhouse system. An exemplary greenhouse system comprises at least one plant culture. At least part of a glazing of the greenhouse system comprises at least one functional layer that is adapted to the plant culture.
US09003696B2 Automated systems for removing tissue samples from seeds, and related methods
A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly.
US09003695B2 Controlled growth environments for algae cultivation
A method for cultivating algae can include providing a body of water in a substantially enclosed system. The enclosed system can have a length of channel and a cover. The method can optionally include circulating the body of water through the enclosed system under positive pressure conditions. The positive pressure should prevent ingress of any external atmosphere or material. Further, the method can include cultivating the algae in the body of water at conditions which promote growth. Likewise, a system for cultivating algae can include a channel with a cover, water in the channel, and a pump to introduce positive pressure into the system.
US09003681B2 Bucket teeth having a metallurgically bonded coating and methods of making bucket teeth
Bucket teeth having a metallurgically bonded wear-resistant coating and methods for forming the coated bucket teeth are disclosed. The bodies of the bucket teeth have a hard metal alloy slurry disposed on a surface and then are fused to form a metallurgical bond with the iron-based alloy. The wear-resistant coating can be formed of a fused, metal alloy comprising at least 60% iron, cobalt, nickel, or alloys thereof. The portion of the outer surface of the bucket teeth having the wear-resistant coating corresponds to a wear surface of the bucket teeth during operation.
US09003677B2 System and method for toning footwear
Systems and methods for toning footwear include a combination of a support ring, an insole with a cushioning material configured to contact a user's foot, and an outsole with one or more convex regions to create instability in the footwear. The support ring or stiffener band can be coupled to the outsole between the insole on one side and the forefoot and heel toning convexities on the other side. In some embodiments, the stiffener band can be formed of a material different from and stiffer than the material of the outsole. In accordance with various embodiments, when a user wears the toning footwear while walking, an increase in both the toning and strengthening of the calves, hamstrings and/or glutes results.
US09003670B2 System and method for measuring a workpiece relative to a common measurement coordinate system
A method for inspecting a surface geometry of a workpiece includes mounting the workpiece to a measurement artifact that includes a plurality of parametric datum features. The parametric datum features may be utilized by a first inspection device and a second inspection device to establish a measurement coordinate system. The surface geometry is measured relative to the measurement coordinate system with the first inspection device to provide first measurement data. The surface geometry is also measured relative to the measurement coordinate system with the second inspection device to provide second measurement data.
US09003669B2 Wear gauge for oilfield tools
A wear gauge confirms the acceptability of an outside diameter of a down hole drilling tool for down hole service. An embodiment of the wear gauge has two arcuate members pivotally connected in overlapping attachment, where each arcuate member has opposing ends and an arc length is defined between the two ends. Each of the opposing ends has an aperture penetrating through the width of the arcuate member. The free ends may be pivoted together into an overlapping configuration into a closed position. When in the closed position, the two arcuate members define a circle. The diameter of the circle is certified to be a specific value within a designated tolerance.
US09003659B1 Method of retrofitting a harmonica
A harmonica with a tube plate that provides production of sweeter, clearer notes with a minimum of skill. The tube plate has a plurality of tubes and sits over the reeds and the comb under the cover plate, a tube coupled with each air chamber in the comb. The tubes form tunnels with the air chambers, enhancing reverberation and separating the sound waves emanating from the reed in each chamber. The tube plate can be added to a conventional harmonica. The harmonica has a plurality of reed units, each reed in a separate unit. Each reed unit is individually replaced when a reed requires replacement or when modification of the harmonica key is desired. The reed units can replace a reed plate in a conventional harmonica.
US09003656B2 Securing device for securing a turbomachine rotor set up transversely to a horizontal plane against tipping over and orientation method therefor
A securing device for securing a rotor of a turbomachine against tilting is provided, the rotor being arranged perpendicular in relation to a horizontal plane. The securing device includes a support surface enabling the rotor to be laterally supported in relation to the securing device. The rotor or the tie rod, arranged in an essentially vertical manner, are oriented vertically such that during an alignment, the support surface on which the rotor or the tie rod support, are displaced such that rotor is perpendicular in relation to the horizontal plane.
US09003649B1 Method of making a two-sided fluid cooled assembly
A fluid cooled electrical assembly that includes a metal box, having a bottom wall, side walls and a top wall. A set of straight-edged pins, each smaller than 3 mm across in widest dimension, extend down from the top wall and up from the bottom wall. Also, electrical components are mounted on top of the top wall and on bottom of the bottom wall.
US09003647B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing a flat-type wire
A stator structure includes: a stator core (104) having a large number of concave slots (105) and a large number of convex magnetic poles (106) circumferentially alternately arranged; and magnet wires (101) of rectangular cross section in each of which an insulating coating (103) is formed on the outer surface of a metal wire (102), wherein each of the slots (105) is formed so that the distance (W2) between both the side surfaces (109, 109) of the slot (105) gradually decreases from the bottom (107) to a distal opening (108) of the slot (105), each of the magnet wires (101) is wound around the associated magnetic pole (106) and inserted in tiers in the associated slot (105), and the magnet wire (101) is placed in the slot (105) so that the width (W1) thereof continuously or stepwise decreases from the bottom (107) to the distal opening (108) of the slot (105).
US09003644B2 PNP apparatus and PNP tool head with direct bonding pressure pick-up tip
A PNP apparatus may include a robotic arm, and a PNP tool head carried by the robotic arm. The PNP tool head may include a body configured to apply bonding pressure to a first area of an electronic device, and a pick-up tip movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body as the pick-up tip rests against a second area of the electronic device. The pick-up tip may define a vacuum passageway therethrough to couple a vacuum source to the second area of the electronic device.
US09003639B2 Method of manufacturing a rotor
A rotor includes a rotor core fixedly attached to a rotational shaft and having a plurality of hole portions arranged in the circumferential direction, a magnet inserted into a plurality of hole portions each, and a filling portion injected into the hole portion. The filling portion is injected into the hole portion from a gate facing a central part in the width direction of the magnet in the opening of the hole portion.
US09003614B2 Slider for slide fastener
Engaged portions formed on a tab holder are elastically engaged and attached to engaging portions formed on a first column portion and the rear side of a second column portion on an upper blade, and a pair of protrusions formed on the inner side of the tab holder are fitted in a recession formed on an inclined surface of the first column portion and a recession formed on an inclined surface of the second column portion. Further, stepped portions formed at both edge portions of both front and rear ends of the tab holder are brought in contact with end surfaces and inner sides of support walls installed at both edge portions of inclined surfaces. The slide fastener can improve attachment strength of the tab holder, implement excellent durability for a long period of time, excellent external appearance, and excellent assembly performance.
US09003613B2 Slide fastener
In a slide fastener according to the invention, each fastener element includes an upper half element portion disposed at a first surface side of a fastener tape and a lower half element portion disposed at a second surface side of the fastener tape. The upper half element portion includes a first tape-sandwiching portion, a first head portion of a tapered form, and a thin walled portion which has a downward inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the forefront of the first head portion from the thin walled start portion set on the upper half element portion to the first head portion side. Thereby, the fastener element can be formed lightweight and can make coupling breaking difficult to occur.
US09003611B2 Clasp for a watch bracelet
Clasp comprising a cover connected to a first bracelet strand and to a second bracelet strand, a connecting means being inserted between the second bracelet strand and the cover of the clasp, the connecting means comprising an end link sliding between a first position in which it is engaged in the cover of the clasp, and a second position in which it is outside the cover of the clasp, the end link comprising a push-button which causes a toothed element to change from a first position, in which the toothed element is in mesh with a rack toothing, to a second position, in which the toothed element is released, the end link being provided with an arresting means preventing the removal of the end link from the cover of the clasp, the arresting means comprising at least one lug, which projects into a groove arranged in the bottom of the cover and which defines two end stop members.
US09003591B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive cleaner for plate surfaces
Provided is a cleaner that can easily and efficiently remove organic dirt accumulated on a flat plate surface such as a display-input member (touch panel member) in a portable device. The cleaner (10) provided by the present invention is a pressure-sensitive adhesive plate surface cleaner (10) that comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive body (30) having a removable pressure-sensitive adhesive and is used so as to allow the pressure-sensitive adhesive body (30) to contact a flat plate surface (2) of a plate such as a portable device (1) having a flat surface in order to remove organic dirt accumulated on the plate surface (2).
US09003587B2 Drum type washing machine having touch up function and method for touching up thereof
Disclosed is a drum type washing machine having a touch up function and a method for touching up thereof. The drum type washing machine having the touch up function is provided with a touch up button for removing wrinkles on laundry left in the drum type washing machine and a method for touching up. Accordingly, it is not required for a user to additionally execute rinsing and dehydrating processes, or ironing so as to remove wrinkles on the laundry, thus it is convenient. And, since it is not required to additionally execute the rinsing and dehydrating processes, it is capable of preventing unwanted consumption of water and electricity.
US09003585B2 Pocket knife with separable body portions
A pocket knife including a first body portion including a first engaging member, and a second body portion including a second engaging member arranged to engage the first body portion with the second body portion. The first body portion and the second body portion are separated from each other when not engaged. A tool element is arranged to be housed in the first body portion when in a closed state and displaced outward when in an opened state. A first locking member is arranged to be actuated by the tool element, and cooperates with a second locking member provided on the second body portion, and wherein when the first engaging member is engaged with the second engaging member, and when the first locking member and the second locking member are prevented from moving, the first body portion and the second body portion are prevented from being separated.
US09003575B2 Toilets with improved trapways
A toilet has a trapway extending between a bowl opening and a toilet outlet opening. A heel links and provides a bend between a down leg and an out leg of the trapway. The heel has a cross-sectional profile having a major dimension and a minor dimension. The major dimension increases as the down leg transitions into the heel and reduces as the heel transitions into the out leg. This heel configuration in the trapway forms a siphon during a flushing action of the toilet.
US09003573B2 Toilet seat lifter
A toilet seat lifter for raising a toilet seat when not in use includes a base, a threaded shaft extending downwardly therefrom to secure the base to a mounting surface of a toilet bowl, a cylindrical body supported by the base, a hinge pin extending from an end of the cylindrical body for pivotally supporting the toilet seat, and a torsion spring extending around and supported by the cylindrical body. One end of the torsion spring engages the base, and the other end engages the bottom of the toilet seat to bias the toilet seat upwardly away from the bowl. The base and cylindrical body are preferably integrally formed as a single unit. The base preferably includes an upper plateau for being engaged by one end of the torsion spring.
US09003566B2 Adjustable collar stay for a shirt collar
An adjustable collar stay having a base member and an extension member slidably engaged with the base member. The extension member can be adapted to extend from the base member by a predetermined length for matching a length of a collar into which the adjustable collar stay is inserted. The base member includes a plurality of first dimples on a top surface thereof. The extension member includes a plurality of second dimples on a bottom surface thereof. Alternatively the extension member includes a plurality of openings. When the extension member is slidably positioned to adjust the length of the adjustable collar stay to a predetermined length, the second dimples are positioned within spaces between the first dimples or the openings receive the first dimples for retaining the adjustable collar stay at the predetermined length. The extension member can be formed of flexible expandable mesh.
US09009854B2 Platform-hardened digital rights management key provisioning
Embodiments of an invention for platform-hardened digital rights management key provisioning are disclosed. In one embodiment, a processor includes an execution unit to execute one or more instructions to create a secure enclave in which to run an application to receive digital rights management information from a provisioning server in response to authentication of the application by a verification server.
US09009847B2 Information management apparatus, information management system, information management method and program
An information management apparatus which can set an area in which use of a file is not allowed for each file separately is provided. The existing zone area information acquisition unit 61 acquires existing zone area information that is a condition set for each file and is information used for determination of whether a file is allowed to be used by being compared with a condition about an area in which use of a file is allowed or an area in which use of a file is forbidden. The determining unit 62 compares the existing zone area information and each condition set for each file, and determines whether each file to be a target of use by a user is allowed to be used or not.
US09009839B2 Method and device for protecting the integrity of data transmitted over a network
A method of transmitting data over a network, from a sending application to a receiving application, including: coding the data, by the sending application, by implementing a predefined rule; detecting alteration of at least one item of data transmitted, by the receiving application, by implementing the predefined rule; and in case an alteration of a data item is detected, restoring the altered data item. In the course of the coding, in the course of the alteration detection, and in the course of the restoration, a cyclic redundancy check or an encryption can be implemented.
US09009836B1 Security architecture for virtual machines
Among a plurality of virtual machines running on a host system are a set of virtual machines that provide an operating system, a lightweight agent module, and user applications to be executed. Also, a special-purpose virtual machine executes a central security module. The central security module performs security-related tasks on behalf of individual ones of the other virtual machines, and includes a malware remediation module that generates malware remediation instructions to be executed by the respective virtual machines. The central security module also assesses a capability of a first instruction sequence execution module of a first lightweight agent module to effectively execute the malware remediation instructions, and provides an advanced security task execution component to be installed in a first virtual machine corresponding to the first lightweight agent module, in response to an assessment of capability of the first lightweight agent module being insufficient to execute the malware remediation instructions.
US09009832B2 Community-based defense through automatic generation of attribute values for rules of web application layer attack detectors
According to one embodiment, a computing device is coupled to a set of web application layer attack detectors (ADs), which are coupled between HTTP clients and web application servers. The computing device automatically learns a new condition shared by a plurality of alert packages reported by the set of ADs due to a triggering of one or more rules that is indicative of a web application layer attack. The computing device automatically generates a new set of attribute values by analyzing the plurality of alert packages to identify the condition shared by the plurality of alert packages, and transmits the new set of attribute values for delivery to the set of ADs for a different rule to be used to protect against the web application layer attack from the HTTP clients or any other HTTP client.
US09009830B2 Inline intrusion detection
A method for inline intrusion detection includes receiving a packet at a network gateway, storing the packet, and assigning an identifier to the packet. The method also includes transmitting a copy of the packet and the identifier from the network gateway to an intrusion detection system and analyzing the copy of the packet by the intrusion detection system to determine whether the packet includes an attack signature and communicating a reply message from the intrusion detection system to the network gateway. The reply message includes the identifier and is indicative of the results of the analysis. The size of the reply message is less than the size of the packet.
US09009823B1 Framework for efficient security coverage of mobile software applications installed on mobile devices
A method is described that includes generating a representation of an application that describes specific states of the application and specific state transitions of the application. The method also includes identifying a region of interest of the application based on rules and observations of the application's execution. The method also includes determining specific stimuli that will cause one or more state transitions within the application to reach said region of interest. The method also includes enabling one or more monitors within the application's run time environment and applying the stimuli within the application's run time environment, where, the application's run time environment is existing on a mobile device that the application is installed on. The method also includes generating monitoring information from said one or more monitors. The method also includes applying rules to the monitoring information to determine a next set of stimuli to be applied to the application in pursuit of determining whether the region of interest corresponds to improperly behaving code.
US09009820B1 System and method for malware detection using multiple techniques
In certain embodiments, a method includes receiving, at a first malware detection node, from a malware detection system a request to apply a first malware detection technique to a file. The malware detection system is configured to determine whether the file is suspected malware by analyzing a plurality of predefined result states received in response to the first malware detection node applying the first malware detection technique to the file and a second malware detection node applying a second malware detection technique to the file. The method includes receiving at least one result from a malware detection engine of applying the first malware detection technique to the file and determining at least one predefined result state based on the received at least one result. The method includes reporting, by the first malware detection node, the at least one predefined result state to the malware detection system.
US09009817B1 Virtual smart card to perform security-critical operations
A portable data or information carrier in the form of a smart card with partially or fully virtualized components. To maximize the confidentiality of information stored in the carrier, and more specifically to limit the amount of information available to a potential defrauder, electronic components such as circuits, I/O, cryptographic, memory and dummy objects are built, modified or influenced on demand from physical characteristics of an eligible person or device. Digitized unique biometric or hardware identifiers are read upon start-up and runtime of the device and, in case of an eligible person or device, subsequently supply all values necessary for determination of the characteristics of the user specific virtual smart cards objects, their placement and connections. By multi-factor authentication, the end-user or device will retain sole control of its keys and use them for authentication, signature or encryption purposes as if he had a physical smart card in his hand.
US09009814B1 Systems and methods for generating secure passwords
A computer-implemented method for generating secure passwords may include 1) displaying a user interface for entering a textual password, 2) receiving user input via the user interface to select a color for at least one character of the textual password, 3) displaying the entered textual password via the user interface by displaying the character in the selected color and by displaying at least one additional character in at least one additional color, and 4) generating a modified textual password by encoding the textual password with information relating the selected color to the character. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09009813B2 Policy driven fine grain URL encoding mechanism for SSL VPN clientless access
The present disclosure presents methods, systems and intermediaries which determine an encoding scheme of a uniform resource location (URL) from a plurality of encoding schemes for a clientless secure socket layer virtual private network (SSL VPN) via a proxy. An intermediary may receive a response from a server comprising a URL. The response from the server may be directed to a client via a SSL VPN session and via the intermediary. The intermediary may determine, responsive to an encoding policy, one of a transparent, opaque or encrypted encoding scheme for encoding the URL. The intermediary may rewrite the URL for transmission to the client in accordance with the determined encoding scheme.
US09009811B2 Network system with electronic credentials and authentication for appliances
An appliance has a communication network with a plurality of nodes for executing commands to enable operation by components. A firewall is provided to restrict access to the commands by the nodes without a password.
US09009789B2 Diameter signaling for mobile IPv4
The invention consists of a new registration and authentication protocol for between a Mobile Node and a Home Agent. The new protocol uses a novel messaging sequence to request registration, authentication and authorization of the Mobile Node when it is located on a foreign network, and the novel protocol will avoid some of the standard registration and authentication protocol messages in order to eliminate the problems associated with re-transmission errors.
US09009787B2 System and method of mapping and protecting communication services with OAuth
In accordance with various embodiments, systems and methods which allow mapping and protecting communication services and granular access to subscriber information. Such a system can include a plurality of applications, executing on one or more application servers. The system can also include a services gatekeeper which is operable to intercept requests for access to communication services, obtain scoped authorization from a subscriber for access to specified communication services, and enable access to the specified communication services in accordance with the scope authorized by the subscriber.
US09009785B2 System and method for implementing adaptive security zones
A system for managing adaptive security zones in complex business operations, comprising a rules engine adapted to receive events from a plurality of event sources and a security manager coupled to the rules engine via a data network, wherein upon receiving an event, the rules engine determines what rules, if any, are triggered by the event and, upon triggering a rule, the rules engine determines if the rule pertains to security and, if so, sends a notification message to the security manager informing it of the triggered event, and wherein the security manager, on receiving a notification message from the rules engine, automatically establishes a new security zone based at least in part on the contents of the notification message, is disclosed.
US09009780B2 Privacy verification tool
Systems and methods for protecting the privacy of users by controlling access to the users' data. In particular, some embodiments provide for a higher-level declarative language for expressing privacy policies which can be verified using a computer-aided verification tool. The verification tool uses the expressed privacy policies along with language-level assumptions and assertions in the verification process. For example, high-level models of the privacy policies can be reduced to a simpler verification representation (e.g., a Boolean representation) based on a set of assertions. This verification representation can then be submitted to a constraint solver (e.g., Satisfiability Modulo Theories solver) for verification.
US09009777B2 Automatic role activation
A method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for automatic activation of roles is provided. When a user initiates an action, a set of roles needed for the action is identified. A set of roles assigned to the user is also identified. From the two sets of roles, all roles that are common to both sets are identified in a subset of roles. Roles in this subset are assigned to the user and are sufficient for the action. One or more roles from this subset of roles is selected for activation depending on system policies in effect. Selected roles are automatically activated without requiring any intervention from the user. Once the selected roles are activated, they can become inactive upon completion of the current action, or remain active for subsequent actions by the user during all or part of a user session. System policies can decide how the roles are selected for activation, and the duration of which the roles remain active once activated.
US09009776B2 Information processing apparatus and output control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a display, a speaker, a connector to output a video signal and audio signal, a display driving module to control outputting of the video signal with respect to the display and connector, a sound driving module to control outputting of the audio signal with respect to the speaker and connector, and an output control module to instruct the sound driving module to output the audio signal from the connector when an event of instructing the display driving module to output a video signal to the connector occurs.
US09009773B1 Method and apparatus for providing broadcast data services
A novel advanced set top terminal capable of digital decompression, menu generation, interactivity and other advanced functional capabilities for use in a television program delivery system (200) is described. The invention relates to methods and apparatus for upgrading existing set top terminals (220) to provide menu generation capability and advanced functional capabilities. The invention is particularly useful in television program delivery systems (200) with hundreds of channels of programming, providing (i) menu driven program selection through the addition of an upgrade module (300) or menu generation card and (ii) advanced functional capabilities using a set of hardware upgrades (e.g., 130) and/or an expansion card. Specifically, the invention is an upgradeable system that supports advanced set top functionality through the use of internal software, hardware upgrades, an upgrade module and/or expansion cards. The upgraded hardware generally includes a microprocessor, various input/output ports (e.g., 308), processing circuitry (e.g., 108) and memory (e.g., 116). The invention results in an upgraded set top terminal that supports: menu generation; picture-on-picture displays; program catalog services; interactive services; telephone caller identification; digital audio reception; VCR control; HDTV reception; and backyard satellite system interoperability, among other features and capabilities.
US09009759B2 Terminating enhanced television broadcasts
An enhanced television broadcast system may enable the transmission and reception of a real-time event when a new program is about to begin. The real-time event may control access to enhancements from the program that is ending. In some embodiments, these real-time events may constitute triggers that are included within packets transmitted in an Internet Protocol multicast. As one example, the trigger may include a Uniform Resource Locator in the form of a tv: protocol that automatically causes the television display to go to full screen television.
US09009751B2 Systems and methods for searching based on information in commercials
A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining if a commercial contains one of metadata, close captioning information, recognizable speech in an audio component of the commercial, or a combination thereof. In response to determining that the commercial does not contain metadata, but does contain close captioning information, an advertised show is identified based on the close captioning information. Likewise, in response to determining that the commercial contains neither metadata, nor close captioning information, but does contain recognizable speech in an audio component of the commercial, the advertised show is identified based on the recognizable speech. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09009749B2 Method and system for detecting non-powered video playback devices
A method and system for identifying tune data from set top boxes associated with televisions, video monitors, or other video playback devices that are likely powered off. In some embodiments, survival curves are constructed that predict a length of time before a video playback device is powered off after a tuning event. The survival curves are used to predict the likelihood that a video playback device is powered off. Viewership estimates made from tune data reported from set top boxes can be adjusted to take account of the video playback devices that are predicted to be powered off.
US09009742B1 VTL adaptive commit
According to one embodiment, a virtual tape library (VTL) receives a plurality of small computer system interface (SCSI) data objects, and translates the SCSI data objects into a first set of one or more remote procedure call (RPC) data objects having a first size, wherein the first size of the first RPC data set is based on a current limit maintained by the VTL. The VTL writes the first RPC data set and a first RPC commit request to a file system. The VTL receives a first RPC status corresponding to the first RPC commit from the file system, and determines a first latency time between writing the first RPC commit and receiving the first RPC status. The VTL updates the current limit based on the first latency time in order to optimize a second latency time between a second RPC commit request and a corresponding second RPC status.
US09009740B2 Invocation of additional processing using remote procedure calls
In one embodiment, a method for invoking additional processing at a remote computing device using remote procedure calls (RPCs) is provided. In this method, a list of functions supported by the remote computing device is received from the remote computing device. From the list of functions, a function that requires metadata about the function is identified. The metadata and argument required by the function is accessed, and an RPC message that includes the metadata and the argument is composed. The RPC message is then transmitted to the remote computing device. Here, the RPC message is transmitted to call the function with the argument as input and to invoke the additional processing based on the metadata.
US09009737B2 Apparatus and method of terminal for providing file system function
A method for operating a terminal providing a file system function, and a terminal having configured hardware is provided. In the method, a specific command is received from a first application. The received specific command is transferred to a second application regardless of whether the second application is executed. An execution result of the specific command is received from the second application.
US09009733B2 On-line media player architecture
Event-based communication in a media player architecture. The architecture can include a series of modules. The technology can define media player events, at least in part by defining event notifications and event handling processes. The various modules can register as one or both of an issuer of at least one media player event notification, and a subscriber to at least one published media player event notification. When an event occurs in a module, the module issues an event notification that is then handled by a handling process. The event handling process(es) publish the event to subscribing modules, and in some cases perform processing on the event notification before publishing.
US09009727B2 Virtualization with in-place translation
In a computing system having virtualization software including a guest operating system (OS), a method for executing guest OS instructions that includes: replacing each of one or more guest OS instructions with: (a) a translated instruction, which translated instruction is a one-to-one translation, or (b) a trap instruction.
US09009723B2 Distributed acceleration devices management for streams processing
A method for managing distributed computer data stream acceleration devices is provided that utilizes distributed acceleration devices on nodes within the computing system to process inquiries by programs executing on the computing system. The available nodes and available acceleration devices in the computing system are identified. In addition, a plurality of virtual acceleration device definitions is created. Each virtual acceleration device definition includes attributes used to configure at least one of the plurality of identified acceleration devices. When an inquiry containing an identification of computing system resources to be used in processing the inquiry is received, at least one virtual acceleration device definition that is capable of configuring an acceleration device in accordance with the computing system resources identified by the inquiry is identified. That acceleration device is configured in accordance with the identified virtual acceleration device definition and is used to process the inquiry.
US09009720B2 Method and system for communicating between isolation environments
A method and system for aggregating installation scopes within an isolation environment, where the method includes first defining an isolation environment for encompassing an aggregation of installation scopes. Associations are created between a first application and a first installation scope. When the first application requires the presence of a second application within the isolation environment for proper execution, an image of the required second application is mounted onto a second installation scope and an association between the second application and the second installation scope is created. Another association is created between the first installation scope and the second installation scope, an this third association is created within a third installation scope. Each of the first, second, and third installation scopes are stored and the first application is launched into the defined isolation environment.
US09009712B2 GPU distributed work-item queuing
Methods and systems are provided for graphics processing unit distributed work-item queuing. One or more work-items of a wavefront are queued into a first level queue of a compute unit. When one or more additional work-items exist, a queuing of the additional work-items into a second level queue of the compute unit is performed. The queuing of the work-items into the first and second level queue is performed based on an assignment technique.
US09009711B2 Grouping and parallel execution of tasks based on functional dependencies and immediate transmission of data results upon availability
The present invention provides a particular efficient system of scheduling of tasks for parallel processing, and data communication between tasks running in parallel in a computer system. A particular field of application of the present invention is the platform-independent simulation of decomposition/partitioning of an application, in order to obtain an optimal implementation for parallel processing.
US09009708B2 Method and system to effectuate recovery for dynamic workflows
A computer-implemented smart recovery system for dynamic workflows addresses a change to a data object during execution of an instance of a workflow by selectively re-executing workflow tasks that are affected by the change, without cancelling the instance and restarting a new instance of the workflow. A determination of whether a task is to be re-executed during the smart recovery process may include examining a re-evaluation label assigned to the task.
US09009707B2 Sharing reconfigurable computing devices between workloads
One or more physical RCDs (PRCDs) are shared between one or more workloads in one or more virtual computing environments. Example PRCD sharing operations may include: (1) providing a virtual RCD (VRCD) for one of the workloads, the VRCD being programmed with an IC design representing a hardware implementation of a software hotspot in the workload, (2) allocating one of the PRCDs to the workload by scheduling the programmed VRCD on the PRCD, (3) burning the PRCD with the IC design of the programmed VRCD so that the PRCD becomes a programmed PRCD that is capable of implementing the workload's hotspot in hardware, and (4) invoking the programmed VRCD instead of executing the hotspot as software in order to cause the programmed PRCD to implement the hotspot in hardware.
US09009706B1 Monitoring and updating state information of virtual devices to guest virtual machines based on guest virtual machine's probing policy
A computer-implemented method for sending information to guest systems within virtual machines may include receiving, from a guest system within a virtual machine hosted on a host system, a request for virtual device information about a virtual device which may inaccurately represent to the guest system a state of a physical storage device connected to the host system, gathering physical device information via the host system about the physical storage device connected to the host system, determining a mapping of the virtual device within the guest system to the physical storage device connected to the host system, correlating the physical device information with the mapping to determine accurate information about the virtual device and sending the accurate information about the virtual device from the host system to the guest system within the virtual machine. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US09009700B2 Stream-based software application delivery and launching system
In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a first computer system, a data stream transmitted from a second computer system over a network connection between the first computer system and the second computer system, wherein the data stream comprises executable code of a software program; extracting, by the first computer system, the executable code of the software program from the data stream; allocating, by the first computer system, an amount of dynamic memory for the executable code of the software program; loading, by the first computer system, the executable code of the software program directly into the allocated dynamic memory; and executing, by the first computer system, the software program by launching the executable code of the software program loaded in the allocated dynamic memory.
US09009699B2 Providing a POJO-based microcontainer for an application server
A method and apparatus for using a microcontainer as a Plain-Old-Java-Object (POJO) based kernel in an application server. In one embodiment, the method includes dynamically construct deployed objects of a deployment from aspects. The method further includes providing a runtime infrastructure by dynamically constructing kernel objects of an application server from the aspects to execute the deployed objects.
US09009697B2 Hybrid cloud integrator
A hybrid cloud integrator provides a capability for integrating data processing resources provided as services across a hybrid cloud. The hybrid cloud integrator includes a software framework that provides for installing, configuring, activating, and controlling operation of a number of plug-in software components. The plug-in software components are configured to provide for using data processing resources provided as a service to process a consumer workload.
US09009696B2 Generating encoded identifications of selected subsets of installed software packages on a client machine
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating encoded identifications of selected subsets of installed software packages on a client machine. A physical or virtual client machine can host a set of installed software packages, including operating system, application, and/or other software. A package manager tracks the set of installed packages and updates available for the installed set. The package manager can be configured to capture an inventory of the installed packages, and generate an encoded identification of one or more selected subsets of the set of hosted or installed packages based on size, timestamp, and/or other attributes of the subsets and/or constituent files. An administrator or other user can for instance select only that subset or subsets related to a certain project, application, user group, or other selection criteria, and generate encoded identifications of those subsets for package updating, network management, and/or other purposes.
US09009691B1 Using an inline stack to improve performance of an applications binary
A system and method for using inline stacks to improve the performance of application binaries is included. While executing a first application binary, profile data may be collected about the application that includes which callee functions are called from the application's callsites and the number of times each inline stack is executed. A context summary map may be created from the collected profile data which shows a summary of the total execution count of all instructions in the callee function for each callsite inlined in the application's normal binary. Using the context summary map, each function callsite's execution count may be compared with a predetermined threshold to determine if the function should be inlined. Then the application's profile may be annotated and a second application binary, an optimized binary, may be generated using the annotated profile.
US09009688B2 Type checking for object-oriented programming languages
Type checking between an object class and a target class may comprise getting an object header from an object, and checking from the object header a result of a first time type checking between a class of the object and a target class specified by a hotspot in the first time type checking.
US09009687B2 De-serialization of objects based on difference in information content
A mechanism is provided for de-serializing a representation of a source object of a source software component written in a source language into a target software component written in a target language. A representation of the source object is received and a determination is made of a set of candidate types among a plurality of available types that are in the target language for the target software component, each candidate type being compatible with the representation of the source type. A set of match metrics is calculated, each one for a corresponding candidate type, where the match metric being indicative of a difference in information content between the candidate type and the representation of the source object. One of the candidate types is selected according to the match metrics and a mapping of the representation of the source object onto a target object of the selected candidate type is created.
US09009686B2 Algorithm for 64-bit address mode optimization
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for extracting a memory address offset from a 64-bit type-conversion expression included in high-level source code of a computer program. The technique involves receiving the 64-bit type-conversion expression, where the 64-bit type-conversion expression includes one or more 32-bit expressions, determining a range for each of the one or more 32-bit expressions, calculating a total range by summing the ranges of the 32-bit expressions, determining that the total range is a subset of a range for a 32-bit unsigned integer, calculating the memory address offset based on the ranges for the one or more 32-bit expressions, and generating at least one assembly-level instruction that references the memory address offset.
US09009685B2 Method and system for program building
An improved method for program building uses predefined source files and predefined build scripts comprising a sequence of build commands; wherein each build command comprises an origin command line interpretable by an operating system and addressed to at least one compiling tool.
US09009678B2 Software debugging with execution match determinations
Software debugging with execution match determinations, including: inserting, by a compiler while compiling source code into a debuggable program, a phantom breakpoint at every line of source code; including in the debuggable program, by the compiler, a breakpoint handling module and an exit handler; executing the debuggable program including encountering one or more of the phantom breakpoints and removing, by the breakpoint handling module, each encountered phantom breakpoint; creating, by the exit handler, upon exiting execution of the debuggable program, a copy of the debuggable program that includes only phantom breakpoints not encountered during execution; and providing the copy of the debuggable program to a debugger.
US09009677B2 Application testing and analysis
Application testing and analysis may include performing perturbations to affect an environment associated with the application executing on a user device without affecting other applications executing on the user device. The execution of the application may be traced while the perturbations are being performed to determine an amount of resources of the user device consumed by the application and to determine whether a performance of the application was degraded.
US09009669B2 Visual user interface validator
Various embodiments described or referenced herein are directed to different devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for testing a user interface component. A client-side operation for rendering the user interface component may be performed. The rendered user interface component may be stored as a user interface component test image simulating a visual presentation of the user interface component at a client machine. A user interface component expected image may be retrieved from a storage medium accessible to the server. The user interface component expected image may represent an expected visual presentation of the rendered user interface component. A determination may be made as to whether the user interface component test image matches the user interface component expected image. When the user interface component test image does not match the user interface component expected image, an indication of an error condition may be provided.
US09009668B2 Software testing using test entity
A mechanism for performing dynamic software testing on a computer system using a test entity. A method of embodiments of the invention includes causing a test execution script to run a test based on a first configuration setting as defined in the test execution script. The test execution script is executed in a script execution environment utilizing a software framework of a computer system. The method further includes modifying, in runtime, the first configuration setting into a second configuration setting, and causing, in runtime, the test execution script to rerun the test based on the second configuration setting.
US09009667B2 Application server that supports multiple component models
A Java-based application server supports runtime operations of components that belong to multiple component models. The components may cross-reference each other. A component of a source component model can be integrated into a target component model to form an integrated component. State transitions of the integrated component can be managed according to the target component model with reference to the libraries of the source component model. The integrated component can be installed in the application server for execution by a Java virtual machine.
US09009661B2 Platform sensitive application characteristics
Systems and methods which provide platform sensitive application characteristics with respect to multi-platform applications are shown. As application aspects are developed in the application, embodiments include platform sensitivity characteristics for the application aspects in the application to provide for adaptation of application characteristics for multiple platforms. Embodiments provide an application runtime environment which, although independently defining its own user interface rendering attributes, operates to adjust application characteristics in accordance with a host platform. As application aspects of a multi-platform application are to be executed, if there are relevant cross platform differences, application aspect characteristics are adjusted so as to be appropriate to the host platform. The appropriately adjusted aspects are executed to thereby provide platform sensitive application characteristics with respect to the multi-platform application.
US09009658B2 Component based software system
A computer implemented model-driven method to generate platform specific code for a user interface is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes, capturing customer requirements of the software component in a schema, modeling business-software architecture of the software component in a first level of the schema, modeling technical architecture of the software system from the modeled business-software architecture in a second level of the schema, defining events in the schema that connect the first level and the second level of the schema, defining links in the schema that represent interactions between the user interfaces, defining integration services in the schema for each of the events, mapping each element in the first level to a corresponding one of the elements in the second level using the events, links, and integration services in the schema, loading the schema of the software component into a code generation repository.
US09009654B1 Mobile device interaction using a shared user interface
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for mobile device interaction using a shared user interface.
US09009652B2 Method and system for handling software design conflicts
A method and a system for identifying and resolving conflicts between design results from a parallel software design. The method includes: receiving a design diagram, wherein the design diagram includes a plurality of nodes and arrows connecting different nodes, with each node indicating a design artifact, and an arrow directed from one node to another node indicating that a design artifact corresponds to the one node depends on a design artifact corresponding to the other node; determining a level of a design artifact in the design diagram, identifying different design artifacts at a given level of the design diagram that depend on a common design artifact, and marking them as isomorphic design artifacts; and outputting a design diagram with the isomorphic design artifacts marked. A conflict between relevant designs are automatically identified in a bottom-up approach according to a software design hierarchy to facilitate conflict resolution.
US09009651B2 System and method for management of a program throughout its lifecycle in an organization
A system for facilitating management of one or more programs throughout their lifecycle in an organization is provided. The system comprises a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module to create one or more programs, an Order Management System (OMS) module to create one or more tracks, and a program management module to create one or more projects. The system further comprises a resource allocation module for allocating resources for executing the one or more programs. The system further comprises a finance budgeting module for budgeting revenue, costs and profitability of the one or more programs. The system further comprises a program module that displays details of the one or more programs, the one or more tracks, and the one or more projects to one or more authorized users. The system further comprises a central repository to store data associated with the one or more programs.
US09009645B2 Automatic clock tree routing rule generation
Systems and techniques are described for automatically generating a set of non-default routing rules for routing a net in a clock tree based on one or more metrics. The metrics can include a congestion metric, a latency metric, a crosstalk metric, an electromigration metric, and a clock tree level. Next, the embodiments can generate the set of non-default routing rules for routing the net based on one or more metrics. A routing rule can specify how wide the wires are supposed to be and how far apart adjacent wires are to be placed. A non-default routing rule can specify a wire width that is different from the default width and/or specify a spacing (i.e., the distance between two wires) that is different from the default spacing.
US09009636B2 Analog circuit simulator and analog circuit verification method
An analog circuit simulator includes a processor that is configured to search design data for analog circuits and an analog node connecting the analog circuits; collect variable information that concerns voltage and current variables and is related to input to and output from the analog node; convert the variable information into time functions; and compute the time functions upon each occurrence of a given event and execute simulation of the analog node.
US09009634B2 Methods for fabricating integrated circuits including generating photomasks for directed self-assembly
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one example, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes generating a photomask for forming a DSA directing pattern on a semiconductor substrate. The DSA directing pattern is configured to guide a self-assembly material deposited thereon that undergoes directed self-assembly (DSA) to form a DSA pattern. Generating the photomask includes, using a computing system, inputting a DSA target pattern. Using the computing system, a DSA model, an OPC model, and a MPC model, cooperatively running a DSA PC algorithm, an OPC algorithm, and a MPC algorithm to produce an output MPCed pattern for a mask writer to write on the photomask.
US09009631B2 Lithography system and method for storing positional data of a target
The invention relates to a lithography system for patterning a target, said system comprising a feedback control system comprising an actuator for displacing the target, a measurement system for measuring a position of said target, and a control unit adapted for controlling the actuator based on the position measured by the measurement system, said feedback control system having a first latency being a maximum latency between measuring and controlling the actuator based on said measuring, a storage system for storing the measured positions, comprising a receive buffer and a storage unit with a second latency being an average latency between receiving measured positions in the receive buffer and storing said measured positions in the storage unit, wherein the first latency is at least an order of magnitude smaller than the second latency, the feedback control system comprising a unidirectional connection for transmitting said measured positions to the storage system.
US09009630B2 Above-lock notes
A note-capture application is disclosed that allows notes to be displayed on the lock screen. In one embodiment, a note-capture application can be invoked when a mobile device is in an above-lock state. Note data can be captured using the note-capture application, and the captured data can be persistently displayed on the lock screen. A user can perform a unique gesture from the lock screen to invoke the note-capture application. In another embodiment, multiple input modes can be available for note data capture. For example, voice data, text data, camera data, etc. can all be used to capture notes for display on the lock screen.
US09009629B2 Motion-based user interface feature subsets
The present disclosure relates to motion adaptive user equipment (UE) in a wireless communications network environment adapted for selecting one or more subsets of accessible user interface (UI) functions based, at least in part, on the determined motion of a UE. By selectively employing the one or more subsets of UI functions, a UE can dynamically adapt to the motion of the UE and limit distracting interactions with the UE creating a safer or more compliant wireless environment. Further disclosed are features related to override of UI limitations, auxiliary location sensing aspects, motion rule updating features, and voluntary and involuntary user preference aspects.
US09009626B2 Method and apparatus for accelerated scrolling
Improved approaches for users to interact with graphical user interfaces of computing devices are disclosed. A rotational user action supplied by a user via a user input device can provide accelerated scrolling. The accelerated nature of the scrolling enables users to scroll or traverse a lengthy data set (e.g., list of items) faster and with greater ease. The amount of acceleration provided can be performed in successive stages, and/or performed based on the speed of the rotational user action. In one embodiment, the rotational user action is transformed into linear action with respect to a graphical user interface. The resulting acceleration effect causes the linear action to be enhanced such that a lengthy data set is able to be rapidly traversed.
US09009625B2 Real-time menu architecture
A system and method for implementing a dynamic menu characterized by a real-time menu architecture. An example method includes determining a menu structure, with reference to a data set, for use with user interface software. A menu is then displayed, wherein the menu includes menu items arranged according to the menu structure. An initial drop-down menu list of the menu includes one or more of the menu items. Each menu item is associated with a data object of the data set. A signal is generated when a change is made to a data set corresponding to a menu item. The menu is then updated based on the signal. In an illustrative embodiment, the example method further includes employing a browser to trigger implementation of the method. The browser communicates with a web server, which communicates with an application that is adapted to analyze the data set and associated data structure and provide an update in response thereto via, the signal, to the web server. The web server includes software for enabling the browser to render an updated menu or graphical representation thereof.
US09009618B2 Three-dimensional visualization of status and progress of a process
A method of tracking status and progress of a process is presented and described herein. The method provides a plurality of markers that can be visualized in three dimensions, where each of the plurality of markers represents a respective trackable event. The markers are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration that visually indicates current status of a plurality of trackable events corresponding to the plurality of markers, and the three-dimensional configuration is updated over time to visually indicate an updated status of the plurality of trackable events. The markers and the three-dimensional configuration may be realized using a tangible model or a virtual model that is generated and rendered on a display element.
US09009616B2 Method and system for configuring a sequence of positions of a camera
A method of configuring a camera to view a sequence of positions comprising the steps of displaying a graphical user interface, displaying a plurality of thumbnails on the graphical user interface with the plurality of thumbnails having associated respective positions of the camera and the respective thumbnails in the plurality of thumbnails providing the field of view of the camera in the respective positions, providing a workspace on the graphical user interface, enabling a user to drag and drop thumbnails to the workspace, and creating a tour for the camera based on the thumbnails in the workspace.
US09009614B2 Customized article type
A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of selecting a family of article types, selecting a customized article type, manufacturing an article of footwear with the customized article type and shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. The method may further include the step of limiting the number of articles of footwear manufactured with a customized article type to ensure exclusivity for customized article types.
US09009612B2 Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for accessibility using a touch-sensitive surface
A method is performed by an accessible electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface. The method includes: displaying a plurality of user interface elements on the display, wherein a current focus is on a first user interface element; detecting a first finger gesture on the touch-sensitive surface, wherein the first finger gesture is independent of contacting a location on the touch-sensitive surface that corresponds to a second user interface element; and, in response to detecting the first finger gesture: changing the current focus from the first user interface element in the plurality of user interface elements to the second user interface element in the plurality of user interface elements; and outputting accessibility information associated with the second user interface element.
US09009610B2 Method and apparatus for managing real estate data
A system and method for managing real estate data using a mobile device, such as a tablet computer. The data is displayed in a manner that facilitates quick analysis suing a mobile device. User interfaces, processing, and other features provide a mobile user with information required to make intelligent decisions on real estate transactions. A tour can be constructed based on a subset of data returned as a result of a database query.
US09009607B2 Evaluating content
Recording a user's preference for content is disclosed. An indication of a problem associated with the content is received, in response to only a single action taken by a user interacting with a web page. After receiving the indication, at least a portion of the web page is continued to be displayed.
US09009604B2 Display processing device, display information distribution device, and display processing method
According to one embodiment, a display processing apparatus includes an obtaining module, a relevance calculator, a display information generator, and a display controller. The obtaining module is configured to obtain particular information items allowed to be created by users, the particular information being obtained for each of a key content item and other content items. The relevance calculator is configured to calculate one or more relevances between the key content item and each of the other content items, based on the particular information items. The display information generator is configured to generate display information items expressing the key content item and the other content items, based on the particular information items or content-attribute information items peculiar to the key content item and the other content items. The display controller is configured to control to display a list information item in which the display information items are located at predetermined positions.