Patents Issued in January 19, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120012031
    Abstract: A method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence of an inorganic particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: JOHN CLAUDE HUSBAND, Per Svending, David Robert Skuse, Tafadzwa Motsi, Mikko Likitalo, Alan Coles
  • Publication number: 20120012032
    Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Xiangxin Bi, Nobuyuki Kambe, Craig R. Horne, James T. Gardner, Ronald J. Mosso, Shivkumar Chiruvolu, Sujeet Kumar, William E. McGovern, Pierre J. DeMascarel, Robert B. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20120012033
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dense-coverage, adherent phosphorous-based coating on the native oxide surface of a material. Disclosed phosphorous-based coatings include phosphate and organo-phosphonate coatings. The present invention also provides further derivatization of the phosphorous-based coatings to yield dense surface coverage of chemically reactive coatings and osetoblast adhesion-promoting and proliferation-promoting coatings on the native oxide surface of a titanium material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schwartz, Michael J. Avaltroni, Kim S. Midwood, Jean E. Schwarzbauer, Ellen Gawalt
  • Publication number: 20120012034
    Abstract: Hydraulic cements, such as Portland cements and other cements that include substantial quantities of tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and/or tetracalcalcium alumino-ferrite (C4AF), are particle size optimized to have increased reactivity compared to cements of similar chemistry and/or decreased water demand compared to cements of similar fineness. Increasing hydraulic cement reactivity increases early strength development and release of reactive calcium hydroxide, both of which enhance SCM replacement and 1-28 day strengths compared to blends of conventional Portland cement and one or more SCMs, such as coal ash, slag or natural pozzolan. Decreasing the water demand can improve strength by decreasing the water-to-cement ratio for a given workability. The narrow PSD cements are well suited for making blended cements, including binary, ternary and quaternary blends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: John M. Guynn, Andrew S. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120012035
    Abstract: A method for producing chemically modified lignin decomposition products. To this end, a lignin-containing starting material is decomposed into low-molecular and high-molecular lignin decomposition products under acid conditions in the presence of a liquid medium, and the low-molecular lignin decomposition products are at least largely separated in order to obtain a high-molecular fraction. Subsequently, the high-molecular lignin decomposition products present in the high-molecular fraction are converted into chemically modified lignin decomposition products. The chemically modified lignin decomposition products obtained in this way can be used, for example, as dispersing agents, complexing agents, phenol component, flocculant, thickener or auxiliary agents for cementous systems, coatings, paints or adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Norman Blank, Irene Schober, Philipp Rudolf Von Rohr, Tobias Voitl
  • Publication number: 20120012036
    Abstract: A once-through steam generator (OTSG) creating steam from feedwater by heat provided by flue gas. Combustion air is introduced into the OTSG through an air input/output apparatus. It is then fed into a combustion system to generate the flue gas. The flue gas is then fed into a steam generation apparatus to generate steam. The flue gas is returned to the air input/output apparatus to mix with and preheat the combustion air. Steam is created by the passing of the flue gas across a series of tube contained within the OTSG. The tubes are arranged in a combination counter-current/co-current configuration to provides for the minimization of the creation of solid deposits in the tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20120012037
    Abstract: A grate bar for an incinerator having a grate bar base body and a high temperature resistant cover plate covering the grate bar base body at least on a surface portion which in operation points to a combustion chamber. The cover plate is separated from the grate bar base body by a thermal insulating material. In the grate bar base body a cavity is inserted in a side pointing to the cover plate and/or in the cover plate in the side pointing to the grate bar base body, which cavity is at least partially filled with a ceramic fibre insulating material. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a grate bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Baumgarte Boiler Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Spliethoff, Michael Mimor, Gerald Gruener, Nils Plagge
  • Publication number: 20120012038
    Abstract: Described herein is a combustor having a first burn chamber and a second burn chamber. The first burn chamber has a first burner and the second burn chamber has a second, separate burner. The first burn chamber is in fluid communication with the second burn chamber which allows particles or vapor to move from the first burn chamber to the second burn chamber. The first burn chamber is configured to perform a primary burn on particles or vapors that have been introduced into the first chamber and the second burn chamber is configured to perform a secondary burn on particles that have not been burned in the first chamber and move to the second burn chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Dylan Smuts, Roger Oehler
  • Publication number: 20120012039
    Abstract: Char-handling processes for controlling overall heat balance, ash accumulation, and afterburn in a reheater are provided. Carbonaceous biomass feedstock is pyrolyzed using a heat transfer medium forming pyrolysis products and a spent heat transfer medium. The spent heat transfer medium is separated into segregated char and char-depleted spent heat transfer medium. The char-depleted spent heat transfer medium is introduced into a dense bed of heat transfer medium fluidized by a stream of oxygen-containing regeneration gas. All or a portion of the segregated char is combusted in the dense bed using the stream of oxygen-containing regeneration gas. A portion of the segregated char may be exported out of the pyrolysis system to control the overall heat balance and ash accumulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Palmas, Paul Alvin Sechrist, Daniel N. Myers, Sid Kulprathipanja, Stanley Joseph Frey, Barry Freel
  • Publication number: 20120012040
    Abstract: A waste incinerator system is disclosed for incinerating waste in a holding tank. The system comprises a pump in fluid communication with the waste, and which is adapted to pump waste out of the holding tank and into a substantially hollow burning chamber. The burning chamber includes a raised open end and a lowered chimney end. The chimney end is sealed with a selectively removable chamber plate and includes a chimney for venting exhaust fumes from within the burning chamber. A waste tray is adapted to be slid into the burning chamber through the chimney end and holds waste received from the pump. A burner assembly is fixed adjacent with the open end of the burning chamber and adapted to direct a flame into the open end of the burning chamber to heat the waste tray and incinerate the waste therein. A housing is included to enclose the burner assembly and the burning chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Stefan Johansson, Mattias Johansson
  • Publication number: 20120012041
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve an extension adapted to extend from a planter, such as the seed tube portion of the planter, into a seed furrow in order to engage seeds being deposited therein, where such engagement may involve deflecting the seeds toward the vertex region of the furrow and/or firming the seeds in the furrow. The extension includes or supports a fluid distribution arrangement such as a hose or the like, which may be separate or integral with the liquid supply hose of a planter. The fluid distribution arrangement is adapted to supply fluid, such as liquid fertilizer, insecticide, water, etc., to the furrow. A valve is provided in the fluid flow path in the region of the fluid distribution arrangement to control the distribution of fluid to the furrow. The valve may be a check valve that allows fluid flow therethrough when fluid pressure exceeds a value such that the valve opens, and prevents fluid flow when the pressure decreases below the valve activation pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
  • Publication number: 20120012042
    Abstract: Articulated device for controlling seeding depth in seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, in which the depth control wheel device has a hinge placed on the front part of the opening disks, which allows the angular opening of the depth control wheels with respect to the furrow opening disks, minimizing the entry of vegetable residues, dust, moist, soil, etc., and providing efficient and prompt cleaning of the existing space between the wheels and the disks, with the purpose of reducing detention time of the seeding machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Roberto Carlos Castagno Manasseri, Carlos Alberto Reymundo Poggio
  • Publication number: 20120012043
    Abstract: A thread spool stand device is disclosed. The thread spool stand device includes a thread spool base and a thread spool pin that has a base end thereof secured to the thread spool base and that allows attachment of a thread spool. The thread spool stand device further includes a positioning mechanism that determines position of attachment of the thread spool relative to the thread spool pin. The positioning mechanism includes a contact section that contacts an inner peripheral surface of a core of the thread spool. The contact section is radially movable responsive to variation in an inner diameter of the core such that the contact section expands radially outward or contracts radially inward to be equally spaced from an axial center of the thread spool pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinya FUJIHARA
  • Publication number: 20120012044
    Abstract: A vessel includes a hull with a turret, a cavity in the turret and a mooring buoy releasably attached in the cavity, the buoy including a buoyant body and carrying a number of risers, extending to a subsea hydrocarbon well and a number of anchor lines connected to the sea bed, wherein upon connection of the buoy to the cavity, the buoy is attached to a pulling member connected to a winch on the vessel for lifting of the buoy. Each anchor line and/or riser at its upper end is connected to a stopper member, the stopper member being attached to the pulling member, wherein during lifting, each anchor line and/or riser and the stopper member are movable relative to the buoyant body in a length direction of the anchor lines and/or risers, and wherein after connection of the buoyant body to the cavity, the stopper member is engaged with an abutment member on the buoyant body to support the anchor line and/or riser weight off the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SINGLE BUOY MOORINGS INC.
    Inventors: Philippe Lavagna, Xavier Connaulte, Christoph Vogt
  • Publication number: 20120012045
    Abstract: An anchor retrieval system for manually retrieving a submerged anchor without requiring heavy pulling includes an anchor retrieval apparatus generally in the form of a clip formed from cylindrical stainless steel fabricated into a unique shape the permits the device to be quickly connected to an anchor line by a simple sliding motion. The clip is further adapted by the attachment of a buoyant member, such as a buoy, to provide a buoyant lifting force. Once the clip is connected to the anchor line anchor retrieval system is tossed into the water and travels down the anchor line as the boat motors away from the buoy until the buoyant force lifts the anchor from the sea floor, whereafter the anchor line is manually drawn in to the boat as the anchor is buoyantly suspended near the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Griffin
  • Publication number: 20120012046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bed bug detection device (10) comprising a refuge (16) which elicits a taxis response from bed bugs and a non-trapping indicator surface (18), on which the bed bugs may leave indicators of their presence, such as faecal matter or cast skins. The refuge is positioned in close proximity to said non-trapping indicator surface such that the bed bugs can leave an indicator of their presence as they travel across the indicator surface on their way to or from the refuge. Preferably the non-trapping indicator surface takes the form of a skirt which surrounds a refuge made of corrugated paper. The invention also provides a passive method of detecting the presence of bed bugs without their capture by detecting the presence of indicators rather than the bed bugs per se.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: David Cain
  • Publication number: 20120012047
    Abstract: A method of determining a temperature in a deposition reactor includes the steps of depositing a first epitaxial layer of silicon germanium on a substrate, depositing a second epitaxial layer of silicon above the first epitaxial layer, measuring the thickness of the second epitaxial layer and determining the temperature in the deposition reactor using the measured thickness of the second epitaxial layer. The method may also include heating the deposition reactor to approximately a predetermined temperature using a heating device and a temperature measuring device and generating a signal indicative of a temperature within the deposition reactor. The method may also contain the steps of comparing the measured thickness with a predetermined thickness of the second epitaxial layer corresponding to the predetermined temperature and determining the temperature in the deposition reactor using the measured thickness of the second epitaxial layer and the predetermined thickness of the second epitaxial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jhi-Cherng LU, Jr-Hung LI, Chii-Horng LI, Pang-Yen TSAI, Bing-Hung CHEN, Tze-Liang LEE
  • Publication number: 20120012048
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for fabricating a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an support that includes a barrier layer thereon for preventing loss by diffusion of elements derived from dissociation of the support at epitaxial growth temperatures; providing a seed layer on the barrier layer, wherein the seed layer facilitates epitaxial growth of a single crystal III-nitride semiconductor layer thereon; epitaxially growing a nitride working layer on the thin seed layer; and removing the support to form the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruno Ghyselen, Olivier Rayssac, Pierre Rayssac, Gisèle Rayssac
  • Publication number: 20120012049
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have one or more precursor sources coupled thereto. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the precursors and at a lower temperature. The chamber has a truncated box shape formed by a curved cover which improves the flow of the nitrogen and precursor gases and the uniformity of the film deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Wei-Yung Hsu, Donald J.K. Olgado, Anzhong Chang
  • Publication number: 20120012050
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing coating material includes a crucible having a receptacle for receiving coating material, a drive member having a drive shaft, a cover coupled to the drive shaft, and a flame nozzle opposing the receptacle. The cover includes an inner chamber, a first through hole and a number of second through holes. The first through hole and the second through holes communicate with the inner chamber. The cover has a flat surface with the second through holes exposed at the flat surface. The drive shaft drives the cover to rotate between a closed position where the cover covers the receptacle and the flat surface presses against the coating material to flatten the coating material, and an open position where the cover is moved away from the receptacle. The flame nozzle sprays flame from the second through holes through the first through hole to heat the coating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Publication number: 20120012051
    Abstract: A drum coating device for coating work-pieces includes a main body, a support element, a cleaning device, a spraying device, a rotary drum device, a heating device, and a drive device. The main body defines a receiving room. The support element is received in the receiving room and defines slots for receiving the work-pieces. The cleaning device cleans the work-pieces. The spraying device sprays coating materials to the work-pieces. The rotary drum device uniformly coats the coating materials on the work-pieces. The heating device heats the coating materials coated on the work-pieces. The drive device includes a rotating drive rotating the support element and a linear drive raising or lowering the support element in the receiving room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Publication number: 20120012052
    Abstract: A system for coating tablets and other small articles is provided, comprising a housing, a drum or other pan within said housing for retaining a bed of coatable articles, and a coating dispenser for dispensing coating from a source onto the bed. The dispenser includes an extendible support member and opposing spray assemblies in end to end linear relation overhead of the pan. The spray assemblies include an elongate nozzle support, an array of spray nozzles mounted to the nozzle support for connection to a source of pressurized coating fluid and optionally to a source of compressed air, and an arm at an end of the nozzle support connecting the nozzle support to the extendible support member. The support member is extendible in length to permit retraction of at least one of the assemblies independently of the other assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: O'Hara Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: David O'Hara, James Marjeram
  • Publication number: 20120012053
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Jason Van Sciver
  • Publication number: 20120012054
    Abstract: A system for applying a two-part adhesive to a substrate includes a prime mover for providing an output torque, a first pump connected to the prime mover for receiving the output torque, the first pump having an inlet and an outlet, a second pump connected to the prime mover for receiving the output torque, the second pump having an inlet and an outlet, a first compound in communication with the inlet of the first pump, a second compound in communication with the inlet of the second pump, a first accumulator in communication with the outlet of the first pump, a second accumulator in communication with the outlet of the second pump, a first manifold in communication with the outlet of the first pump, and a second manifold in communication with the outlet of the second pump. A plurality of applicators is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: ADCO PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: James Galvin, David L. Kunkle, James D. Haaser, Paul E. Snowwhite
  • Publication number: 20120012055
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrostatically applying a powder material to substrates is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of platens, each platen being arranged to hold a plurality of substrates, wherein each platen comprises an electrically conducting platen base having a plurality of supports for supporting a plurality of substrates, an electrically conducting platen shield located on the platen base and having a plurality of holes arranged to align with the plurality of supports on the platen base, an insulating coating provided between the platen base and the platen shield, a conveyor for conveying the platens along a path, and an applicator for applying the powder material to the substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Newman, Benjamin Impey, Thomas Henley, Douglas Jennings, Martin Hallett
  • Publication number: 20120012056
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing coating material includes a crucible having a receptacle for receiving coating material, a drive member having a drive shaft, a cover coupled to the drive shaft, and a monitor system including a light source and a camera module. The cover includes a flat surface, a slot defined in the flat surface, a first through hole and a second through hole respectively communicating with opposite ends of the slot. The drive shaft drives the cover to rotate between a closed position where the cover covers the receptacle, and the flat surface presses and flattens the coating material, and an open position where the cover is moved away from the receptacle. The light source is for emitting light through the first through hole to illuminate the coating material. The camera module is for capturing images of the illuminated coating material through the second through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Publication number: 20120012057
    Abstract: A puck for providing a coating material in a cathodic arc coating system has a generally uniform depression formed at the outer periphery. The depression ensures that an arc from the coating apparatus will move uniformly about the outer periphery of the puck, such that a coating cloud will also be uniformly applied to parts to be coated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Brian S. Tryon, Michael C. Swift, Michael Dileo
  • Publication number: 20120012058
    Abstract: A moulded module for a rotary milking platform comprising or including a core of filler material (for example foamed plastics) surrounded by layers of fibre reinforced materials and optionally also with steel reinforcements, all components having been applied in-mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua Wayne Janmaat, Michael David Bates
  • Publication number: 20120012059
    Abstract: An identification arrangement identifies animals, and only when a milk permission criteria is fulfilled is that animal provided with access to the milking machine. The milking machine extracts milk from the animal. In connection with the milking, a cell counter unit determines a quality parameter reflecting a somatic cell count for the milk extracted from the animal. The cell counter unit includes a sampling unit for taking samples from the extracted milk and a counter unit, which determines the quality parameter by registering a true number of somatic cells per unit volume in said samples. A control unit receives the quality parameter and in response thereto assigns a milk permission interval determining an earliest point after a completed milking at which point the set of milk permission criteria for the animal are again enabled to be fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventor: Desiree Arvidsson
  • Publication number: 20120012060
    Abstract: An arrangement for automatically cleaning teat cups of a rotary milking platform includes i) a cleaning device at the side of the platform, the cleaning device having a movable part provided with an outlet opening through which a cleaning fluid is supplied to the teat cups; and ii) a positioning unit arranged to provide positioning of the cleaning device to a cleaning position in which the cleaning device is able to supply the cleaning medium from the outlet opening to the teat cups, the positioning unit adapted to provide a positioning of the movable part of the cleaning device in relation to the teat cups from an inactive position on the side of the platform to an active position in which the movable part extends in over the platform towards the teat cups to the cleaning position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Delaval Holding AB
    Inventor: Jan Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20120012061
    Abstract: A teatcup liner comprises an upper mouthpiece, an intermediate barrel and a lower connecting tube. The upper mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece transition, a mouthpiece lip, and a groove on an outer surface of the upper mouthpiece to provide flexibility in the upper mouthpiece. The intermediate barrel extends along an axial direction for receiving a teat inserted axially thereinto through said mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Mofazzal H. Chowdhury
  • Publication number: 20120012062
    Abstract: A device capable of diverting, redirecting, and collecting fresh water from a faucet to a pet for drinking The device includes a plurality of elbows and a reservoir with a faceplate or a reservoir connected to the faucet by use of a connection piece. The device includes extensions which allow the user to position the reservoir at a desired height and distance from the faucet. The device further includes a plurality of designs for the reservoir and faceplate that allow for different water flows from which the pet can drink. The chosen reservoir and faceplate can be changed by the user. A method for having multiple reservoirs and faceplates connected to a single faucet allowing multiple pets to drink at a time is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Misty Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120012063
    Abstract: A pet toilet providing a system where waste is “flushed” into a removable waste reservoir to eliminate waste and pet odors. The pet toilet can include a concave basin, a grating system, a removable water reservoir, and one or more flush tubes. The concave basin can be removably coupled to supporting legs, and can include a drainage hole. The grating system can include one or more grating sections disposed on the concave basin. The removable waste reservoir can be positioned beneath the concave basin and can include an opening aligned with the drainage hole of the concave basin. The removable water reservoir can be connected to one or more flush tubes via a valve. At least one of the one or more flush tubes can be coupled to the concave basin to expel water directly into the concave basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew Livingston Smith, William Alan Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20120012064
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for encapsulating solid animal waste with animal litter to eliminate the odor that emanates from the waste material. An additional benefit is that encapsulation hides the solid waste from view. The encapsulated waste resembles a urine clump in the litter box. Performance-enhancing actives are incorporated in the litter composition to provide this benefit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Dennis B. Jenkins, Heather L. Day
  • Publication number: 20120012065
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a direct correlation between milk production in livestock animals and the presence of alleles of a gene encoding an adipocyte-specific polypeptide, termed leptin, which gene is hereinafter referred to as ob. The invention also provides novel compositions consisting essentially of specific oligonucleotides that are useful as primers to amplify particular regions of the genome during enzymatic nucleic acid amplification, thus providing a rapid, sensitive and specific method for the detection of the ob-gene polymorphism which may be present in a specimen. The invention further provides for methods of screening bovine to determine those having predictably more milk productivity and advantageously selecting those livestock for future breeding and management purposes based on the ob polymorphisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Foley Leigh Shaw Marquess, Bernard Laarveld, Fiona Cleverly Buchanan, Andrew Gerald Van Kessel, Sheila Marie Schmutz, Cheryl Waldner, David Albert Christensen
  • Publication number: 20120012066
    Abstract: A Easy-To-Clean birdhouse that can be mounted at or above a person's reach includes a plurality of walls one of which is a front wall. The front wall includes an access hole for a bird and a tool-hole opening which extends from an inside surface to an outside surface of the front wall. A hinged floor having a top surface, a bottom surface, a rear end and a front end is pivotly attached about its rear end to two walls of the housing, the front end abuts the inside surface of the front wall, and the top surface is located below the top of the tool-hole opening in the front wall. Whereby, when a tool is inserted into the tool-hole and moved down, it will contact the top surface of the hinged floor and urge the hinged floor to swing down from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Marion L. Beery, Jack Beery
  • Publication number: 20120012067
    Abstract: A pet toy (10) includes a fabric body (11) and a resilient insert (18) having a hub (19) positioned in the body (11). The hub (19) is surrounded by a fluff material (21) in the body (11) and a plurality of appendages (14) extend from the hub (19) out of the body (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Stout, Robert C. Holt, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120012068
    Abstract: A pet toy with an adjustable treat dispensing lid is disclosed. The lid is connected to a body of the pet toy, and a treat holding enclosure receives treats. The enclosure has an open area which communicates with a treat dispensing opening of the lid enabling treats to be selectively dispensed. The lid may be placed at selected positions with respect to the body thereby changing the size of the exposed treat dispensing opening to thereby selectively change the rate at which treats are dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: The Kong Company, LLC
    Inventor: Chuck Costello
  • Publication number: 20120012069
    Abstract: Operations in a livestock facility can be automated and made more efficient by utilizing an interrogator system that reads and writes data to tags associated with livestock. For instance, gates can be automated to sort livestock based on data read by interrogators from tags and livestock can be identified for examination when data suggest that their behavior deviates from expected or normal behavior. The tag associated with a livestock can carry and accumulate information across multiple facilities throughout the livestock production and processing cycle. Gathering information across facilities allows for more informed decision making and a more cooperative approach to improving the livestock production and processing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Southfork Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hempstead, Gary A. Johnson, D. Scott MacGregor, Antoinette R. Knapp
  • Publication number: 20120012070
    Abstract: Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Nova-Tech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc S. Gorans, Matthew Henry Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120012071
    Abstract: A pet leash includes a hollow handle, an elongated member adapted to pass through the hollow handle, and a fastener connected to each one of the ends of the elongated member. The pet leash allows an individual to walk two pets and at the same time be able to hold and control the animals, preventing the tangling of the leashes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Troy Anthony Hinojosa
  • Publication number: 20120012072
    Abstract: An animal control pole has a first end adapted to be held by a user, and a second end adapted to ensnare and assist in the control of an animal. The pole has an axial bore extending therethrough and a cable that extends through the axial bore and extends from each end of the pole. A retaining element is located at the second end of the pole and retains the free end of the cable that extends from the second end, so as to form a closed animal engageable adjustable loop. The animal control pole includes dual release mechanisms. A first release mechanism releases the free end of the cable that extends through the second end of the pole. A second release mechanism forces an additional length of cable through the axial bore of the second end and thereby increases the size of the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: ANIMAL CARE EQUIPMENT & SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Katers
  • Publication number: 20120012073
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an engine is provided. The cylinder head may include an upper cooling jacket including at least a first inlet and a first outlet and a lower cooling jacket including at least a second inlet and a second outlet. The cylinder head may further include a first set of crossover coolant passages including one or more crossover coolant passages fluidly coupled to the upper cooling jacket and the lower cooling jacket and adjacent to one or more combustion chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Jay Brewer, John Christopher Riegger, Dennis G. Barbier, Jeff D. Fluharty, Jody Michael Slike
  • Publication number: 20120012074
    Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a first fluid line to a second fluid line may include a first connecting piece having a first outer latching contour on its outside and may be connected to at least one of the first fluid line and the first outer latching contour. The coupling device may also include a second connecting piece having a second outer latching contour on its outside and being connected to at least one of the second fluid line and the second outer latching contour. A sleeve may also be provided in which both connecting pieces may be inserted on opposite ends thereof. The sleeve may have inner latching contours on its inner side, the inner latching contours being complementary to the outer latching contours and latching with the outer latching contours when the connecting pieces are inserted. The sleeve may be enclosed by a protective cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Helge Adrian, Sjard Potscher
  • Publication number: 20120012075
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, the engine having at least one camshaft, the camshaft is interconnected to the internal combustion engine through a plurality of rotating members, rotating members include at least one roller element and a predetermined load limit. The rotating members are configured individually along the camshaft and are positioned according to an actual internal combustion engine operating load value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Falk Schneider, Thomas Flender, Michael Kreisig, Markus Walch
  • Publication number: 20120012076
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a hybrid internal combustion engine, which method comprises: fuelling said hybrid internal combustion engine with a combustible fuel; lubricating said engine with an engine oil composition; and maintaining an oil film thickness of the engine oil composition in the big end conrod bearing shells of the engine of at least 0.4 ?m; in which the temperature of the engine oil composition is maintained below 123° C. and the engine oil composition has: a high temperature, high shear viscosity of less than 2.6 cP (2.6 millipascal second) at 150° C. and at a shear rate of 106 s?1; a Noack volatility of at most 13 weight %; and comprises: (A) a base oil which is at least one synthetic basestock, the base oil having a kinematic viscosity of at least 2.0 cSt (2.0 mm2/s) at 100 ° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: David James Atkinson, Peter Stuart Brett, Gordon David Lamb, Anthony David Smith, Christopher Paul Warrens
  • Publication number: 20120012077
    Abstract: Stable and highly efficient combustion/reaction is provided, even when fuel ratio of mixture is decreased and combustion/reaction of the lean mixture is performed in a heat engine such as a reciprocating engine, for controlling dielectric constant of mixture in a combustion/reaction chamber 8 by introducing water and/or exhaust gas into the combustion/reaction chamber, by introducing water and/or exhaust gas into the combustion/reaction chamber. A microwave radiation antenna for irradiation of the combustion/reaction chamber, and a discharge unit for igniting the mixture in the combustion/reaction chamber are provided. The dielectric constant of the mixture before the combustion/reaction of the mixture is controlled so that the resonance frequency of the mixture corresponds to the frequency of the microwave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: IMAGINEERING, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuji IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20120012078
    Abstract: An intake manifold for an internal combustion engine having a housing having a uniformly thick, outwardly facing arch shaped elongated arm for mounting to a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine with an outer surface of the arm having an outwardly facing projection disposed along a portion of a length of the elongated arm. The projection is integrally formed with the arm. The projection is at, or proximate to, the apex of the arch of the arch shaped arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: John Carl Lohr
  • Publication number: 20120012079
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine with a crankcase integrated cylinder block including a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a plurality of crank chambers formed by an upper crankcase and a lower crankcase, a bulkhead that partitions between the cylinder bores and the crank chambers, and a honing release portion having a cylindrical honing release surface formed continuously with the cylinder bore in the upper crankcase and the bulkhead. The honing release surface forms an arcuate recessed portion in the bulkhead, the bulkhead is formed with a communication hole that includes a first opening edge on a side of the cylinder bore, a second opening edge on a side of the crank chamber having an opening width decreasing with a distance from the cylinder bore, and a third opening edge that extends substantially in parallel with the cylinder axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki MORI, Tomoyuki ODA
  • Publication number: 20120012080
    Abstract: A filter assembly having: an air filter; an air filter compartment having the air filter disposed therein; and a cap covering the air filter compartment. The cap has ribs disposed along inner sidewalls of the cap. The ribs, outer sidewalls of the compartment, and inner sidewalls of the cap form a plurality of channels having inlets for receiving a mixture of air and water. The walls of the channels collect droplets of a water portion of the mixture entering the channels. The collected water portion is removed from the filter assembly by gravity. The air filter compartment receives the air portion of the mixture exiting outlets of the channels. The exiting air portion received by the compartment passes through the air filter and after passing through the air filter passes out of the filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Mike Dong, Syed K. Ali, Mohammad Usman, Charles Frank Bartus