k Hydraulic jack attachment By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hydraulic jack attachment for quickly and safely jacking up high clearance objects in an efficient manner. The hydraulic jack attachment generally includes a base support adapted to be positioned underneath an object to be lifted. The base support includes a footing which includes one or more wheels to aid in repositioning the base support. A linkage tube is interlocked with a lifting member and positioned within the base support. A hydraulic jack may be placed into a lower end of the base support via an access opening. When the hydraulic jack is lifted, it will force the linkage tube and lifting tube upwards. A lifting head positioned on the upper end of the lifting tube will press against and force the object upwardly to jack the object up. Full Article
k Removable saddle and extension for floor jack By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An extension has a main extension body with a first extension end and a second extension end, an extension passage is defined there between. An annular extension recess is formed about the extension passage at the first extension end. An annular extension flange is formed about the extension passage at the second extension end. A saddle has a main saddle body with a first saddle end and a second saddle end with a saddle passage defined there between. An annular saddle flange is formed about the saddle passage at the second saddle end. A fastener has an elongate shaft with a first shaft end and a second shaft end. A head is at the first shaft end. A fastening engagement is about the second shaft end. The shaft is configured to be disposed within the saddle passage and the extension passage. Full Article
k Two speed direct drive drawworks By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A direct drive drawworks (100) has a permanent magnet motor (40) with a first set of windings (250) and a second set of windings (252), a shaft (41) extending from the permanent magnet motor (40) such that the permanent magnet motor directly rotates the shaft (41), a drum (43) connected to the shaft (41) away from the permanent magnet motor (40) such that the rotation of the shaft (41) causes a corresponding rotation of the drum (43), and a switch cooperative with the first set of windings and the second set of windings so as to cause the sets of windings to be selectively connected in parallel or in series. Full Article
k Hand operated jacks for lifting file cabinets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention discloses mechanical and hydraulic jacks for lifting heavy fireproof and burglary proof file cabinets with their contents inside for transportation to a truck or other destination. This jack can also lift lateral or regular file cabinets with their contents inside for transportation. It discloses a hook assembly which can be extended over the top of the cabinet remote from the jack with a hook to hold the cabinet from tilting. It discloses a lifting assembly with a lifting plate at the front bottom of the jack for inserting under the bottom corners of the cabinet for lifting. A device for tilting the cabinet away from the jack is disclosed to allow the lifting plate to be inserted under the cabinet. A lifting plate on the front bottom of the jack can be extended under the end of a file cabinet which is secured by the hooking assembly. Full Article
k Eyelash makeup and/or care assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Assembly and method for making up and/or caring for keratin material, the assembly containing: at least one composition containing platelet-shaped particles, at least one nonionic surfactant and/or at least one ionic surfactant and/or at least one polymeric surfactant, or at least one fatty-phase rheological agent, andat least one applicator having an application member and a vibrating source for making the application member vibrate. Full Article
k Fingernail decoration kit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A fingernail decoration kit includes a pair of pivotally-joined handles that reciprocate in a scissors-like fashion. The handles open and close a pair of jaws that are each configured to releasably retain any one of a plurality of manicuring dies for either shaping or piercing a nail, or crimping a jewelry item thereto. Full Article
k Unit dose breakable vial with integrated brush applicator By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A disposable sterile breakable vial includes a handle section and a vial section which are completely separable in response to a manually applied separation force. The vial section includes a sterile void dimensioned to contain a unit dose of a sterile therapeutic topical agent. An elongated member comprises a proximal portion supported by the handle section and a distal portion provided with a sterile applicator element, such as a brush. At least the applicator element is completely enclosed within the vial section with the applicator element immersed within the therapeutic topical agent. A hermetic seal between the handle and vial sections maintains sterility of at least the vial section prior to handle and vial section separation. Complete separation of the handle section and the vial section exposes the elongated member and the applicator element for topical application of the therapeutic agent saturating the applicator element. Full Article
k Cosmetics unit with latching closure that can be blocked By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic, comprising a storage container having a removal opening, and a closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening. The closure cap can be detachably locked in its closing position on the storage container using at least one latching device that acts between the closure cap and the storage container. The cosmetics container further comprises at least one locking device which is able to assume at least one release position and at least one blocking position, and which in the blocking position blocks the latching element in such a way that a lock existing between the closure cap and the storage container cannot be released and the closure cap thus cannot be moved out of its closing position. Full Article
k Method for extending eyelashes to achieve a particular look By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of sectioning eyelashes into zones is disclosed. A method of sectioning eyelashes into zones comprises dividing a surface of an eyelid into zones and applying extension lashes to natural lashes within the zones. Zones can comprise an inner zone, a mid-zone and an outer zone. Furthermore, at least a portion of extension lashes within inner zone can have a first length, while the extension lashes within middle zone and outer zone can have a second and third length, respectively. Full Article
k Decorative devices, and methods for making and using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A disclosed decorative device includes an elongate, flexible foam body, an elongate, pliable core element, a pair of adapters, and a pair of end pieces. A method for making the decorative device is described, as is a method for retaining hair using the decorative device. The decorative device includes the elongate, flexible foam body surrounding the elongate, pliable core element along its length. The pair of adapters are each configured to fixably receive an end of the elongate, pliable core element, with the pair of end pieces, each being configured to connect to one of the pair of adapters. Full Article
k Nail print apparatus and print control method thereof for fitting first design and second design that is background of first design to nail By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A nail print apparatus, including: a print head which performs printing on a nail region on the basis of image data including a first design and a second design that is a background of the first design; and an image data processing unit which has a second image data processing unit that processes the image data so that the second design covers an entire nail region. Full Article
k Composition, method and kit for enhancing hair By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Compositions for application and methods of application of a composition to modify hair. In one embodiment, a composition includes a compound (molecule) represented by: wherein A and B are individually selected from a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group and a halogen, with the proviso that when one of A and B is a hydroxyl group, the other of A and B is a hydrogen and when one of A and B is a halogen, the other of A and B is a halogen or a hydrogen;wherein Z is, for example, an aryl moiety; andwherein X1 and X2 are, for example, individually selected from a hydrogen and an alkyl moiety,wherein R1 and R2 are individually selected from an oxo, a hydroxyl or an ester group;wherein y is 0 or 1, x is 0 or 1 and x and y are not both 1, or a salt. Full Article
k Mascara system with thickening benefits By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mascara system comprising, in combination: (a) a mascara applicator comprising a substantially longitudinal stem having a major axis A and a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein at least two adjacent protrusions are spaced from one another at a distance R at the base of the stem; (b) a mascara composition comprising primary particles that are at least about 5 microns in equivalent diameter; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The mascara applicator is a molded applicator, the distance R is from about 0.75 mm to about 3.0 mm, and at least one of the primary particles is a wax primary particle composed primarily of one or more waxes. Full Article
k Toothbrush including kit for decorating said toothbrush By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A kit for decorating a toothbrush includes the toothbrush having a base portion, and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. A second embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument and an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing instrument. A third embodiment of the kit includes the toothbrush, a writing instrument, an area designated on the base portion for marking with the writing implement and at least one decorative band sized to fit around the outer perimeter of the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may include at least one sticker sized to fit on the base portion of the toothbrush. Any of the kits may also include a panel including one or more stickers and/or one or more decorative bands. Full Article
k Mascara with lipstick, concealer, ad-hoc user mixable blush, and glitter component By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates generally to a system for easily carrying mascara and multiple other cosmetic products to be applied to the face and in particular to a unitary stick system for easily carrying a mascara and three other cosmetic products for application to the face wherein the user may mix more than one of these other cosmetic products during application to create an aesthetically different cosmetic product. Full Article
k Device for applying a fluid to keratin fibres By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a device for applying a fluid or pasty product to keratin fibers, comprising an elongate core (1) extending on a longitudinal axis XX. Advantageously, the device additionally comprises at least one pliant and flexible rod (2), which is oriented longitudinally and is embedded, at least at a first and a second point, on said longitudinal core (1), so as to form at least one zone of flexion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX; it is made in one piece and preferably from a plastic material. Full Article
k Inks for inkjet printers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method for decorating green or fired ceramic bodies by inkjet printing comprising the use of a ceramic inkjet ink which is prepared by milling a ceramic inorganic pigment in an organic medium in the presence of a dispersant which is the reaction product of a polyethyleneimine and a ricinoleic acid polyester, until the average particle size of the pigment is between 0.1 and 0.8 μm. Full Article
k Ink formulation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The disclosed invention relates to the use of molybdenum (VI) peroxo complex containing an amino acid, such as MoO(O2)2(GLY)(H2O), in marking applications, as well as to ink formulations comprising such complexes. Full Article
k Wetness indicating ink compositions By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of printing on a hygienic article includes applying droplets of an ink composition with an ink jet printer to a surface of a hygienic article to form a desired image. The ink composition includes an organic solvent, a water-soluble binder resin including hydroxypropylcellulose, and a water-soluble dye. The image acts as a wetness indicator by dissolving in an aqueous fluid. Full Article
k Inkjet recording ink set, inkjet recording method, and recorded matter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An inkjet recording ink set including a black ink and color inks, wherein the black ink and the color inks each contain at least a dye, a water-soluble solvent and water and each have a viscosity of 5 mPa-s to 20 mPa-s at 25° C., and wherein the respective color inks each satisfy a mass ratio relationship of S/W≧1, and the black ink satisfies a mass ratio relationship of S/W Full Article
k Artificial stone and method of making same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A lightweight artificial stone system comprises a plurality of artificial stones, each of the artificial stones formed of at least some portion of cement, expanded glass, the lightweight artificial stones having a density in the range of between about 30 and 70 pounds per cubic foot. Full Article
k Nepheline syenite powder with controlled particle size and novel method of making same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ultra-fine nepheline syenite powder produced from a pre-processed nepheline syenite powder feedstock. The powder having a “controlled” maximum grain size D95 or D99 of less than about 20 microns and a “controlled” minimum grain size D5 in the range of 2-8 microns with a particle size spread D5-D95 of less than about 12 microns. Full Article
k Hydraulic binder with low clinker content By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hydraulic binder includes, in parts by mass: (a) from 20 to 60 parts of Portland clinker; (b) from 20 to 40 parts of slag; and (c) from 0 to 60 parts of inorganic material other than the clinker and the slag; the sum of (a), (b) and (c) being equal to 100 parts; which binder further includes a slag activator including, relative to 100 parts of the sum of (a) and (b): from 1.4 to 6.55 parts of alkali metal salt, expressed as equivalent-Na2O; and from 1.1 to 11.0 parts of calcium sulfate, expressed as SO3. Full Article
k Cement that is resistant to internal sulfate reactions and to external sulfate attacks By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a novel cement which makes possible the preparation of concrete, grout or mortar which is resistant to internal sulfate reactions and to external sulfate attacks, and also the use of this cement for the preparation of concrete, grout or mortar. Full Article
k Method of forming opaque layer, recording process, ink set, ink cartridge, and recording apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of forming an opaque layer includes forming a first layer by discharging droplets of an ink composition containing a metallic pigment on a record medium by an ink-jet recording process and forming a second layer by discharging droplets of an ink composition containing a white pigment on the record medium by an ink-jet recording process. The opaque layer is formed on the record medium on the side where the first layer and the second layer are formed in a region where the first layer and the second layer overlap each other. Full Article
k Surface treatment composition, inkjet printable article and method of making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A surface treatment composition for inkjet media includes: at least one surface sizing agent selected from the group consisting of starch, starch derivatives, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof; and an ink fixative selected from the group consisting of at least one high valence metallic salt, at least one high valence complex poly-salt, and combinations thereof. The ink fixative is present in the surface treatment composition from about 10 weight% to about 50 weight% of the surface treatment composition. The at least one high valence metallic salt and the at least one high valence complex poly-salt have a valence greater than divalent. Additionally included are a method of making and a system for printing the surface treated media; and an inkjet printable paper. Full Article
k Ceramic inks for inkjet printers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Ceramic inkjet inks comprising ceramic inorganic pigments having average particle size between 0.1 and 0.8 μm, an organic medium and a dispersant, the dispersant being the reaction product of a polyethyleneimine with a homo- or co-polyester based on lactic acid, and method for decorating green or fired ceramic bodies by the use of the above ceramic inkjet inks. Full Article
k Coating liquid for ink jet and ink jet recording method using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A coating liquid comprising: an oxazoline group-containing resin; an alkanediol having 7 or more carbon atoms; a surfactant; and water. Full Article
k Thermal ink jet ink composition By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An inkjet ink includes an organic solvent, a resin, a surfactant, and a colorant. The ink has a decap time of at least about 1 minute. Full Article
k Cement composition containing dune sand and limestone powder, concrete products and method for making concrete products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A raw batch composition for concrete or concrete wherein the raw batch composition comprises Portland cement of about 15 wgt. % to about 45 wgt. % and dune sand preferably red dune sand is present in an amount of about 40 wgt. %. The dune sand has a particle size of less than or equal to 45 microns. The composition also includes limestone powder ranging from about 15 wgt. % to 45 wgt. % with particle sizes less than or equal to 45 microns to form a base material. To this base material suitable amounts of fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, water and superplasticizer are added. A method for producing a cast concrete product having a compressive strength of between 62 MPa and 90 MPa is disclosed. The method comprises a step of providing Portland cement, dune sand and limestone powder. Full Article
k Disk and process for producing base material for disk, and disk roll By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a process for producing a base material for disks of disk rolls, in which the disk roll contains a rotating shaft and a plurality of the disks fitted on the rotating shaft by insertion whereby the outer peripheral surface of the disks serves as a conveying surface, in which the process contains molding a slurry raw material containing inorganic fibers, an inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of from 1 to 25 and an inorganic binder into a plate shape; and drying the molded plate. Full Article
k Active energy ray-curable inkjet ink composition and printed material using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided is an ink composition used in active energy ray-curable inkjet printing, which has excellent curing property, discharge property, storage stability, and compatibility with various substrates. The inkjet ink composition of the present invention includes at least two types of polymerizable compounds selected from a group consisting of (A) 2-(2-vinyloxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate, (B) N-vinyl caprolactam, and (C) at least one type of bifunctional acrylate monomer including at least a diacrylate having a molecular weight of 250 or less. Full Article
k Method for producing ternesite-belite calcium sulfoaluminate clinker By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to the production of a ternesite-belite-calcium sulfoaluminate (ferrite) clinker. The invention also relates to the use of alternative raw materials for clinker production, for example raw materials based on industrial byproducts, including those of low quality, such as lump slag and ash having a low glass content and/or a high free lime content and/or a high content of crystalline high-temperature phases, as well as naturally occurring rocks and rock glasses of comparative chemical composition. Full Article
k Non-aqueous ink By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Feb 2016 08:00:00 EST [Problem to be solved] A non-aqueous ink, which has excellent pigment dispersion stability and can achieve reduction or elimination of print-through, thereby achieving high print density, is disclosed. [Solution] The non-aqueous ink contains at least a pigment and an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent contains a five-membered heterocyclic compound having a C═O bond in an amount of 50 mass % or more of the organic solvent, and the content of a polymer component in the ink is 20 mass % or less relative to the pigment. Full Article
k Wire feed pressure lock system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A pressure lock system passes a wire along a wire path from a wire source at a high pressure first region to a destination at a low pressure second region. The pressure lock system includes a pressure lock chamber. A first conduit has an interior positioned to pass the wire along the path and is mounted for rotation. A second conduit has an interior positioned to pass the wire from the pressure lock chamber and is also mounted for rotation. A motor may drive rotation of the first conduit and the second conduit. Pumps may maintain a pressure of the pressure lock chamber lower than a pressure of the first region. Full Article
k Power tool for stainless steel metal locking ties By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A power tool for installing a metal locking tie is disclosed. The power tool includes a body and a power chassis. The body of the tool includes a gear carrier, a tensioning mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The gear carrier is positioned in the tool body and the tensioning mechanism is mounted in the gear carrier. The cutting mechanism engages the gear carrier. As the tie is tensioned, the gear carrier moves linearly in the tool body to cut the tensioned tie. Full Article
k Boom truck for handling loads above and below ground level By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A boom truck includes a telescopic lifting boom with a lifting unit and a support structure having a first support arranged on the chassis of the boom truck. A second support in the form of an elongated bearing and support beam body extends in the longitudinal direction of the boom truck. The beam body is pivotally mounted to the first support about a rear bearing axis, whereas the lifting boom is pivotally mounted to beam body about a front bearing axis. Actuators act on the beam body and the lifting boom as a unit and act to pivot the lifting boom about the front bearing axis. Full Article
k Power and control for wireless anti-two block system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A power generator is associated with a crane boom at or near the tip of the boom. The generator responds to movement of the lifting cable to initiate the transmission of a signal to a crane controller. The signal serves as a start-up or a wake-up signal to the crane controller which may then immediately analyze operation of, for example, an anti-two block device associated with the boom tip. The crane controller may then control the operation of the crane in accordance with signals received from the anti-two block device or immediately identify malfunctions of the anti-two block device and control the crane operations accordingly. Full Article
k Load hook control device for a crane By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A crane, in particular a lattice mast crane, having a bottom hook block with a load suspension means, in particular a load hook, wherein the bottom hook block has at least one winch whose outgoing control rope is connected or connectable to the crane boom for securing and/or aligning the load position or bottom hook block position. Full Article
k Counterweight block and assemblies for cranes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A counterweight block apparatus includes a pair of interconnecting counterweight blocks having top and bottom surfaces, the counterweight blocks forming a plane of interconnection along adjacent sides thereof; and a shear bar releasably secured between the adjacent sides of the interconnecting counterweight blocks, generally perpendicular to the plane of interconnection, to provide resistance to relative vertical movement of the interconnecting counterweight blocks along the plane of interconnection. In another aspect, each counterweight block includes in at least one side thereof an indentation from a top of the counterweight block to a depth more shallow than the thickness of the counterweight block, the indentation defining a lip for hand grabbing. An aperture may be formed through the rest of the thickness of the counterweigh block at each indentation, wherein a securing strap can be run through each aperture of a stacked plurality of counterweight blocks to secure them to each other. Full Article
k Controlling method, system and device for hook deviation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A controlling method for a hook deviation to regulate the deviation angle of a telescopic crane hook, involves following steps: A. Detecting the deviation angle and deviation direction of a rope, which is linked to the hook, in the horizontal plane relative to the direction of gravitational force; B. Judging whether the deviation angle is more than the predetermined value, if the deviation angle is more than the predetermined value, then turning to step C, and if the deviation angle is less than the predetermined value, then turning to step A; C. Compensatively controlling the deviation angle of the hook according to the deviation angle and direction. And a controlling system for the hook deviation and a controlling device for the hook deviation are provided. The method or system or device enables the detection of the deviation angle and direction of the hook in a quick and precise manner, and the compensatory control of the deviation angle of the hook is performed according to the detected deviation angle and direction, thus it avoids overdependence on human factor and reduces potential safety risks. Full Article
k Hydraulic braking apparatus for a crane drive and crane By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic braking apparatus for a crane drive for carrying out crane work, in particular a slewing gear, having at least one hydraulic stopping brake for braking the drive movement of the crane drive in an emergency situation, wherein at least one pressure regulation valve is provided for controlling at least one stopping brake to ensure a time-delayed braking torque build-up. Full Article
k Check valve By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A check valve is provided which may be installed horizontally or in other non-vertical orientations, and used with variable frequency drives and other applications without the valve disk becoming misaligned. In one aspect, the valve provides a housing with an inner surface and a passage, a flange within the housing which divides the housing into upstream and downstream portions, and extending around the inner surface, defining a valve seat and a valve aperture, a poppet positioned in the downstream portion, including a valve disk and a valve stem extending from the valve disk, the valve disk engaging the valve seat, being moveable, and being resiliently biased in the closed position against the valve seat to inhibit fluid flow in a first direction, and a guide removably mounted on the inner surface of the housing, the guide receiving the valve stem of the poppet valve as the poppet valve moves. Full Article
k Underwater oil and gas leak containment systems and methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are disclosed for containing an underwater gas or oil leak. The system and method may include a vortex device comprising a vortex chamber, a high pressure inlet tangentially engaging the vortex chamber, a low pressure inlet axially engaging the vortex chamber, and a low pressure outlet axially engaging the vortex chamber opposite the low pressure inlet. The vortex device may be positioned underwater proximate an underwater leak. A vortex may be generated within the vortex device. The vortex device may then collect a leak flow issuing from the underwater leak. The vortex device may collect the leak flow via the low pressure inlet, the high pressure inlet, or both. Full Article
k Tubular structure and method for making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 08:00:00 EDT A tubular structure and method for making a tubular structure are provided, where the tubular structure includes at least one layer of braided strands. In general, at least one portion of the braided strands exhibits a braid pattern of crests and troughs (e.g., a wave pattern, which may include sinusoidal, square, and/or sawtooth waves) along a length of the tubular structure. The wave pattern can be created by rotating the mandrel onto which the tubular structure is braided during the braiding process, such as by angularly oscillating the mandrel about its longitudinal axis or about its transverse axis. As a result, the tubular structures may have increased radial strength, collapse resistance, torque transmission, column strength, and kink resistance. The tubular structures may be used in medical devices, such as stent-grafts, as well as in other medical and non-medical devices, such as in hoses, tubing, filters, and other devices. Full Article
k Method for making a composite material, composite material and end product By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 08:00:00 EDT A method is presented for making a composite material from strips comprising longitudinal fibers and a binder or resin, which material comprises a number of layer assemblies one on top of the other. Each layer assembly comprises m sets (with m at least 2) of parallel strips each extending in a different direction, Each layer assembly is manufactured by successive steps of depositing groups of parallel strips according to a well defined pattern (without longitudinally interweaving strips with previously deposited strips). Before completing a layer assembly, with the exception of the last layer assembly, by depositing its last group of parallel strips, the first group of parallel strips of the following layer assembly is already deposited. A composite material manufactured with such a method is presented too. Full Article
k Atraumatic stent and method and apparatus for making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method of braiding a stent includes braiding a number of elongate filaments around a mandrel using tensioned braiding carriers without spooling the filaments to the tensioned braiding carriers to form a braided stent having atraumatic ends. Full Article
k Composite material, composite part and methods for making such By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A composite material comprising a plurality of fiber tape strips woven or braided together. Each of the plurality of fiber tape strips is made of a single layer of unidirectional fibers. The fibers are at least partially embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. A tubular composite part is made from this composite material and of an internal film. A method of manufacturing the composite material comprises weaving or braiding the fiber tape strips, especially in the form of a tube. A method of manufacturing a composite part comprises pressurizing the film inside the tube while heating both the tube and the film up to their forming temperature so as to bond the film to the woven fiber tape strips. Full Article
k Braided prosthetic sockets with attachment plates and methods of manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT This invention provides new above knee (AK) and below the knee (BK) prosthetic sockets and implements specific manufacturing processes for the production of prosthetic sockets through the automated, computer controlled bi-axial and tri-axial braiding of sockets, over a mold or mandrel made of carved foam, plaster material or wax that is a replica of the patient's truncated limb, and is created by a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file controlling a Numerically Controlled (CNC) machine tool. This method of manufacture using aerospace fibers such as graphite or Kevlar, and high performance resins, is used to create a socket which is stronger and lighter weight than conventionally manufactured sockets. Braiding also allows incorporation of woven cloth, tapes and other reinforcements into the braiding process for added strength at selected areas. The method dramatically decreases the production time and cost of the prosthetic relative to conventional methods. Full Article
k Automated systems and methods for making braided barbed sutures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT A system for making braided barbed sutures includes a filament winding assembly, and a guide assembly including at least one barbed insert dispenser opening defining a passageway for orienting a barbed insert. The guide assembly is adapted to dispense at least one barbed insert from the dispenser opening into the filament winding assembly for winding a plurality of filaments around the at least one barbed insert for making a braided barbed suture. The passageway of the dispenser opening is adapted to allow longitudinal movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway while simultaneously preventing twisting movement of the barbed insert relative to the passageway. As the barbed insert is being dispensed, the barbed insert dispenser opening is selectively rotatable for imparting rotation to the barbed insert as the filaments are wound about the barbed insert. The passageway may be an elongated slit having a greater width than height. Full Article