37th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 10 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110220408 | Electrode and connector attachments for a cylindrical glass fiber wire lead - A cardiac pacemaker or other CRT device has one or more fine wire leads to the heart. Formed of a glass, silica, sapphire or crystalline quartz fiber with a metal coating, a unipolar lead can have an outer diameter as small as about 300 microns or even smaller. The metal buffer coating may be deposited directly on the glass/silica fiber, or upon an intermediate layer between the glass/silica fiber and metal, consisting of carbon and/or polymer. The resulting metallized glass/silica fibers are extremely durable, can be bent through small radii and will not fatigue even from millions of iterations of flexing. Bipolar fine wire leads can include several insulated metallized glass/silica fibers residing side by side, or can be coaxial with two or more insulated metal conductive paths. An outer protective sheath of a flexible polymer material can be included. The fine wire lead incorporates a thin metal conductor, which poses unique challenges for attachment to standardized connectors, as well as stimulation electrodes. The present invention describes means and materials for creating robust and durable electrically conductive connections between the fine wire lead body and a proximal standardized connector and distal ring and tip electrodes. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220409 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FUSION DRILLING - The invention relates to a method for fusion drilling and to a fusion drilling device for producing dimensionally accurate bores, manholes rock and tunnels in the ground, particularly in rock. A drill hole bottom is molten by a melt and the overburden melt is pressed into the surroundings, particularly the surrounding rock which has cracked open under the effects of the temperature and pressure, and wherein during drilling, a drill hole lagging ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE AUTOMATION - A changepoint detector for modeling data received from at least one sensor in a proces in the hydrocarbon industry. The data is segmented into a plurality of segments and fo each segment a model is assigned and the data corresponding to the segment fit to tha model. A plurality of segmentations are thus provided and these segmentations ar evaluated and assigned weights indicative of the fit of the models of the segmentation t the underlying data. The segmentation models are further used to calculate a result tha may be input to a process control program. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220411 | DOWNHOLE ACOUSTIC SENSING TOOL AND METHOD - An acoustic sensing tool for use with a carrier disposed in a wellbore may include a base and a resilient clamp disposed around the base. The clamp may move between a retracted position, in which the clamp interior surface engages the carrier, and an expanded position, in which the clamp exterior surface engages the wellbore. A sensor is coupled to the clamp. An actuator is movable along the base and operably coupled to the clamp. The actuator is operable to move the clamp between the retracted and expanded positions and configured to maintain contact with the clamp in both the retracted and expanded positions so that movement of the actuator in a first direction causes the housing to move to the expanded position, and movement of the actuator in a second, opposite direction causes the housing to move to the retracted position. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220412 | Formation Evaluation While Drilling - An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220413 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CREATING A DEEP BOREHOLE - The invention relates to a method for creating a deep borehole, in particular in an emission-sensitive region, and to a device therefor. The invention is based on the object of providing a drilling method and a drilling device allowing deep boreholes to be created even in regions which are sensitive to emissions, such as inner-city buildings or in nature regions to be protected, and at the same time of reducing significant damage to these regions when creating deep boreholes. This object is achieved in that a shaft structure ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220414 | MULTI-COUPLING REDUCED LENGTH MEASURE WHILE DRILLING APPARATUS - A downhole drilling apparatus for measure while drilling including a housing defining a longitudinal housing axis, wherein the housing has an upper end and a lower end. A motor includes a rotor, wherein the rotor is adapted to be driven by drilling fluids. A first drive coupling is coupled between the rotor and a first driven rod. A second drive coupling is coupled between the driven rod an a connecting shaft. A third drive coupling is coupled between the connecting shaft and a second driven rod. A fourth drive coupling is coupled between the second driven rod and a motor bearing section, wherein the connecting shaft extends through an offset bore in the housing and transmits power from the motor to the drill bit. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220415 | ULTRA-LOW FRICTION COATINGS FOR DRILL STEM ASSEMBLIES - Provided are drill stem assemblies with ultra-low friction coatings for subterraneous drilling operations. In one form, the coated drill stem assemblies for subterraneous rotary drilling operations include a body assembly with an exposed outer surface including a drill string coupled to a bottom hole assembly, a coiled tubing coupled to a bottom hole assembly, or a casing string coupled to a bottom hole assembly and an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the hardbanding, wherein the ultra-low friction coating comprises one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated drill stem assemblies disclosed herein provide for reduced friction, vibration (stick-slip and torsional), abrasion, and wear during straight hole or directional drilling to allow for improved rates of penetration and enable ultra-extended reach drilling with existing top drives. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220416 | Centralized Bi-Center Reamer and Method of Use - This apparatus provides an underreamer and a reamer or hole opener to enlarge an existing pilot hole thereby permitting further operation to be carried out in a well bore. The underreamer can be inserted down a well bore in the unexpanded condition and, since the radius of the eccentrically mounted cutters of the reamer or hole opener added to the radius of the unexpanded underreamer equals the pass through diameter (the inner diameter of the restriction), the entire assembly or apparatus can be inserted to the position requiring enlarging. The underreamer is expanded to engage the adjacent wall of the well bore and stabilize the reamer as it enlarges the hole. Since movement resulting from the lateral forces are restrained by the centralizer/underreamer as well as the bullnose or smaller pilot hole drill bit, the bi-center reamer can readily open the well bore to the desired diameter without lateral deviation. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220417 | DRILL BITS AND METHODS OF DRILLING CURVED BOREHOLES - The invention provides drill bits and methods of drilling curved boreholes. One aspect of the invention provides a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for drilling a curved borehole. The method includes: providing a drill string including a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths; rotating the drill string; and selectively actuating the one or more blades to a plurality of cut depths; thereby drilling a curved borehole. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220418 | OIL-BASED DRILLING FLUID RECOVERY AND REUSE - Methods and related systems are configured to treat a drilling fluid to cause water droplets to coalesce. One or more phases are thereafter separated from the treated drilling fluid. The oil and/or solids separated from the treated drilling fluid may be added to a base fluid. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220419 | ACCUMULATOR MEMBRANE UNIT, METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF AND ROCK DRILLING MACHINE INCLUDING SUCH AN ACCUMULATOR MEMBRANE UNIT - An accumulator membrane unit ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220420 | Feed Chain Automatic Tensioner - An automatic tensioning system for a chain drive system of a rock drill assembly is disclosed. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to one end of the feed channel of a rock drill assembly. When pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to the hydraulic cylinder, a plunger within the hydraulic cylinder pulls on a tensioner sprocket, which in turn provides tension to the chain of the chain drive system. This allows for a constant tension to be applied to the chain throughout a long duration of operation as opposed to a manually adjusted chain drive system in which the chain tension varies during operation in between manual adjustments. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220421 | ROCK DRILLING MACHINE AND AXIAL BEARING MODULE - A rock drilling machine and an axial bearing module. The rock drilling machine is equipped with an axial bearing having at least one axial piston for axially positioning a drill shank and for damping stress pulses returning from the rock. The axial bearing includes a module that is detachable in one piece from one installation direction. The axial bearing module includes the required pressure medium channels, seals, bearing surfaces, and a module frame having at least bearing housing in connection therewith. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220422 | EARTH - BORING CUTTER MOUNT AND ASSEMBLY - A rotary cutter mount for an earth-boring cutter is provided which includes a ball bearing journal [ | 2011-09-15 |
20110220423 | TRI-CONE BIT FOR HIGH RPM DRILLING APPLICATIONS - This invention relates to a tri-cone bit for high RPM drilling applications, which comprises three head sections and three cones. Cutting elements are arranged on each cone. Upper parts of the three head sections are joined together to form a bit body, on which nozzle sockets are provided, and nozzles are installed in bores of the nozzle sockets. A bearing between the cones and the head sections is a composite roller-journal bearing which is formed by rollers and arc-shaped slides arranged in an alternating way, and a seal means for the bearing is of metal face type. The composite roller-journal bearing of the invention can withstand high RPM and high load, and also has a higher resistance to impact, thereby ensuring longer working life of the bearing under high RPM and medium-high WOB. The six-point gage protection structure enhances stability of the bit and reduces cutting element breakage caused by bit vibration. The above tri-cone bit is suitable for high RPM and medium-high WOB drilling applications and features high drilling efficiency and long service life. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220424 | Truck Scale with Removable Deck - A scale for weighing a vehicle which includes a removable platform supported by a plurality of load cells, the removable platform having a plurality of centering fixtures with each centering fixture having a cavity in its bottom section with a perimeter. The scale further including a plurality of centering projections having an outer surface which the perimeter of the cavity of the plurality of centering fixtures is guided upon lowering the removable platform onto the plurality of load cells. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220425 | WEIGHING SCALE - The invention relates to a weighing scale comprising a base plate and a load plate on which the object to be weighed is placed or on which the person to be weighed stands. At least three planar load cells are arranged between load plate and base plate which load cells are fastened to the load plate and are loosely supported on elevations of the base plate. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220426 | Fishing Net with Integral Weight Scale - A combination fishing net and weight scale device with optional length measuring ruler. The device includes a weight measuring scale incorporated into the handle of the fishing net at a point less exposed to water during standard use of the net. The weight scale components are incorporated at a distal end of the handle opposite the end incorporating the net basket. To use the weight scale the fish is retained in the net basket and the distal end of the handle is held up to allow the major portion of the handle and the fishing net basket to extend under gravity below the point of hanging support. In this manner, the weight of the fish within the fishing net basket is shown on an indicator positioned in the end (movable) component of the handle that shows through an aligned aperture on the main (fixed) handle component. The movable end component of the handle moves telescopically with respect to the fixed handle component. The weight measuring assembly preferably incorporates an internally fixed spring extending between the movable component and the fixed component of the handle. Alternately, a solid state electronic scale could be incorporated into the handle in the same position. A length measuring device in the form of imprinted or engraved markings along the length of the handle may optionally be incorporated so as to provide a readily available means for measuring the length of the fish. The length scale would preferably extend from the point of attachment between the handle of the fishing net and the circular basket section such that the fish might be retained within the net basket and flipped over to extend along the handle for measurement. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220427 | Powered single-wheeled self-balancing vehicle for standing user - A powered, gyroscopically balanced unicycle device to be used while standing, having leg contact surfaces which are made of a yielding, slightly soft material whose mild friction against the user's legs allows stable, precise control of the device without restraining the legs in any way. In one embodiment a single hubless wheel is driven by a friction drive mechanism which transmits torque from a motor through a drive wheel positioned below the foot platforms and in contact with the inner rim of the wheel. Various structures are provided for supporting the wheel and keeping it in place as it spins; absorbing small vertical movements of the wheel to prevent them from being transmitted to the foot platforms; enabling folding of the foot platforms; and facilitating carrying of the device by hand. Other embodiments are described and shown. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220428 | HYBRID DRIVE DEVICE - A hybrid drive device configured with an input member coupled to an internal combustion engine, a first rotating electrical machine, a second rotating electrical machine, an output member drivingly coupled to wheels and the second rotating electrical machine; and a differential gear unit. A first rotating element of the differential gear unit is drivingly coupled to the first rotating electrical machine. A second rotating element is drivingly coupled to the input member. A third rotating element is selectively fixed to a non-rotating member by a rotating restricting device. A fourth rotating element is selectively drivingly coupled to the output member via a rotational direction restricting device. Accordingly, the rotational direction restricting device is provided so as to allow the output member to rotate only in a positive direction relative to the fourth rotating element of the differential gear unit. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220429 | ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE WITH IMPROVED AIR INTAKE - An all terrain vehicle contains a partition wall which partitions a passenger space and a hood which is arranged ahead of the partition wall. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, an air outlet of an exhaust passage is opened in an upper space located between the partition wall and the hood. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220430 | Vehicular Trim Panel with Storage and Interfacing of Electronic Devices - An interior system of a vehicle includes an instrument panel substrate having a driver side, a passenger side, and a center section between the driver and passenger sides. The instrument panel substrate has an opening on the passenger side. A trim panel is mounted to the instrument panel substrate covering the opening and comprising a connector hub having a plurality of electrical connectors for mobile electronic devices. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the trim panel is releasable and pivotable after mounting in order to access a rear side of the trim panel. The trim panel may further include a cradle on the rear side to receive a printer, a paper holder on the rear side to receive and supply paper for the printer, and an elongated slot aligned with the cradle for feeding printed paper from the printer to a front side of the trim panel. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220431 | PERSONNEL CARRIER FOR STANDING OCCUPANT - A personnel carrier for standing occupant is provided, comprising a handle portion, a bearing portion, a power supply portion and a drive portion. The handle portion has a support section, a steering handle, a front wheel and a forward-reverse manipulation unit. The bearing portion having a bearing stage is pivotally coupled with the handle portion, two rear wheels being attached to the bearing stage. The power supply portion is mounted on the support section of the handle portion. The drive portion incorporated with an electromagnetic brake device is disposed in the front wheel to control advance or stop of the personnel carrier. In this manner, a compact personnel carrier for bearing personnel in standing manner is thus formed. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220432 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY - An improved structure for a rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a ball nut having an outer surface; a bearing assembly fixedly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut for rotatably supporting the ball nut assembly relative to the steering member; and a damper disposed on an outer race of the bearing assembly. The damper includes a pair of dampers disposed on the outer race of the bearing assembly, each of the dampers including at least a first member formed from a first rigid material and a second member formed from a second damping material. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220433 | COMBUSTOR AND GAS TURBINE HAVING THE SAME - An object is to provide a combustor that requires a small mounting space for an acoustic damper, that can achieve size reduction, and that can improve the ease of maintenance. A combustor ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220434 | ASYMMETRIC FIREARM SILENCER WITH COAXIAL ELEMENTS - The present invention relates to a silencer for reducing muzzle blast and noise of firearms or similar devices. The present silencer has a hollow cylindrical or other shape casing comprising front and rear end caps and an opening aligned along a longitudinal axis defining a passage for a projectile and propellant gases to emerge from the muzzle opening. A plurality of serially placed baffles of symmetrical or slanted orientation and intervening coaxial spacers are positioned within the casing and define a multitude of chambers among the baffles, spacers, and outer housing. The baffles shear propellant gases away from the projectile path and through openings or ports into additional chambers formed between the spacers and outer housing. The arrangement of baffles and spacers provides flow-impeding paths, dispersion, and controlled expansion of gases and lowers gas temperature to reduce audible noise and observable signature of the muzzle blast. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220435 | Sound Absorbing Device - An optically reflective sound absorbing device ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220436 | Fall Protection System - A fall protection system comprising a line wound onto a rotatable pulley having a centrifugal clutch which activates a gearbox which in turn drives an input shaft of a hydraulic actuator whereby the hydraulic actuator controls the rate of rotation of the pulley, and a secondary brake which slows the rotational speed of the pulley should it exceed a predetermined speed, whereby in use, the line is attached to a user to restrain a fall and then the system facilitates unwinding of the line at a controlled speed to effect descent. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220437 | ELEVATOR CONTROL APPARATUS - According to one embodiment, a response time calculation unit calculates a response time of each of the cars required when the car stop call is assigned to the car. An assignment control unit assigns the car stop call to the optimum car, based on the response time of each of the cars. A car load calculation unit calculates a load value of each car at the time when each car starts from a registration floor of the car stop call after responding to the call. A boarding possibility determination unit determines, for each car, whether the user can get on the car or not, by comparing the load value with a preset capacity value. A registration control unit performs control to assign the car stop call, including a second and later responses to the registration floor of the car stop call, based on a determination result of the boarding possibility. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220438 | LOAD SUPPORTING BELT - A supporting belt for a transport device, such as an elevator system, includes at least one stranded wire made of an electrically conducting material for absorbing the forces absorbed by the supporting belt and an electrically insulating jacket that encloses the wire. In order to determine the state of the wire, the wire can be contacted by a contact element securely and reliably and in an exact manner. To achieve this, the jacket is at least partially removed in the area of an opening of the supporting belt and the wire is at least partially exposed in the area of the opening. The wire thus does not include a jacket substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis formed by a center point of a cross-section of the wire. The wire can be contacted by a contact element without the jacket being pierced. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220439 | DOCK LOCKING DEVICE FOR A TRANSPORT FREIGHT VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING SAME - The device for chocking a goods transportation vehicle at a dock comprises a horizontal support ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220440 | Brake - The invention relates to a brake having a brake shoe ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220441 | DISC BRAKE BACKING PLATE AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A disc brake pad is composed of a backing plate and a friction material. The adhesion of the backing plate and the friction material is enhanced in the present invention by multiple recesses on the surface of the backing plate that is attached to the friction material. One of the advantages of the present invention is the ease of manufacturing. In one of the preferred methods of manufacturing, a matrix of recesses (2) is first impressed onto the steel sheet by a stamping press. The existing method of producing a traditional backing plate, i.e., stamping out the backing plate profile and the bores, may then be applied. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220442 | Hydrodynamic machine, especially hydrodynamic retarder - The invention relates to a hydrodynamic machine, especially a hydrodynamic retarder, comprising two blade wheels which are opposite of one another in such a way that they jointly form a toroidal working chamber which can be filled with a working medium in order to hydrodynamically transfer torque by means of a cycle flow of the working medium in the working chamber from the first blade wheel to the second blade wheel, with the first blade wheel rotating about a rotation axis and the second blade wheel rotating about the same rotation axis in the same direction of rotation or opposite of the direction of rotation of the first blade wheel, or being held in a stationary manner. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220443 | Compact Vibration Damper - A vibration damper includes a rigid base with a mass coupled thereto for linear movement thereon. Springs coupled to the mass compress in response to the linear movement along either of two opposing directions. A converter coupled to the mass converts the linear movement to a corresponding rotational movement. A rotary damper coupled to the converter damps the rotational movement. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220444 | COLLAPSIBLE BAG - A storage and travel bag includes a collapsible bag having an enclosure defined by a bottom panel, a first end panel, a spaced second end panel, a front panel, a back panel and a top panel, wherein the first end panel, second end panel, front panel, back panel and top panel are movable between a collapsed position and an uncollapsed position. A support structure is disposed within the enclosure and configured to be movable between a supporting position, wherein the support structure supports at least one of the first end panel, second end panel, front panel, back panel and top panel in an uncollapsed position, and a collapsed position, wherein the first end panel, second end panel, front panel, back panel and top panel are movable to respective collapsed positions. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220445 | Fully automatic traffic system - A fully automatic traffic system includes insertable individual system vehicles that are used for transporting persons and goods, are provided with their own drive system, their own steering mechanism, and at least one power take-off and guiding apparatus, and move along a route which encompasses a solid ground forming the running surfaces for the wheels of the individual vehicles, and a power supply and guiding system over which the wheels of the vehicles can roll. At least one power take-off and guiding apparatus of the individual vehicles can be deployed into and retracted from the effective range of the power supply and guiding system of the route. The ground that supports the running surfaces for the wheels of the individual vehicles consists of roadway elements which can be separately arranged and/or laid. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220446 | DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING ELECTRICAL ENERGY - The invention relates to a device for inductively transmitting electrical energy to or from a mobile object ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220447 | CURRENT COLLECTOR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE, IN PARTICULAR FOR RTG CONTAINER STACKER CRANES - The invention relates to a current collector system for fastening to a vehicle, I particular a container stacker crane, wherein the vehicle can be moved along in a line (T), and at least one busbar (S) is arranged on the line (T), wherein the current collector system has a collector trolley (W) having at least one busbar (AB), and the at least one current collector (AB) can be brought in contact with a busbar (S), wherein the collector trolley (W) of the current collector system is mounted to be freely displaceable vertically, in particular by means of at least one guide (F). | 2011-09-15 |
20110220448 | CLUTCH FOR MOTOR VEHICLE - A clutch vehicle includes a driving wheel driven by output of an engine of a motor vehicle. An actuator plate is jointly rotatable with the driving wheel and includes a side plate having a peg. Shoes mounted on the side plate pivot outward when the side plate rotates, allowing joint rotation of the actuator plate and a clutch hub surrounding the actuator plate. A block is movably mounted to the disc. An elastic element is mounted between the block and the clutch hub. The block is located in a first position not located in a circumferential path of the peg under action of the elastic element when the clutch hub does not rotate. The block is moved to a second position in the circumferential path of the peg by centrifugal force of the clutch hub when the clutch hub exceeds a preset speed. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220449 | BICYCLE HUB ASSEMBLY WITH TWO BEARINGS - A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub having a driving tube connected one end thereof and the driving tube includes a ratchet portion and a sprocket portion respectively defined in an outer periphery thereof. A first recess and a second recess are defined in an inner periphery of the driving tube, wherein the first recess is located corresponding to the ratchet portion and the second recess is located corresponding to the sprocket portion. A ratchet unit is mounted to the ratchet portion and a sprocket unit is mounted to the sprocket portion. A first rotary member and a second rotary member are engaged with the first recess and the second recess respectively. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220450 | HUB RATCHET DRIVING DEVICE FOR BICYCLES - A hub ratchet driving assembly includes a hub and a driving member is connected to an end of the hub. The driving member includes a driving portion which has first and second recesses defined in an outer surface thereof so as to receive a pawl and a spring member therein. A teeth ring is connected to the hub and includes multiple teeth in an inner periphery thereof. The spring member biases the pawl so as to provide a return force to the pawl. The pawl includes two ratchet teeth which are engaged with the teeth of the teeth ring. A positioning unit has a first positioning slot defined in the driving portion and a second positioning slot is defined in the pawl. A positioning ring is mounted to the first and second slots so as to prevent the pawl from disengaging from the driving portion in axial direction. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220451 | DRY CLUTCH - In a dry clutch, the space between dry-clutch plates and a bearing, which bearing is interposed between a first piston and a second piston, is blocked off. Also provided is a structure for supplying the bearing with lubricating oil, and thus it is possible to provide the dry clutch, without causing upsizing the bearing. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220452 | FAN DRIVE SYSTEM WITH LUBRICATION FLOW SYSTEM - Hydraulic fan drive system with oil flow system. A modular valve mechanism is provided with coaxial oil passages to circulating lubrication oil through the clutch and to and from a heat exchanger. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220453 | CONTINUOUS VARIABLE CLUTCH - A continuous variable clutch is provided. The continuous variable clutch includes a first sheave member and a second sheave member. The first sheave member includes a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub. The second sheave member includes a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface that extends radially from the second central hub. The second central hub of the second sheave member is received in a cavity of the first central hub such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member facing the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion. The second central hub moving axially within the first central hub based on an amount of torque on the continuous variable clutch. The first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220454 | Scissors Lift Guard for a Sheet Material Conveyor - A conveyor lift table for a conveyor system comprises a conveyor including a frame and a plurality of rollers for supporting a load thereon and a lift mechanism connected to one end to said frame and configured to move the conveyor with a load supported thereon from an uppermost position to a lowermost position. A guard assembly is provided that includes plurality of U-shaped panel sections, each of the panel sections defining a successively larger perimeter. The panel section having the smallest perimeter is attached to the conveyor frame. Each panel section is connected to the next larger perimeter panel section by a plurality of slide members so that the guard assembly is configured to telescopically completely enclose the lift mechanism on three sides as it moves between its uppermost and lowermost positions. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220455 | PEOPLE MOVER, TRANSMISSION CHAIN AND METHOD IN THE USE OF A PEOPLE MOVER - A people mover comprising a plurality of steps or palettes to carry and move people. A transmission chain formed into an endless loop is connected to the steps or palettes via which the steps or palettes are moved. The transmission chain comprises consecutive chain links connected in a hinged manner to each other such that the chain links are bendable in relation to each other in a first direction (I) and in a second direction (II). Two turning elements are provided around which the transmission chain is arranged to pass. The consecutive chain links of the transmission chain bend in relation to each other in the first direction (I) when passing around the respective turning elements. A bending limitation mechanism is arranged to limit bending of the transmission chain occurring in the second direction (II). | 2011-09-15 |
20110220456 | ESCALATOR - An escalator includes a plurality of steps or panels, a chain for driving the steps or panels, at least one chain wheel around which the chain is deflected and wherein the chain, starting from the chain wheel, forms an upper strand and a lower strand. There is also provided a device for the polygonal compensation of the movement of the at least one chain wheel. The effective lever arm of the chain on the at least one chain wheel in the upper strand is substantially equal to the effective lever arm of the chain on the at least one chain wheel in the lower strand. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220457 | ESCALATOR - An escalator includes a plurality of steps or panels, a chain for driving the steps or panels, at least one chain wheel around which the chain is deflected and wherein the chain, starting from the chain wheel, forms an upper strand and a lower strand. There is also provided a device for the polygonal compensation of the movement of the at least one chain wheel. The effective lever arm of the chain on the at least one chain wheel in the upper strand is substantially equal to the effective lever arm of the chain on the at least one chain wheel in the lower strand. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220458 | HIGH SPEED DIVERTER - A diverter assembly for handling articles transported on a conveying surface is disclosed. The diverter assembly includes at least one diverter arm and a motor coupled to a drive arrangement for swinging the diverter arm over the conveying surface. An inverter controller is provided for operating the motor at a plurality of speeds. A sensor arrangement is coupled to the inverter controller for monitoring the position of the diverter arm. The sensor arrangement sends a slow-down signal to the inverter controller when the diverter arm reaches a pre-determined position, causing the inverter controller to operate the motor at a slower speed. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220459 | SWEEPER SORTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A sweeper sorting apparatus for use with a transport belt includes first and second drive belts and a sweeper. The first and second drive belts are positioned adjacent to first and second ends, respectively, of the transport belt and have upper portions oriented substantially parallel to and below an upper surface of the transport belt. The second end of the transport belt is opposite the first end of the transport belt. The sweeper is coupled at a first end to the first drive belt and at a second end to the second drive belt. The sweeper is positioned above the upper surface of the transport belt. At least one of the first drive belt and the second drive belt is operable to move the sweeper across the upper surface of the transport belt to push an item off the upper surface of the transport belt. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220460 | Apparatus and Method for Distributing Articles within a Stream of Articles - An apparatus ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220461 | Conveyor Belt Scraper And System For The Same - A scraper blade has a tip of hard material and a base of resilient material. The base has at least one concave surface on the front side adjacent to the base and may have an additional concave surface on the back side adjacent to the tip. When the blade is urged against a conveyor belt for removing material, a substantial vertical force created by a significant obstruction on the belt will compress the scraper blade and will cause the blade to deform and move away from the belt until the obstruction has passed. A scraper blade system includes the scraper blade and an adjustment block for holding and adjusting the scraper blade against the conveyor belt. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220462 | Apparatus and Method for Conveying Cohesive Materials - An apparatus and a method include a pipe comprising a first end, a second end and an interior wall. The pipe is configured for rotation about an axis with a rotational rate sufficient for a cohesive material to remain stationary in a layer on the interior wall. A plurality of blades is configured for deflecting the cohesive material. Each of the blades includes a blade edge having a curvature corresponding to a portion of the interior wall. A support structure supports the blade edges with each of the blade edges proximate the interior wall and having an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the axis. An inlet apparatus feeds the cohesive material into the first end where a difference in rotational rate between the interior wall and the plurality of blades, and the angle determines a rate of conveyance of the cohesive material along the interior wall. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220463 | DEVICE FOR GRIPPING PET BOTTLES HAVING A PUSHER BODY - The invention relates to a device for gripping containers and bottles ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220464 | CONTAINER FEEDING MEANS, AND TREATMENT MACHINE HAVING A FEEDING MEANS OF THIS TYPE - An inlet worm ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220465 | Conveyor For Transferring Articles - A conveyor for transferring articles, comprising: a cogged belt ( | 2011-09-15 |
20110220466 | PAN SECTION - A pan section for combined conveying and winning apparatuses having a bottom run and a top run for guiding driver elements of a conveyor chain, as well as a welded frame structure which has two side cheeks which consist of one-piece rolled profiles. The rolled profiles have a constant profile shape with a bottom leg and a top leg, which are angled outwards in the assembled state, and an intermediate leg being provided with an offset for supporting and welding at least one intermediate plate. The pan section further includes a substructure connected to the bottom leg of the rolled profiles to connect both bottom legs to one another at a distance from the intermediate bottom. The substructure also has mounting pieces positioned at the ends below the bottom legs for transverse-force transmission means. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220467 | Conveyor Belt for Transporting Hot Material - A conveyor belt has a reinforcement insert and is provided to transport hot materials at higher temperatures. The core of the conveyor belt is protected against the high temperatures by an additional textile layer made of basalt fibers arranged above the reinforcement insert in the rubber cover layer defining the load-carrying side of the conveyor belt. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220468 | MATERIAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS INCLUDING A TRANSPORT BELT HAVING RESISTANCE TO LASER RADIATION DAMAGE AND METHODS OF CUTTING SUBSTRATES IN MATERIAL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS WITH LASER RADIATION - Material transport systems including a radiation-resistant transport belt and methods of cutting substrates transported in the material transport systems are provided. An exemplary material transport system includes a continuous transport belt entrained on at least a first roll and a second roll. The transport belt includes at least a first layer and a second layer over the first layer. The first layer includes an inner surface of the transport belt and the second layer includes an outer surface of the transport belt. The second layer can be comprised of copper, copper-based alloys, aluminum, aluminum-based alloys or nickel. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220469 | USER CONFIGURABLE SWITCH ASSEMBLY - A switch assembly having steering wheel switches located on the steering wheel and are configured to provide generic outputs enabling the connection of equipment controlled from the steering wheel. Specialty vehicles may be up-fit with equipment to perform varying functions defined by the needs of the individual user using the vehicle. Users can define functions critical to their specific usage that enable maintaining both hands on steering wheel while performing mission-critical functions and reduce driver distraction from verifying that a switch, button, or dial on a control head is in the desired position. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220470 | Electromechanical Actuator with Interdigitated Electrodes - A micromachined electromechanical (MEMS) actuator including, for example, an electrostatically actuated electrical switch, is provided, including a first set of conducting plates forming part of the movable element of the switch, interdigitated with a set of conducting plates forming part of the substrate. The plates are, in principle, vertical relative to the surface of the substrate; they are in partial heightwise overlap and a control voltage applied between the two sets of plates exerts a vertical force acting so as to move the movable element closer to the substrate. The conducting plates of the movable element are connected to one another by conducting end crosspieces connecting the ends of these plates so as to surround, laterally, the stationary conducting plates. The distance separating one stationary plate end from the mobile crosspiece is the same at both ends so that the forces exerted in the elongation direction of the plates cancel out. This distance is preferably the same for all the plates. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220471 | Micromechanical component and method for manufacturing a micromechanical component - A micromechanical component, e.g., a switch, includes a substrate having at least one recess, at least two electrically conductive contact surfaces provided in the region of the recess, and an actuator. The contact surfaces are able to be brought into contact with one another for electrical conduction with the aid of the actuator. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220472 | ELECTROSTATIC RELAY - In an electrostatic relay in which a moving contact and a movable electrode are displaced in parallel with a base substrate, an opening force is increased when the movable electrode is separated from a fixed electrode, and a structure is simplified to enhance a degree of freedom of design. A fixed contact portion and a fixed electrode portion are fixed to the base substrate. The fixed electrode portion and a movable electrode portion constitute an electrostatic actuator that displaces the movable electrode portion and a moving contact portion. A movable spring provided in a spring supporting portion retains the movable electrode portion in a displaceable manner. A cantilever secondary spring is provided in the spring supporting portion, and a projection portion is provided in a front end face of the movable electrode portion. The secondary spring abuts on the projection portion while being not deformed until abutting on the projection portion, before the moving contact of the moving contact portion abuts on the fixed contact of the fixed contact portion when the moving contact portion and the movable electrode portion are displaced. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220473 | SWITCH, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND RELAY - A switch has a first contact portion in which a plurality of conductive layers is stacked on an upper side of a first substrate, and a second contact portion in which a plurality of conductive layers is stacked on an upper side of a second substrate. Respective end faces of the conductive layers at the first contact portion are contacts of the first contact portion. Respective end faces of the conductive layers at the second contact portion are contacts of the second contact portion. Each contact of the first contact portion and each contact of the second contact portion are faced to each other so that the contacts come into contact with or separate from each other. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220474 | ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD - An electronic communications device such as a key fob is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a flexible film and a spacer layer defining at least one aperture. The flexible film can cover at least a portion of the spacer layer, and defines an exterior surface of the key fob. The flexible film includes at least one contact surface and a surface adjacent to the at least one contact surface. The at least one contact surface flexes when a force is applied in order to actuate at least one switch. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220475 | MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER - A miniature circuit breaker has a housing formed of a housing base of insulating material and a pot-like housing cover, which is or can be positioned onto the housing base. Two elongate and flat contact arms are partially embedded in the housing base parallel with respect to one another in terms of their longitudinal direction. A fixed contact is arranged at an inner end of a first one of the contact arms. A bimetallic snap-action disk with a free end, forming or bearing a moving contact, is fitted at an inner end of the second contact arm at a fastening point. The fastening point, the moving contact and the fixed contact are in this case on an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the contact arms. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220476 | SWITCH DEVICE - A switch device includes a box-shaped case, a harness portion, and a fixing member. The harness portion is connected to a switch contact point and includes a plurality of lead lines extending out of the case. The case includes a holding body and a guide portion. The holding body includes a fixing portion protruding from an outer face of the case and provided on a tip side, and a through-hole provided under the fixing portion. The guide portion is opposed to the through-hole and formed in a substantially concave curve shape. The guide portion is formed such that an end portion further from the through-hole is positioned to be above an end portion closer to the through-hole. The fixing member extends through the through-hole and fixes the harness portion to the holding body by winding the harness portion and the fixing portion together. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220477 | KEYPAD STRUCTURE - A keypad structure with a backlight source includes a base, a light guiding plate, a thin film circuit board, a resilient component, a keycap, and an elevating mechanism. The thin film circuit board includes at least one exhausting notch for increasing exhaust as the resilient component is compressed. A plurality of microstructures is formed on the light guiding plate, and the keypad structure further includes a transparent layer formed on the keycap. Light emitted from the backlight source and refracted by the plurality of microstructures passes through the keycap and the transparent layer as the backlight source lights the lateral side of the light guiding plate, so as to illuminate the transparent layer. Thus, the present invention has advantages of illuminating pattern, regional illumination, and preferable comfort. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220478 | PUSH BUTTON SWITCH WITH ANTI-JAMMING PROTECTION DEVICE - A push button switch includes: a support structure of a generally box-like shape, defining an internal space, the support structure having at least an opening communicating with the internal space and an opening axis, the opening being defined by an internal opening edge; an actuation mechanism having a push button and a mechanical coupling arrangement for connecting the push button to the support structure, the mechanical coupling arrangement having a guiding arrangement for the push button to traverse with respect to the support structure in a direction generally parallel to the opening axis; a key which is fixable to the push button for manually actuating the push button; and an anti-jamming protection device having a protective plug interposable between the key and push button and being appliable onto the support structure for interacting with the internal edge, to protect the guiding arrangement from undesired intrusion by dust particles and such. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220479 | KEYS WITH DOUBLE-DIVING-BOARD SPRING MECHANISMS - Keys may be formed for keyboards. The keyboards may be attached to electronic devices such as computers or may be formed within a portable computer or other electronic equipment. A keyboard may be provided with a planar housing member such as a top plate. The top plate may have openings through which key caps protrude. Each key cap may be attached to a respective spring mechanism. The spring mechanism for each key may have first and second diving-board structures that flex about respective parallel flex axes. A dome switch may be mounted under each spring mechanism. The dome switch is compressed when the key cap is pressed and the first diving-board structure moves towards the dome switch. The top plate may have edge portions surrounding each key opening that form upstop structures that prevent the key caps and spring mechanisms from tilting when the dome switch is compressed. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220480 | IN-VEHICLE INPUT DEVICE - An in-vehicle input device includes a housing including a supporting member; an operating knob including a shaft hole (supported part) and supported by the supporting member in such a manner that the operating knob rocks; and a switch (a moving contact of a bulge and a fixed contact of a main substrate) operated by rocking the operating knob, wherein the operating knob has a notch defining an opening intersecting with a rocking axis on a first side intersecting with the rocking axis, and wherein a rotary knob, which is an operating (second operating knob) corresponding to another switch, is disposed in the notch. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220481 | LEVER BUTTON AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE THEREWITH - A lever button in which at least one side thereof is elastically supported and an electronic device therewith is provided. The lever button includes a manipulation part and an elastic part having one end supported by the manipulation part and another end supported by a support frame. The elastic part comprises at least one cantilever. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220482 | Heat Exchanger - The present invention relates to the vaporization of a liquid by exchanging heat with a second fluid by means of a heat exchanger of the vertical plate type. It applies in particular to air distillation installations. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220483 | PROCESS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF SQUALENE, STEROLS AND VITAMIN E CONTAINED IN CONDENSATES OF PHYSICAL REFINING AND/OR IN DISTILLATES OF DEODORIZATION OF PLANT OILS - The invention describes a global method for extracting sterols, vitamin E, squalene and other vegetable hydrocarbons from deodorization distillates of vegetable oils. After esterification of the free fatty acids, followed by trans-esterification of the combined fatty acids (glycerides and sterides) with the same short alcohol, three successive distillations allow successive recovery of a first fraction of the hydrocarbons, the main fraction of alkyl esters, and then the heaviest alkyl esters with squalene. The third distillate will be used for producing squalene and a second fraction of hydrocarbons. The residue of the third distillation will be used for producing sterols and vitamin E. By using bio-ethanol, vegetable glycerol and the vegetable hydrocarbons of the method, with the method it is possible to extract each of the four unsaponifiables without any solvent of petroleum origin and claim the labels of products obtained by natural physical and chemical methods. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220484 | MONOLITHIC CATALYST SYSTEM FOR THE PHOTOLYSIS OF WATER - A monolithic catalyst system for the cleavage of water into hydrogen and oxygen comprises a first photoactive material capable by itself or together with an auxiliary material and/or an auxiliary catalyst when irradiated with light having a wavelength ≧420 nm of generating oxygen and protons from water, and a second photoactive material capable by itself or together with an auxiliary material and/or an auxiliary catalyst when irradiated with light having a wavelength ≧420 nm of reducing protons in water to hydrogen. The first and second photoactive materials are in electrical contact via an electron-conducting material. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220485 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING APPARATUS - In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing a device including forming a film on an object of processing using sputtering. The method can form a first film of a first sputtered particle on the object of processing at a first position. The first sputtered particle travels in a direction intersecting a major surface of a sputtering target. The object of processing and the sputtering target do not overlap as viewed in plan at the first position. In addition, the method can form a second film of a second sputtered particle on the first film at a second position. The second sputtered particle travels in a direction substantially orthogonal to the major surface of the sputtering target. The object of processing and the sputtering target at least partially overlap as viewed in plan at the second position. The second sputtered particle is screened in the case where the object of processing not having the first film formed on the object of processing is at the second position. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220486 | METHOD OF PRODUCING ALPHA CRYSTAL STRUCTURE-BASED ALUMINA FILMS - In forming alumina films on substrates by sputtering of an aluminum metal target in an oxidizing gas-containing atmosphere, film formation is carried out intermittently in a plurality of substeps while restricting a thickness of the film formed in each substep to at most 5 nm. A turntable is disposed to face a direction of sputtering of the aluminum metal target and the substrates are fixed to the turntable. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220487 | Protective Enclosure for an Ion Gun, Device for Depositing Materials through Vacuum Evaporation Comprising Such a Protective Enclosure and Method for Depositing Materials - The present invention relates to a protective enclosure for an ion gun and to a device for depositing materials through vacuum evaporation comprising such an enclosure and methods of using each. According to the invention, the protective enclosure comprises a side wall intended to surround said ion gun, and an open upper end, said protective enclosure having a longitudinal axis, a truncated tube shape on its open upper end resulting from an inclined surface relative to said longitudinal axis, and having a lower part and an upper part. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220488 | Apparatus and Method for Improved Darkspace Gap Design in RF Sputtering Chamber - Improved designs of target assemblies and darkspace shields are disclosed. Methods of improving darkspace gap in sputtering chambers and sputtering chambers having an improved darkspace gap are also disclosed. Disclosed is a target assembly having a substantially coplanar backing plate and a target are vertically spaced from the darkspace shield. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220489 | ROTATABLE TARGET, BACKING TUBE, SPUTTERING INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A ROTATABLE TARGET - A rotatable target for a sputtering installation and a method for producing a rotatable target are provided. The target includes a backing tube to which a target tube is shrink-fitted. The method includes setting a positive temperature difference between a target tube and a backing tube. The method further includes pulling the target tube over the backing tube while the temperature difference remains positive. Furthermore, a backing tube having a middle part with an outer lateral area and a notch extending in a longitudinal direction on the outer lateral area is provided. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220490 | Apparatus And Method Utilizing A Double Glow Discharge Plasma For Sputter Cleaning - The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method utilizing double glow discharge for sputter cleaning of a selected surface. The surface may include the inner surface of a hollow substrate such as a tube which inner surface may then be coated via magnetron sputter deposition. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220491 | Electron-assisted deposition - Previous limitations in utilizing energetic vapor deposition means are addressed through the introduction of a novel means of vapor deposition, namely, an Electron-Assisted Deposition (EAD) process and apparatus. The EAD mode of film growth disclosed herein is generally achieved by, first, forming a magnetic field that possesses field lines that intersect electrically non-grounded first and second surfaces, wherein at least one surface is a workpiece, thereby forming a magnetic trap between first and second surfaces; second, introducing a high flux of electrons axially into the magnetic field existing between the first and second surfaces, so that the electrons form an electron-saturated space-charge in the space adjacent to the substrate, wherein plasma interactions with the substrate are substantially avoided, and modification of film growth processes is provided predominantly by electron—rather than plasma—bombardment. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220492 | SURFACE PLANARIZATION METHOD - Disclosed is a surface planarization method capable of planarizing the surface of a substrate while maintaining the film thickness of a polysilicon layer. A wafer formed with a polysilicon layer on the surface thereof is loaded on a susceptor of a chamber of a substrate processing apparatus, the pressure in the chamber is set to any one of 100 mTorr or more and 800 mTorr or less, and the flow ratio of argon gas in a mixed gas of oxygen gas and argon gas is set to any one of 50% or more and 95% or less, plasma is generated by exciting the mixed gas with a high-frequency power having a frequency set to any one of 13 MHz or more and 100 MHz or less, and the surface of the wafer is sputtered by positive ions of oxygen or argon in the generated plasma. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220493 | MASKING MATERIAL, PIEZOELECTRIC VIBRATOR, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING PIEZOELECTRIC VIBRATOR, OSCILLATOR, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, AND RADIO-CONTROLLED TIMEPIECE - Provided are a masking material capable of suppressing the occurrence of pattern blurring when forming a pattern on a substrate by a sputtering method, a piezoelectric vibrator using the masking material, a method of manufacturing the piezoelectric vibrator, and an oscillator, an electronic device, and a radio-controlled timepiece each having the piezoelectric vibrator. A masking material which is used when forming a pattern on a substrate by a sputtering method includes openings corresponding to the pattern, and portions where the openings are not formed have a uniform thickness. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220494 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MAGNETRON METALLIZATION FOR SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION - Disclosed is magnetron based metallization processing apparatuses. The apparatus comprises a magnetron which comprises at least one pole piece that is not a permanent magnet at least before the at least one pole piece is assembled in the magnetron assembly. The balance or unbalance ratio of magnetic strength between inner and outer pole pieces may be adjusted by a gap between inner or outer pole pieces and mounting plate. The apparatus may comprise a second magnet assembly that is used to modify the electromagnetic field created by the magnetron assembly for fabricating a semiconductor device. The second magnet assembly comprises electromagnet(s), permanent magnet(s), or ferrous materials. The apparatus may further comprise either DC, pulsed, or RF power supply for charging a sputtering target. The apparatus may comprise a plenum that is used to control the thermal behavior of the sputtering target and is separated from the magnetron assembly. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220495 | IGNITION APPARATUS FOR ARC SOURCES - The present invention relates to an ignition device for igniting a high-current discharge of an electrical arc evaporator in a vacuum coating system. Ignition is performed by means of mechanically closing and opening a contact between the cathode and the anode. Contact is established by means of an ignition finger that can move on a forced path. On account of the forced path, the ignition finger can be moved by means of a simple mechanical drive to a park position, which is protected against coating, and said ignition finger can also be used to ignite a second target. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220496 | GAS-SENSOR - [Objective] To provide a gas sensor having a solid electrolyte body in which an exposed portion thereof achieving a temperature lower than the temperature that burns off soot is covered with a glass coat so as to prevent deterioration in gas concentration detection performance of the gas sensor. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220497 | ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR - An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, a plurality of longitudinal chambers disposed within the outer wall, and a reference chamber housing a reference electrode. Ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode must pass sequentially through each of longitudinal chambers from a first longitudinal chamber to the reference chamber. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220498 | Method for Building Massively-Parallel Preconcentration Device for Multiplexed, High-Throughput Applications - A multiplexed concentration interface that can connect with a plurality of microchannels, conventional 96 well plates or other microarrays is disclosed. The interface can be used in biosensing platforms and can be designed to detect single or multiple targets such as DNA/RNA, proteins and carbohydrates/oligosaccharides. The multiplexed concentration device will provide a set of volume-matched sample preparation and detection strategies directly applicable by ordinary researchers. Furthermore, a multiplexed microfluidic concentrator without buffer channels is disclosed. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220499 | Non-focusing tracers for indirect detection in electrophoretic displacement techniques - A novel method for visualizing electrokinetic process zones (e.g., for isotachophoresis (ITP)) is provided. We introduce negligibly small concentrations of a fluorophore that is not focused by isotachophoresis. This non-focusing tracer (NFT) migrates through multiple isotachophoresis zones. As it enters each zone, the NFT concentration adapts to the local electric field in each zone. ITP zones can then be visualized with a point detector or camera. The method can be used to detect, identify, and quantify unknown analyte zones, and can visualize complex and even transient electrophoresis processes. This visualization technique is particularly suited to microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications, as typical fluorescence microscopes and CCD cameras can provide high-resolution spatiotemporal data. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220500 | Glucuronidated Acetaminophen as a Marker of Hepatic Disorders - The present invention provides methods for diagnosing human hepatic disorders, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), identifying a human subject at risk of an adverse drug reaction, and determining an appropriate dosage of a therapeutic drug for a human subject. The marker is an increased level of acetaminophen-glucuronide in a plasma or urine sample from a human subject. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220501 | Programmable Electrophoretic Notch Filter Systems and Methods - An electrophoretic notch filter apparatus including a gel cartridge having at least one sample channel, an electrode and a counter electrode each engagable with the sample channel, a user interface for programming one or more steps for a sample channel into a processor to form a programmed sequence and an electrophoretic controller for implementing the programmed sequence. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220502 | Unitary Biochip Providing Sample-in to Results-out Processing and Methods of Manufacture - A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220503 | ELECTROKINETIC PUMPING OF NONPOLAR SOLVENTS USING IONIC FLUID - Techniques are generally described that include electrokinetic pumping an emulsion comprising an ionic fluid and a nonpolar fluid to promote flow of the ionic fluid by electro-osmotic flow and drag the nonpolar fluid by viscous drag forces. In some examples, the electrokinetic pump may be utilized to deliver one or more reagents within a fluidic reactor system, such as a micro-scale reactor system. In some additional examples, a reagent may be dissolved in the nonpolar fluid of a first emulsion and pumped through the electrokinetic pump to a mixing channel to allow the reagent of the first emulsion to react with a reagent of second emulsion to form a reactive product. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220504 | MICROFLUIDIC CHANNEL DEVICE WITH ARRAY OF DRIVE ELECTRODES - Technologies are generally described for microfluidic channel devices. Some example devices may include a substrate having a substrate surface, with an array of drive electrode assemblies disposed upon the substrate surface. The drive electrode assemblies may be arranged along a path. Each drive electrode assembly may include one or more of a drive electrode layer, a dielectric layer and/or a stationary phase layer. The device may further include a plate including a plate surface. The device may further include a reference electrode configured on the plate surface to face the stationary phase layer of the drive electrode assemblies and separated from the substrate surface by a distance. The device may further include a voltage source effective to output a voltage potential, the voltage source configured in communication with the drive electrode assembly and the reference electrode. The device may further include an electrode selector effective to control the voltage source. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220505 | DROPLET MANIPULATIONS ON EWOD MICROELECTRODE ARRAY ARCHITECTURE - A method of manipulating droplet in a programmable EWOD microelectrode array comprising multiple microelectrodes, comprising: constructing a bottom plate with multiple microelectrodes on a top surface of a substrate covered by a dielectric layer; the microelectrode coupled to at least one grounding elements of a grounding mechanism, a hydrophobic layer on the top of the dielectric layer and the grounding elements; manipulating the multiple microelectrodes to configure a group of configured-electrodes to generate microfluidic components and layouts with selected shapes and sizes, comprising: a first configured-electrode with multiple microelectrodes arranged in array, and at least one second adjacent configured-electrode adjacent to the first configured-electrode, the droplet disposed on the top of the first configured-electrode and overlapped with a portion of the second adjacent-configured-electrode; and manipulating one or more droplets among multiple configured-electrodes by sequentially activating and de-activating one or more selected configured-electrodes to actuate droplets to move along selected route. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220506 | RECOVERY OF MATERIALS FROM MIXTURES WITH IONIC LIQUIDS - A method for recovering for a material such as an absorbed solute from an ionic liquid is described. In the method, an electric field is applied to the ionic liquid to release the absorbed solute. | 2011-09-15 |
20110220507 | MICROCHANNEL-TYPE FLUID MIXING APPARATUS USING AC ELECTROOSMOTIC FLOWS (AC-EOF) AND INCLINED-ELECTRODE PATTERNS - The present invention provides a microchannel-type fluid mixing apparatus using AC electroosmotic flows (AC-EOF) for inducing the mixing of fluid materials flowing in a microchannel and inclined-electrode patterns. The fluid mixing apparatus according to the present invention enables the electrical connection between the respective electrodes arranged inclinedly along a lengthwise direction of a microchannel on an inner bottom wall surface of the microchannel and the power supply unit for supplying AC power is controlled by the controller so that AC power form the power supply unit is applied to the electrodes in two patterns alternately performed over time. Thus, the fluid materials vortically flow in a vertical direction over the respective electrodes while changing their rotational direction over time, leading to a smooth mixing of the fluid materials. Particularly, the present invention enhances the mixing efficiency of fluid materials while employing a simplified electrode arrangement structure. | 2011-09-15 |