| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07718379B2 |
Identifying haematopoietic stem cells based on cell surface markers
The present invention relates to a method of identifying a haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) or progeny thereof comprising the steps of: obtaining a cell sample including HSC or progeny thereof; detecting the presence of at least one carbohydrate sequence having a sequence of at least one disaccharide repeat of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine or an equivalent thereof; and identifying a HSC or progeny thereof having the sequence or equivalent thereof. The invention also relates to methods of enriching cell populations for HSC or progeny thereof, for isolating HSC or progeny thereof and cell preparations obtained using the methods of their invention and their uses. |
| US07718371B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating and purifying nucleic acid using a single surface
Provided is a method of isolating nucleic acid from cells using a single surface, wherein a compound represented by Formula 1 is bound to the surface. Also provided are an apparatus for isolation of nucleic acids, and a bead for isolating nucleic acids. |
| US07718370B2 |
Methods for detection of genetic disorders
The invention provides a method useful for detection of genetic disorders. The method comprises determining the sequence of alleles of a locus of interest, and quantitating a ratio for the alleles at the locus of interest, wherein the ratio indicates the presence or absence of a chromosomal abnormality. The present invention also provides a non-invasive method for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus. The invention is especially useful as a non-invasive method for determining the sequence of fetal DNA. The invention further provides methods of isolation of free DNA from a sample. |
| US07718364B2 |
DNA markers for management of cancer
A method is provided for assessing allelic losses and hypermethylation of genes in CpG tumor promotor region on specific chromosomal regions in cancer patients, including melanoma, neuroblastoma breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients. The method relies on the evidence that free DNA and hypermethylation of genes in CpG tumor promotor region may be identified in the bone marrow, serum, plasma, and tumor tissue samples of cancer patients. Methods of melanoma, neuroblastoma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer detection, staging, and prognosis are also provided. |
| US07718361B2 |
Quantitative test for bacterial pathogens
The present invention is directed to a method for analyzing the presence of a bacterial pathogen in a clinical sample comprising the steps of (i) at least partially isolating nucleic acid from said sample, characterized in that said nucleic acid is selected from a group consisting of either total nucleic acid, total DNA or total RNA, (ii) quantifying the amount of nucleic acid comprising a preselected sequence which is specific for said bacterial pathogen, and (iii) determining whether said amount of nucleic acid comprising a preselected sequence which is specific for said bacterial pathogen exceeds a first predetermined cut off value. |
| US07718356B2 |
Heteroduplex tracking assay
A change in viral tropism occurs in many HIV positive individuals over time and may be indicated by a shift in coreceptor use from CCR5 to CXCR4. The shift in coreceptor use to CXCR4 has been shown to correlate with increased disease progression. In patients undergoing HAART, the predominant populations of virus may be shifted back to CCR5-mediated entry soon after the CXCR4-specific strains have emerged. The present invention relates to a diagnostic method to monitor coreceptor use in the treatment and clinical management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present invention further relates to a diagnostic method applied to HIV-positive individuals undergoing HAART to monitor the suppression of CCR5- or CXCR4-specific strains. The diagnostic methods may be used to assist in selecting antiretroviral therapy and to improve predictions of disease prognosis over time. The methods of the invention include cell-based methods, including cell fusion assays, and molecular-based methods, including heteroduplex tracking assay, to both quantitatively and qualitatively analyze patient-derived HIV for coreceptor usage. |
| US07718354B2 |
Methods for rapid identification of pathogens in humans and animals
The present invention provides methods of: identifying pathogens in biological samples from humans and animals, resolving a plurality of etiologic agents present in samples obtained from humans and animals, determining detailed genetic information about such pathogens or etiologic agents, and rapid detection and identification of bioagents from environmental, clinical or other samples. |
| US07718353B2 |
Proteins, sensors, and methods of characterizing analytes using the same
A protein sensing molecule is capable of binding an analyte in a sample. The protein sensing molecule includes a first detectable quality that changes in a concentration dependent manner when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule also includes a second detectable quality that does not undergo substantial change when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule may be used in methods for characterizing samples and may also be used in sensors. |
| US07718349B2 |
Method for producing submicron structures
The invention relates to a method for producing submicron structures using a shadow mask, whereby a material charge and/or energy charge occurs through the openings of the shadow mask. The method comprises the following steps: a film which is used as a shadow mask and which is made of a masking material is applied to the substrate, tears are produced in the film, the tears extending until the substrate, edge areas of the film arranged on the tears are detached thereby exposing the substrate and the material or the energy is applied to the substrate by the tears, also above the exposed edge area of the shadow mask film. |
| US07718348B2 |
Photolithography process and photomask structure implemented in a photolithography process
In a photolithography process, a photoresist layer is formed on a substrate. A photomask is aligned over the substrate to transfer pattern images defined in the photomask on the substrate. The photomask includes first and second patterns of different light transmission rates, and a dummy pattern surrounding the second pattern having a light transmission rate lower than that of the first pattern. The substrate is exposed to a light radiation through the photomask. The photoresist layer then is developed to form the pattern images. The dummy pattern is dimensionally configured to allow light transmission, but in a substantially amount so that the dummy pattern is not imaged during exposure. |
| US07718346B2 |
Method of forming wiring pattern and method of manufacturing TFT substrate using the same
A method of forming a wiring pattern includes forming a first conductive film pattern, an insulating film and a second conductive film pattern intersecting with the first conductive film pattern on an insulating substrate. In the method, an etching resist pattern for forming the second conductive film pattern is formed by use of a screen printing method. Thereafter, an etching resist is softened by exposing the etching resist in an organic solvent atmosphere before hardening thereof. Thus, defects such as spaces in the etching resist are repaired. By use of the above-described method of forming a wiring pattern, a TFT substrate is manufactured. |
| US07718345B2 |
Composite photoresist structure
A composite photoresist structure includes a first organic layer disposed over a substrate to be etched, a sacrificial layer disposed on the first organic layer, and a second organic layer disposed on the sacrificial layer. The thickness of the first organic layer and the thickness of the second organic layer are both larger than the thickness of the sacrificial layer. |
| US07718342B2 |
Polymers, resist compositions and patterning process
A polymer is provided comprising recurring units having formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) in amounts of 1-60 mol % (1), 1-60 mol % (2), 1-50 mol % (3), 0-60 mol % (4), 0-30 mol % (5), and 0-30 mol % (6), and having a Mw of 3,000-30,000 and a Mw/Mn of 1.5-2.5. R1, R3, R4, R7, R9, and R11 are H or CH3, Y is methylene or O, R2 is CO2R10 when Y is methylene and R2 is H or CO2R10 when Y is O, R10 is C1-C15 alkyl which may be separated by O, R5 and R6 are H or OH, R8 is a tertiary ester type acid-labile protective group, and R12 is OH-containing fluoroalkyl. A resist composition comprising the polymer has a high resolution and is improved in line edge roughness and I/G bias. |
| US07718341B2 |
Laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and manufacturing method of organic light emitting diode using the same
A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus and a manufacturing method of organic light emitting diodes using the same, which reduce or prevent the occurrence of impurities or void between an acceptor substrate and a donor film while performing a laser induced thermal imaging in a vacuum state. A laser induced thermal imaging apparatus includes: a substrate stage including an acceptor substrate for receiving an imaging layer, the imaging layer being formed on the acceptor substrate, and an electromagnet, a donor film having a permanent magnet being placed and laminated on the substrate stage, and the electromagnet forming a magnetic force with a permanent magnet of the donor film; a laser oscillator for irradiating a laser to the donor film; and a chamber having at least the substrate stage located therein. |
| US07718339B2 |
Electrostatic image developing toner and image forming apparatus using the same
Provided is an electrostatic image developing toner excellent in blocking resistance at high temperature and humidity, as well as in low temperature-fixing property, having a polyester resin toner binder. Provided is the electrostatic image developing toner containing at least one noncrystalline polyester resin and a crystalline polyester resin, wherein the polyester resins are formed in the presence of at least one titanium-containing catalyst expressed in the following Formulas: Ti(—X)m(—OH)n O═Ti(—X)p(—OR)q where X is a residue resulting from removing an H atom in one hydroxyl group from (poly)alkanolamine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, R represents an H atom or an alkyl group that has 1 to 8 carbon atoms and may contain 1 to 3 ether bonds, m, n, p, and q are integers; m, n, p, and q are 1-4, 0-3, 1-2, 0-1, respectively; and the sum of m and n, and p and q are 4 and 2, respectively. |
| US07718336B2 |
Photoconductors containing photogenerating chelating components
A photoconductor containing a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer where the photogenerating layer contains a photogenerating pigment and a chelating additive or agent of, for example, a β-diketone, a ketoester, a hydroxyl carboxylic acid, a hydroxyl carboxylic acid ester, a keto alcohol, or an amino alcohol. |
| US07718335B2 |
Image bearing member, and image forming apparatus and process cartridge using the same
An image bearing member is provided, including a substrate and a surface layer formed by optically curing at least a radical polymerizable compound with a charge transport structure and a radical polymerizable monomer without a charge transport structure, wherein the transmission factor of the surface layer for light having a wavelength by 25 nm longer than an absorption end wavelength of photo-absorption spectrum of the surface layer prior to optical curing is not less than 65%. |
| US07718334B2 |
Imaging member having porphine or porphine derivatives
The presently disclosed embodiments relate in general to electrophotographic imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor structures, and processes for making and using the same. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an additive of porphine or porphine derivatives to eliminate ghosting in specific conditions and improve image quality. |
| US07718333B2 |
Electrophotographic photoconductor and method of preparing same
An electrophotographic photoconductor having a layer of a crosslinked resin obtained by reacting an epoxy group-containing amine compound having a charge transferability-imparting group with at least one silicon compound selected from an epoxy ring-free alkoxysilane compound, an epoxy ring-free silanol compound, an epoxy ring-containing alkoxysilane compound and an epoxy ring-containing silanol compound. |
| US07718331B2 |
Electrophotographic photosensitive member with depressed portions, process cartridge holding the electrophotographic photosensitive member and electrophotographic apparatus with the electrophotographic photosensitive member
An electrophotographic photosensitive member is disclosed which is excellent in cleaning performance, has improved durability, and suppresses image defects in various environments. The electrophotographic photosensitive member has a support and a photosensitive layer provided on the support. Depressed portions independent of one another are formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member so that the number of the depressed portions per 100 μm square is 76 or more and 1,000 or less. The openings of the depressed portions have an average major axis diameter of more than 3.0 μm and 14.0 μm or less. |
| US07718329B2 |
Method of fabricating liquid crystal display device
Provided is a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device. The method includes fabricating a liquid crystal panel divided into transmission and non-transmission regions, and including an upper substrate and a lower substrate, which are spaced apart from and opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer filled between the substrates, wherein the lower substrate has a plurality of thin film transistors; depositing a transparent conductive layer having a certain thickness on the upper substrate exposed to the exterior of the liquid crystal panel; and performing an etching process for removing the entire transparent conductive layer and a portion of the upper substrate to form irregular prominences and depressions on a surface of the upper substrate exposed to the exterior. Therefore, it is possible to improve readability and contrast ratio by diffusely reflecting external light and scattering internal light. |
| US07718326B2 |
Seamless stitching of patterns formed by interference lithography
This invention addresses the scalability problem of periodic “nanostructured” surface treatments such as those formed by interference lithography. A novel but simple method is described that achieves seamless stitching of nanostructure surface textures at the pattern exposure level. The described tiling approach will enable scaling up of coherent nanostructured surfaces to arbitrary area sizes. Such a large form factor nanotechnology will be essential for fabricating large aperture, coherent diffractive elements. Other applications include high performance, antiglare/antireflection and smudge resistant Motheye treatments for display products such as PDA's, laptop computers, large screen TV's, cockpit canopies, instrument panels, missile and targeting domes, and, more recently, “negative-index” surfaces. Although ideal for seamless stitching of nanometer scale patterns, the technology is broadly applicable to any situation where an arbitrarily large area needs to be seamlessly tiled with a smaller base pattern that has periodic overlap able boundaries. |
| US07718325B2 |
Photochromic material, inkless reimageable printing paper, and methods
An image forming medium includes a substrate and an imaging layer coated on or impregnated into said substrate, where the imaging layer includes as a photochromic material a spiropyran compound having a conjugated pathway, dispersed in a polymeric binder, wherein the photochromic material exhibits a reversible transition between a colorless state and a colored state in response to heat and light. |
| US07718321B2 |
Battery having electrolyte including organoborate salt
The battery includes an electrolyte activating one or more cathodes and one or more anodes. The electrolyte includes one or more mono[bidentate]borate salts in a solvent. The solvent includes a silane or a siloxane. The mono[bidentate]borate salt can include a lithium dihalo mono[bidentate]borate such as lithium difluoro oxalatoborate (LiDfOB). |
| US07718319B2 |
Cation-substituted spinel oxide and oxyfluoride cathodes for lithium ion batteries
The present invention includes compositions and methods of making cation-substituted and fluorine-substituted spinel cathode compositions by firing a LiMn2−y−zLiyMzO4 oxide with NH4HF2 at low temperatures of between about 300 and 700° C. for 2 to 8 hours and a η of more than 0 and less than about 0.50, mixed two-phase compositions consisting of a spinel cathode and a layered oxide cathode, and coupling them with unmodified or surface modified graphite anodes in lithium ion cells. |
| US07718318B2 |
Positive electrode active material and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery containing the same
The present invention provides a high-capacity and low-cost non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising: a negative electrode containing, as a negative electrode active material, a substance capable of absorbing/desorbing lithium ions and/or metal lithium; a separator; a positive electrode; and an electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode active material contained in the positive electrode is composed of crystalline particles of an oxide containing two kinds of transition metal elements, the crystalline particles having a layered crystal structure, and oxygen atoms constituting the oxide forming a cubic closest packing structure. |
| US07718312B2 |
Battery
The metal foil of the positive electrode 1a or the negative electrode 1b in the power generating element 1 is connected along the connecting plate portion 2b which is folded, twisted, and provided in a protruding condition from the main portion 2a of the current-collector connector 2; hence the shape of the current-collector connector 2 becomes easy to form, and a battery capable of enhancing current collection efficiency, reliability and workability can be provided. |
| US07718305B2 |
Rechargeable alkaline manganese cell with cathode consistency compensation
In an improved rechargeable alkaline manganese cell that has a manganese dioxide cathode comprising pellets formed by pressing a cathode powder blend comprising a hygroscopic additive for increasing cumulative capacity, the sticky consistency of the pellets, which is un-desirable for continuous automated production is compensated for by the addition of up to 0.5% of a hydrophobic binder. This small amount leaves the cell performance substantially unimpaired, but provides the desired consistency for large-scale production. Further disclosed is an improved charge methodology for a rechargeable alkaline manganese cell wherein the charge current is pulsed at a voltage in excess of 1.65 V and the no-load cell voltage response is monitored at predetermined intervals. No charge current pulse is permitted to pass through the cell if the no-load voltage exceeds a threshold value. This results in increased utilization of the capacity of the cell while reducing the likelihood of damage to the cell due to overcharging. |
| US07718301B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus
A fuel supply apparatus for supplying fuel to a fuel cell has a fuel supply unit and a water suction unit. When the fuel cell is mounted onto the fuel supply apparatus, the apparatus supplies fuel to the fuel cell and removes the water inside the fuel cell by suction. |
| US07718299B2 |
Fuel cell bipolar plate and fuel cell with improved fluid distribution employing such plates
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell including a first through-hole positioned within one of its peripheral edges for circulating a reactive fluid, an anode compartment extending at one of its two main faces, and a cathode compartment extending at the opposite main face. At least one of the compartments is formed completely or partially by a region recessed with respect to the corresponding main face. The recessed region is connected to the through-hole via an intake channel that is recessed within the peripheral edge of the corresponding main face for the reactive fluid to flow into the compartment. A second through-hole located near the first through-hole is provided and is intended for circulating the reactive fluid. The main face opposite the face housing the recessed region comprises a generally non-emergent groove that connects the first and second through-holes. |
| US07718296B2 |
Liquid fuel cartridge having bistable structure
A liquid fuel cartridge having a bistable structure includes a housing, a storage unit that is placed in the housing and stores a liquid fuel, a fuel outlet that is connected to an end of the storage unit and extends to an outside of the housing, a bistable structure that is connected to the storage unit and shows bistable states of a full state and an exhausted state thereof, and a window through which the bistable states of the bistable structure is detected. |
| US07718295B2 |
Method for preparing an interconnect
A method for preparing an interconnect is provided. The method comprises: providing a conductive base sheet including a first face and a second face, the first and second faces are disposed on opposite sides of the base sheet; preparing anode gas flow passages on the first face of the conductive base sheet; preparing cathode gas flow passages on the second face of the conductive base sheet; and selecting anode gas flow passage geometry having a first geometric configuration; and selecting cathode gas flow passage geometry having a second geometric configuration that is different from the first geometric configuration so as to optimize fuel and oxidant gas flow according to system requirements. |
| US07718293B2 |
Electrochemical system with fluid passage integrated within a sealing bead
The invention deals with an electrochemical system for compressing gases and/or for producing gases by electrolysis, consisting of an electrochemical compressor stack (1) having layering of several electrochemical cells, which are separated from one another in each case by bipolar plates (3; 3′), wherein the bipolar plates have openings for media supply and media discharge (5a, 5b) for the electrochemical cells and the electrochemical cell stack can be placed under mechanical compressive strain in direction (6) of the layering. The bead arrangements (7; 7′) are resilient and are provided at least in some regions to seal the openings (4, 5a, 5b) and/or an electrochemically active region (10) of the electrochemical cells. |
| US07718292B2 |
Fuel cell stack and manufacturing method thereof
A fuel cell stack constituted by fastening a laminated cell, is disclosed. The electrode of the cell has a catalyst electrode layer and a porous gas diffusion layer and supporting a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) from both sides. A separator (3) of the cell has a gas passage (6, 7) which supplies fuel gas or oxidizer gas to the gas diffusion layer. The gas diffusion layer (2b) is constituted such that when a load is applied and removed in the lamination direction of the cell, an amount of change in a thickness of the gas diffusion layer in a non-loaded state before and after the load is applied falls to or below a predetermined value. The gas diffusion layer (2b) is manufactured by repeating a cycle of applying and removing a load on the gas diffusion layer in the lamination direction of the cell before laminating the cell. The cycle is repeated until an amount of change in a thickness of the gas diffusion layer in a non-loaded state before and after the load is applied falls to or below a predetermined value. The gas diffusion layer (2b) is prevented from swelling into the gas passage. |
| US07718289B2 |
Fuel cell system and related method
A fuel cell system (S) is provided with a fuel cell body (12), an air supply system (1, 2, 3, 4) supplying air to the fuel cell body, an air flow rate control system (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14) varying opening degrees of flow paths, through which air is supplied, to control flow rates of air, and a droplet removal structure (3, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24) removing droplets adhered to the air flow rate control system. The droplet removal structure is operative to set the opening degree of the air flow rate control system to have a droplet removal opening degree to increase a speed with which the air flows and allows the air to flow at the droplet removal opening degree for blowing off the droplets adhered to the air flow rate control systems. |
| US07718283B2 |
Alpha voltaic batteries and methods thereof
An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. |
| US07718282B2 |
Magnetic recording medium with corrosion resistance and manufacturing method
A magnetic recording medium with a granular magnetic recording layer excellent in corrosion resistance is provided. In one embodiment, after formation of, on a non-magnetic substrate, an NiTa adhesion layer, a soft magnetic layer, a Ta intermediate layer, an Ru intermediate layer, and a Co alloy granular magnetic recording layer, hydrogen (H2) plasma processing is applied to the surface of the Co alloy granular magnetic recording layer. Then, a DLC protective film layer is formed and a lubricant layer is coated. |
| US07718281B2 |
Plasma display panel
A plasma display panel (PDP) is made of front panel (2) and rear panel (10). The front panel includes display electrodes (6), dielectric layer (8), and protective layer (8) that are formed on glass substrate (3). The rear panel includes address electrodes (12), barrier ribs (14), and phosphor layers (15) that are formed on rear glass substrate (11). The front panel and the rear panel are faced with each other, and the peripheries thereof are sealed to form discharge space (16) therebetween. Primary dielectric layer (13) is provided to cover address electrodes (12), and barrier ribs (14) are formed on primary dielectric layer (13). Primary dielectric layer (13) is made of dielectric glass containing at least bismuth oxide and having a softening point exceeding 550° C. |
| US07718280B2 |
Method for the treatment of the tip of a turbine blade and a turbine blade treated with a method such as this
A surface having an abrasive coating which includes silicon carbide (SiC) particles bound to the surface so as to form the abrasive coating. The SiC particles include a self-healing barrier layer that is in contact with an outer surface of the SiC particles. The self-healing barrier layer prevents degradation of the SiC particles. |
| US07718276B2 |
Light emitting device containing phosphorescent complex
An OLED device comprises a cathode, an anode, and has therebetween a light emitting layer comprising a phosphorescent emitter represented by Formula (I): LnM (I) wherein each L is a cyclometallated ligand with at least one containing a coumarin group, M is Ir or Pt, and n is 3 when M is Ir and 2 when M is Pt. The invention also comprised the compound of formula (I). |
| US07718274B2 |
Method for welding two welding parts by means of a fillet weld and welding part with an inclined tapered edge area therefor
The invention relates to a method for welding two welding parts (1, 3) by means of a fillet weld (11), wherein a first welding part (1), with a bearing surface at least in an edge area of an edge that is to be welded by means of a fillet weld, is brought into contact with a bearing surface of a welding part (3) and the welding energy (5) is supplied in an energy supply area during the welding process, exclusive of a surface (7) of the first welding part facing away from the bearing surface, said energy supply area being located at a predetermined distance from the edge of the first welding part. The welding energy is supplied in a direction, whereby the direction component thereof points perpendicular to the course of the fillet weld that is to be produced in the direction of an inner area of the first welding part, forming a welding angle of less than 90° with the contact plane of the bearing surfaces of the first and second welding parts. The welding energy is supplied until at least the energy supply area of the first welding part and a sufficient area of the second part, which is adjacent to the energy supply area of the first welding part, and also the material supply area located between the energy supply area and the edge of the first welding part are melted and fused together. The invention also relates to a welding part for carrying out said method and to an electric component with a printed conductor, which is welded to a cooling body of at least one power semiconductor element. |
| US07718273B2 |
Wiring material, wiring substrate and manufacturing method thereof, display panel, fine particle thin film material, substrate including thin film layer and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a wiring material for forming wiring on a substrate by causing coalescence of conductive particles through heating, and including a binder layer and a wiring layer. The binder layer contains metal particles and having a binder function to be adhered to the substrate; and the wiring layer contains metal particles and laminated on the binder layer. The metal particles of the binder layer and the metal particles of the wiring layer are in contact with each other. With this arrangement, it is possible to provide a wiring material allowing use of a larger variety of materials, while also ensuring low resistance of wiring and improvement of adhesion between the wiring and the substrate. |
| US07718270B2 |
Multifunctional material
The multifunctional material can readily adsorb even VOCs, which exhibits high photocatalytic activity and functions as visible-light-responsive photocatalyst by virtue of a large surface area and of being doped with carbon, has high hardness and exhibits excellent exfoliation resistance, wear resistance, resistance to chemicals, and heat resistance. The multifunctional material has a large number of protrusions of titanium oxide or a titanium alloy oxide on at least a portion of a surface of the material for example forest microcolumns of titanium oxide, the layer being exposed on the surface and the microcolumns being doped with carbon. |
| US07718264B2 |
Perfluoropolyether urethane additives having (meth)acryl groups and hard coats
Fluorocarbon- and urethane-(meth)acryl-containing additives and hardcoats. The hardcoats are particularly useful as a surface layer on an optical device. |
| US07718257B2 |
Heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet
A heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprises: a base material; and a thermo-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing thermo-expandable microspheres, the thermo-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a surface to be adhered to an adherend, wherein the surface of the thermo-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer before subjecting to heating has a centerline average roughness of greater than 0.4 μm, and has a convex portion resulting from the thermo-expandable microspheres. |
| US07718253B2 |
Roofing cover board, roofing panel composite, and method
A prefabricated cover board has a high-density polymer or predominantly polymer material core layer having a density between 6 lbs/ft3 and 25 lbs/ft3. A prefabricated roofing panel composite includes the cover board and an insulation board that has a low-density polymer or predominantly polymer material foam core layer having a density less than 6 lbs/ft3. The cover board may have a waterproofing membrane forming the top major surface of the cover board. When making the roofing panel composite, the low-density foam core layer of the insulation board may be formed with the high-density core layer of the cover board being currently or subsequently formed over and bonded to a top major surface of the low-density foam core layer in the same operation or preformed insulation boards may be fed into a production line with the high-density core layer of the cover board being formed over and bonded to top major surfaces of the low-density foam core layers of the insulation boards. |
| US07718252B2 |
Inorganic fiber article
The inorganic fiber article according to the present invention is an inorganic fiber article comprising an inorganic coating layer having foams, the inorganic coating layer formed on at least a portion of the surface of an inorganic fiber molded body. |
| US07718250B2 |
Adhesive strip for the bonding of sheeting in the area of a building envelope and the use of this adhesive strip
The invention relates to an adhesive strip for the bonding of sheeting in the area of a building envelope, with a carrier material and an adhesive coating arranged on the carrier material, wherein the adhesive strip is vapor permeable with a diffusion resistance with an sd value of ≦12 m and the carrier material can elongate elastically with a difference value between the percentage of total elongation under loading εg and the percentage of permanent elongation after loading εb in the range of 6-80. The invention also relates to the use of such an adhesive strip for the bonding of sheeting in the outer area in house construction. |
| US07718244B1 |
Protective mat assembly for a boxing ring
A protective mat assembly for a boxing ring includes a substantially trapezoidal base mat having multiple strips of hook and loop fasteners on the upper surface thereof. A similarly-shaped absorbent foam pad includes a plurality of mating hook and loop fastener strips on a lower surface to engage those of the base mat. The absorbent pad includes foot indentions for receiving a boxer's feet, and openings for receiving the legs of a boxer's stool. Accordingly, when a fighter sits on the stool between rounds, the underlying absorbent pad collects any fluids that would otherwise fall onto the ring surface. |
| US07718240B2 |
Elastomeric gloves and methods of making
Elastomeric film-like products such as natural latex gloves are coated with novel lubricity compositions and compositions which protect the skin of the wearer from certain undesirable medical conditions. In powder-coated gloves, the coating composition comprises rice starch, and optionally USP-grade colloidal oatmeal in pharmaceutically accepted concentration. In powder-free gloves, the coating composition comprises colloidal oatmeal enhanced water or beta glucan solution, optionally in combination with one or more other starch components. Colloidal oatmeal enhanced water, and methods of making the colloidal oatmeal enhanced water are also disclosed. In addition, beta glucan solution, and methods of making the beta glucan solution are also disclosed. A liquid referred to herein as Polycoat may also be made by mixing colloidal oatmeal enhanced water with beta glucan solution, and the resulting liquid may be applied to elastomeric articles such as gloves. |
| US07718237B2 |
Glossy inkjet recording element on absorbent paper and capable of absorbing high ink flux
An inkjet recording element comprising an absorbent support, a porous base layer nearest the support, a porous ink-receiving intermediate layer above the base layer, and a porous ink-receiving upper layer above the intermediate layer. The base layer and intermediate layers are each present in an amount of at least 25 g/m2 and the total dry weight coverage of the base layer, the intermediate layer, and the upper layer is 60 to 130 g/m2 in order to handle high fluxes of ink compositions during printing and to provide high gloss upon calendering. Also disclosed is an advantageous method of making such inkjet recording materials. |
| US07718235B2 |
Overcoat composition for image recording materials
The invention relates to an overcoat composition for an imaged image-recording element, the overcoat composition comprising an aqueous carrier, an optional humectant, an optional surfactant, and 0.05 to 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the overcoat composition, of an addition polymer having an acid number greater than about 110. The invention also relates to a method of making an imaged image recording element having a transparent overcoat, which method comprises forming an image on the image recording element and applying over the image an overcoat composition of the present invention.The overcoat compositions of the invention provide advantageous stain resistance. |
| US07718231B2 |
Thin buried oxides by low-dose oxygen implantation into modified silicon
A method of fabricating silicon-on-insulators (SOIs) having a thin, but uniform buried oxide region beneath a Si-containing over-layer is provided. The SOI structures are fabricated by first modifying a surface of a Si-containing substrate to contain a large concentration of vacancies or voids. Next, a Si-containing layer is typically, but not always, formed atop the substrate and then oxygen ions are implanted into the structure utilizing a low-oxygen dose. The structure is then annealed to convert the implanted oxygen ions into a thin, but uniform thermal buried oxide region. |
| US07718227B2 |
Flexible thermal control coatings and methods for fabricating the same
Flexible thermal control coatings for use on components of spacecraft and methods for fabricating such coatings are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a flexible thermal control coating comprises a flexible organic binder for disposition on the component and an inorganic material having a radiation absorptance (α) of less than about 0.2 and an emissivity (ε) of at least about 0.6. The inorganic material and the organic binder are oriented relative to each other so that an exterior surface of the coating has a higher concentration of inorganic material than an interior surface of the coating and a lower concentration of organic binder than the interior surface. |
| US07718223B1 |
Control of carbon nanotube density and tower height in an array
A method for controlling density or tower height of carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays grown in spaced apart first and second regions on a substrate. CNTs having a first density range (or first tower height range) are grown in the first region using a first source temperature range for growth. Subsequently or simultaneously, CNTs having a second density range (or second tower height range), having an average density (or average tower height) in the second region different from the average density (or average tower height) for the first region, are grown in the second region, using supplemental localized heating for the second region. Applications for thermal dissipation and/or dissipation of electrical charge or voltage in an electronic device are discussed. |
| US07718222B2 |
Apparatus and method for high rate uniform coating, including non-line of sight
A direct vapor deposition (DVD) apparatus and method is taught, that provides a carrier gas flow entraining vapor atoms for the coating of regions on a substrate that are not in line-of-sight. The degree of non line-of-sight (NLOS) coating, hence thickness uniformity around the substrate is a sensitive function of the flow conditions. For a fixed background pressure in the region of deposition, an increase in the uniformity of the coating thickness is accomplished as the flow velocity is reduced. This improvement in uniformity is a result of an increase in the fraction of vapor atoms which deposit in NLOS positions on the substrate such as backside (21) of fiber (65) as indicated by vapor streamlines (51). Vapor impact width (VIW) is the width of the vapor flux impacting on some area of the fiber. Front side coating (FSC) width is the vapor width of atoms impacting on the substrate frontside (22). |
| US07718221B2 |
Coatings for metal casting parts
The method is disclosed for coating or impregnating a metal tool with a metal oxide to render the metal part more resistant to liquid metal attack or micro-welds. The method includes the steps of applying a liquid metal carboxylate composition, or a solution thereof, to a substrate material, and exposing the substrate to an environment that will cause vaporization or dissipation of any excess carboxylic acids in the liquid metal carboxylate composition while the metal carboxylates are being converted to metal oxides. |
| US07718219B2 |
Method for forming channel patterns with chromonic materials
A method for forming channels within a dried chromonic layer is described. A coating composition is applied to a substrate, dried, and exposed to a hydrophilic organic solvent forming a channel pattern having a first set of channels, and a second set of channels that are substantially perpendicular to the first set of channels. A deposition material may be disposed within the channels to form a nanostructured pattern. An article having a channel pattern is further described. |
| US07718215B2 |
Apparatus for forming alignment layer and auto-calibration method thereof
An apparatus for forming alignment layer includes a printing stage for supporting a substrate thereon, at least one inkjet head having at least one spray hole above the printing stage, the spray hole spraying an alignment material onto the substrate, a head support supporting the inkjet head, a pitch measuring unit adjacent to the inkjet head, and a display unit displaying measured results provided by the pitch measuring unit. |
| US07718210B2 |
Food product
The present invention provides a novel cellular solid structure which can be used to structure an oil-water mixture into a semi-solid state. The invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of food products, such as margarine-like spreads, other spreads and dips and dairy-like products such as whipped toppings and creamy fillings. |
| US07718209B2 |
Low-salt soy sauce
A low common salt soy sauce, which has good flavor, significantly suppresses elevation of blood pressure, prevents cardiac hypertrophy, and is also available as special nutritious food, is obtained. 1.0% to 10.0% by weight of potassium chloride and 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of γ-aminobutyric acid are added to a reduced common salt soy sauce, so as to obtain a low common salt soy sauce of issue. Otherwise, a KCl-containing low common slat soy sauce is obtained by: (1) a common production method of soy sauce, in which a mixed solution consisting of KCl and common salt is used as mother water; (2) a method of subjecting a soy sauce obtained using saline solution as mother water to electrodialysis, a membrane treatment, or the like, so as to eliminate common salt from the above soy sauce, and then adding KCl thereto; or other methods. Thereafter, γ-aminobutyric acid is added to the above KCl-containing low common salt soy sauce, so as to obtain a low common salt soy sauce comprising 0% to 10% by weight of common salt, 1.0% to 10.0% by weight of potassium chloride, and 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of γ-aminobutyric acid. |
| US07718205B2 |
Process for preparation of calcium-D-pantothenate
The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of calcium-D-pantothenate from fermentation broths comprising eluting D-pantothenic acid from a strongly basic anion exchange resin with a weak organic acid and neutralising the eluate with a basic calcium salt. |
| US07718195B1 |
Process for separating lipids and proteins from biological material
A process for separating non-denatured fat and lipids as well as non-denatured proteins from a material of organic origin is disclosed wherein the fat and proteins are separated at a temperature below the denaturing temperature for the proteins to conserve their biological function and nutritional value. |
| US07718194B2 |
Coated particles with prolonged release and tablets containing same
The invention concerns coated particles with prolonged release, a method for preparing same and multiparticulate tablets comprising said coated particles. |
| US07718191B2 |
Pharmaceutical product which is used to reduced or stop moderate or severe snoring
The invention relates to the novel use of a pharmaceutical product which combines domperidone and pseudoephedrine sulphate substances and which can be used to reduce or stop moderate or severe snoring. |
| US07718185B2 |
Inhibitors of melanocyte tyrosinase as topical skin lighteners
Methods and formulations are provided to reduce pigmentation in skin, using an array of compounds selected from benzimidazoles, phenylthioureas, phenyltiols, phenylamines, bi- and multicyclic phenols, thiopheneamines, and benzothiamides. The compounds preferably inhibit pigment synthesis in melanocytes through the tyrosinase pathway. The methods can be used for lightening skin, and for treating uneven skin complexions which result from hyperpigmentation-related medical conditions such as melasma, age spots, freckles, ochronosis, and lentigo. The compounds can be used medically or cosmetically. |
| US07718184B2 |
Hydrophobically coated/treated metal silicate absorbent particles and personal care compositions thereof
Coated particles of metal (such as calcium) silicate that exhibit excellent odor neutralization and sebum absorption properties when present within certain cosmetic and/or personal care formulations and suspensions are provided. Uncoated calcium silicate exhibits a high pH level that may have a deleterious effect upon such cosmetic and/or personal care compositions, thereby rendering the overall composition ineffective for its intended purpose, particularly if the calcium silicate is present in its usual state at high loading levels. Alternatively, if certain materials present within personal care compositions exhibit a sufficiently low pH level, the effectiveness of such calcium silicates may be compromised as well. Such novel coated/treated calcium silicates thus permit high loadings of this beneficial odor neutralizing/sebum absorbing additive within cosmetic and/or personal care formulations without causing any appreciable instability issues or viscosity modification concerns or allow for coexistence with such low pH materials without any appreciable reduction in performance capabilities of the calcium silicates themselves. Certain personal care compositions comprising these novel coated calcium silicate particulates are encompassed within this invention as well. |
| US07718180B2 |
Immunizing compositions comprising nucleic acids encoding the HIV-1 matrix protein myristate binding site
The present invention relates to an immunogenic composition. More particularly, the present invention is a composition directed to eliciting an immune response to at least one covalent binding site of myristate (SEQ ID NOS: 1-3) on the HIV matrix protein. The present invention contemplates three categories of embodiments: protein or protein fragments (SEQ ID NO: 1), messenger RNA, or DNA/RNA (SEQ ID NOS:2-3). DNA/RNA compositions may be either naked or recombinant. The present invention further contemplates use with a variety of immune stimulants. |
| US07718173B2 |
Anti-pro6094 antibodies
The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides and to nucleic acid molecules encoding those polypeptides. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. |
| US07718168B2 |
Medical implant materials containing immobilized transglutaminase
The present invention provides a medical implant material comprising mammalian transglutaminase and a polymer, wherein the transglutaminase is provided in the absence of free divalent metal ions and wherein the polymer is associated with the transglutaminase binding protein. Preferably, the transglutaminase is a tissue transglutaminase, which is coated on, impregnated into or covalently linked to the polymer. The polymer may be naturally occuring or synthetic, and may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The medical implant material may further comprise a reinforcing agent and/or one or more additional polymers. The invention further provides the use of a mammalian transglutaminase in a method for improving the biocompatibility of a medical implant material, the method comprising the steps of (i) providing a medical implant material comprising a polymer associated with a binding protein for binding the transglutaminase, and (ii) treating said material with a mammalian transglutaminase. |
| US07718167B2 |
Method for treating wounds exposing the dura using PPP and PRP
A method for treating an open wound, such as a surgical wound, may include preparing a first composition including a platelet poor plasma (PPP), and preparing a second composition including a platelet rich plasma (PRP). A layer of the first composition may be applied within the open wound, and a layer of the second composition may be applied within the open wound over the layer of the first composition. |
| US07718163B2 |
Carrier particles for use in dry powder inhalers
A powder for use in a dry powder inhaler includes active particles and carrier particles for carrying the active particles. The powder further includes additive material (4) on the surfaces of the carrier particles to promote the release of the active particles from the carrier particles on actuation of the inhaler. The powder is such that the active particles are not liable to be release from the carrier particles before actuation of the inhaler. The inclusion of additive material (4) in the powder has been found to give an increased respirable fraction of the active material. |
| US07718160B2 |
Radiolabeled compounds and liposomes and their method of making and using same
The invention, in one aspect, relates to radiolabeled compounds. The invention also relates to radiolabeled liposomes and methods of making and using thereof. The invention also relates to kits for preparing radiolabeled liposomes. |
| US07718157B1 |
Targeted lipid particles
Targeted lipids and lipid particles are described which are assemblies of multipolar lipids, targeting molecules such as antibodies and polyanions. The lipids are of particular use for the delivery of bioactive substances such as nucleic acids to cells in vitro and especially in vivo. |
| US07718156B2 |
Method for manufacturing carbon nanostructures having minimal surface functional groups
Carbon nanostructures are formed from a carbon precursor and catalytic templating nanoparticles. Methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures generally include (1) forming a precursor mixture that includes a carbon precursor and a plurality of catalytic templating particles, (2) carbonizing the precursor mixture to form an intermediate carbon material including carbon nanostructures, amorphous carbon, and catalytic metal, (3) purifying the intermediate carbon material by removing at least a portion of the amorphous carbon and optionally at least a portion of the catalytic metal, and (4) heat treating the purified intermediate carbon material and/or treating the purified intermediate carbon material with a base to remove functional groups on the surface thereof. The removal of functional groups increases the graphitic content of the carbon nanomaterial and decreases its hydrophilicity. |
| US07718155B2 |
Carbon nanostructures manufactured from catalytic templating nanoparticles
Methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures include: 1) forming a plurality of catalytic templating particles using a plurality of dispersing agent molecules; 2) forming an intermediate carbon nanostructure by polymerizing a carbon precursor in the presence of the plurality of templating nanoparticles; 3) carbonizing the intermediate carbon nanostructure to form a composite nanostructure; and 4) removing the templating nanoparticles from the composite nanostructure to yield the carbon nanostructures. The carbon nanostructures are well-suited for use as a catalyst support. The carbon nanostructures exhibit high surface area, high porosity, and high graphitization. Carbon nanostructures according to the invention can be used as a substitute for more expensive and likely more fragile carbon nanotubes. |
| US07718152B2 |
Process and system for destroying carbonaceous materials and composition and system thereof
A process for substantially removing carbonaceous material from a composition comprising providing the composition having carbonaceous material, reacting the carbonaceous material with a sulfur compound, and forming products having carbon and sulfur, and the resulting composition and system used therefore. |
| US07718148B2 |
Pressure leaching system and method
A pressure leaching system for use in a leaching operation including: at least one reaction zone for receiving a slurry of material to be leached from a slurry source, the reaction zone being disposed relative to the slurry source such that slurry is resident in the reaction zone under gravity thereby providing at least part of the pressurisation required for the leaching operation. |
| US07718145B2 |
Polyisocyanate production system and gas treatment apparatus
A polyisocyanate production system is provided that can stably produce chlorine from hydrogen chloride produced secondarily while reacting stably between carbonyl chloride and polyamine and can perform an effective treatment of the hydrochloric gas produced secondarily. A hydrochloric gas control unit 32 controls a flow-rate control valve 23 to keep constant an amount of hydrogen chloride supplied from a hydrogen chloride purifying tank 4 to a hydrogen chloride oxidation reactor 6 via a second hydrochloric-gas connection line 11 to be constant, and also controls a pressure control valve 22 based on an inner pressure of the hydrogen chloride purifying tank 4 input from a pressure sensor 25 to discharge the hydrochloric gas from the hydrogen chloride purifying tank 4 to the hydrogen chloride absorbing column 5 via a first hydrochloric-gas connection line 10, so as to keep an inner pressure of the hydrogen chloride purifying tank 4 to be constant. |
| US07718144B2 |
Photolytic cell for providing physiological gas exchange
The present invention is directed to a photolytic cell, and to a photolytic artificial lung incorporating such a cell. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, the removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. Additionally, the present invention relates to photolytically sensitive materials for oxygen generation. These materials are useful for gas-free artificial lung fabrication. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung. It can also be used to maintain breathing air in confined systems. |
| US07718143B2 |
Filter catalyst for purifying exhaust gases
A filter catalyst is for purifying exhaust gases, and comprises a honeycomb structure, a catalytic layer and a fibrous layer. The honeycomb structure comprises inlet cells clogged on a downstream side of a flow of the exhaust gases, outlet cells neighboring the inlet cells, and clogged on an upstream side of the flow of the exhaust gases, and cellular walls demarcating the inlet cells and the outlet cells, and having pores. The catalytic layer is formed on a surface of the cellular walls and an inner surface of the pores, and includes a porous oxide and a catalytic ingredient loaded on the porous oxide. The fibrous layer is formed on the outermost surface of the cellular walls of the inlet cells at least, and includes entangled fibrous substances composed of a heat-resistant material. The filter catalyst inhibits the pressure loss from increasing and upgrades the oxidizing rate of PMs greatly. |
| US07718142B2 |
System and process for treating sulfur
An apparatus configured for treating sulfur at an elevated pressure. Embodiments of the apparatus comprises a vessel into which the sulfur is injected and a device for alleviating the pressure of the sulfur. |
| US07718140B1 |
FCC separator without a reactor
This invention is directed to a process for fluid catalytic cracking, including, fluidizing a hydrocarbon stream in a riser, cracking the hydrocarbon stream with catalyst in the riser to produce a cracked stream and spent catalyst, separating the cracked stream and the spent catalyst in a primary separator to obtain a cracked stream with a first concentration of spent catalyst, and transporting the cracked stream with the first concentration of spent catalyst through a conduit to a multi-cyclone separator comprising multiple cyclones extending through a tube sheet to obtain a cracked stream with a second concentration of spent catalyst. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for catalytic cracking including a riser, a primary separator, a disengagement vessel surrounding the primary separator to collect the catalyst, a gas conduit having a first end in fluid connection with the disengagement vessel, and a multi-cyclone separator comprising a plurality of cyclones. |
| US07718137B2 |
Reactor with optimized internal tray design
A system for processing large quantities of a reaction medium while maintaining the reaction medium in sheets. The system includes a reactor having a plurality of vertically-spaced downwardly-sloped trays over which the reaction medium flows while it is subjected to reaction conditions. The slope of the trays increases downwardly to accommodate for the increased viscosity of the reaction medium while the reaction medium flows downwardly through the reactor. An upper portion of the trays have a uni-directional configuration, while a lower portion of the trays have a bi-directional configuration. Further, the orientation of flow across the uni-directional trays is rotated by 90 degrees in at least one location as the reaction medium flows down the uni-directional trays. |
| US07718135B2 |
Sample holder for holding and transporting a sample vial within an NMR apparatus and automatic supply device for the automated exchange of NMR sample vials and method of operation thereof
A sample holder for fixing and transporting a sample vial (1) within an NMR configuration comprising an outer shell (4) and a continuous hollow space disposed inside the outer shell (4) and extending along its axis for receiving the sample vial, is characterized in that a clamping device that can be switched on and off and a switching element (6) are provided inside the hollow space, wherein, in the activated state, the clamping device fixes a sample vial (1) that is introduced into the sample holder, the switching element (6) can be operated from the outside, and the clamping device can be deactivated using the switching element (6) such that, in the deactivated state, the sample vial (1) inserted into- or removed from the sample holder is not fixed. Such a sample holder may be used to realize an automatic supply device for changing NMR sample vials which has a very compact structure and can be mounted using little space. |
| US07718132B2 |
Fragrance product, dispenser, and dispenser assembly
A fragrance product is disclosed including a container containing liquid fragrance and a dispenser assembly for dispensing the liquid fragrance including a transport assembly and a tube connected to the transport assembly and extending into the liquid fragrance. The tube and the liquid fragrance each have a refractive index, and the difference between the refractive index of the tube and the liquid fragrance is not greater than about 0.04. |
| US07718130B1 |
Integrated thin-film sensors and methods
Integrated photoluminescence (PL)-based chemical and biological sensors are provided comprising a photodetector (PD), a long-pass filter, an excitation source, and a sensing element, all based on thin films or structures. In one embodiment the light source is an organic light emitting device (OLED) and the sensing element is based on thin films or solutions in microfluidic channels or wells. The PD and optical filters are based on thin film amorphous or nanocrystalline silicon and related materials. In another embodiment, sensor components are fabricated on transparent substrates, which are attached back-to-back to generate a compact, integrated structure. |
| US07718128B2 |
Application using non-covalent bond between a cucurbituril derivative and a ligand
Provided are a kit including a first component that is a compound of formula (1) below bound to a first material and a second component that is a ligand bound to a second material, wherein each of the first and second materials is independently selected from the group consisting of a solid phase, a biomolecule, an antioxidant, a chemical therapeutic agent, an anti-histaminic agent, a cucurbituril dendrimer, a cyclodextrin derivative, a crown ether derivative, a calixarene derivative, a cyclophane derivative, a cyclic peptide derivative, a metallic ion, a chromophore, a fluorescent material, a phosphor, a radioactive material, and a catalyst; and the ligand can non-covalently bind to the compound of formula (1); a method of separating and purifying a material bound to a ligand using the compound of formula (1) bound to a solid phase; a method of separating and purifying the compound of formula (1) or a material bound to the compound using a ligand bound to a solid phase; a sensor chip including a compound of formula (1) bound to a first material and a ligand bound to a second material; and a solid-catalyst complex including the compound of formula (1) bound to a first material and a ligand bound to a second material. |
| US07718127B2 |
Microfluidic chip
The invention relates to a microfluidic chip for biological, chemical and medical analysis. Cavities and channels, which connect these cavities to one another and which transport, based on the capillary effect, liquids required for carrying out analysis and synthesis, are arranged inside the microfluidic chip. At least one of the cavities is a reaction chamber. The microfluidic chip is characterized by having a layered construction made of light-curing hydrophilic plastic material based on a 3-D layer model and by having a covering layer made of a hydrophobic material. In the layered body made of hydrophilic material, channels that come from different cavities and do not intersect lead to the at least one reaction chamber. |
| US07718126B2 |
Fecal occult test packaging
A specimen testing device having a folding top having a top inside and a top outside; a back portion having a back inside and a back outside, the back portion in folding communication with the folding top; a front portion in folding communication with the back portion and the folding top covers at least a portion of the front portion when the front portion is in a folded closed position; a reagent test sheet in communication with at least a portion of the back portion; at least one enclosed bubble containing developer attached to at least one of the back portion and the front portion, wherein a fecal sample is placed on the reagent test sheet and the at least one enclosed bubble is pierced to release the developer to the fecal sample to indicate the presence of fecal occult blood. |
| US07718124B2 |
Counting, viability assessment, analysis and manipulation chamber
A transparent plastic slide has a recessed chamber which receives a transparent plastic cover. The cover has a fluid inlet opening which overlies a recessed center well in the slide. The well has a sloping ramp which extends to a viewing platform which has a surface which is closely spaced from the underside of the cover to define a constant thickness viewing cavity surrounding the well. An overflow channel surrounds the viewing platform. A vent hole extends through the cover above the overflow channel. The sample is introduced into the center well through the fluid inlet opening. The fluid flows into the viewing cavities by capillary action, and is free to overflow the viewing cavities and be received within the overflow channel, thus reducing boundary effects. An inlet port may be provided above the viewing platform to permit substances to be added to a sample while it is under observation. |
| US07718122B2 |
Carriers for hypochlorous acid vapor
This invention relates to particulate forms of carrier materials containing an oxidant, especially hypohalite or hypohalous acid, especially a dry particulate form of dilute or concentrated hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid compositions. The invention also relates to uses for these particles, such as for generating hypochlorous acid vapor to control the growth of mold or bacteria, to deactivate allergens and allergen causing agents, and to control odors. |
| US07718119B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating smell
An apparatus and method for generating a desired smell by processing smell information through a combination of a computer system and a perfume generating means. In order to generate a desired smell under control of a computer, preset perfume information concerning a smell classification table, kinds of preset perfume corresponding to the items of smell in the smell classification table, the amount of smell to be generated and the variation with time of the amount is registered, the item of a specific smell is selected from the smell classification table, and relevant pieces of the preset perfume information corresponding to the item of the specific smell is extracted. A deodorant may be combined or various smells may be combined with an image. |
| US07718117B2 |
Tungsten sputtering target and method of manufacturing the target
A method of manufacturing a tungsten sputtering target includes pressing a high purity tungsten powder to form a pressed compact, first sintering the pressed compact at a temperature of 1450-1700° C. for one hour or longer after the pressed compact is heated at a heating-up rate of 2-5° C./min on the way to a maximum sintering temperature, second sintering the pressed compact to form a sintered body at a temperature of 1900° C. or higher for 5 hours or longer, working the sintered body to obtain a shape of a target, subjecting the target to a grinding work of at least one of rotary grinding and polishing, and subjecting the target to a finishing work of at least one of etching and reverse sputtering. |
| US07718112B2 |
Nanometer scale structures
Nanometer scale structures, and methods of making the same are disclosed. |
| US07718110B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming thin-walled products, and a product manufactured therewith
A method for forming thin-walled products from low-melt plastic in a mold, wherein an amount of the plastic, heated, is introduced into a mold cavity, with the mold at least partly opened, whereafter the mold is closed, such that the plastic in the mold cavity is pressed away by the wall parts of the mold cavity, whereby a complete filling of the mold cavity is obtained. |
| US07718109B2 |
Tissue support structure
Techniques for generating tissue support structure are presented. A curved minimal surface shape is determined as a template for generating a tissue support structure. The determined curved minimal surface shape is numerically or functionally defined to create data representing the shape. The data is exported to a rapid prototyping system to generate a plurality of tissue support structures having a curved minimal surface. The tissue support structure can have a pore sub-section and a non-pore sub-section divided by a non-intersecting two-sided surface. A number of characteristics of the tissue support structure can be modulated including porosity and mechanical strength. |
| US07718108B2 |
Method of manufacturing a fuel cell bipolar plate
A method of manufacturing a fuel cell bipolar plate that improves dimensional accuracy even with viscous material, eliminates the need for large-scale production equipment such as a press to make a pre-formed product, and furthermore, enables manufacturing time for the fuel cell bipolar plate to be reduced. Powdered raw material A containing electrically conductive material and resin is dropped into a filling container so that a top thereof is flat. The powdered raw material A inside the filling container is then heated to form a temporary cast B, the temporary cast B is set in a mold in which a predetermined pattern is formed, and heated and compressed to form a fuel cell bipolar plate. |
| US07718100B2 |
Dental device and method to manufacture the same
A dental device, in particular a dental implant, including an outer body made of ceramic or metal; and an inner body made of metal or ceramic, provided that when the outer body is made of metal the inner body is made of ceramic and when the outer body is made of ceramic the inner body is made of metal, wherein the metal body is produced by metal injection molding and the ceramic body is produced by ceramic injection molding as well as to a method for manufacturing the same. |
| US07718098B2 |
Method for obtaining an optical lens and joint and device for the implementation thereof
The method includes the use of a closed mold consisting of two shells (2,3) and an annular joint (4), the joint having a hole (19) for filling the mold cavity with a polymerizable material, the introduction of the material occurring after a stage in which an external mechanical effort is exerted in order to bring the shells (2,3) together and before a stage in which the effort is relaxed. In the joint (4), the filling hole (19) includes two sections. A first section extends from the molding cavity to the second section which is wider. The device includes elements (34-40) for exerting an external effort in order to bring the shells (2,3) together and elements for introducing the polymerizable material into the molding cavity. |
| US07718097B2 |
Process for producing a plastic lens
A process for producing a plastic lens comprises, using a mold constituted with a pair of mold members facing each other and a plastic gasket which fixes the mold members to form a cavity and has an inlet for injecting a composition of a material monomer into the cavity, injecting the composition of a material monomer into the cavity through the inlet of the plastic gasket, sealing the inlet of the plastic gasket and, thereafter, conducting polymerization, wherein the inlet of the plastic gasket is sealed by the ultrasonic welding. No striae is formed in the produced lens, and the operations of the production can be performed efficiently at a high speed. |
| US07718095B2 |
Sputtering target, thin film for optical information recording medium and process for producing the same
A sputtering target is provided that has a relative density of 80% or more and contains a compound having as its principal component zinc oxide satisfying AXBYO(KaX+KbY)/2(ZnO)m, 1 |
| US07718093B2 |
Electroconductive thick film composition, electrode, and solar cell formed therefrom
The electroconductive thick film paste of the present invention is a silver electroconductive paste, which includes silver particles, glass particles, and an organic vehicle, and is used in an electrode for connecting a back face terminal on the silicon substrate of a solar cell, and is characterized by the fact that the average particle diameter of said silver particles is 3.0-15.0 μm. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition as detailed above and a solar cell comprising said electrode. |
| US07718092B2 |
Aluminum thick film composition(s), electrode(s), semiconductor device(s) and methods of making thereof
The present invention is directed to a thick film conductor composition comprised of (a) aluminum-containing powder; (b) amorphous silicon dioxide (c) and one or more optional glass frit compositions; dispersed in (d) organic medium. The amorphous silicon dioxide contributes to significant bow reduction tendency for solar cells thinner than 270 microns and larger than five inches square without significant effect on reducing the electrical performance of the fired solar cell. In addition and as preferred by solar cell manufacturers, the addition of glass frit reduces the dusting tendency of the aluminum thick film composition. |
| US07718090B2 |
Conductive paste
The present invention provides an electroconductive paste that can contain a high proportion of an electroconductive powder, has excellent electroconductivity reliability and migration resistance, has a highly competitive price due to a reduced amount of silver plating, and is suitable for use in solder electrode formation, an electroconductive adhesive, etc. The electroconductive paste of the present invention comprises a binder and an electroconductive powder containing 80 to 97 wt % of a substantially spherical silver-coated copper powder in which the surface of a copper powder is coated with silver and the surface thereof is further coated with 0.02 to 0.5 wt % relative to the copper powder of a fatty acid, and 3 to 20 wt % of a flat-shaped silver-coated copper powder in which the surface of a copper powder is coated with silver and the surface thereof is further coated with 0.02 to 1.2 wt % relative to the copper powder of a fatty acid. |
| US07718087B2 |
Organic iridium compositions and their use in electronic devices
The present invention provides compositions comprising at least one novel polymeric organic iridium compound which comprises at least one cyclometallated ligand and at least one ketopyrrole ligand. The polymeric organic iridium compositions of the present invention are referred to as Type (2) organic iridium compositions and are constituted such that at least one ligand of the novel organic iridium compound has a number average molecular weight of 2,000 grams per mole or greater (as measured by gel permeation chromatography). Type (2) organic iridium compositions are referred to herein as comprising “polymeric organic iridium complexes”. The novel organic iridium compositions are useful in optoelectronic electronic devices such as OLED devices and photovoltaic devices. In one aspect, the invention provides novel organic iridium compositions useful in the preparation of OLED devices exhibiting enhanced color properties and light output efficiencies. |
| US07718075B2 |
Method for improving the consolidation and dewatering of suspended particulate matter
Methods are provided for treating suspensions of particles to improve the drainage rate and/or the solids content of flocs of the particles. The method includes the steps of (i) providing a suspension which comprises particles in a fluid; (ii) adding a cyclodextrin compound to the suspension; and (iii) dewatering the suspension by removing at least a portion of the fluid to form a cake comprising the particles. The cyclodextrin compound desirably is added in an amount effective to increase the dewatering rate of the flocs, to increase the solids content, or both, over that rate, solids content, or both, that would be obtained without the addition of the cyclodextrin compound. The suspension may be, for example, a biological or non-biological sludge, or a suspension of pulp fibers, such as in a pulping or papermaking process. |
| US07718073B2 |
Device and process for treating a liquid medium
A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm. |
| US07718072B2 |
Structure and method for handling magnetic particles in biological assays
Magnetic handling structure (1a) comprising a retractable magnet (4) and a probe (3) for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples. |
| US07718071B2 |
Treatment of contaminated fluids
An apparatus for use in the treatment of contaminated fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion, made from a mixture of a waste adsorbent material and a binder material, for use in the removal of contaminants. The adsorbent material may be a nanosorbent material manufactured from self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS). The binder material, on the other hand, may include any thermoplastic material capable of binding the adsorbent material together to subsequently provide a composite material that can be shaped into a block. A method for treatment of contaminated fluid is also provided. |
| US07718069B2 |
Water treatment process for oilfield produced water
The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous liquid containing dissolved minerals and dissolved hydrocarbons. Method steps and apparatus for treating a waste water feed stream are disclosed which utilize a warm lime softening system in fluid communication with the waste water feed stream, wherein sludge from the warm lime softening system is recycled to improve lime utilization and enhance silica and boron removal without the addition of an external source of magnesium. In addition, a microfiltration system and/or an air stripper system may be used in fluid communication with at least one reverse osmosis system to produce a treatment water that meets state and federal guidelines for surface discharge. |
| US07718068B2 |
Wastewater treatment system and process utilizing solids based bacterial colonization (SBBC)
Wastewater treatment system and process in which the influent is passed through a mixing chamber and then through a series of filters of progressively smaller size to separate the materials carrying the colonized bacteria from finer solids in the influent and separate the materials according to size. The materials from the filters are progressively reduced to a smaller size, the materials of smaller size are returned to the mixing chamber, and new influent is inoculated with the colonized bacteria carried by the materials returned to the mixing chamber. |
| US07718064B2 |
Integrated clean biomass to energy system
The invention provides improved methods of wastewater purification. The present invention provides a process for the energy efficient production of Class A biosolids. More particularly, sewage sludge is subjected to an anaerobic digestion process resulting in class A biosolids, whereby methane gas byproducts are utilized to meet the high energy demands associated with Class A biosolid production. |
| US07718061B2 |
Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover
Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media. |
| US07718057B2 |
Wastewater treatment system
This invention is directed to a wastewater treatment system having a fluidizable media carrying anoxic bacteria in a first treatment zone and a filter membrane positioned in a second treatment zone. A wastewater is contacted with the fluidizable media and further contacted with air and a filter membrane. |
| US07718054B2 |
Water treatment system
A modular water treatment system includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component. The water treatment system also includes a plurality of interfaces for coupling to the selected water treatment components, and plumbing lines providing flow communication between the selected components, the plumbing lines comprising a system water inlet and a system water outlet. |
| US07718052B2 |
Hydrocarbon cracking in a multi-zone cracking furnace
A process for independently and concurrently cracking at least two different hydrocarbon feedstocks to olefins. The process is carried out in a furnace for cracking hydrocarbon feed which has at least a first and second independent radiant cracking zone to produce a first cracked product and second cracked product that are separately withdrawn from the furnace. |
| US07718051B2 |
Conversion of crop seed oils to jet fuel and associated methods
Aspects of the invention include methods to produce jet fuel from biological oil sources. The method may be comprised of two steps: hydrocracking and reforming. The process may be self-sufficient in heat and hydrogen. |
| US07718048B2 |
Base sequence detecting electrode, base sequence detecting device and base sequence detecting method
A conductive detecting electrode (2), first blocking molecules (21) formed so as to cover a surface of the detecting electrode (2), the first blocking molecules decreasing adsorption of an intercalating agent to the surface of the detecting electrode (2), a target-complementary probe (23) immobilized to the detecting electrode (2) via a spacer member (22) comprising straight chain organic molecules, the target-complementary probe including a base sequence complementary to a target base sequence which is an object of detection, a conductive comparison electrode (3), and second blocking molecules (31) formed so as to cover a surface of the comparison electrode (3), the second blocking molecules decreasing adsorption of an intercalating agent to the surface of the comparison electrode (3), are provided. |
| US07718042B2 |
Method for manufacturing sputter-coated substrates, magnetron source and sputtering chamber with such source
A magnetron source, a magnetron treatment chamber, and a method of manufacturing substrates with a vacuum plasma treated surface, generate and exploit on asymmetrically unbalanced long-range magnetron magnetic field pattern which is swept along the substrate surface for improving the ion density at a substrate surface being vacuum plasma treated. The long-range field reaches the substrate surface with a component of the magnetic field parallel to the substrate surface of at least 0.1, and preferably between 1 and 20, Gauss. The plasma treating can be sputter-coating, or etching, for example. |
| US07718038B2 |
Retort heating method
A retort heating method for processing a feed material includes a heating chamber bound at least in part by said wall. A plurality of baffles are at least partially disposed with the heating chamber. Each baffle includes an elongated body having a top surface, at least a portion of the top surface being arched. The plurality of baffles are vertically and horizontally spaced apart so that substantially all of the feed material that vertically passes through the heating chamber is horizontally displaced as the feed material passes by the baffles. The method for oil shale processing within the retort chamber includes for heating the feed material within the heating chamber. |
| US07718036B2 |
Absorbent sheet having regenerated cellulose microfiber network
An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes from about 99 percent to about 70 percent by weight of cellulosic papermaking fiber and from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which was regenerated form a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or an ionic liquid. Fibrillation of the microfiber is controlled such that it has a reduced coarseness and a reduced freeness as compared with unfibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber from which it is made and provides at least one of the following attributes to the absorbent sheet: (a) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated SAT value and an elevated wet tensile value as compared with a like sheet prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; (b) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated wet/dry CD tensile ratio as compared with a like sheet prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; (c) the absorbent sheet exhibits a lower GM Break Modulus than a like sheet having like tensile values prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber; or (d) the absorbent sheet exhibits an elevated bulk as compared with a like sheet having like tensile values prepared without fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber. In some embodiments, the pulp is pre-treated with debonder to enhance the wet/dry CD tensile ratio of the sheet. |
| US07718031B2 |
Mask frame and method of fixing mask on the mask frame
A mask frame on which a mask, having a pattern area and a mask edge defining the pattern area, is fixed comprises: a through opening corresponding to the pattern area; and a base corresponding to the mask edge. The base is provided with discharging holes formed therein, and a vacuum pump is coupled to the discharging holes so that the mask is fixed to the mask frame without damaging the pattern formed on the pattern area of the mask. |
| US07718030B2 |
Method and system for controlling radical distribution
A plasma processing system includes a processing chamber, a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate for plasma processing, and a gas injection assembly. The gas injection assembly includes a first evacuation port located substantially in a center of the gas injection assembly and configured to evacuate gases from a central region of the substrate, and a gas injection system configured to inject gases in the process chamber. The plasma processing system also includes a second evacuation port configured to evacuate gases from a peripheral region surrounding the central region of the substrate. |
| US07718027B2 |
Method and apparatus for concurrent welding and excise of battery separator
The present subject matter relates to a method which includes positioning a bottom and top polymeric separator sheet on a working surface, with a substantially planar battery anode disposed therebetween; applying a pressure and an electrical current to a cutting and welding tool such that top and bottom polymeric separator sheets are welded into a bag and such that the bag is excised from the top and bottom separator sheets, with the battery anode disposed in the bag; stacking the battery anode and at least one cathode into a battery stack; and disposing the battery stack into a battery case having at least one feedthrough, with a first terminal connected to the battery stack through the at least one feedthrough, and with the battery case filled with an electrolyte, wherein the protrusion is defined by laser cutting the cutting and welding tool, machining the cutting and welding tool, or photochemical etching the cutting and welding tool. |
| US07718022B2 |
Resonant nodal mount for linear ultrasonic horns
A resonant, nodal mount suitable for linear horns. |
| US07718021B2 |
Method for making a stabilized absorbent composite
A method for forming and stabilizing an absorbent composite web includes conforming a first web onto a forming surface having a plurality of raised nubs having upper surfaces. The first web defines a plurality of bond areas corresponding to those portions of the first web overlying the upper surfaces of the nubs. The method further includes depositing absorbent material onto the first web to form a unitary absorbent core having a plurality of holes therein. The method further includes joining a second web to the first web at the bond areas to form an absorbent composite web. The unitary absorbent core is positioned between the first web and the second web. The first web and the second web are bonded together through the holes in the absorbent core. The method further includes removing the absorbent composite web from the forming surface. |
| US07718020B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacture and inspection of swatch bearing sheets using a vacuum conveyor
An apparatus and method of high speed manufacture of swatch bearing sheets wherein each sheet is directed through various operating stations via sequentially releasing a suction force from an endless vacuum belt conveyor while sequentially pulling the sheet onto another endless vacuum belt conveyor with a suction force to allow for substantially continuous engagement of the sheet with the endless vacuum conveyors during the manufacture and inspection of the sheets. |
| US07718017B2 |
Method for the monobloc sizing for the tempering casings and device for implementing the method
A method of sizing a cylindrical part following shaping, by plastic deformation, of a metallic material that has maximum structural shrinkage at a maximum-shrinkage temperature between a first temperature and a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature, is disclosed. The method includes placing the part in a shaft furnace, heating the part to the first temperature, lowering and fitting into the part an internal-sizing tool with an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the part at maximum structural shrinkage, transporting the assembly formed by the part and the sizing tool to a tempering vessel, cooling the part to a temperature below said second temperature, and extracting the internal-sizing tool. The method applies to the manufacture of turbomachine casings. |
| US07718015B2 |
Method and apparatus for heat-treating an article and a fixture for use in the same
A substrate (33) is clamped into a fixture (32) and material is deposited thereon to form a complex article (40). The article (40) produced is packed, using ceramic inserts (42) and a coating (41). The packing (42) ensures that the article (40) maintains its true shape and allows for expansion during the subsequent heat treatment process. The packed article (40), mounted on the fixture (32), is then placed in a box (44), encased in a granular material (43) and heated. It is heated to a temperature sufficient to relieve stresses and is maintained at this temperature for a time period such that the stresses in the article (40) are relieved. |
| US07718003B2 |
Method and apparatus for crystal growth
A method and apparatus for growing a crystalline or poly-crystalline body from a melt is described, wherein the melt is retained by capillary attachment to edge features of a mesa crucible. The boundary profile of the resulting melt surface results in an effect which induces a ribbon grown from the surface of the melt to grow as a flat body. Further, the size of the melt pool is substantially reduced by bringing these edges close to the ribbon, thereby reducing the materials cost and electric power cost associated with the process. |
| US07718002B2 |
Crystal manufacturing apparatus
A crystal manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a group III nitride crystal includes a crucible that holds a mixed molten liquid including an alkali metal and a group III metal; a reaction vessel accommodating the crucible in the reaction vessel; a heating device that heats the crucible with the reaction vessel; a holding vessel having a lid that is capable of opening and closing, accommodating the reaction vessel and the heating device in the holding vessel; a sealed vessel accommodating the holding vessel in the sealed vessel, having an operating device that enables opening the lid of the holding vessel for supplying source materials into the crucible and taking out a manufactured GaN crystal under a sealed condition, and closing the lid of the holding vessel that is sealed in the sealed vessel, the sealed vessel including an inert gas atmosphere or a nitrogen atmosphere; and a gas supplying device for supplying a nitrogen gas to the mixed molten liquid through each of the vessels. |
| US07717995B2 |
Methods for the preparation of mixed polymer superabsorbent fibers containing cellulose
A method for making mixed polymer composite fibers containing cellulose fibers in which cellulose fibers are dispersed in an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water to provide an aqueous fiber dispersion; the aqueous dispersion treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide composite fibers; and the composite fibers treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers. |
| US07717992B2 |
Color enhancing emulsions
Color enhancing compositions for enhancing, changing and concealing the color of substrates to which the compositions are applied are provided. The compositions include chromatically selective scattering particles having small sizes and narrow size distributions. Inks, paints and other coatings made from the color enhancing compositions are also provided. |
| US07717990B2 |
Multi-color inkjet ink set to prevent color bleeding
A multi-color inkjet ink set includes a first ink composition including a first colorant and a heterocyclic amine compound, and a second ink composition include a second colorant having an, in which the acid moiety of the second colorant within the second ink composition reacts with the heterocyclic amine compound within the first ink composition to form a precipitate to prevent the second colorant from moving on a printing medium. |
| US07717987B2 |
Coating material based on a copper-indium-gallium alloy, in particular for the production of sputter targets, tubular cathodes and the like
The copper-indium-gallium (CuInGa) alloy is in particular to be used for the production of sputter targets, tubular cathodes and similar coating material sources. It has a phase corresponding to a Cu5Zn8 prototype phase in which the lattice sites of the zinc atoms (Zn) are occupied by gallium atoms (gallium-substituted Cu5Zn8 phase) and in which indium is simultaneously introduced into the elementary cell or phase, making up a proportion of up to 26 wt %. |
| US07717985B2 |
Sorption systems with naturally occurring zeolite, and methods
An adsorption system with a sorbent bed that includes at least two distinct layer with two different sorbent materials, one of the sorbents being a natural zeolite such as clinoptilolite. The clinoptilolite is particularly suited to be positioned at the outlet end of the bed. |
| US07717983B2 |
Air separation module with load carrying center tube
An air separation module comprising a bundle of hollow elongated membranes, and a pressure vessel enclosing the bundle. The pressure vessel includes an outer tube, end caps at opposite ends of the tube, and an inner tube located within the fiber bundle. The inner tube is fixedly mechanically connected at opposite ends to the end caps to form a structural spine of the pressure vessel, whereby loads acting on the air separation module are transferred between the end caps primarily by the center tube. |
| US07717971B2 |
Process for the production of synthesis gas
Process and system for the production of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon feed stock comprising the steps of endothermic and/or adiabatic catalytic steam reforming and autothermal steam reforming in series, wherein the steam reforming is carried out in one or more endothermic stages in series or in one or more adiabatic steam reforming stages in series with intermediate heating of feed stock gas leaving the adiabatic reforming stages and wherein carbon monoxide containing gas characterised by having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon of less than 4.5 is added prior to at least one of the endothermic or adiabatic steam reforming stages and/or prior to the autothermal steam reforming step. |
| US07717968B2 |
Electrode for energy storage device and method of forming the same
A method of the present invention is used for the high-rate deposition of materials, such as carbon, silicon, metals, metal oxides, and the like, onto a metal substrate defined by a metal tape. The particles of the material are mixed with fluid and are injected against the metal tape at high pressure and high velocity. The particles of the material form a current collection surface of the metal tape. The metal tape is used as cathode or anode combined with a separator to form a fuel cell of a secondary battery, metal-ceramic membranes, film composite metal-ceramic materials for electronic devices. |
| US07717962B2 |
Proprioception enhancement device
A system and method for improving proprioception in a patient having a feedback site are disclosed. The method includes affixing to the feedback site a sensor adapted to provide a sensor signal indicative of a sensed parameter, providing to the patient a signaler adapted to generate a manual signal in response to actuation by the patient, providing a microprocessor programmed to receive the sensor signal and the manual signal and to generate a system output based on the sensor signal and the manual signal, causing the patient to actuate the signaler on the basis of sensation at the feedback site, and causing the microprocessor to generate a system output based on the sensor signal and the manual signal. |
| US07717960B2 |
Dynamic spinal implant or joint replacement
Provided is an implant comprising: a platform; a deformable pad affixed to the platform and adapted to seat two or more bearings; and the two or more bearings. The deformable pad can have a number of neutral positions matching the number of bearings, with the deformability of the pad adapted to apply force on the bearings any time the bearings are displaced laterally, with the force being in the direction of the corresponding neutral position. |
| US07717954B2 |
Device and method for treatment of mitral insufficiency
A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. In a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced. |
| US07717949B2 |
Lining for bodily lumen
A covered self-expanding stent (114, 130, 132) with a length of 200 mm or more can be restrained against axial movement with a pusher (40) within the lumen of the stent that carries a spiral of wire (48) that provides protrusions that are accommodated within a luminal covering layer (24) radially inside the stent body. The protrusions distribute the stress over the full length of the stent. The pusher can be removed from the stent lumen by “unscrewing” the spiral relative to the covering layer (24). When the stent expands, the pusher can be withdrawn proximally, out of the stent lumen, without any need for rotatory movement. The covered stent can utilize a variety of stenting rings (110-118) along its length that manifest different mechanical properties so that the implant can exhibit mechanical properties that vary over its length, to suit the specific body and stenting site to which it is to be introduced. |
| US07717945B2 |
Orthopedic systems
Orthopedic systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits. In some embodiments, these systems may be used for selectively tapping apertures of bone plates, to form threaded apertures during installation of the bone plates (i.e., intraoperatively). |
| US07717942B2 |
Bone screw and osteosynthesis device
In order, even in the case of bone screws with a particularly small head, to ensure a secure hold of the bone screw in a bone, a bone screw is proposed, having a screw body, which defines a longitudinal axis and is provided with a screw body external thread and has a proximal and a distal end, having a coupling element disposed on the proximal end for detachably connecting the screw body to a screw head designed substantially in the form of a U-shaped fork head with a coupling opening, wherein an edge of the coupling opening forms an axial stop for the coupling element for limiting a movement of the coupling element relative to the screw head in distal direction, wherein a maximum outside diameter of the screw body is larger than an inside diameter of the coupling opening, wherein the screw body comprises at least a first and a second screw body part. An osteosynthesis device having such a bone screw and a method of manufacturing such a bone screw are further proposed. |
| US07717938B2 |
Dual rod cross connectors and inserter tools
An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector. |
| US07717931B2 |
Motorized powered surgical handpiece for actuating a cutting accessory, the handpiece having a bore for receiving the cutting accessory and irrigation and suction conduits that extend to the bore
A surgical handpiece having a motor for actuating a cutting accessory. The handpiece has a bore for receiving the cutting accessory. A suction conduit extends through the handpiece from the bore. An irrigation conduit extends through the handpiece to the bore. The irrigation conduit opens into the bore at point where irrigating fluid can be introduced into the cutting accessory. When the cutting accessory is fitted in the bore, a suction is drawn from the handpiece through the suction bore. At the same time, irrigating fluid is introduced into the cutting accessory through the irrigation conduit. |
| US07717929B2 |
Technique for securing a suture
A device to seal an incision in a blood vessel includes an inner member and an outer member. A suture connects the inner member and the outer member. A first portion of the suture is embedded within a second portion of the suture such that as tension in the suture increases the first and second portions are held together. According to certain embodiments, the second portion is not part of a first suture portion, and both the first and second portions are used to retain the outer member in place. A method of making such a device is also described. |
| US07717928B2 |
Anastomosis device configurations and methods
A surgical tool which comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, first and second sets of tissue approximating structures having deployed and retracted positions relative to the elongated body, an actuating mechanism extending from the proximal end of the elongated body for independently deploying and retracting each of the first and second sets of tissue approximating structures, a drainage lumen extending from a drainage aperture at the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end, a main balloon adjacent to the distal end of the elongated body, and a strap connector extending from the elongated body that is connectable with a stabilization strap. |
| US07717927B2 |
Medical knot pusher
The invention relates to a medical knot pusher having a shaft, a handle on the proximal end of the shaft, and a guide device on the distal end of the shaft, for holding and guiding surgical sewing material, as well as with an additional cutting device positioned on the shaft for severing the surgical sewing material positioned in the guide device. A medical knot pusher, which is both simple to operate and has a range of uses, is characterized according to the invention in that the shaft consists of a shaft tube that contains the guide device for the surgical sewing material and is positioned in the handle, as well as a cutting tube that can be mounted on the shaft tube and constitutes the cutting device. |
| US07717926B2 |
Endoscopic surgical clip applier
An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue has a handle portion with a body extending distally from the handle portion defining a longitudinal axis and a plurality of surgical clips disposed within the body. The apparatus also has a jaw assembly mounted adjacent a distal end portion of the body with the jaw assembly including first and second jaw portions movable between a spaced-apart and an approximated position. The apparatus further has a wedge plate longitudinally movable between the first and the second jaw portions, and a clip pusher configured to individually distally advance a surgical clip to the jaw assembly while the jaw portions are in the spaced apart position with an actuator. The actuator is at least partially disposed within the body and longitudinally movable in response to actuation of the handle portion and has a cam link. The apparatus also has a jaw closure member positioned adjacent the first and second jaw portions to move the jaw portions to the approximated position. The cam link longitudinally moves wedge plate between the first and the second jaw portions. |
| US07717925B2 |
Epilating apparatus
An epilating apparatus has a cylindrical rotating cylinder, a plate and driving portions. The cylindrical rotating cylinder has a plurality of claw portions for epilation. The plate has a plurality of openings, in which the plurality of claw portions are exposed, and covers the outside exposed surface of the rotating cylinder. The driving portions open-close drives the plurality of claw portions while rotationally drives the rotating cylinder so that hairs held by the claw portions are pulled out. The claw tip shape of each claw portion is formed in the shape of a circular arc having a center at the rotational center vicinity of the rotating cylinder. |
| US07717923B2 |
Over the endoscope introducer for stents
Over-the-scope stent introducers for detachably engaging at least a portion of the outside of an endoscope insert and for delivering a stent are provided. Embodiments include an inner member having a distal first end portion and a proximal second end portion and openings defining a channel. The inner member includes an outer surface, inner endoscope engaging surface, and stent abutting restraint disposed at the first end portion. Embodiments also include an outer member having a distal section and proximal section having openings defining a passageway sized to slideably receive at least a portion of the inner member, and a stent carrying inner chamber disposed at the distal section passageway and being configured to releasably contain a stent. In alternative embodiments, the inner and outer members are elongated to dispose substantially concentrically over a majority of an endoscope insert. |
| US07717917B2 |
Ancillary device for positioning a bone graft in a joint in order to ensure arthrodesis of the joint
An ancillary device for positioning a bone graft between bones separated by an articular slot, to ensure arthrodesis of a joint, wherein the bone graft is placed in a recess provided at the end of one or more bones defining the articular slot, and comprising means for driving the bone graft, provided with support means on the bone graft suitable for moving the latter in the recess, and actuation means, functionally connected to the driving means, and capable of being handled in order to control the movement of the bone graft. |
| US07717916B2 |
External fixation apparatus with adjustable pin clamping means
An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. A first embodiment includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A second embodiment includes one or two internal mounting surfaces, each of which holds a row of pin holders that is clamped in place by a single clamping member. |
| US07717915B2 |
Ultrasonic coagulation and cutting apparatus
An ultrasonic coagulation and cutting apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transducer for a treatment using ultrasonic vibrations on body tissue; a probe for transmitting generated ultrasonic vibrations to the distal end thereof; a movable gripping member for cooperating with the outer surface of the probe in gripping therebetween body tissue; an operation unit operated to move the gripping member; an operation transmitting member for transmitting the operation of the operation unit to the gripping member; and high frequency power supply connecting portions for electrically connecting the probe and the gripping member to predetermined portions of a high frequency power supply for a treatment using high frequency current on the body tissue. At least coagulation of the body tissue using high frequency current is started in a first gripping state. Cutting of the body tissue using ultrasonic vibrations generated by the ultrasonic transducer is started in a second gripping state. |
| US07717912B2 |
Bipolar electrosurgical clamp for removing and modifying tissue
The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue in order to ablate, contract, coagulate, or otherwise modify a target tissue or organ. The closed configuration is adapted for clamping and coagulating a target tissue while the apparatus is operating in the sub-ablation mode, while the open configuration is adapted for ablating the target tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components. A method of the present invention comprises clamping a target tissue or organ with an electrosurgical probe. A first high frequency voltage is applied between the active electrode and the return electrode to effect coagulation of the clamped tissue. Thereafter, a second high frequency voltage is applied to effect localized molecular dissociation of the coagulated tissue. |
| US07717911B2 |
Instrument for plasma coagulation
For the coagulation of tissue by plasma, instruments are known that comprise a tubular probe body through which inert gas is conducted and an ignition electrode within the lumen in the region of an outlet of the probe body. A current conductor is provided to supply a coagulation current to the ignition electrode. The ignition electrode is fixed to the probe body substantially in the middle, by means of fixing devices. The present invention provides an instrument for plasma coagulation wherein a fixing device for the ignition electrode comprises a piece of sheet metal, a wafer or similar flat body, which is fixed by its longitudinal edges to the tube wall so that it extends substantially diametrically across the lumen, and to which the ignition electrode is attached. |
| US07717909B2 |
Radio-frequency generator for powering an ablation device
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation of organs and other tissues includes a radio frequency generator which provides a radio frequency signal to ablation electrodes. The power level of the radio frequency signal is determined based on the subject area of ablation. The radio frequency signal is coupled with the ablation electrodes through a transformation circuit. The transformation circuit includes a high impedance transformation circuit and a low impedance transformation circuit. The high or low impedance transformation circuit is selected based on the impedance of the ablation electrodes in contact with the subject tissue. Vacuum level, impedance level, resistance level, and time are measured during ablation. If these parameters exceed determinable limits the ablation procedure is terminated. |
| US07717908B2 |
Method patterns for intrastromal refractive surgery
A method for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the method creates cuts in the stroma along planes radiating from the visual axis of the eye. Importantly, these cuts are all distanced from the visual axis. The actual location and number of cuts in the surgery will depend on the degree of visual aberration being corrected. Further, the method may include the additional step of creating cylindrical cuts in the stroma. The radial cuts and cylindrical cuts may be intersecting or non-intersecting depending on the visual aberration being treated. |
| US07717904B2 |
Manipulator
The manipulator has two-degree-of-freedom of rotation and gripping, and is capable of ensuring force feedback or force sensation with excellent operationability. A link mechanism 3 is provided between an operation part 1 and a working part 2. The link mechanism 3 has four driving rods 3a to 3d and first and second coupling members of the sane structure, 41, 42 provided at opposite ends of the driving rods. First and second working members 2a, 2b move correspondingly to the operation of first and second operating members 1a, 1b with the aid of the link mechanism 3. The first and second working member can open and close, change the yaw angles and the pitch angles in response to the same action of the first and second operating member through the link mechanism. |
| US07717903B2 |
Operating an infusion pump system
Some embodiments of a portable medical device, such as an infusion pump, can receive an external reference signal (e.g., a radio, cellular and/or satellite signal) to provide an automatic time-setting and maintenance operation. In these circumstances, the medical device can maintain accurate time and date information even in the event of a power interruption, a time-zone change and/or an internal clock error, for example. In this manner, the portable medical device provides safe operation and added convenience to the user. |
| US07717902B2 |
Catheter for drainage of the bladder
A catheter for draining urine from the bladder and which is composed of a flexible plastic tube (1) having an insertion aid (2) secured to the insertion end of the tube. Thus the insertion aid and tube may be inserted into the urethra and guided therethrough into the bladder. The tube (1) has at least one orifice (4) in the region adjacent the insertion aid (2). Also, the insertion aid (2) connects with essentially the same diameter to the tube (1) and ends with a rounded head portion (3), whose diameter may be slightly larger than the diameter of the tube (1). The insertion aid may be significantly more flexible as compared to the tube. |
| US07717898B2 |
Shielded tip catheter
A multilumen catheter assembly (100) including an elongated body (108) having a proximal end (102) and a distal end (104) and a first lumen (110) having a sidewall (118) extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a first distal opening (151) disposed at the distal end, and a first guide wire opening (152) disposed proximally of the distal end and co-planar with the sidewall. The assembly also includes a second lumen (112) connected to the sidewall and extending from the proximal end toward the distal end, proximally of the distal end. The second lumen (112) includes a second opening (155) extending obliquely away from the sidewall distally toward the first distal opening (114) and a second guide wire opening (155) disposed proximally of the second opening (155) and in a plane generally parallel to the sidewall. A method of inserting the catheter into a vessel is also disclosed. |
| US07717895B2 |
Method for application of disposable absorbent articles and providing a kit of a package and disposable absorbent article
A method for accomplishing the application to a wearer of a disposable absorbent article having particular features is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a kit, the kit including a disposable absorbent article having an elastically stretchable topsheet with a longitudinal opening therethrough and a primary serviceable indicium disposed thereon, and a package having secondary information including a depiction of at least part of the absorbent article and the primary serviceable indicium, the primary serviceable indicium and the secondary information being present to aid the care giver in the correct application of the article to a wearer. |
| US07717891B1 |
Portable collection and cleansing device
A device includes a housing that can be transported between remote locations. The housing includes base and cover members conjoined therewith. The base member includes an open top end and a divider position in a cavity thereof, defining isolated chambers within the housing. The cover member includes a divider mateable with the divider of the base member. A mechanism is included for locking the cover member to the base member. A mechanism is included for collecting body excrements from the patient and is in fluid communication with one of the chambers. A mechanism is included for cleansing a selected portion of the patient and is in fluid communication with another chamber. The cleansing mechanism and the collecting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable, and are electrically mated to an external power supply source. |
| US07717890B2 |
Fluid and bioaerosol management vacuum connector and system
The present invention comprises a central vacuum producing system suitable for collecting both liquid and gaseous material, one or more end effectors for use at a site at which liquid and gaseous material are produced, and a coupling device or connector for operably coupling one or more end effectors to the central vacuum. In this embodiment, the connector may be made of various materials, and may include a suitable liquid monitor or counter such as a flow meter. |
| US07717889B2 |
Disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol free disinfection
A disinfectant delivery system and method of providing alcohol-free disinfection to a body to be disinfected, as well as a method of infection reduction by preparation of a patient before an invasive procedure. A blended cloth comprising first fibers and second fibers is provided with the first fibers generally being greater in quantity by weight than the second fibers. A disinfectant solution impregnates the blended cloth, with the disinfectant solution having chlorhexidine gluconate as an active ingredient and having no alcohol. In the method according to the invention, at least one impregnated blended cloth is used to disinfect at least a portion of a body. A plurality of blended cloths can be provided for disinfecting discrete portions of the body. When an invasive procedure is to be performed on a patient, a further method according to the invention of infection reduction comprises using a CHG-impregnated cloth to disinfect at least a portion of the patient at least one day prior to the invasive procedure proximate the location of the invasive procedure. |
| US07717884B2 |
Medical valve and method of use
A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container. |
| US07717883B2 |
Medical valve and method of use
A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container. |
| US07717880B2 |
Device for inflating a balloon
The inflation device comprises a syringe whose piston presents a thread. It further comprises a retaining mechanism for retaining the piston and comprising two half-nuts movable between a position in which they are spaced apart from the thread and a position in which they engage the thread, together with control members mounted to tilt relative to the syringe body. For each half-nut, the retaining mechanism comprises two resilient tabs pressing against the corresponding half-nut and against the syringe body. In addition, each of the control members comprises a finger pressing against the corresponding half-nut and adapted, when the member tilts, to press against one of two bearing surfaces carried by the half-nut and offset relative to each other in a radial direction of the syringe body. |
| US07717876B2 |
Retractable needle safety syringe
The invention relates to a perfected retractable needle safety syringe comprising a hollow cylinder, a needle holder, a needle and a piston with an operating stem, said stem exhibiting an axial hole wherein there are seated a retraction pre-loaded spring and an extractor element. The extractor element exhibits a recess or seat intended for interacting with the needle holder, and at the side opposite the needle holder, a projection or annular rib. |
| US07717875B2 |
Steerable catheter with hydraulic or pneumatic actuator
A hydraulically assisted actuator in a handle connects with a catheter having a deflectable distal ablation tip. The hydraulic actuator translates small mechanical movement by a clinician into large travel movements of connected steering cables and increased tension in the ablation tip for greater deflection. The hydraulic system further dampens the return of the ablation tip from a deflected position to an equilibrium position. The hydraulic actuation system is also incorporated into a set of foot pedals. |
| US07717873B2 |
Applicator device for suppositories and the like
An applicator for delivering pharmaceutical products or the like to a bodily cavity includes a barrel member having a distal end which is equipped with an opening. The applicator also includes a plurality of petals extending outwardly from the distal end in a generally axial direction. The petals cooperate with the opening so as to form a receptacle for releasably receiving a pharmaceutical product in the distal end of the barrel member. Each of the petals has a truncated flexible tip sized and shaped so as to engage a substantially central portion of the pharmaceutical product such that a large section of the pharmaceutical product extends outwardly beyond the petals so as to facilitate the release of the pharmaceutical product from the receptacle. The device also includes a plunger member for releasing the pharmaceutical product from the receptacle. In accordance with the present invention, the device can be packaged in a package together with the pharmaceutical product received in the receptacle. |
| US07717872B2 |
Fluid shunting apparatus and methods
An implantable fluid shunting apparatus having a tube and a shunt tip attached to the tube end, that tapers towards the end of the shunt tip, a tip lumen extending through the shunt tip in fluid communication with the tube lumen, wherein the tip lumen has a closed end, and has a wall that comprises laser-ablatable material such that an opening can be formed through the wall and into the tip lumen using laser energy on an outer surface of the shunt tip. The shunt tip may consist essentially of the laser-ablatable material; the tube end is attached to an implantable diffusion chamber and the laser-ablatable material may be polypropylene. The tube and the shunt tip may be a one-piece completely integral unit or may be of separate bodies fitted together frictionally adhesively, thermally or chemically welded to the tube. |
| US07717867B2 |
Massage apparatus with positional set-up actuator
A massage apparatus having a main unit in operative association with a first massage actuator and a second massage actuator is disclosed. A hollow prosthetic member having a plurality of annular protrusions encases the first massage actuator, while the second massage actuator may be engaged to a detachable connecting ribbon that may be secured to different portions of the plurality of annular protrusions in order to change the position of the second massage actuator relative to the first massage actuator. |
| US07717864B1 |
Composite guidewire with drawn and filled tube construction
The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method for making the device. The guidewire of the present invention is formed, at least in part, of a composite elongate core formed, at least in part, of precipitation hardened material. The elongate core members of the present invention will have an ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity greater than the same for an identically dimensioned elongate member formed from superelastic NITINOL alone. |
| US07717863B2 |
Method and apparatus for penetrating tissue
A tissue penetration device includes a penetrating member driver and a cartridge. A plurality of penetrating members are integrated with the cartridge. Each penetrating member is coupled to the penetrating member driver when advanced along a path into a tissue target. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface. |
| US07717862B2 |
Sampling device and method for obtaining samples of internal body substances and method for producing a sampling device
A sampling device for obtaining samples of internal body substances in the digestive system is a swallowable capsule which allows a sample of the body substance to enter the capsule through an inlet which opens in the digestive tract following contact with the substance to be collected. The capsule inlet initially is sealed and, after the capsule has been swallowed, the inlet opens following contact with the body substance. An inner chamber preserves a vacuum or substantial under pressure when the inlet is sealed by a blocking member adjacent to the inlet. The blocking member is elastic and has a flow permitting configuration which admits the body substance into the inner chamber and a flow preventing configuration which blocks the inlet from the inside of the chamber when the pressure difference has been equalized. |
| US07717861B2 |
Biopsy device with variable side aperture
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue. |
| US07717860B2 |
Elliptical biopsy guide
An elliptical biopsy guide comprises a platform and a pair of wings extending from the platform. Each of the wings terminates in a respective curved member. The platform defines a plane, and comprises beveled aperture edges defining an aperture. Each of the aperture edges has a generally elliptical curvature. Each of the wings is angled relative to the plane defined by the platform. A user may exert outward forces with first and second fingers against the insides of respective curved members to hold the elliptical biopsy guide. The elliptical biopsy guide may be positioned over a biopsy site, and a downward force may be applied with the elliptical biopsy guide to provide skin tension or hemostasis. The aperture may be used as a template for excising tissue at the biopsy site. |
| US07717858B2 |
Interventive-diagnostic device
Apparatus for improving health of a user is provided, including a first sensor, adapted to measure a first physiological variable, which is indicative of a voluntary action of the user. A second sensor is adapted to measure a second physiological variable, which is substantially governed by an autonomic nervous system of the user. Circuitry is adapted to receive respective first and second sensor signals from the first and second sensors, and, responsive thereto, to generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action. |
| US07717855B2 |
System for performing remote ischemic preconditioning
A system for remote ischemic preconditioning that includes a cuff, and actuator, and a controller that operates the actuator according to a treatment protocol. The treatment protocol includes a plurality of treatment cycles that each comprise cuff actuation, an ischemic duration, cuff release, and a reperfusion duration. |
| US07717854B2 |
System for detecting, diagnosing, and treating cardiovascular disease
A method of treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient is provided. The method includes the steps of generating a sensor signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the left atrium of the patient's heart, and delivering an electrical stimulus to a location in the heart. The electrical stimulus is delivered based at least in part on the sensor signal. The method also includes the steps of generating a processor output indicative of a treatment to a signaling device. The processor output is based at least in part on the sensor signal. At least two treatment signals are provided to the medical patient. The treatment signals are distinguishable from one another by the patient, and are indicative of a therapeutic treatment. The treatment signals are based at least in part on the processor output. |
| US07717853B2 |
Methods and apparatus for intracranial ultrasound delivery
A method for delivering ultrasound energy to a patient's intracranial space involves forming at least one hole in the patient's skull, advancing at least one ultrasound delivery device at least partway through the hole(s), and transmitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound delivery device(s). According to various embodiments, ultrasound delivery devices may be advanced into the epidural space, one or both ventricles and/or an intracerebral space of the patient's brain. In alternative embodiments, one or multiple holes may be formed in the skull, and any number of ultrasound delivery devices may be used. Intracranial ultrasound delivery may be used in diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of ischemic stroke, head trauma, atherosclerosis, perfusion disorders and other acute or chronic neurological conditions. |
| US07717849B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling ultrasound system display
A method for operating a medical imaging system is provided. The method includes receiving an image data set of a region of interest in a first dimensional representation, reducing the dimensionality of the image data set to a second dimensional representation, selecting a feature of interest in the second dimensional representation, and generating an image of the selected feature in the first dimensional representation. |
| US07717843B2 |
Restrictive and/or obstructive implant for inducing weight loss
Described herein is a system for inducing weight loss in a patient, which comprises an extragastric space occupier positionable in contact with an exterior surface of a stomach wall to form an inward protrusion of wall into the stomach, and a retention device positionable in contact with the wall to retain the inward protrusion and to thereby capture the extragastric space occupier within the protrusion. |
| US07717841B2 |
Motion-coupled visual environment for prevention or reduction of motion sickness and simulator/virtual environment sickness
A motion-coupled visual environment prevents, reduces and/or treats motion sickness by sensing inertial motion and providing a corresponding evocative image for a subject to view. Inertial sensors may include accelerometers, gyroscopes or a variety of other different sensor types. A cross-coupling algorithm may be used to cross couple different sensed inertial motions. A variety of mapping schemes may be used to map sensed inertial motion to corresponding motion within the evocative scene displayed on the display. Driver-centric, passenger-centric and simulation surround systems are possible. Applications include reducing motion sickness on passenger vehicles such as airplanes, trains and cars; on military vehicles such as ships, airplanes, helicopters and the like; and reducing “cybersickness” in the context of simulations on moving platforms. |
| US07717840B2 |
Soft roll material-translation device
The present invention relates to a soft roll material-translating device for the mechanical apparatus of machining and cutting after severing. The existing pillow type of automatic packing machine can only pack produces using one single roll of film, so the work efficiency is low. Consequently, the present invention aims at improving the work efficiency and it adopts following technical solutions: the soft roll material-translating device includes a frame (1), a right rotating unit (3) with right folding rod pair (5) and a left rotating unit (2) with left folding rod pair (4) are mounted on the frame (1), the right rotating unit (3) and the left rotating unit (2) can both rotate around a rotating center. By adding a few of mechanisms, the work efficiency of the device can be multiplied one times. |
| US07717836B1 |
Exercise apparatus with seat stow-away system
Exercise apparatus is provided with a system for collapsing a user seat to a stow-away position. A user-engaged locking device releasably locks a bearing assembly and a seat frame at each of a user-exercise position and a stow-away position. |
| US07717835B2 |
Gynecology exercise device
An apparatus for the strengthening and rebuilding of the muscles of the pelvic floor includes a center generally flat main resistance spring that includes a generally U-shape. The main resistance spring supplies a force which urges separation between a first end and an opposite second end of the main resistance spring. A surrounding case provides a stop mechanism to limit further separation of the first end with respect to the second end. A secondary resistance spring is attached to an interior of the main resistance spring and is used to supply an increase in overall resistance as well as to actuate an optional mechanical counter. An optional pair of auxiliary resistance bands are provided and are urged within a longitudinal channel to vary the magnitude of overall resistance. An optional handle is included to aid in transportation. |
| US07717832B2 |
Shoulder press exercise machine
A shoulder press exercise machine has a main frame, a user support frame movably mounted on the frame for supporting a user in an exercise ready position, at least one exercise arm movably mounted on one of the frames and movable between a start position in which handles are located in front of the shoulders of a user on the user support frame and an end position in which the handles are located above the head of the user. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support frame, so that movement of the exercise arm from the start to the end position simultaneously moves the user support frame. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user, user support frame and exercise arm between the start and end position substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of a human body when performing a free weight shoulder press exercise. |
| US07717830B1 |
Exercise device
An exercise device includes a support frame and a running platform supported by the support frame. The support frame includes a front, a rear, a left side, and a right side and defines a horizontal plane having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis. The running platform includes at least one support member extending longitudinally between the front and the rear of the support frame. A left track and a right track are each rotatably connected to the at least one support member and the support frame for lateral rotation. The left track and the right track are each operable between a horizontal position and an inclined position. The left and right tracks are substantially parallel to the horizontal plane in the horizontal position and are laterally rotated relative to the horizontal plane in their respective inclined positions. |
| US07717829B2 |
Engaging mechanism for a folding apparatus of a treadmill
The invention relates to an engaging mechanism for a folding apparatus of a treadmill that is adapted to apply a proper engaging force to a positioning plate fixed at the bottom of the internal side of the handrail assembly such that an unexpected false pushing action caused by the driving behavior of a slope adjusting support by the lifting motor is prevented when the platform frame of the treadmill is moved in a horizontal operational position. |
| US07717827B2 |
Method and system for controlling training
The invention relates to method and system for controlling a training plan for a user having a chosen aim for training, where at least one parameter describing physical characteristics of the user is determined, and a training plan consists of plurality of days, each day having one or more training sessions or rest, and each performed and coming session having a training load described by one or more parameters a training template is determined according to the aim and the said one or more parameters describing physical characteristics, each training template having a cumulative training load target according to the said parameter and the chosen aim and consisting of one or more training sessions or rest in each day, each training session of the template having a pre-selected training load, and an adapting window is determined, the adapting window consisting of a plurality of days, which include one or more previous sessions and one or more coming sessions according to the training template, and training loads of each session in the adapting window are combined into a cumulative training load, which is compared relatively to the cumulative training load target in the template, and depending on the comparison one or more coming sessions in the adapting window are adapted by changing one or more training loads of these so that the performed training load and the training load of the coming sessions as a combination meets the cumulative training load target. |
| US07717825B2 |
Abdominal exerciser with electronic coaching device
An abdominal exercise apparatus includes a device that instructs and encourages a user. The apparatus comprises a slide member positioned in a channel of a body. The slide member has a user engagement end extending from the channel for engaging a targeted muscle area of the user. A resilient member biases the body and slide in one direction. Handles are attached to the body at opposing locations, and extend away from the body. The instructional device instructs users how to perform multiple phase abdominal exercises and provides motivation. The instructional device comprises a microprocessor, a sound creating mechanism, a visual display, and a user interface. The sound creating mechanism produces prerecorded instructions or motivation. The visual display includes lights to visually instruct the user of the proper amount of time for each phase of an exercise. The user interface allows for a user to select various exercise routines and levels. |
| US07717820B2 |
Planet gear speed reducer
A planet gear speed reducer includes a casing having a receiving space defined therein for receiving an output shaft and an input shaft. The output shaft and the input shaft are longitudinally connected to each other. The output shaft includes a planet gear arm and a drive axle concentrically and longitudinally extending the planet gear arm. A third bearing is mounted in a bottom of the planet gear arm. The input shaft has a sun gear axle concentrically extends therefrom and engaged to the multiple planet gears on the planet gear arm. A fourth bearing is securely sleeved on a heel of the sun gear axle and an outer periphery of the fourth bearing is securely received within annular protrusion. A stub concentrically and longitudinally extends from a free end of the sun gear axle and securely received in the third bearing. |
| US07717818B2 |
Power transmission apparatus
A power transmission apparatus is provided with a housing, which rotates together with an input shaft, a differential mechanism, and a main clutch. The main clutch links the input shaft and the first output shaft. The differential mechanism distributes drive force that is inputted from the input shaft via the housing into a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The differential mechanism is provided with a ring gear that is provided within the housing, a sun gear that is provided within the ring gear, and a planetary gear. The planetary gear is engaged with the ring gear and the sun gear and supported in such a manner as to be orbital and rotational. The first output shaft is linked to the ring gear. The main clutch is formed of a plurality of outer clutch plates and inner clutch plates, which are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the housing and on the outer circumferential surface of the ring gear. |
| US07717816B2 |
Transmission
To provide a transmission capable of using pump/motors or generator/motors of smaller maximum torque and of small size. The transmission includes input shaft (4), output shaft (16), a mechanical transmission part interposed between input shaft (4) and output shaft (16) including planetary gear mechanisms (5), (6), and a hydrostatic transmission part interposed between input shaft (4) and output shaft (16) including three pump/motors (21), (25), (31). A rotating shaft of first pump/motor (21) and a rotating shaft of second pump/motor (25) are coupled to the mechanical transmission part. Clutches (34), (35), (36) are provided for coupling a rotating shaft of third pump/motor (31) to at least one of the rotating shaft of first pump/motor (21) and the rotating shaft of second pump/motor (25). |
| US07717812B2 |
Water-based sport training
A substantially hollow practice bat is disclosed, and is useable by baseball players and other athletes in training and/or rehabilitation sessions to develop stronger and more precise swinging habits. A user typically stands in a pool of water approximately chest-deep. He or she swings the device in an approximation of a proper swing for the sport. The device includes holes that tend to minimize turbulence that a standard bat would generate, yet provides both resistance and good haptic feedback to the user. These features develop or redevelop strength and consistency in the user's swing. Analogous training benefits are obtained for many activities, such as batting, golfing, and tennis. |
| US07717806B2 |
Putter head
A putter head wherein a depth of a center of gravity, ZGR, is a value greater than half of a head width W, namely, ZGR≧W/2, and that a moment of inertia, IY, about the center of gravity is such that IY≧4000 g·cm2. |
| US07717805B2 |
Golf club head having movable weights
One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports. |
| US07717801B2 |
Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described. |
| US07717797B2 |
Driveshaft assembly with piloted flange connection
A drivetrain that includes a drivetrain component, a flange structure, a yoke flange, a female guide portion and a male guide portion. The drivetrain component has a shaft that is rotatable about an axis. The flange structure is fixedly but removably coupled to the shaft. The female guide portion is directly coupled to one of the shaft and the yoke flange. The male guide portion is directly coupled to the other one of the shaft and the yoke flange. The male guide portion engages the female guide portion to thereby align the yoke flange to the axis. The yoke flange and the flange structure are fixedly but removably coupled to one another. |
| US07717795B2 |
Low vibration noise flexible shaft
A flexible shaft having ends of square cross-section for coupling a mating female driving member such as a square recess in a motor assembly, with a mating female driven member such as a square recess in a gearbox assembly, for positioning a seat in a motor vehicle. To decrease vibration and noise due to friction and relative movement between the shaft ends and the mating recesses, the sides of the shaft end portions are covered with a deformable polytetrafluoroethylene sheath applied by positioning a length of heat shrinkable tubing over each end portion and heating the tubing to shrink it onto the corresponding end portion so that it assumes the square cross-sectional shape of the end portion. |
| US07717791B2 |
Method for fault and/or disaster tolerant cashless gaming
Methods and systems that enable cashless gaming dispense with the need to set up and operate a complex centrally controlled system or dispense with the need to distribute expensive smart cards. The patrons' gaming session meters (including, for example, a measure of winning and/or available credit) are distributed amongst an estate of peer networked gaming machines and are stored in redundant storage for fault tolerance. |
| US07717788B2 |
Progressive promotional marketing system
A system manages a progressive jackpot associated with designated gaming machines. The progressive jackpot is funded from a source of funds, and at a funding rate, independent of the paytables of the associated gaming machines. The system determines whether a player playing the associated gaming machine is eligible for the progressive jackpot using player eligibility rules, and further selects a winning player from among the eligible players (or from the associated gaming machines). The system uses funding rate rules to control the rate at which the progressive jackpot is incremented. |
| US07717786B1 |
Gaming machine and game having sequential symbol matching feature
A game has the potential for multiple levels. Each level comprises a symbol matching event in which a set of base symbols are compared against a set of game symbol for potential matches. If a required minimum number of matches or another event is realized, the game may continue to the next level. The game symbols may be displayed in rows, such as rows of a matrix having m rows by n columns. The base symbols may then be displayed in a row having n positions, where the base symbol in an individual nth position is compared to the corresponding game symbol in the same nth position. The game may be played as a wagering game offering awards for individual symbol matches or matches of patterns of symbols in the matrix. The game may include additional features such as wild symbols, automatic advance features and mystery bonuses. |
| US07717781B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling clearing in a falling object game with a sequence bar
A computer game which makes the player operate a falling object that falls in a predetermined display area, and clears the falling object and falling stop objects by combining the falling object and falling stop objects under a predetermined condition. If falling stop objects including blocks that stop falling include a group of blocks which meet a predetermined clear condition, the group of blocks are registered as blocks to be cleared, and the control waits for a clear waiting state. Even in this waiting state, the next falling object begins to fall. After that, when a sequence bar (701) which moves vertically or horizontally in synchronism with a music output along with the progress of the game has passed the blocks to be cleared, these blocks are cleared. |
| US07717778B2 |
Separating cobs from grain in a corn harvester
A combine harvester for corn is adjusted so that the threshing system maintains the grain and cobs together and there is provided a first sieve to separate the grain and cobs from residue material which is discharged from a rear of the first sieve and a second sieve to separate the grain which passes through the second sieve from the cobs which are discharged from a rear end of the second sieve. The grain is transferred to a clean grain tank and the cobs are conveyed to a tank on a towed cart. |
| US07717775B2 |
Filter for suspended particles, especially for use in clean rooms
A filter for suspended particles for a clean room has at least one filter medium and at least one illumination device. The illumination device is arranged at least mostly within a vertical extension of the at least one filter medium. Alternatively, the illumination device is arranged in an area outside of an outflow cross-section of the at least one filter medium. The flow of clean air into the clean room is not disturbed in this way. |
| US07717773B2 |
Poultry stunning system
A system for stunning poultry located in cages in which the system utilizing an automated control system and a series of stunning apparatuses for progressively increasing exposure of the poultry to a subduing gas. The system is adjustable to allow for varying concentrations of the subduing gas, as well as adjusting the time for which the poultry is exposed to the subduing gas. In addition, the conveyor system includes methods for maintaining the poultry in a calm state prior to dispatch. |
| US07717770B1 |
Expansion joint grinder
An apparatus for grinding both inside surfaces of a concrete joint simultaneously is disclosed. The apparatus includes a proximal grinding wheel having a rotational axis and a grinding implement fixed with a proximal side, and an external drive shaft fixed to the center thereof. A distal grinding wheel is included that has the same rotational axis a grinding implement fixed with a distal side. An internal drive shaft is fixed partially within the external drive shaft and to the center of the distal grinding wheel. The apparatus further includes a means for moving both grinding wheels apart, a source of rotational kinetic energy, and a means for coupling the source of rotational kinetic energy to each drive shaft. |
| US07717768B2 |
Wafer polishing apparatus and method for polishing wafers
This wafer polishing apparatus includes: a polishing plate having a polishing pad; a carrier plate which is placed facing the polishing pad and which slides and presses wafers against the polishing pad, while rotating in a state of holding the wafers; and an abrasive slurry supply device, wherein the abrasive slurry supply device is able to supply different abrasive slurries, each of the abrasive slurries contains abrasives of which the average grain size is different from those contained in the other abrasive slurries. This method for polishing wafers includes: while supplying an abrasive slurry to a surface of a polishing pad, sliding and pressing wafers against the polishing pad, wherein different abrasive slurries are supplied to the surface of the polishing pad, and each of the abrasive slurries contains abrasives of which the average grain size is different from those contained in the other abrasive slurries. |
| US07717763B2 |
Water sports board with wave engager
A personal water sports board with a wave engager operably secured thereto for operation in a flow of water, such as a boogie board and the like, is disclosed. The wave engager has a wall shaped to allow water to flow freely thereby in one direction, but to operably engage water flowing from an opposite second direction thereby propelling the board in that opposite second direction. Disclosed embodiments include wave engagers formed of indentions and/or protrusions along the water engaging surface of the board. Preferably, a plurality of wave engagers are provided, and the height of each wave engager's wall increases the further it is positioned toward the front of the board. Wave engagers are preferably positioned on the lower surface and/or on the left and right sides of the board. |
| US07717758B2 |
Connector with retainer and retainer locking surfaces aligned oblique to movement direction of retainer
A connector has a retainer (40) mounted on a housing (10) for movement between a temporary locking position and a main locking position in a direction (Y) oblique to a fit-in direction (X) of the housing (10). Terminal fittings (70) can be inserted into the housing (10) when the retainer (40) is at the temporary locking position and are locked in housing (10) when the retainer (40) is at the main locking position. The housing (10) has a locking part (28) and the retainer (40) has a to-be-locked portion (52) that can be locked together. Locking surfaces of the locking part (28) and the to-be-locked portion (52) are inclined to the movement direction (Y) of the retainer (40) and to the fit-in direction (X) of the housing (10). |
| US07717751B2 |
Electrical connector for a printed circuit card and hermetically tight electrical case containing one such connector
An electrical connector designed to be connected to the edge of a printed circuit card having a first face placed in contact with a support. Said connector comprises at least one metal blade designed to be in contact with an electrical track placed on a second face of the printed circuit card, and at least one securing means designed to secure the electrical connector on the edge of said card. Said at least one metal blade is designed to exert a gripping force on the printed circuit card to keep the latter in contact with the support, movement of the electrical connector and of the printed circuit card being limited in at least one direction perpendicular to the faces of the printed circuit card. |
| US07717748B2 |
Lamp connection socket, and backlight unit and liquid crystal display device using the same
A lamp-connection socket for a lamp for a display device, and a backlight unit and LCD device using the same are disclosed. The lamp-connection socket includes a body that includes a lamp receiving portion that supports an end portion of a lamp; a first terminal that extends from within the body to the outside of the body to receive a potential for driving the lamp; a balance device arranged within the body and electrically connected to the first terminal; and a clip arranged in the body that releaseably clamps a lamp electrode at the end of the lamp, the clip electrically connected to the balance device. |
| US07717746B2 |
Bulb socket structure for onboard interior lighting system
Disclosed is a bulb socket structure for an onboard interior lighting system, in which: a bulb attachment hole 12 to which a wedge base bulb 21 is attached is formed in a resin-made housing 10 constituting the onboard interior lighting system; and power supply terminals 15 configured to contact, and conduct electricity to, terminals of a base 21b arranged under a bulb part 21a of the wedge base bulb when the base is inserted into the inside of the bulb attachment hole are provided in the inside of the bulb attachment hole. In the bulb socket structure, a spacer 30 is provided to the bulb attachment hole 12. The spacer is includes a supporting cylindrical part 31 capable of supporting the bulb part 21a of the wedge base bulb from its outer periphery. The spacer is capable of causing the power supply terminals 15 to contact the respective terminals of the base part while protecting the power supply terminals. Guiding slopes 35 configured to guide the base 21b to a right position in the inside of the bulb attachment hole 12 while the base is being inserted to the bulb attachment hole are provided to the inside of the supporting cylindrical part. |
| US07717744B2 |
Shielded connector for reducing the deflection of the terminal
A shielded connector (1) comprises at least a metal housing (10) configured by first, second, third and fourth sidewalls (100, 101, 102, 103) defining a receiving space (104) therebetween, and first and second terminal insert securely attached to the first and third wall of the metal housing. Each terminal insert includes a plurality of terminals (30) molded with an insulating material, each terminal including at least a retaining section (300) which is covered by the insulating material, and defining a plane extending therethrough, and a contact section (304) with a base portion (308) extending from the retaining section, wherein the base portion is away from the plane defined by the retaining section. And each terminal further includes enlarged portion (306), which connected the retaining section and the contact section, and being out of the insulating material so as to effectively reduce the deflection during mating with an inserted element. |
| US07717743B2 |
Coaxial connector fixed to a housing with a pipe member
A coaxial connector connecting structure according to the invention includes a coaxial connector provided on an outer surface of a housing accommodating a module case of a high-frequency circuit. The module case has a thick side wall with a first through-hole to provide a coaxial space forming portion as a pipe structure so as to be separated from the housing. |
| US07717739B2 |
Power adapter
In one embodiment, the present invention is a power adapter for coupling electrical power from a standard North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) power coupling to one or more electronic devices. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a plug connector adapted for receiving electrical power from the power coupling, a receptacle adapted for providing the electrical power to a slave cable (e.g., an inter-vehicular slave cable), and at least one terminal adapted for providing the electrical power to the electronic devices (e.g., a computer system). The power adapter is thus capable of maximizing the potential of the power coupling to provide electrical power for multiple simultaneous uses. |
| US07717734B2 |
Method and apparatus for patch panel patch cord documentation and revision
A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring and reporting cable connectivity such as patch panel port-level connectivity on a real-time basis. For patch panel systems, the approach is based upon a distributed architecture that may be modularly scalable and may reduce, if not eliminate, the need for a centralized signal processor and complex cabling between patch panels and the centralized signal processor. Each patch panel may determine port level connectivity independently. Polling delays and polling-related overhead processing may be reduced or eliminated by supporting real-time monitoring of port connectivity at the port level. The approach provides improved real-time reporting of patch panel connectivity with reduced cabling complexity, increased reliability, and decreased maintenance costs. In addition, the approach is compatible with (i.e., may communicate with and be controlled by) a multipurpose network management system (NMS). In addition, a compatible revision system is provided. |
| US07717731B2 |
Electrical connector with retaining seats for securing a load lever
An electrical connector mounted on a printed circuit board 8 for receiving an IC package includes a socket (2) with a plurality of contacts (3) received therein, a load plate (4) supported by a supporting member (5) and capable of rotating toward or away from the socket (2), a pair of retaining seats (6) separated from each other and spaced from the socket (2), and a load lever (7) secured by the retaining seats (6) and engaging the load plate (4) to fasten the load plate (4) in a closed position. |
| US07717730B2 |
Camera module connector with disassembling structure
A camera module connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a plurality of terminals (2) received therein, a shell (3) encircling the housing 1, and a lid 4 covering the housing (1), there are ears (411) located in the lid (4). When the connector (100) disassembled, carry the ears (411) will make disassembling easily. |
| US07717727B2 |
Latching device for locking a daughter board in an edge connector
A latching device includes a base member of insulating material including a bridge portion and a pair of board-connecting portions connected by the bridge portion; a metallic latching member located at a front face of the bridge portion of the base member and including a latching portion toward a top face of the board-connecting portion; a metallic grounding member including a bridge portion and a pair of connecting portions extending downwards from two opposite ends of the bridge portion; each connecting portion including a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion and retained in corresponding slots defined on a rear face of the board-connecting portion. The grounding member is secured to a rear of the base member, the first retaining portion is located higher than the second retaining portion. |
| US07717724B2 |
Connector card housing with a slider restraining protrusion
An electrical card connector (100) for insertion of an electrical card (200) includes an insulative housing (1) defining a receiving space (14) for insertion of the electrical card. The insulative housing includes a bottom wall (10) and a side wall (12) extending from a lateral side of the bottom wall. A number of terminals (3) are retained in the insulative housing and extend into the receiving space for electrical connection to the electrical card. An ejecting mechanism (4) includes a slider (41) movable along card-insertion or card-withdraw directions, a coil spring (42) for urging the slider, and a connecting rod (43) having an one-end bend portion retained in the insulative housing and an other-end bend potion movable in a heart-shaped cam groove (412) formed in the slider. The side wall of the insulative housing has a protrusion (125) extending from an upper side thereof to abut downwardly against the slider (41). |
| US07717717B1 |
User-friendly USB connector
A new user-friendly USB (Universal Serial Bus) male connector is physically and functionally compatible to the existing and future USB female connectors. Unlike the conventional keyed, polarized and position dependent USB male connector. The new user-friendly USB male connector provides spare connections, eliminates potential connector damage and allows normal and opposite insertions to the USB female connectors. |
| US07717716B2 |
Pivoting printed board connector
In order to realize the electric contacting of two parallel printed boards, the invention proposes a printed board connector that features coaxial plug modules realized in the form of pin and socket contacts.For this purpose, it is proposed that the two plug modules have such a design that they can be turned and tilted about their central mating axis within a certain range on the printed board in order to compensate misalignments or deviations between the positions of the printed boards relative to one another.It is furthermore proposed to realize certain distances between the printed boards by means of plug modules of different lengths on the pin side. |
| US07717712B2 |
Method and apparatus for language learning via controlled text authoring
A method for testing a language learner's ability to create semantically coherent grammatical text in a language, comprising generating text having at least one active region and inactive regions; displaying the text in a graphical user interface on a display unit, wherein at least one active region comprises a key word or phrase; identifying at least one active region in the graphical user interface; selecting at least one active region to display a menu of linguistic choices comprised of at least one grammatically correct linguistic choice and at least one grammatically incorrect linguistic choice; selecting one of the linguistic choices; and displaying an error message when at least one grammatically incorrect linguistic choice is selected. |
| US07717704B2 |
Wire mesh burner plate for a gas oven burner
A wire mesh burner plate for use in large, gas burners for large ovens is comprised of spaced-apart wire mesh plates. The spacing between the wire mesh plates defines an air/fuel mixture space. The fuel passes through the lower or first mesh, experiences a pressure drop, mixes with air and passes through a second wire mesh. The gas combusts after passing through the second wire mesh. The fine gauge of the mesh prevents combustion from flowing backwardly into the fuel/air mixture space. Several individual wire mesh burner plates can be flexibly attached to each other such that a very wide space can be covered. Thermal stresses are reduced by being distributed across multiple burners. |
| US07717702B2 |
Direct sidewall vent system
A direct sidewall vent system between a fuel-burning appliance in a first space and an external atmosphere, through a wall between the first space and external atmosphere. The direct sidewall vent system has a wall assembly that defines a first passage for communicating combustion gas generated through operation of the fuel-burning appliance to a first outlet through which the combustion gas is communicated to the external atmosphere. The wall assembly further defines a second passage for communicating makeup air from the external atmosphere to the fuel-burning appliance in the first space. The direct sidewall vent system further has an external portion that is situated within the external atmosphere and at which the first outlet is located. The external portion of the direct sidewall vent system has a top, a bottom, and spaced sides. The external portion of the direct sidewall vent system has a first inlet within the external atmosphere through which makeup air from the external atmosphere is communicated to the second passage. The first inlet is situated to draw makeup air from the external atmosphere primarily from a location above the first outlet. |
| US07717699B2 |
Feed nozzle for injection-molding machine
A nozzle is used with a mold formed with a rearwardly open recess having an apex at which opens a gate orifice. The nozzle has a body rearwardly closing the recess. The body is centered on an axis aligned with the orifice and formed with an axially extending central passage adapted to receive a hot melt. The body has a tip spacedly received in the recess and itself formed with at least one radially throughgoing branch passage extending from the central passage and opening into the recess at a location spaced as far as possible from the gate orifice. The tip also is formed with a throughgoing bore axially aligned with the gate orifice. A nozzle pin is axially shiftable in the body by an actuator between an extended position projecting from the bore and fitting into and blocking the gate orifice and a retracted position unblocking the orifice. |
| US07717698B2 |
Plasticizing and injection device
A plasticizing and injecting device for a plastics injection molding machine includes an axially fixed and rotationally driven plasticizing screw, and an injection plunger movable forwards and backwards inside the plasticizing screw by a linear drive and including, at its front end, a non-return valve. An injection cylinder is provided anteriorly of the plasticizing cylinder. The non-return valve can be moved by the injection cylinder forwards and backwards inside the injection cylinder between a rear position at the beginning of the injection process and a front position after completion of the injection process. In addition, a melt chamber is formed between the front end of the plasticizing screw and the non-return valve, and forms, during the injection process and during the holding pressure phase, an annular gap between the injection plunger and the injection cylinder for receiving plastic melt as the plasticizing screw continues to rotate during injection. |
| US07717694B2 |
Method and apparatus for tensioning composite material
An apparatus and method for tensioning material (12) over a mold (14), such as a cure tool, comprises a tensioning fork (10) consisting of two substantially parallel tapered legs (18,20) between which material (12) is disposed. A tensioning fork (10) is positioned at a first side edge (42) and proximate a first end edge (38) of the material (12). A first leg (18) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed under the material (12), and a second leg (20) of the tensioning fork (10) is disposed over the material (12). When force is applied to the second leg (20), it pivots about the first leg (18) along the length of the legs, remaining parallel to the first leg (18), thereby pressing a portion of the material (12) against the mold (14). |
| US07717692B2 |
Multiple extrusion head
A multiple extrusion head (1) for blow molding extrusion machines has a plurality of first extrusion heads (2) fixedly arranged side by side in a first row forming a first plane (3). A plurality of second extrusion heads (4) are fixedly arranged side by side in a second row forming a second plane (5) that extends parallel to the first plane (3). Per row, distributing devices (6, 6a, 6b) are provided with first distributing channels (7, 10) that are arranged in the first plane (3) and the second plane (5), respectively. The distributing devices (6a, 6b) are separated in the region of the first plane (3) and second plane (5), A third distributing device (15) is provided with third distributing channels (18) that are arranged in a third plane (16) extending at a right angle relative to the first plane (3) and to the second plane (5). |
| US07717690B2 |
Gear pump
A casing with housing space for retaining a first gear and a second gear in a condition where the tooth tips and both side surfaces slide, comprises a main casing which retains the first gear in a manner which allows rotation but restricts movement in the axial direction, and a gear holder which can move in the rotating shaft direction in the main casing and which rotatably retains the second gear. The main casing contains a biasing member which applies a biasing force to bias the gear holder to one side in the rotating shaft direction, and a piston which is acted on by hydraulic pressure and presses the gear holder on the other end side in the rotating shaft direction to counteract the biasing force. The gear holder is acted on by the hydraulic force from the piston to counteract the bias from the biasing member and moves in the rotating shaft direction according to the hydraulic force so that the engagement width between the first gear and the second gear which is retained by the gear holder is changed. |
| US07717689B2 |
Rotor apparatus of pump including a drive shaft with a plurality of arcuate circumferential surface sections
To provide a rotor apparatus of a pump in which pressure release in the air gap between an oil seal and an inner rotor is conducted smoothly and good durability and sealing ability of the oil seal is maintained and which has a very simple structure and allows the increase in size to be avoided. The rotor apparatus of a pump includes a drive shaft in which a plurality of arcuate circumferential surface sections centering on an axial center and a plurality of flat surface sections are disposed alternately, and an inner rotor having a mounting hole into which the drive shaft is inserted. In the mounting hole, arcuate inner peripheral sections corresponding and equal in number to the arcuate circumferential surface sections and flat surface inner peripheral sections corresponding and equal in number to the flat surface sections are formed alternately. |
| US07717685B2 |
High pressure pumping cartridges for medical and surgical pumping and infusion applications
Pumping cartridges useful for medical and surgical pumping and infusion procedures. In one aspect, a series of pumping cartridges include cylinders and pistons which have a sealing component including a circumferential, flared sealing flange and can be configured to enable the pumping cartridge to generate high liquid pumping pressures. Many of the pumping cartridges can be configured to be detachable from a pump drive unit and disposable after a single use. Some pistons include or at least partially form a valve and/or are relatively movable with respect to a connected piston rod. Valves include a valve seat and a movable sealing element able to create a seal capable of withstanding differences in fluid pressures thereacross of at least about 1,000 psi. The movable sealing element is concave in shape, and may be curved for improved sealing performance. Methods for pumping or infusing a liquid for delivery to the body of a patient or a surgical or medical instrument. |
| US07717682B2 |
Double diaphragm pump and related methods
A pump for transferring a process fluid has a first pump chamber and a second pump chamber. A motive fluid actuates the pump chambers and control flow valves. The direction of process fluid flow is controlled by varying the amounts of pressure or the use of a vacuum. The control flow valves utilize diaphragms for actuation. |
| US07717680B2 |
Charging system
A charging system used for supplying compressed air to a destination includes a compressor for generating the compressed air and a reservoir capable of being alternately discharged and recharged with the compressed air. A supply line fluidly connects the compressor, the reservoir, and the destination. A control valve positioned along the supply line is used in controlling flow of the compressed air from the charging system to the destination. A first branch line and a second branch line are positioned between the reservoir and the supply line. A check valve is positioned along the first branch line that when opened allows the compressed air to flow out of the reservoir into the supply line and when closed prohibits the compressed air from flowing into or out of the reservoir. A pressure protection valve is positioned along the second branch that opens to allow the compressed air to flow into the reservoir when the pressure in the supply line is above a threshold pressure. |
| US07717679B2 |
Structure of balancing fan
A structure of a balancing fan is disclosed. The fan comprises a hub and a rotation balancing unit. The hub comprises a top portion and a ring portion disposed around the top portion. A plurality of blades extends from the hub. The rotation balancing unit is disposed among the outer side of the top portion and the inner side of the ring portion and comprises a guiding portion and at least one movable weight member. The movable weight member is positioned on the inner side of the guiding portion such that the movable weight member can move along the guiding portion when the hub rotates to provide the dynamic-balance effect and thereby stabilize the rotation of the fan. |
| US07717677B1 |
Multi-metering and diffusion transpiration cooled airfoil
A turbine airfoil, or a substrate exposed to a high temperature environment, having a plurality of individual cooling circuits in the airfoil wall, each individual cooling circuit having a first metering hole connecting the cooling circuit to a cooling air supply, a first diffusion cavity, a second metering hole, and a plurality of fine film cooling holes connected between the second diffusion cavity and the surface of a high temperature resistant coating. The coating is a refractory coating to provide higher heat resistance than a ceramic based thermal barrier coating. A process of forming the individual cooling circuits is also disclosed, where a ceramic core representing the above described cooling passages is secured in a “fish bowl” shaped cavity in the substrate wall, the refractory coating is applied to just under the core fingers, and the ceramic core is leached out to leave behind the cooling circuit. The cooling circuit thus formed includes a first metering hole, a first diffusion cavity, a second metering hole, a second diffusion cavity, and a plurality of micro film cooling holes to provide transpiration cooling to the coating surface. |
| US07717676B2 |
High aspect ratio blade main core modifications for peripheral serpentine microcircuits
A turbine engine component, such as a turbine blade, has an airfoil portion having a pressure side wall and a suction side wall, a first cooling circuit embedded within the pressure side wall, which first cooling circuit has at least two passageways embedded within the pressure side wall, a second cooling circuit embedded within the suction side wall, which second cooling circuit has at least two passageways embedded within the suction side wall, at least one cooling fluid supply cavity located between the pressure and suction side walls, each cooling fluid supply cavity having at least one projecting portion extending between adjacent ones of the embedded passageways in the first cooling circuit or adjacent ones of the embedded passageways in the second cooling circuit, and each projecting portion communicating with at least one film cooling hole. A method for forming the turbine blade component is also described. |
| US07717673B2 |
Redundant blade pitch control system for a wind turbine and method for controlling a wind turbine
A redundant and fail-safe blade system of a wind turbine includes at least one blade pitch drive (20, 21, 22) and at least two power control modules (60, 61, 62, 6′) for controlling the blade pitch drive (20, 21, 22). The power control modules (60, 61, 62, 6′) are connected to the blade pitch drive (20, 21, 22) by a switching unit (10) which allows an alternative connection between the blade pitch drive (20, 21, 22) and any of the power control modules (60, 61, 62, 6′). In operation, the blade pitch drive (20, 21, 22) is controlled by only one of the power control modules (60, 61, 62, 6′). If a malfunction of the currently operating power control module (60, 61, 62, 6′) is detected, switching unit (10) provides a connection to the other power control module (60, 61, 62, 6′) to allow an ongoing operation of the wind turbine without an unplanned or forced shut-down. |
| US07717670B2 |
Stator blades, turbomachines comprising such blades and method of repairing such blades
A platform for a turbomachine is fitted to a variable-setting stator blade to repair a worn area on a plate of the blade. The worn area may be caused by contact between the plate and a part of a casing during operation of the turbomachine. The plate may be machined before the platform may be properly fitted to the plate. The platform may include an anti-rotation tab to prevent the platform from rotating relative to an axis of rotation of a pivot of the blade. The platform may also include a collar to cover an outer diameter of the plate. After the platform has been fitted to the plate, the case may contact the platform instead of the plate. |
| US07717654B2 |
Drill tip with serrated and dowel pinned shank interface
A replaceable drill tip and drill shank combination has a serrated and dowel pinned drill tip and drill shank interface, wherein the drill tip has a serrated bottom surface and a channel for receiving a dowel pin which extends axially from a drill shank, the drill shank having a serrated distal end which engages with the serrations in the bottom surface of the drill tip, and fasteners which extend through the drill tip into the drill shank. |
| US07717653B2 |
Processing tool
A case is mounted to the outer portion of the bottom portion of the shank through a bearing and an absorption rod is situated in an axial hole provided in the axial direction on the bottom of the shank such that it is slidable in the axial direction. An absorption spring for urging the absorption rod in the axial direction is installed between the absorption rod and the shank and a tiltable case is situated on the bottom within the case such that it is capable of tilting with respect to the axial line. A holder is situated rotatably through a bearing within the tiltable case. A slidable holder provided with a chuck portion for a tool at a leading end thereof is situated slidably in the axial direction and the bottom end portion of the absorption rod and the top end portion of the holder are connected to each other through a universal joint. A tilt supporting pin unit in which a plurality of tilt supporting pins are directed downward and projected by being urged by a spring is situated within a case located around the outer peripheral portion of the universal joint and the tips of the tilt supporting pins of the tilt supporting pin unit are brought into contact with a pressure receiving plate provided above the tiltable case. |
| US07717652B2 |
Tool with selectively-biased member having an adjustment feature
A tool has a slot provided between a pair of extremities at its distal end. The extremities have cutting blades mounted thereon. The slot is configured to receive a plate. The tool has a conduit running along its axis for communication of pressurized fluid to the slot and plate. The plate directs flow of the pressurized fluid outward toward the extremities. The resulting outward force causes the extremities to bend outward, thereby urging the cutting blades outward for cutting, reaming, or other working of the workpiece. The resilience of the tool causes the extremities to return back inward when the fluid pressure is reduced. A plate may be configured to receive a wafer for transferring force from the pressurized fluid to the extremities. Some embodiments of the plate have an adjustment feature that is operable to selectively adjust the flow rate or pressure of fluid directed toward the extremities. |
| US07717650B2 |
Roof truss shoe having wedge retention device and method of using the same
A truss shoe for a mine roof truss comprises a base having a pair of ends, a curved side extending between the ends, a top side, and a bearing surface. The shoe includes an angled stanchion having a bore and a housing having a tapered bore, with a recess between the housing and stanchion. A retainer is sized to fit in the recess, with the retainer having an aperture disposed adjacent an end such that the blocks a portion of the opening of the bore in the housing to retain a wedge assembly in the tapered bore. |
| US07717645B2 |
Adjustable physical structures for producing hydraulic formations for whitewater recreationalists
An adjustable physical structure for producing hydraulic formations for whitewater recreationalists includes a control structure, and an adjustable lip located downstream of the control structure. The control structure can include a crest and a ramp. The crest constricts and/or elevates (dams) the flow water to increase it's energy and focus the flow of water. Downstream of the crest, the ramp routes the flow of the water to the adjustable lip. The ramp can have varying and non-linear slopes and plan configurations. Additionally, the ramp can be static or adjustable to elevate the flow of water and vary the velocity and energy of the supercritical flow as it is passed to the adjustable lip. An adjustable invert physical structure comprises a shaped structure configured for placement on the invert of the channel. The adjustable invert physical structure can be moved or adjusted in horizontal and/or vertical directions to shape the flow of water. |
| US07717642B2 |
Buoyancy stabilized pier
A bridge and pier structure are disclosed for extending over a waterway, wherein the pier structure includes a chamber filled with air or other buoyant material such that a buoyancy force is produced. The chamber is sized and filled such that the buoyancy force offsets at least eighty or ninety percent of the weight of the bridge that is supported by the pier. The pier structure includes a footing portion that is embedded into the bed of the waterway, and an optional piling extends downwardly from the footing to engage more stable strata. In an embodiment of the invention, the pier includes a relatively large upper portion that defines the buoyant chambers, and a relatively narrow portion that extends down to the footing portion of the pier. In an embodiment, a bumper assembly is disposed about the pier, to protect the pier and provide a platform for other activities. |
| US07717640B2 |
Joint structure of pipe
A joint structure for directly joining a plurality of pipes is provided. A first pipe 10 has a joined end face 11 obtained by laser machining at a predetermined angle to an axis and a tenon 12 formed on a joined end face. A second pipe 20 has a joined end face 21 obtained by laser machining at a predetermined angle to an axis and a mortice 22. By fitting the tenon 12 of the first pipe 10 to the mortice 22 of the second pipe 20, a joint structure of the two pipes 10, 20 is formed. The joined end face 11 of the first pipe 10 and the joined end face 21 of the second pipe 20 are on surface contact over the entire thickness of the pipe. |
| US07717634B1 |
Trough support ribs
A trough support rib for improved edge-to-edge printing having a media feedpath extending in a first direction, a printhead reciprocally movable in a second direction, the second direction defining a print zone, an ink trough, at least one support rib beneath the print zone within the ink trough, the at least one support rib having an upper angled edge for engaging print media defined by two beveled surfaces, the rib further including a notch for removal of overspray ink to the ink trough. |
| US07717633B2 |
Sheet bundle printing system and sheet bundle printer
In a sheet bundle printing system, a sheet is fed by peeling an uppermost sheet from a sheet bundle. A printing device has a printing head and a platen roller for printing on the sheet. An ink ribbon is fed through space between the printing head and the platen roller in parallel with the sheet at the time of printing thereon. The platen roller is moved back and forth relative to the printing head between a printing position in which the platen roller is urged into contact with the printing head and a contact-free position in which the platen roller is out of contact with the printing head. Ink-ribbon feeding is suspended in a manner interlocked with the relative movement of the printing head and the platen roller between the printing position and the contact-free position. |
| US07717632B2 |
Card printer printhead mounting
A card printer comprises a print platen, a first support, a printhead, and a biasing component. The first support is moveable, relative to the platen, between print and withdrawn positions. The printhead is moveably mounted to the first support for movement between a forward position and a floating position relative to the first support. The biasing component is configured to apply a biasing force to bias the printhead toward the forward position. |
| US07717631B2 |
Coil bobbin, actuator, and blade drive device for camera
A coil bobbin includes: a body portion around which a coil is wound and having a cylindrical shape; a pair of flange portions formed at both ends of the body portion respectively; and terminal portions which are formed in the pair of flange portions, respectively, the terminal portions being around which respective ends of the coil are wound. The pair of flange portions have thicker portions and thinner portions, respectively, different from each other in thickness. The pair of flange portions is formed to gradually reduce a thickness from the thicker portions toward the thinner portions, respectively. The terminal portions are formed in the thicker portions, respectively. |
| US07717630B1 |
Lens cap with integral reference surface
A lens cap for a camera is disclosed, comprising: a reference surface, the reference surface having the capability of being used to calibrate an exposure setting or a white balance setting of a photographic subject; wherein the lens cap is placed in front of a lens of the camera in the lighting conditions of the photographic subject, the reference surface being directed towards the lens; and wherein an intensity of the visible light spectrum being reflected by the reference surface is detected. |
| US07717629B2 |
Coordinated camera pan tilt mechanism
In various embodiments, a camera may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the camera. Cables and other components may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the size of the outer case of the camera and add stability. A pan motor may pan the camera while a tilt motor may move a tilt pulley relative to a lens portion of the camera (which may or may not tilt the camera depending on the panning motion of the camera). In some embodiments, images from the camera may be converted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft of the camera. |
| US07717626B2 |
Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector (100) includes a first insulative housing (1), a door (2) assembled in the first housing and an elastic piece (3) with one end retained in the first housing and the other end elastically abutting against the door. The first housing defines a top face (10), a front face (11) connecting with the top face and a pair of sidewalls (13). The first housing further defines a receiving cavity (111) opening through the front face thereof, and each sidewall defines a recess (112) opening through the top face and the inner surface of the receiving cavity near an opening of the receiving cavity. The door is movably assembled at the opening of the receiving cavity and defines a pair of shafts (22) received in the recesses. Each recess integrally defines a protrusion (113) over the shaft therein, so as to prevent the shafts from breaking off the recesses. |
| US07717624B2 |
Connectors for multi fiber optical probes
Connectors and linking components for a guidewire probe having multiple optical emitting fibers and methods of making connectors and linking components for guidewire probes having multiple optical emitting fibers are described herein. |
| US07717622B2 |
Roller bearing for linear movements
The invention relates to a roller bearing for linear movements, said roller bearing comprising a guiding carriage which is essentially C-shaped in the cross-section thereof, is displaceably guided on a guiding rail in the longitudinal direction thereof, and comprises two lateral limbs. The carrier body of the roller bearing is supported in the region of each lateral limb in such a way that it can be displaced on the guiding rail by means of at least one series of rolling bodies. The series of rolling bodies respectively comprises a load-transmitting row of rolling bodies, which engages with a load-carrying running path of the carrier body and a load-carrying running path of the guiding rail, in addition to an inverted row of rolling bodies and two defecting rows of rolling bodies. In order to form the load-carrying running path of the carrier body, a running path element is provided parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guiding rail. According to the invention, the running path element is embodied as a hardened sheet metal element which is arranged and fixed in a receiving region on the respective lateral limbs of the carrier body. |
| US07717620B2 |
Flexible packaging structure with a built-in opening and reclose feature, and method for making same
A flexible packaging laminate is formed to have a built-in opening and reclose feature by forming the laminate as a two-part structure having an outer structure joined in face-to-face relation with an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting an opening portion (e.g., a flap or the like) of the two structures out of the plane of the laminate. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate. |
| US07717616B2 |
Timepiece with an hour hand able to be moved forward or backward by one hour step
Time zone timepiece including an hour hand (6) capable of being moved forward or backward in one hour steps by means of a manually actuated time setting stem (28) without affecting the minute display, said hand (6) being fitted onto an hour pipe (4) about which an hour hand (2) is adjusted to pivot freely, driven by a motion work (10), an additional wheel (12) secured to the pipe (4) driving an additional device, the hour wheel (2) being coupled to the additional wheel (12) by a limited torque mechanism (16), the timepiece being characterised in that, outside the periods in which the time zone time is being corrected, the hour wheel (2) and the additional wheel (12) are further rigidly coupled by a second coupling mechanism. |
| US07717615B2 |
Process and apparatus for producing emulsion and microcapsules
In a process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner, a dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel in such a manner that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by a shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase. |
| US07717614B2 |
Clamp system for fluid mixer with pivoting upper plate for detecting container top
A clamping mechanism and method are disclosed for a mixing machine that detects when the upper clamping member engages the tops or lids of the containers loaded into the mixing machine. The disclosed clamping mechanism includes a lower base and an upper plate defining an adjustable clamping distance disposed therebetween. At least one of the lower base and upper plate is moveable to increase or decrease the clamping distance. The upper plate is pivotally connected to a cross member so the upper plate is at least partially pivoted away from the cross member when nothing is clamped between the upper plate and lower base. At least one of the cross member and upper plate is associated with a sensor. The sensor is linked to a controller, which controls the movement of the upper plate or the lower base (or both) for clamping and unclamping articles disposed on the lower base. The sensor is activated and sends a signal to the controller when the upper plate has been pressed against the cross member by a top surface of an article clamped between the upper plate and lower cross member under movement controlled by the controller. |
| US07717603B2 |
Light guide plate having multi-periodic patterns and illumination apparatus for display device using the light guide plate
A light guide plate having a multi-periodic micro pattern, which can minimize chromatic dispersion, and an illumination apparatus for a display device employing the light guide plate are provided. The light guide plate includes a top surface and a micro pattern formed on the top surface and allowing light, which is incident from a first side surface of the light guide plate, to be emitted from the top surface. The micro pattern is a combination of at least two periodic patterns having different periods to reduce chromatic dispersion of light emitted from the top surface. |
| US07717600B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display having the same
Disclosed is a backlight unit and an LCD device having the same. The backlight unit comprises a plurality of light sources for generating light, a light guide plate for converting linear light generated from the light source into planar light and irradiating the light onto an LCD panel, a plurality of optical patterns formed on the light guide plate, wherein the optical patterns have different sizes for uniformly applying light incident onto the LCD panel to the entire LCD panel, and a diffusion sheet for transmitting light emitted from the light guide plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the LCD panel. |
| US07717592B2 |
Vehicle lighting system and method
An exterior auxiliary lighting system is provided including a light source for generating a beam of visible light, the light source having an aperture through which the beam of light is projected. A cover can be detachably connected to the light source to overlay at least a portion of the aperture. A sensor is provided for detecting whether the cover is attached to the light source. A switch responsive to an output signal from the sensor is adapted to selectively decouple the light source from a power supply when the sensor detects that the cover is attached to the light source. |
| US07717587B2 |
Light source device
A light source device is disclosed, which involves forming a plurality of carrier planes on a substrate with at least one of the carrier planes forming an angle relative to the substrate, and respectively mounting LEDs on the carrier planes and electrically connecting the LEDs with the carrier planes so as to obtain a preferred light distribution effect, thereby eliminating the need of additional light control element in the prior art and enhancing light emitting efficiency of the light source device. |
| US07717585B2 |
String, chain and luminous device with light-emitting diodes and light-emitting diode support
String and support for light-emitting diodes having a capsule and, at a rear end of said capsule, electrical connecting pins, in which encapsulating blocks embed the rear parts of said diodes, said pins, the end parts of the connecting wires connected to these pins and the adjacent end parts of their sheaths. Also described is a chain of light-emitting diodes, comprising sheathed flexible electrical supply wires and a multiplicity of strings, of which the end wires are connected respectively to said supply wires. Additionally, a luminous device with light-emitting diodes, comprising at least one board having a multiplicity of traversing holes, at least one string of light-emitting diodes and/or at least one chain of light-emitting diodes, of which the diodes are engaged respectively in at least some of said holes of the board, from one side of the latter and are held. |
| US07717584B1 |
Vibrating and twinkling LED backlighting device
A waterproof vibrating and twinkling LED backlighting device includes: a main body (1), said main body (1) comprises a light-tight, hollow and polymorphous frame (11), and a transparent cover plate (12) installed on top of said frame (11); a circuit element (3), said circuit element (3) comprises a circuit board (31) and a circuit-control element (32) electrically connects with the circuit board (31); at least one light emitting device (4) which electrically connects with the circuit board (31), and its light emitting angle is parallel with the circuit board (31), said light emitting device (4) comprises: at least one Light-Emitting Diode (LED) (41) mounted on the side of the surface of said circuit board (31) and connected electrically with which; a power supply (5); a ball-rolling switch (6) electrically connects with the circuit element (3); and a transparent encapsulation body (2) filled inside the main body (1) to cover the circuit element (3), power supply (5) and ball-rolling switch (6). |
| US07717580B2 |
Relay connector, mounting structure of relay connector and chassis, and mounting structure of relay connector and discharge tube
Relay connectors are arranged to supply power from power boards arranged on the back side of a chassis having a substantially plate-shaped configuration to discharge tubes arranged on the front side of the chassis. Each relay connector includes a holder having an insulation property and to be mounted to the chassis, and further includes a relay terminal mounted to the holder and capable of electrical connection to the discharge tube and the power board. The relay terminal is immune to direct contact with the chassis. This enables the use of a metallic chassis. |
| US07717576B2 |
Mirror mounting assembly
A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle. Finally, a third additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle. |
| US07717571B2 |
Projector/projection type switchable display apparatus
A projector/projection type switchable display apparatus includes: a main body unit having an image producing unit forming and emitting an image; and a cover unit that is rotatably connected to the main body unit. The cover unit includes an aspherical mirror enlarging and reflecting the image emitted from the main body unit; and a screen on which the image enlarged and reflected by the aspherical mirror is displayed. |
| US07717568B2 |
Manufacturing method for cooling unit, cooling unit, optical device, and projector
A manufacturing method for a cooling unit that includes a cooling plate in which a cooling fluid flows, the cooling plate having a cooling pipe through which the cooling fluid flows, and a pair of tabular members arranged to be opposed to each other across the cooling pipe, the manufacturing method for a cooling unit includes: forming a groove in which the cooling pipe is housed at least in one opposed surface of the pair of tabular members; combining the pair of tabular members while housing the cooling pipe in the groove; and filling a heat conduction material in a gap between the groove and the cooling pipe. |
| US07717565B2 |
Projection-type display apparatus and control method for projection-type display apparatus as well as control program for projection-type display apparatus
Exemplary embodiments provide a projection-type display apparatus, which can address or realize a reduction in weight and size, a reduction in power consumption, and a reduction in noise, and address or realize a reduction in price, and a control method for the projection-type display apparatus, as well as a control program for the projection-type display apparatus. The projection-type display apparatus includes a solid-state light source that emits light, a mirror device that controls an emitting direction of the incident light to thereby subject the incident light to temporal modulation, and a projecting device that projects the modulated light. |
| US07717564B2 |
Projection system including intrinsic polarizer
A projection system includes a light source producing illumination light, an imager disposed to receive the illumination light, and a projection lens disposed to receive the illumination light from the imager. The imager includes an intrinsic polarizer. The intrinsic polarizer can be an intrinsic polarizer stack including a U.V. curable adhesive. |
| US07717562B2 |
Scaling Zernike coefficients to smaller pupil sizes for refractive treatments
Wavefront measurements of eyes are normally taken when the pupil is relatively large, and the results are often represented by a set of Zernike coefficients. Different sets of Zernike coefficients can be calculated to represent aberrations at smaller pupil sizes. While recently described techniques allow scaling of the expansion coefficients with Zernike polynomials, a more intuitive approach would be desirable. Such an approach may optionally derive an equivalent result as known techniques, but may employ a much simpler and nonrecursive formula between the new and the original sets of Zernike polynomial expansion coefficients of a wavefront when the aperture size is scaled. |
| US07717558B2 |
Pseudo-accommodative IOL having diffractive zones with varying areas
In one aspect of the invention, a multifocal ophthalmic lens includes an optic and a plurality of diffractive zones disposes about an optical axis of the optic. At least two of the diffractive zones have different areas so as to cause broadening of optical energy profiles at a near focus and a far focus of the diffractive zones for generating an intermediate focus. A fraction of incident optical energy directed to the intermediate focus is different from a fraction of incident optical energy directed to at least one of the near or far foci. |
| US07717556B1 |
Visual enhancement lens and associated methods
A vision enhancement device is provided that is made of a lens material that has a first polarization orientation in a central portion and a second polarization orientation substantially normal to the first polarization in an annular portion surrounding the central portion. The central portion has a prescription for one of near vision and distance vision. The annular portion has a prescription for the other of near vision and distance vision. |
| US07717554B2 |
Rimless eyeglasses having side branches essentially of wire structure
The invention relates to rimless eyeglasses comprising a bridge (13) interconnecting two lenses (V), and two side branches (11) connected to respective side zones of the corresponding lenses (V). In accordance with the invention, each side branch (11) essentially presents a wire structure comprising two main portions (11.1, 11.2) extending towards the rear or said branch, said main portions extending forwards, passing through two through holes (21, 22) in the lens (V), and being connected together in the vicinity of the front face of said lens by a front portion (11.3), a flexible bushing (15) being interposed in each through hole (21; 22) in order to clamp the associated main portion (11.1; 11.2) so as to hold the side branch (11) in place on the corresponding lens (V). |
| US07717552B2 |
Adjustable focus eyeglasses with pivot adjustments
A pair of adjustable focus eyeglasses having two lens units with at least one of the lens units having at least two lens elements. A mechanism is provided to pivot, about a pivot location outside each of the two lens elements, the position of at least one of the two lens elements relative to the other lens element in an angular direction generally perpendicular to a viewing direction. Specially designed surfaces are chosen such that small angular adjustments of the relative positions of the two lenses around a common pivot position in angular directions perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to a viewing direction results in changes in the combined focus of the two lenses of the lens unit. Preferred embodiments include two lens units with the lens system defining pairs of adjustable focus eyeglasses. |
| US07717547B2 |
Inkjet head
An inkjet head includes a flow path unit and a reservoir unit. The reservoir unit stores ink and includes an ink flow path, a reservoir flow path and an ink drop flow path. The reservoir flow path includes a main flow path formed with plural tributary communication ports, and plural tributary flow paths. A section area of the main flow path taken along a width direction of the reservoir unit is larger than each of section areas of the tributary flow paths taken along a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of ink. The ink drop flow path drops ink onto a substantially center of the main flow path as viewed in a plan view. The tributary communication ports are substantially equal to each other in an opening area. |
| US07717542B2 |
Inkjet chamber with plurality of nozzles and shared actuator
An inkjet drop ejection apparatus includes a chamber with a plurality of nozzles grouped in pairs, and a plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators is associated with a pair of nozzles and operable to cause ink to be ejected from either one of the pair of associated nozzles. Each of the plurality of the actuators is provided midway between its associated pair of nozzles, adapted to simultaneously move towards one nozzle of the pair and away from the other nozzle of the pair, whereby ejection of ink through the nozzle towards which the actuator is moving is effected. |
| US07717541B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container detachably mountable to a mounting portion of an apparatus, the mounting portion including a first locking portion and a second locking portion, the liquid container including a casing for containing liquid and a supply port for supplying the liquid to an ink jet head, the liquid container includes a first engaging portion provided at a first side of the casing and engageable with the first locking portion; a second engaging portion provided opposed to a second side of the casing which is opposite the first side, the second engaging portion being engageable with the second locking portion; a supporting member for displaceably supporting the second engaging portion; a contact contactable to a member provided in the mounting portion to permit information display means to display information relating to the liquid container, wherein the supply port is disposed in a third side of the casing which is between the first side and the second side, and the contact is disposed at a corner region between the second side and the third side. |
| US07717540B1 |
Clog detection and clearing method for ink delivery system
A method for detecting a clog in a suspect portion of an ink conduit of an ink delivery system, includes the steps of pumping a slug of ink of a known volume into the ink conduit, attempting to pump the slug past the suspect portion, and detecting the presence of ink at a position beyond the suspect portion. |
| US07717537B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus and liquid maintenance method
The liquid ejection apparatus comprises: a liquid ejection head which has nozzles ejecting liquid in a downward-facing state and pressure chambers connected to the nozzles; a turning device which turns the liquid ejection head to switch the nozzles of the liquid ejection head between the downward-facing state and an upward-facing state; and a sealing device which seals the nozzles when the nozzles of the liquid ejection head are in the upward-facing state. |
| US07717535B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A printer has a replaceable cartridge (ink pack), a recording head, and a control section. The recording head ejects ink supplied by the cartridge through a nozzle. The control section detects the retaining amount of the ink in the cartridge and the environmental temperature in the proximity of the printer. Further, the control section sets a threshold value, with reference to which it is determined whether the cartridge needs be replaced by a unused cartridge, to a lower value as the detected environmental temperature becomes higher. |
| US07717532B2 |
Systems and methods that improve fluid color output by using clear or white fluid
An imaging system that forms an image on a receiving medium including a fluid ejector that ejects fluid onto the receiving medium and a controller that controls the fluid ejector to eject the fluid to include a non-white and non-clear fluid or one of at least white and clear W fluid on each pixel on the receiving medium. A substantially single layer of fluid is ejected onto the receiving medium. A method for forming an image on a receiving medium includes ejecting a fluid onto the receiving medium, and controlling the ejection of the fluid to include a non-white and non-clear fluid or one of at least white and clear fluid for each pixel on the receiving medium. |
| US07717530B2 |
Liquid jet apparatus and printing apparatus
A liquid jet apparatus of the invention includes a drive waveform generator that generates a drive waveform signal, a modulator that pulse-modulates the drive waveform signal so as to produce a modulated signal, a digital power amplification circuit that amplifies the power of the modulated signal so as to produce an amplified digital signal, and a low pass filter that smoothes the amplified digital signal so as to produce a drive signal. The digital power amplification circuit includes multiple stages of digital power amplifiers each including a pair of switching elements that are push-pull-connected. The amplified digital signal is a multi-value signal that reaches a larger number of steps of electric potentials than the number of digital power amplifiers. |
| US07717526B2 |
Suspension system having a composite axle
A suspension system having an axle, at least a portion of which is made of a composite material. In a described embodiment, a suspension system includes an axle assembly which has a composite axle portion. Metal spindles are attached at each end of the axle for mounting wheels thereto. Two beams may be attached directly to the composite axle portion, to a sleeve overlying the composite axle portion, or to an axle seat attached to the sleeve or directly to the composite axle portion. |
| US07717519B2 |
Composite seat back structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly
An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat. |
| US07717514B2 |
Universally adjustable swivel chair
A chair designed for outdoor use, in particular various hunting applications. The chair is independently adjustable in the seat platform, the legs and the seatback to meet the different requirements for hunting various types of game, such as reclining for fowl flying above, or upright for land animals. It is also mounted on a swivel for quickly pivoting to follow the movement of game. The invention can be used in conjunction with blinds, or can include a pop up tarp for partially concealing the hunter. The seat is not just useful for hunters, but other outdoor enthusiast that want to view wildlife easily and in comfort. |
| US07717504B2 |
Child seat apparatus
A child seat apparatus includes a seat portion sized and dimensioned to receive a child and a tray portion substantially surrounding the seat portion so as to provide a surface for preventing an object from falling to the ground. The child seat apparatus further includes a loop member connected to the tray portion for keeping the tray portion taut or for collapsing the child seat apparatus. |
| US07717503B1 |
Collapsible chair apparatus
A collapsible chair apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of legs and braces attached to and extending between the legs. The legs are positionable in a stored position positioned adjacent to each other or in a deployed position spaced from each other. A first panel is attached to the legs to define a seat member. A pair of back supports is attached to and extends upwardly from the plurality of legs. The back supports are positioned adjacent to each other when the legs are in the stored position and are spaced from each other when the legs are in the deployed position. A second panel extends between the back supports. A lower securing strap has a first end attached to one of the back legs and is extended around the plurality of legs and coupled to itself by a securing member when the legs are in the stored position. |
| US07717499B2 |
Supporting structural element for a motor vehicle with a centrally positioned engine
The supporting structural element (1) comprises a shaped rigid body (2) in which are formed: two transversely adjacent cellular formations (3), intended to receive corresponding padding means (4, 5) to form seats; each of the said cellular formations (3) has a seat portion (3a) and a backrest portion (3b); an intermediate formation (6) shaped like an inverted channel, which interconnects the seat portions (3a) of the aforesaid cellular formations (3), forming a tunnel (7); a horizontal or virtually horizontal upper planar formation (9), which interconnects the upper backrest portions (3b) of the cellular formations (3), and a rear formation (10), essentially in the shape of a dihedral, with a first wing or skirt (10a) which is substantially horizontal and extends behind the seat portions (3a) of the cellular formations (3), and with a second wing or skirt (10b) which extends between the upper planar formation (9) and the said first wing or skirt (10a), behind and distant from the backrest portions (3b) of the cellular formations (3) such that a compartment or receptacle (11) is formed. |
| US07717496B2 |
Structure of a vehicular body
A crash load absorption structure of a vehicular body having a side member at a bottom of the vehicular body extending in a forward-rearward direction and a pillar extending in an upward-downward direction. The structure of the vehicular body includes a side body bar located upward from the side member at a side portion of the vehicular body, the side body bar extending in the forward-rearward direction and being adapted to transfer a portion of the crash load to the pillar, and a connecting bar that connects the side member and the side body bar. |
| US07717495B2 |
Vehicle with space utilization
A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components. |
| US07717489B2 |
Vehicular seats
One aspect of the present invention can include a vehicular seat having a first member, a cooperatively moving apparatus configured to release a lock apparatus from being locked in cooperation with a movement of the first member, and a second member configured to be adjusted when the lock apparatus is released. Further, the cooperatively moving apparatus includes a main cooperatively moving member connected to the first member and capable of cooperative movement with the first member, and a sub cooperatively moving member connected to the lock apparatus and capable of being moved by receiving a force from the main cooperatively moving member. Also, a hold mechanism is provided between the main cooperatively moving member and the sub cooperatively moving member, the hold mechanism is capable of holding the lock apparatus in a lock release state by holding a portion of the sub cooperatively moving member by a predetermined amount while operating the main cooperatively moving member. And, when the lock apparatus is maintained in the lock release state, the second member is set to one of a plurality of set states, the lock apparatus is able to be brought into a lock state before and after operating the hold mechanism. |
| US07717488B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat of a vehicle is basically provided with a seat cushion, an annular frame, a hook or striking member and a vehicle body engagement element. The seat cushion is disposed within the vehicle. The annular frame disposed within the seat cushion. The striking member is attached to the annular frame to attach the vehicle seat to the vehicle body. The vehicle body engagement element is attached to the annular frame so as to serve as a load transferring point at which the vehicle body engagement element transfers a bending load of the annular frame to the vehicle body as the vehicle seat is being initially lifted. |
| US07717485B1 |
Universal room extension for expandable rooms
A mechanism to affect the coordinated movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The mechanism comprises a drive chain assembly and a lift assembly. The drive chain assembly has a pair of drive chains (upper and lower) that move generally vertically along vehicle structural members and then the chains are redirected for horizontal travel as the main hydraulic cylinders are actuated to extend or retract the expandable room. The movement of the upper and lower drive chains is synchronized by a rack-and-pinion mechanism. The lift assembly controls vertical movement of the room so that when the room is fully extended, the floor of the vehicle and the floor of the expandable room are substantially flush. The lift assembly comprises at least one lift cylinder for raising and lowering the room. The lift cylinder is vertically combined with the lower end of the structural member. |
| US07717483B1 |
Server tray assembly
A serving tray assembly has a substantially circular plate including, a top and a bottom and two substantially elongated oval openings extending from the top to the bottom. The plate has an outer perimeter having an integrally coupled upwardly extending edge including a top having a lip. A tray is integrally coupled to the plate. A substantially elongated rectangular strap including a top surface and a bottom surface, a first end and a second end. The first end includes a substantially square and hollow clasp, wherein the top surface of the second end includes two substantially elongated strips of hook and loop fastener spaced apart. |
| US07717482B2 |
Suckingly conveying apparatus
A vacuum conveying apparatus capable of adhering and conveying a sticky material such as an intermediate process material for tire, and of immediately separating the same at a release position. A vacuum face (120) of the vacuum conveying apparatus (100) is provided with a multitude of vacuum adhesion orifices (122) communicating with a vacuum duct, in a region below the vacuum duct, and there are provided a plurality of press-down pins capable of protruding from the vacuum face (120) at a release position of the material as adhered for forcibly adhering the same material and a plurality of air nozzles (125). Further, a plurality of L-shaped vacuum adhesion grooves (127), (128) are disposed in regions at respective end parts of the vacuum face (120) other than the region below the vacuum duct, for adhering the tip of the material to be adhered which moved in a slightly zigzag direction. |
| US07717480B2 |
Latch assembly
A latch assembly includes a latch bolt, a housing, an actuating plate connected with the latch bolt, a positioning casing, a lower connecting plate and an upper connecting plate engaged with each other and disposed in the positioning casing, and a driving plate disposed between the actuating plate and the lower connecting plate. The actuating plate is formed with a long slot and two symmetrical protrusions projected from the bottom. The driving plate includes a square hole, whose front end can be engaged with the protrusions and driving the actuating plate to move. The upper connecting plate includes two pairs of symmetrical recesses and the positioning casing includes two protrusions corresponding to the recesses of the upper connecting plate. By connecting the protrusions of the positioning casing with two pairs of the recesses, the latch assembly can be adjusted from a backset to the other backset dimension. |
| US07717473B1 |
Dual walled transfer tube
A dual walled transfer tube connecting two sub-flow systems and conveying the system fluid from one subsystem to another when there are large radial and axial movements or offsets between the connecting ends of the subsystem. The dual walled transfer tube has a fitting at either end and a single ball joint proximate each fitting to allow the transfer tube to accommodate changes in radial position of the fittings. The dual walled transfer tube utilizes a main inner fluid passage and an outer secondary fluid passage, each fluid passage having a slip joint to allow the transfer tube to accommodate changes in axial length between the fittings. |
| US07717468B2 |
Clipboard with an integral three dimensional display
A clipboard including a board having first and second surfaces, a clip integral with the first surface, and a plurality of recesses formed in the second surface, the recesses are adapted to receive one or more models. |
| US07717466B2 |
Mounting structure for fuel pump of vehicle engine and vehicle installing the same
A fuel pump mounting structure has an opening in a side surface or a bottom surface of a fuel tank. A fuel pump assembly including a cylindrical pump body and a filter connected to a suction side of the pump body is accommodated in a space located inside of the opening. A flange section of a housing that encloses the pump body engages an outside surrounding area of the opening. A mounting plate covers the outside of the flange section. The fuel pump assembly is fixed to the opening through the flange section and the mounting plate. The axis of the pump body extends generally parallel to a mounting surface of the mounting plate, and the pump body and the filter overlap each other relative to a position in a direction of the axis. The mounting structure reduces the moment against the mounting plate, reliably supports the fuel pump under a stable condition without requiring a large and rigid construction, and improves the seal with the fuel tank. |
| US07717464B2 |
Vehicle chassis assembly
A vehicle chassis assembly includes a frame assembly having a plurality of frame members connected together, a drivetrain, a suspension system, and an exhaust system. The connection of the frame members provides a low-profile configuration for reduced step height and a kick-up portion to allow ascent of steeper inclines. The frame further includes an exhaust pipe supported within a frame member and two castings bolted to removable wheel arches. The exhaust pipe has a circular cross-section that changes to a rectangular cross-section near the back of the chassis assembly. |
| US07717460B2 |
Airbag
The disclosed airbag for a motor vehicle for supporting the knees of a vehicle occupant in the event of a crash, comprises an inflatable portion, a first fastening region for fastening the airbag to a motor vehicle part, at least one second, detachable fastening region for fastening the airbag to the same or different motor vehicle part, and a connection located between the second, detachable fastening region and the inflatable portion. The second, detachable fastening region is configured to detach from the inflatable portion if a force exceeding a predetermined value acts on the connection between the second, detachable fastening region and the inflatable portion. |
| US07717459B2 |
Airbag arrangement
An air-bag arrangement for a motor vehicle is disclosed to provide protection for the occupants (1, 2) of two adjacent seats (11, 12). Each seat is associated with two air-bag units (15, 16, 20, 21), one of which contains an air-bag to be deployed so as to occupy a space on the inboard side of the seat, and the other of which contains an air-bag to be deployed so as to occupy a space on the outboard side of the seat. There is a sensor and control arrangement (23) to sense impact and to determine which side of the vehicle has been impacted. The sensor and control arrangement (23) generates actuation signals capable of actuating the air-bag unit (15) associated with the first seat (11) closest to the point of impact I, and the air-bag unit (21) of the second seat (12) closest to the point of impact I. |
| US07717456B2 |
Stroller with linkage assembly
The stroller applies a first link of the linkage assembly pivotally connecting between the handle and the protecting guard and a second link of the linkage pivotally connecting between the front frame and the protecting guard. During the folding process of the stroller, the first and the second links drive the protecting guard to move and rotate to a position that is substantially parallel with the handle, the front frame, the rear frame, and the bottom frame, bringing the stroller to a smallest size when in the folded position. |
| US07717455B2 |
Adaptable trailer drawbar assembly
A drawbar assembly includes a shank that can slidingly engage a first hitch receiver having an interior opening with a first size, which may be a class I receiver with a one and one-quarter inch square opening and provisions for a one-half inch hitch pin. First and second adapter parts, each having two sides forming a right angle, are removably coupled to the shank on opposite sides. The drawbar assembly can slidingly engage a second hitch receiver having an interior opening with a second size, which may be a class III receiver with a two inch square opening and provisions for a five-eighths inch hitch pin. A threaded hitch pin may clamp the drawbar assembly to the receiver. |
| US07717454B2 |
Adaptable drawbar support assembly
The invention relates to a drawbar support assembly. There is a need for a drawbar support assembly which can adapt to different types of drawbars. An adaptable drawbar support assembly includes a generally U-shaped front support member for coupling to and supporting the front end of the drawbar. A front spacer member mounts in the front support member above or below the front end of the drawbar. A generally U-shaped rear support member couples to and supports the drawbar. A rear spacer member mounts in the rear support member below the drawbar. The rear spacer member is removable from the rear support member when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A ball coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A clevis coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted below the front end of the drawbar. |
| US07717451B2 |
Sliding device for a fifth wheel coupling
A sliding device for a fifth wheel coupling, which includes two guide rails mounted on a vehicle in the longitudinal direction thereof and a slide which can be displaced on the guide rails. A locking device mounted on the slide can be brought into an open position and a locked position by an actuator. In order to improve handling of the sliding device, at least one locking sensor for detecting the locked position is provided. The locking sensor is connected to a display device and/or to the vehicle electronics. |
| US07717447B2 |
Propulsion aid
A propulsion apparatus (20) which can be mounted to a wheel (8) (or integrally formed therewith) of a vehicle, for example a wheelchair. The propulsion apparatus (20) has a first portion which can be statically attached to either a rim of the wheel (8) or structural member which is rigidly attached to the wheel (8) projects therefrom. The propulsion apparatus (20) also has a second portion (23), which is pivotal about the rotational axis of the wheel (8). Furthermore, the propulsion apparatus (20) comprises coupling means which are interposed between the first and second portions so that when the second portion (23) is rotated about the axis of the wheel (8) it causes the first portion, and therefore also the wheel (8), to rotate. |
| US07717445B2 |
Detachable side step assembly and method of use
Disclosed herein is a detachable side step assembly for use with a vehicle. The side step assembly comprises a side step with a first elongate section and a second elongate section. Each section has longitudinal edges attached to each other by a plurality of hinges. The side step is pivotal about the hinges into a first position wherein the bottom surface of the first elongate section faces the bottom surface of the second elongate section, and a second position wherein the top surfaces of the first and second elongate sections are planar. The side step is configured for releasable attachment to the vehicle when the side step is in the first position and configured for releasable attachment to a tailgate of the vehicle when the side step is in the second position. Also disclosed are a method of using the side step assembly and a vehicle comprising the same. |
| US07717444B2 |
Apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles
An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for attachment to a vehicle chassis, one or more U-shaped cylindrical bars attached to and suspended from said bar comprised of two end portions and a center bar. The U-shaped bars may be of tubular construction and have a flat surface and are preferably angled from the side bar at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and each U-shaped bar has end portions that meet the center bar at an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees. The side bar may be attached to any of a variety of chassis designs and may have a plurality of steps at the doors and at or near the back of the vehicle. |
| US07717443B1 |
High-clearance vehicle suspension with spacer arrangement mountable between spindle and wheel hub mounting bracket for adjusting working clearance
The working clearance height of a high-clearance vehicle is normally established by four main suspension spindles that are respectively received for reciprocating within upright journals provided at the opposite ends of front and rear axle assemblies of the vehicle main frame, with the bottom end each of the main spindles being received in a bore at the top of an associated wheel motor housing that serves also as a wheel hub mounting bracket. In order to increase the working clearance height of the vehicle, an optional elongate spacer assembly is mounted between the bottom of each elongate main suspension spindle and the associated wheel motor housing. Each main suspension spindle is inclined slightly outwardly relative to a vertical plane extending in the direction of travel of the vehicle and, in order for the spacing between tires at opposite sides of the vehicle to remain the same, with or without the usage of the spacer assemblies, each spacer assembly includes a coupler spindle extending parallel to, and offset inwardly from, a pivot axis of the associated main suspension spindle by a distance calculated to result in the desired tire spacing, this coupler spindle being received in the bore at the top of the associated wheel motor housing. |
| US07717442B2 |
Suspension system having high strength arm to axle connection
A suspension system includes a laterally extending axle and an arm assembly welded to the axle. The arm assembly includes a longitudinally extending arm body having top and bottom surfaces, an axle connector welded to the axle and an end of the arm body, and a plate extending longitudinally over and welded to the arm body top surface, wrapped rearwardly about and welded to the axle connector, and extending longitudinally over and welded to the arm body bottom surface. A method includes the steps of welding an axle connector to an axle; welding a plate to the axle connector, the plate being wrapped rearwardly about the axle connector; and welding an arm body to the axle connector and to the plate, the arm body having top and bottom surfaces, and the plate being welded to each of the top and bottom surfaces. |
| US07717440B1 |
Adaptable luggage cart for transporting items between remote locations
A manually operable luggage cart includes a central and unitary storage chamber with planar top and bottom surfaces. The assembly further includes a handle that is pivotal between rectilinear oblong displaced positions extending parallel and diagonal to a longitudinal length of the storage chamber, a plurality of casters rotatably connected to the storage chamber, and a mechanism for automatically biasing the casters between exposed and retracted positions from the bottom surface of the storage chamber when the handle is pivoted between the parallel and diagonal positions and about a curvilinear path defined adjacent to the proximal end of the storage chamber. The adaptable luggage cart further includes a plurality of straps. |
| US07717439B2 |
Skate device having turnable wheels
A skate device that has one or more turnable wheels. In one group of embodiments, the turnable wheels may be linked such that when one wheel turns another wheel turns in a manner that facilitates turning. In another group of embodiments, the turnable wheels are not so linked. The skate device of the present invention may achieve turning from a point underneath the shoe or foot region of the skate, thus more closely approximately turning on ice skates. The skate device may have inline wheels and maybe relatively light-weight and compact. |
| US07717437B2 |
Actuator for disconnectable stabilizer bar system
A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a plurality of engagement pins that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided. |
| US07717436B1 |
Continuously adjustable collet chuck
A continuously adjustable collet chuck assembly comprising: a) a collet chuck body, b) an adjustment ring positioned within the collet chuck body, the adjustment ring including fixed key sized and configured to engage a keyway on a collet, and c) a locking member positioned in the collet chuck body to exert a force on the ring, the force having a substantial component in the axial direction to prevent rotation of the ring. The axial force securely fixes the adjustment ring, and therefore the collet, at any rotational position. |
| US07717433B2 |
Dynamic seal assembly
A dynamic seal assembly for a rotating member comprising a first split housing carrying a first split seal, a second split housing carrying at least one second split seal, each split seal being resiliently closed so that sealing contact is maintained when the rotating member wobbles. The free ends of the second split seal overlap with one another in either a side-by-side relationship or an over-under relationship, or both. |
| US07717430B2 |
Golf game and method of playing
The disclosure relates to a golf game and method of playing. More particularly, a method of gameplay which follows the career of a selected golf professional, as each game participant attempts to attain victories in the selected golf professional's career by selecting game pieces from a stack at random. A method in accordance with the disclosure entails providing a two dimensional array including the major tournament results of a selected golf professional, providing a plurality of game pieces, a player selecting a game piece, wherein the game piece corresponds to an element in the array, and repeating game piece selection for each successive player until a victory condition is met. Scoring mode, grand slam mode, and career win mode can each be used in the game play method in accordance with the present disclosure. |
| US07717427B2 |
Playing card dealing shoe with automated internal card feeding and card reading
A distinct dealing shoe having no shuffling functionality receives shuffled, randomized or ordered group of cards. The cards may be mechanically moved one at a time from a receiving area for the deck to a buffer area where more than one card is temporarily stored. The cards in the buffer area are then mechanically moved to a card delivery area where the cards may be manually removed, one-at-a-time, by a dealer. The cards are read one-at-a-time inside of the dealing shoe, either before the buffer area or after leaving the buffer area, but preferably before the cards are being manually removed from the card delivery area. The information from the card reading may be used for game tracking, hand tracking, player information, and other security issues at casino table card games. |
| US07717425B2 |
Method for manufacturing an enhanced reel strip and gaming machine
An enhanced reel strip includes a base reel strip and an overlay strip, wherein the base reel strip has symbols applied thereto and the overlay strip has designated portions thereof removed to create cut-outs. The base reel strip and overlay strip are affixed in such a manner that the symbols of the base reel strip are visible through the cut-outs of the overlay strip. The joined strips produce an enhanced reel strip. Furthermore, these enhanced reel strip production methods dramatically improve the quality and appearance of reel strips while utilizing a relatively simple manufacturing process that maintains cost effectiveness. |
| US07717419B2 |
Accumulator having rotary drive
A sheet stacking device includes a support frame, a conveyor and an accumulator at a discharge end of the conveyor, the accumulator having a plurality of elongate fingers, at least one of which includes a rack having teeth along a first side, a rotatable drive shaft extending in a width direction of the conveyor, a gear having teeth mounted on the drive shaft and operatively engaging the rack teeth, and a rotary actuator operably connected to the drive shaft, the rotary actuator rotating said drive shaft in a first and second directions to move an end of the elongate fingers toward and away from the conveyor discharge end of the conveyor. Also a method of operating the device. |
| US07717415B2 |
Paper feeding device
A paper feeding device which includes a pickup roller assembly picking up a sheet of paper and transferring the paper, a stopper controlling the paper so that a front end of the paper is located on a lower portion of the pickup roller, a sensing unit sensing whether the paper is loaded or not on the paper feeding board, and a probe unit that is rotated with the stopper and turns on/off the sensor unit. Therefore, the probe unit for turning the sensor unit on/off is operated with the stopper to reduce the number of components, thus reducing the cost and stabling the quality of product. |
| US07717413B2 |
Method for quality assurance in the operation of a paper-handling unit
A paper-handling unit serves for generating groups of items, wherein each group includes a plurality of items. The paper-handling unit includes at least one input channel for receiving the items, a portion to generate groups from the received items, a drive-out station for driving out a generated group, a detector detecting predetermined features from the items of a driven-out group, and a controller. The controller is operable to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred to drive the drive-out station to drive out a group if the predetermined event has occurred, to determine whether information was obtained from the detector during a predetermined interval, to stop the paper-handling unit if no information was obtained from the detector during the predetermined interval, and to stop the paper-handling unit if information was obtained from the detector during the predetermined interval which indicates that the driven-out group does not meet at least one predetermined criterion. |
| US07717405B2 |
Hollow fiber membrane contact apparatus and process
Disclosed is a shell side contactor which can be used to form ozonated water. The contactor includes a shell and a plurality of porous perfluoroalkoxy resin thermoplastic hollow fibers that are potted at each end of the shell. The perfluoroalkoxy resin hollow fibers can be unskinned, skinned on their inner surface, or skinned on their outer surfaces. The contactor is provided with a spacer that spreads the hollow fibers adjacent an inlet to the shell, thereby permitting liquid flow at desirably high flow rates with acceptable pressure drop through the shell. The mass transfer efficiency of the contactor can be enhanced by jetting water into the fiber bundle and introducing gaps into the bundle. |
| US07717403B2 |
Accelerator device for a carburetor
According to one implementation, a carburetor includes an intake bore, a throttle valve, a main fuel nozzle, an accelerator device and a fuel passage. The throttle valve is movable between an idle and wide open positions and includes a shaft rotatably supported around an axial line extending across the intake bore. The accelerator device may be operable to increase an amount of fuel that flows through the main fuel nozzle when the throttle valve is moved toward its wide open position, and may include a fuel reservoir constructed and arranged to store fuel. The fuel passage communicates with the main fuel nozzle and the fuel reservoir is provided upstream of the main fuel nozzle such that fuel flows through the fuel reservoir before being delivered to the main fuel nozzle. |
| US07717398B2 |
Damper assembly exploiting a crankshaft
A damper assembly exploiting a crankshaft to induce displacement of a damper means from one position to another. |
| US07717394B2 |
Vehicle interior accessory retainer
A vehicle interior accessory retainer includes a base, a base inner and a plate spring. In the base inner, upper and front openings are formed in upper and front parts, respectively, side walls are formed in side parts in the upper opening, a lower part is formed at a position opposite to the upper opening with the side walls in between, and a stay mount part is provided in the lower part. The plate spring has a planar portion, upright portions, and base-retaining pieces. The stay mount part has a projection. A nip part is formed between the projection and the lower part of the base inner. A through hole is formed in the planar portion in the plate spring. A tension applying part is formed between the upper surface of the lower part in the base inner and the projection in the stay mount part. |
| US07717391B2 |
Portable clothes stand
A clothes line with a central frame member (8). Outwardly extending end members (4) and (6) supporting clothes line therebetween, and legs (10) and (12) at each end of the member (8) which are supported to be foldable, between a position where they lie alongside the member (8) to a position providing support for the member (8). And there are means between the legs (10) and (12) and the member (8) which provides a locking strut effect. |
| US07717390B1 |
Ceiling fixture having tiltable foot hanger bars with press fit mounting brackets and slidable and adjustable hanger bars with press fit rotatable end mounting brackets
An improved lightbulb ceiling fixture having a canister transversely affixed to a location of a canister frame, comprising two pairs of slidable bar hangers retained on respective opposite sides of the canister frame by retaining mechanisms located on each side of the frame. Each pair of slidable bar hangers comprises an inner sliding bar hanger slidably inserted into an outer sliding bar hanger so that the overall length of the bar hanger can be readily adjusted. A bar hanger stop means such as a wing screw with an interior ratchet mechanism enables the exact overall length of the two bar hangers to be fixed at any desired joint lengthwise distance. A rotatable press fit mounting bracket with rotatable adjustment means is rotatably affixed to one exterior end of one of the sliding bar hangers, thus. The improvement facilitate speed of installation and safety for the worker installing the fixture. |
| US07717385B2 |
Device comprising a container for bottles
A device including a container for bottles in which the container is equipped with an opening and a base is disclosed. The device also includes a support which is equipped with a base. The support and the container are connected between a first position in which the base of the support is disposed at the opening of the container and in which the support is intended to fix the device to the edge of a table, such that the opening of the container is orientated upwards, and a second position in which the base of the support is disposed at the base of the container and is intended to be placed on the table, such as to support the container in a stable manner. |
| US07717376B2 |
Bracket devices and systems
The present disclosure includes a number of device and system embodiments. One such bracket device embodiment includes a coupling segment having two coupling legs for connecting to a first support member and a mounting segment having two mounting legs for connecting to a second support, and wherein the mounting legs are arranged to be oriented in an opposite direction relative the coupling legs when attached to the second support, the mounting legs perpendicular in one axial dimension to the coupling legs. |
| US07717375B2 |
Rotation control device for support arm of a lamp
A rotation control device for a support arm of a lamp comprises a support arm having a first end and a second end; a rotating arm having a first end and a second end; a lamp head assembled to the second end of the rotating arm; a cambered track fixed to a predetermined position of the support arm; and a cambered slot being formed in the cambered track; a stop sheet installed to a predetermined position of the cambered track; the stop sheet being movable along the cambered slot of the cambered track and is fixable at a predetermined position so that the rotating arm is retained to a predetermined angle. |
| US07717374B2 |
Keyboard palm rest assembly
A keyboard palm rest assembly comprises a frame having an opening therethrough, the opening located corresponding to a position of a palm of a user when the user is utilizing a keyboard located adjacent the opening. The keyboard palm rest assembly also comprises a panel coupled to the frame and disposed across the opening, the panel enabling an airflow therethrough from a side opposite the user's palm to a side corresponding to the user's palm. |
| US07717370B2 |
L-tail (featuring parabrakes)
A (bird tail type) airplane tail section (compound delta wing design) which includes: movable wing assemblies (92), attached to a center boom pitch assembly (76). Each rear wing assembly (92) is connected to a hydraulic control system (74) that selectively moves each rear wing assembly (92) in an arc on opposite sides of the boom pitch assembly (76). Each rear wing assembly (92) includes two pivoting parabrakes (32) mounted on the top and bottom surfaces of the wing assembly (92) that moves between a flush mounted configuration to an extended, air brake configuration. Hydraulic cylinders connected to the aircraft hydraulic system (74) are used to control the wing assemblies (92) and parabrakes (32). Disposed between the proximal end of the boom pitch assembly (76) and the aircraft fuselage is the pivoting joint (100) that enables the boom pitch assembly (76) to rotate and to pivot in all direction to simulate the movement and function of a bird's tail, when a bird is in flight. |
| US07717369B2 |
Power plant for a rotary wing aircraft
The present invention relates to a power plant (18) comprising at least one turboshaft engine (8) behind a gearbox (7) for driving a rotor (3) of a rotary wing aircraft (1), the air inlet body (20) of the engine (8) having a first end (21) opening out into the ambient atmosphere in front of the engine, and a second end (22) connected to the engine at the rearmost portion thereof. |
| US07717366B2 |
Controlled magnetic braking of fishing reel spool
An adjustable fishing reel spool brake, the reel having a body, comprising in combination, the spool having a metallic zone that rotates as the spool rotates, a magnetic flux provider carried on the reel body, the provider adjustably movable to vary magnetic flux establishment in the path of rotation of said zone and acting to resist and thereby brake reel rotation. |
| US07717365B2 |
Degradation insert with overhang
In one aspect of the invention, a cone crusher has at least one crushing surface disposed on either a cone and/or an inverted bowl of the crusher. The crushing surface has at least one insert having an impact head with a stem protruding from a base end of the head. The stem has a smaller cross sectional thickness than the head. |
| US07717363B2 |
Degradable polymers and methods of preparation thereof
The present invention provides polymers which substantially degrade in the presence of one or more triggers, preferably light energy or hydrogen peroxide, but does not substantially degrade in the absence of one or more triggers. |
| US07717354B1 |
Cleaning system including operator-wearable components
A cleaning system of the invention may include an operator wearable torso belt, a swivel hook fastened to the belt, and a holder releasably hung on the hook, with the holder sized to releasably hold a chemical container. The cleaning system further may include a chemical container, a spray gun, a chemical draw line connecting the chemical container to the spray gun, and a liquid supply line extending from a multi-functional cleaning machine to the spray gun. If desired, the chemical holder may include a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The first compartment holds the spray gun when the spray gun is not in use, the second compartment holds the chemical container, and the third compartment is sized to hold a tool such as a squeegee or the like. |
| US07717349B2 |
Semiconductor device for IC tag, IC tag and control method for IC tag for detecting and executing command from radio wave
A semiconductor device for an IC tag comprises a receive unit for demodulating receive data from a received RF signal and a signal processing unit for detecting a command comprising data signals from the receive data demodulated by the receive unit and executing processing based on the command, wherein the signal processing unit has a command acceptance mode for detecting the command from the receive data and a command execution mode for executing the command, and cancels the data signal when the data signal is detected from the receive data in the command execution mode. |
| US07717346B2 |
Collision detection and avoidance scheme for contactless card payment systems
An electronic payment system for conducting transactions by presenting a contactless payment card to a card reader. The card reader processes transactions when only one card is present in its operating field. The card reader uses collision detection and avoidance algorithms to detect and report instances where multiple cards are present in the operating field. In response to a reported collision, the collision may be cleared by manual intervention, i.e., by physically removing excess cards from the reader's operating field. |
| US07717345B2 |
Media processing device
A check processing device prevents or suppresses entry of ambient light to a transportation path rendered as a vertical slot between the base unit and opening and closing cover. The upstream-side transportation path part 6a of a check processing device 1 is a vertical channel defined by a base unit guide surface 21 and the cover-side guide surface 30 of an operable cover 3. The image scanning surfaces 51a and 52a of a front contact image sensor 51 and back contact image sensor 52 for imaging the front and back sides of a check 5 are exposed at the cover-side guide surface 30 and the base unit guide surface 21. A cover-side visor 62 and a base-side visor 61 are formed to the cover-side guide surface 30 and base unit guide surface 21 directly above the image scanning surfaces 51a and 52a. These visors 61 and 62 prevent or suppress ambient light from entering to the image scanning surfaces 51a and 52a even if the width of the upstream-side transportation path part 6a increases. |
| US07717344B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing electronic data via a familiar printed medium
The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media. |
| US07717343B2 |
High-efficiency illumination in data collection devices
A hand held data collection device, such as a bar code scanner, portable data terminal, transaction terminal, or bar code verifier, containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that has been modified to improve the efficiency of light energy transmission. The modification involves transition features at the interface between the LED die surface and the ambient environment. Devices using such modified LEDs may offer a number of advantages such as extended read range, decreased read time, and improved battery life. |
| US07717341B2 |
Bar code scanner having an adaptive threshold using a first derivative amplitude
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner system may scan a target based on a first derivative of a reflectance profile received from a scanned target. Positive and negative threshold values may comprise a static portion and a dynamic portion. The static portion may comprise a constant value, and the dynamic portion may be based at lest in part on a charge profile, or a discharge profile, of a capacitor. The threshold for generating the digital signal may be set lower when the amplitude of the first derivative is lower, and higher when the amplitude of the first derivative is higher. |
| US07717335B2 |
Finger puppet stored-value card
A stored-value card includes a substrate including an account identifier and a graphical depiction of a character. The account identifier links the stored-value card to at least one of a financial account and a financial record. The substrate defines an aperture configured to receive a portion of a finger of a card bearer. The aperture is positioned relative to the character such that, when the finger is received by the at least one aperture, the finger appears as an appendage of the character. Methods of encouraging purchase and facilitating use of a stored-value card, and other stored-value card embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US07717331B2 |
Cash dispensing automated banking machine diagnostic system and method
A automated banking machine (10) operates responsive to data read from user cards to carry out financial transactions, and method of operating the machine is provided. The method includes causing with a terminal application, at least one transaction function device of the automated banking machine to operate through at least one communication with an XFS layer of the automated banking machine. The automated banking machine may include a cash dispenser and the transaction function may include dispensing cash. |
| US07717324B2 |
Shipping and display container with removable cover and the associated container blank
The embodiments of the present invention provide a blank of foldable material configurable to form a container. When formed, the container includes a removable top portion of panel assemblies that converts the container from shipping container to a display container. |
| US07717317B2 |
Ball capturing apparatus, solder ball disposing apparatus, ball capturing method, and solder ball disposing method
The present invention relates to a ball capturing apparatus and method of capturing one ball from plural balls having the same size, and to a solder ball disposing apparatus and method of disposing a solder ball containing solder in a predetermined position on a circuit board, thereby reliably capturing one ball from the plural balls having the same size. The apparatus includes: a holding member 111 including a holding wall 111a air-tightly closing a space S that holds a plurality of balls B having the same size and in which a hole 1111 larger than a size of one ball and smaller than a size of two balls is formed in an upper part of the holding wall; blowup means 112 for blowing the balls B held in the holding member 111 upward; and capturing means 12 for capturing a ball B blown up by the blowup means 112 and reached the hole. |
| US07717315B2 |
Method for production of a component
On production of a component, two primary pieces must often be fixed together to give one piece. In order to achieve the above, it is important that the two primary pieces are oriented in a particular manner during the fixing process, which provides some difficulties. According to the invention, a plug body is fixed to the component by a mounting, whereby the position of the plug body relative to the component remains unchanged during a fixing process. |
| US07717313B2 |
Surgical apparatus and structure for applying sprayable wound treatment material
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly. |
| US07717308B2 |
Indicator and garment hanger
In one aspect of the present invention, a top sizer is provided for use in combination with a garment hanger having a body and a hook member. The top sizer has a hollow body having an open bottom, a pair of side walls and a convex top wall that extends between the side walls and closes off a top of the top sizer and at least one locking member formed along an inner surface of one side wall. |
| US07717302B2 |
Pump and a receptacle fitted therewith
The present invention provides a pump (1; 60; 90) for mounting on a receptacle (3), the pump including:an air intake passage formed between the pump body and the moving assembly and capable of communicating with the opening (18) of the pump body;a first lip (40) arranged, after the moving assembly has moved away from a rest position in the substance-dispensing direction, to press in leaktight manner against the pump body and prevent communication between the inside of the receptacle and the pump chamber (6) via the opening (18); anda second lip situated above the first lip when the pump is observed in the head-up position, said second lip being arranged to close the air intake passage when the moving assembly is in its rest position and to release said passage when the moving assembly (5) is displaced in the substance-dispensing direction. |
| US07717301B2 |
Piston device and a fluid/gas drawing apparatus and a foam producing apparatus using such piston device
A piston device comprises a sleeve, a casing pipe, a first piston, a resilient member, and a second piston. The sleeve includes at least one hole arranged at the periphery of its closed end. The casing pipe has at least a through hole arranged on a lateral side thereof proximate to its closed end and is sheathed and connected to the sleeve by a manner that the open end of the casing pipe is faced toward the closed end of the sleeve. The first piston is arranged to sheathe the casing pipe at a position proximate to the closed end of the casing pipe for selectively covering and exposing the through hole by a reciprocate movement. The resilient member is installed in side the sleeve at a position between the closed end of the sleeve and the first piston while ensheathing the casing pipe therethrough. The second piston is arranged to sheathe the sleeve at a position proximate to its open end. Moreover, by combining the piston device with a container containing fluid and gas, a fluid/gas drawing apparatus can be formed, and, by combining the fluid/gas drawing apparatus with a nozzle, a foam producing apparatus capable of producing thick foams can be formed. |
| US07717299B2 |
Actuating device for a medium dispenser
An actuating device for a manually operable medium dispenser includes an energy store for storing an actuating energy necessary to actuate the medium dispenser and a control device for liberating the actuating energy. The control device is being configured for a liberation of the actuating energy when a minimum energy stored in the energy store is exceeded. |
| US07717298B2 |
Blocking device for a beverage dispenser
The invention relates to a blocking device for a beverage dispenser. The technical problem exists of providing a lock for dispensers of this type that can be opened in an uncomplicated manner by the authorized individuals but reliably prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing the contents of the dispenser, however, while at the same time not elevating the security of the lock to such an extent that a loss of a key or of a locking device would lead to a complete inaccessibility to the system, that is to say, not by the authorized individuals as a result of their negligence (loss or misplacing of the key) but by generally unauthorized individuals. To this end, the invention provides a blocking device provided for or on a beverage dispenser comprising a holding device (10) for a beverage and a cover (20) situated above the holding device while provided for covering a filled beverage supply (G). When closed, the cover, with section (21), overlaps the holding device having an edge section (11, 12). A blocking device (30) is displaceably mounted (A,23) in the overlapping section (21). The displaceability (A) of the blocking device (30) is hindered by an obstructing device (40) when the obstructing device is located in a position of rest. |
| US07717297B2 |
Component mixing method, apparatus and system
A mixing device and method for mixing at least one first ingredient and at least one second ingredient. The device includes a body which has a wall defining a cavity. A first inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the first ingredient and a second inlet communicates with the cavity for introducing the second ingredient. An outlet is provided in communication with the cavity receiving the mixed first and second ingredient which have been mixed in the cavity. The ingredients are mixed by introducing one ingredient as a stream and the second ingredient as a forcefully introduced stream. An area upstream of the ingredients is provided for mixing ingredients. Once mixed the ingredients must flow through the body before reaching the outlet. Multiple mixing devices can be cascaded to produce additional variations and mixing methods. The device can be in the form of a kit for retrofitting on existing devices such as beverage dispensers. |
| US07717296B1 |
Transportable and collapsible fabric tank system with integral balloon baffle system
A portable, flexible, fabric-composite-based, tank system with internal baffles capable for transporting water and other liquids on a non-dedicated truck is herein disclosed. A heavy textile tank is impregnated with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is available in multiple sizes capable of being transported by pickup, flatbed or tractor-trailer trucks. The fabric tank have a series of internal inflatable baffles to aid in the stability of the tank by preventing sloshing of the liquid contents while traveling with the tank partially filled. The internal baffles inflate to sizes large enough to force liquids out of the tank through the discharge valve by displacing fluid with air without the need for a pump. When finished with use, the fabric tanks can be cleaned, dried, and collapsed for storage, thus allowing the truck's transport platform to be used for other tasks if necessary. |
| US07717294B2 |
Beverage dispensing gas consumption detection with alarm and backup operation
A mixed-gas beverage dispensing system for driving beverages from a container to a tap with a predetermined ratio of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) gas includes one or more monitors to detect excessive consumption of N2. The system may include a N2 generator, with a monitor monitoring the N2 generator to detect excessive operation thereof. The system may include a N2 reservoir, with a monitor monitoring the pressure in the N2 reservoir. The system may include a volumetric gas flow meter interposed in one or more mixed-gas distribution lines to monitor the flow of mixed gas. Upon detecting consumption of N2 gas in excess of a predetermined threshold, a monitor may trigger an audible, visual, or electronic alarm; may shut down operation of the system; and/or may switch to one or more backup gas tanks containing CO2, N2 or a predetermined blend thereof, for continued beverage dispensing operation. |
| US07717293B2 |
Bag holder and dispenser
A bag dispenser is provided. The bag dispenser includes at least one outer wall, an inner chamber located within the at least one outer wall, at least one opening in the at least one outer wall and an adjustable divider located with the inner chamber. |
| US07717288B2 |
Liquid tank system
Disclosed is a liquid container adapted to store liquefied natural gas (LNG). The LNG storage container include a sealing wall directly contacting liquid contained in the tank and a structural wall, which is an exterior wall or inner structure integrated with the exterior wall. The container further includes a plurality of connectors mechanically connecting the sealing wall and the structural wall and an intermediate wall structure positioned between the structural wall and the interior wall. The intermediate wall structure is configured to move relative to at least one of the interior wall and the structural wall. |
| US07717287B2 |
Liquid hydrogen storage tank with radial stiffening
A storage tank having an inner vessel suspended within the outer vessel. One or more stiffening members support portions of the outer vessel. The use of the stiffening members limits deformation of the outer vessel due to the suspension of the inner vessel therein. |
| US07717286B2 |
Crucible cover for aluminothermic reaction
A cover for closing a top opening of a thermite reaction chamber of a crucible is substantially continuous and is secured to an annular filter lining via a bottom peripheral edge for making contact on a top peripheral edge of the crucible. The filter lining is substantially continuous and is suitable for constituting a substantially continuous contact medium between the bottom edge and top edge. The cover is applicable, for example, to thermite welding, e.g., for use in tunnels or underground. |
| US07717285B2 |
Disposable splatter guard
The disposable splatter guard is a cover for food being heated in a microwave oven. The splatter guard has a fluted wall member and a semi-rigid, pyramidal top made from a fluted material. The flutes of the wall member and the pyramidal top maintain rigidity and prevent the splatter guard from collapsing into the food product. The top has a plurality of vents to allow steam to escape. The pyramidal configuration prevents condensation from dripping back onto the cooked food and permits easy stacking and dispensing. The disposable splatter guard is made from a microwave transparent material, such as paper. |
| US07717283B2 |
Collapsible container
A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted below a lip formed on an upper edge of the wall. The support is pivotable between a support position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. A stop on the adjacent wall prevents the support from retracting when another container is stacked thereon. |
| US07717280B2 |
Two-piece aft closure for a rocket motor case
An aft closure assembly manufactured from two separate and distinct pieces made from different materials is provided for a rocket motor case. The aft closure assembly includes at least a retaining ring piece made from a first material similar to or having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the motor case. The aft closure assembly includes a blast tube and closure piece that can be manufactured from a second material that does not need to be similar to nor have a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to the motor case and retaining ring piece. This is possible because the blast tube and closure piece includes a face seal that seals against a face of the retaining ring. |
| US07717277B2 |
Rotatable tool organizer
A tool organizer is disclosed for supporting and organizing a variety of tools. The tool caddy includes a circular base that rests upon a lazy susan bearing, allowing 360 degree rotation of the tool caddy. The tool caddy includes shaped openings in the circular base for storing tools such as sockets, a central raised platform for resting larger tools, and a drawer beneath the central raised platform for storing smaller parts and tools. There are screwdriver holders at the end of the drawer and a bridge above the central raised platform for storing additional tools. |
| US07717274B2 |
Device and method for preparing washed red blood cells for newborn transfusions
A newborn transfusion cell washing device generally comprising a disposable, graduated test tube shaped container having a cap with an inlet port, an injection/sampling port, a suction port, and a vent. The container is capable of being inserted into a conventional clinical centrifuge. The device requires a relatively small volume to operate, 25 ml or less per procedure, and can be performed easily by any hospital blood bank technologist without any special skills. Washed RBCs can be provided to the patient in a timely manner, without the need for “fresh blood.” Any in-dated RBCs can be washed to remove excessive potassium and other toxins. The main RBC aliquot can be saved and repeatedly sampled until the unit is expired or exhausted. This provides a cost savings to the hospital and more importantly, minimizes the recipient's donor exposure. |
| US07717273B2 |
Membrane surface modification by radiation-induced polymerization
The invention provides porous membranes with at least a partially modified surface as well as methods of making and using the same. |
| US07717268B2 |
Consumer package having a viewing angle dependent appearance
A consumer package having a viewing angle dependent image. The consumer package includes an image that provides a perception of at least two attributes selected from among motion, depth of field, image flip, and image zoom. The perception provided by the image changes according to the viewing angle the image is observed at. The consumer package may comprise a portion of a kit that also includes a consumer product at least partially enclosed in the consumer package. The kit may further include a package holder that may cooperate with the package to enhance the perception provided by the viewing angle dependent package. |
| US07717265B2 |
Device for storage, shipment and display of merchandise
A device for the storage, shipment and display of merchandise is provided. The device comprises a display bin and a frame disposed under the display bin. The frame comprises top and bottom supports and a cavity between the top and bottom supports. At least one storage bin disposed in the cavity of the frame and a sleeve comprising walls is disposed around at least a portion of the frame. |
| US07717262B1 |
Compact disk box structure
A compact disk (CD) box structure includes a seat having an upward extended central post, which has an externally threaded upper end; a knob having a downward extended and internally threaded hollow central column for screwing to the externally threaded upper end of the central post, so that CDs stacked on the seat around the central post can be immovably held to the seat by the knob; a protective barrel being a cylindrical container with a closed bottom and an open top, so that the seat having CDs stacked thereon can be fitly received in the protective barrel; and a top cover being connectable to a flange around the open top of the protective barrel by high-frequency heating or heat melting to seal the CDs in the protective barrel. The CDs stored in the CD box are not only well protected against dust, but also scratches possibly caused by vibration. |
| US07717260B2 |
Hinged lid box for cigarettes
In a hinge-lid box comprising a box part (13), lid and collar (15), the collar (15) is configured such that the collar side tabs (29, 30) lie at a distance from the box side walls (26). The collar side tabs (29, 30) are supported by supporting tabs (35, 36; 40, 41) on the box side walls (26). |
| US07717256B1 |
Side-by-side locking display and dispensing structure
A side-by-side locking display and dispensing structure formed by two ticket dispensing units having adjacent sidewalls and a coupling plate for demountably attaching said dispensing units together in a side-by-side relationship whereby the dispensing units have adjacent sidewalls that are connected together by the coupling plate. Also included in the dispensing units are rails for holding dividers that allow the units to hold tickets of different sizes and ticket fasteners that permit the tickets to be displayed at the front of the units. |
| US07717254B2 |
Glass sheet guidance system and method for guiding glass sheets
A glass sheet guidance system includes a guidance member (22) having a small contact area with the glass sheet (12) and being taut to provide guidance to the glass sheet. In order to provide consistent guidance, even in environments where there is a large change in temperature, the guidance member is held taut by a tension member (24). The guidance member is supported by holders (10) so that, while remaining taut, the guidance member can be moved in three dimensions so as to accommodate glass sheets having different widths (1), heights (2), and thicknesses (3). Also, there is provided a method of guiding glass sheets with the guidance system. |
| US07717252B2 |
Cargo power drive unit with uniform bi-directional drive traction
A power drive unit for propelling cargo containers and pallets in a desired direction over a plurality of cargo deck roller elements includes an elongated yoke having a pivot end and an opposite end. The pivot end is pivotally connected to a deck support structure. A drive roller is rotatably mounted to the yoke. At least one resilient member is disposed between the opposite end of the yoke and the support portion of the deck structure. A drive motor coupled to the drive roller selectively rotates the drive roller in two opposed directions. A reaction member connected to the drive motor is at least partially movably engaged with the deck support structure to permit at least some pivotal movement of the yoke, and to substantially prevent rotation of the drive motor relative to the yoke. |
| US07717250B2 |
Tunable centrifugal clutch
A centrifugal clutch is disclosed including a driver adapted to engage and to be rotated by an input shaft, a drum adapted to engage a driven component, a plurality of shoes located between the driver and the drum, and a plurality of springs, each spring engaged with adjacent shoes for urging the shoes together. The shoes are radially movable between an outward position in which the shoes contact the drum and an inward position in which the shoes are spaced apart from the drum. Each shoe has an asymmetrical contacting member for engaging the drum, the contacting member having a toe protruding circumferentially therefrom in one direction. Each shoe is capable of being independently installed into the clutch with the toe of the contacting member facing either towards or away from the direction of rotation of the driver, provided that the driver remains rotationally balanced. The contacting member of each shoe further includes one or more cavities each adapted to receive at least one weight to enable adjustment of the mass of each shoe and the mass distribution within each shoe. |
| US07717248B2 |
Process and device for controlling and/or regulating an automated clutch
In a process which is for controlling and/or regulating an automated clutch, in particular in the drive train of a vehicle, and in which an actuating element, whose position determines the clutch torque transmissible by the clutch, is actuated for setting a predefined clutch torque according to a characteristic curve, the actuating element is actuated according to a characteristic curve which in a first range of the clutch torque specifies the clutch torque as a function of the position of the actuating element and in a second range of the clutch torque specifies the clutch torque as a function of the force applied to the clutch by the actuating element. |
| US07717247B2 |
Synchronization device for a change speed gear
A synchronization device is described for a change speed gear, comprising at least one cone clutch which comprises a double cone ring (10) which is freely rotatable relative to a hub (1) between an inner friction ring (8) and an outer synchronizing ring (9) which is axially displaceable relative to the friction ring (8) and which comprises a ring body (15) with a stop gearing (14) on the outer circumference and a friction surface (17) on the inner circumference as well as radially inwardly facing drivers (13) for the friction ring (8). In order to provide advantageous constructional conditions it is proposed that the drivers (13) are provided on a driver ring (16) made of at least one sheet-metal pre-cut part which is joined to the ring body (15) consisting of a sintered body. |
| US07717243B2 |
Torque converter with fluid and viscous couplings
In one embodiment, a torque converter is provided with a fluid coupling and a viscous coupling. The viscous coupling includes a plurality of closely-spaced surfaces, wherein facing ones of the closely-spaced surfaces are alternately splined to rotate with driving or driven elements of the torque converter, and wherein the closely-spaced surfaces have an average spacing that causes ones of the surfaces rotating with the driving elements to exert a viscous pull on ones of the surfaces rotating with the driven elements when the torque converter is filled with a viscous fluid. A fluid receiving portion of the torque converter receives a viscous fluid into the torque converter, and a fluid return portion expels the viscous fluid from the torque converter. The fluid receiving and fluid return portions are positioned to define a fluid pumping path through the torque converter, wherein the fluid pumping path traverses paths between the closely-spaced surfaces of the viscous coupling, and wherein the fluid pumping path increases a shear force of the viscous fluid as the viscous fluid is pumped between the closely-spaced surfaces of the viscous coupling. |
| US07717242B2 |
Torsional vibration damper disk
A torsional vibration damping disk with a base body which has a circumferential edge on the outside which is partially turned back in order to form receiver spaces for spring elements, in particular for bow spring elements. In order to create a torsional vibration damping disk which has a long service life at high rotational rates, a reinforcement strap, the free end of which is fastened to the base body, extends out from the circumferential edge in the area of at least one receiver space. |
| US07717241B2 |
Braking or clutching device
An electric braking or clutching device includes a housing; an armature having an axis and disposed at the housing, the armature and the housing defining a radial air gap therebetween; and a coil configured to generate, when energized, a magnetic field at the housing and armature, a flux path of the field extending from the coil into the armature, from the armature into the housing, and from the housing back to the coil, with the direction of the flux path from the armature into the housing being substantially radial in orientation. |
| US07717238B2 |
Elevator control system
An elevator control system includes an entrance person authentication section provided at a predetermined distance from an elevator hall for permitting a visitor to use an elevator and register a call of the elevator. A storage section stores a predetermined estimated move time value for the visitor to move from the entrance person authentication section to the hall. An arrival detection section detects the elevator arriving at the hall. A timer starts to count based on permission of the entrance person authentication section and sets an arrival time value when the arrival detection section detects the elevator arriving at the hall. A display notifies a passenger in a car or at the hall of a presence of the visitor. If the arrival time value is shorter than the estimated move time value, the display is activated. |
| US07717236B2 |
Elevator and elevator brake
An elevator may include a hoisting machine, a set of hoisting ropes, a traction sheave, an elevator car, elevator car guide rails, and a brake. The hoisting machine may engage the set of hoisting ropes via the traction sheave in order to move the elevator car along the elevator car guide rails. The brake may be configured to affect rotational movement of the traction sheave. The brake may include a brake shoe and a braking surface. In an emergency braking situation in which the elevator car is moving upward, the brake shoe may be configured to move in a direction of rotation of the braking surface. An elevator brake may include a brake frame, a brake plate, a wedge piece, a brake shoe, at least one spring element, and at least one electromagnet. |
| US07717235B2 |
Convertible point-of-sale checkout terminal
A convertible checkout terminal includes a housing having a window and a data capture device for capturing through the window data associated with products to be checked out at the terminal, a customer interface supported by the housing for enabling a customer to interact with the terminal in a self-service mode of operation, a clerk interface supported by the housing for enabling a clerk to interact with the terminal in a full-service mode of operation, and a mode selector for selecting either the self-service mode in which the customer interface is operational, or the full-service mode in which the clerk interface is operational. |
| US07717231B2 |
Ladder guard
A ladder guard (10) for use with a ladder (8) having a plurality of rungs (8a-8f). The ladder guard has a first position, in which respective portions (21-23) of the ladder guard are located in front of a number of the rungs (8b-8d) to prevent access to the rungs. The ladder guard has a second position, in which the portions (21-23) of the ladder guard are located behind rungs of the ladder to allow access to the rungs of the number of rungs. The ladder guard includes a support (12) for supporting the ladder guard on a ladder for movement from the first to the second position by lifting the portions of the ladder guard up and over the rungs of the number of rungs. The ladder guard further includes means to releasably lock the ladder guard in the first position. |
| US07717227B2 |
Speaker attaching construction and speaker
A speaker attaching construction mounted on a plate, including a speaker removably provided with fixtures, having a first engager on one side of an attaching plate and a second engager formed with an engaging piece on the other side of the attaching plate, at a plurality of points by engaging the first engagers with receivers of a frame, through clamping the plate by means of the engaging pieces passed fixing holes of the plate and elastically restored and the attaching plate. This can facilitate the attaching operation and eliminate the stress, resulting from the elastic force, from being applied to the frame. Thus, the speaker can be set up stably. |
| US07717224B2 |
Power steering device for four-wheel drive vehicle
The present invention offers a power steering device for a four-wheel drive, which includes: a first self-aligning torque estimation unit for estimating a self-aligning torque generated in a current vehicle behavior as a first self-aligning torque; a second self-aligning torque estimation unit for estimating a self-aligning torque that is to influence a subsequent vehicle behavior as a second self-aligning torque; a self-aligning torque change amount calculation unit for calculating a difference of the second self-aligning torque from the first self-aligning torque as a self-aligning torque change amount; and an assisting force correction unit for determining and outputting a corrected value of an assisting force to be generated for a steering operation based on the self-aligning torque change amount. Therefore, even when the self-aligning torque changes as the distribution of the front and rear driving power is variably controlled, a corresponding assisting force is generated, maintaining a natural steering feeling without causing an unpleasant sensation to the driver. |
| US07717222B2 |
Snowmobile throttle control top hat design
A snowmobile throttle control apparatus includes a pair of bushings with a hole and closed ends and a separate axle pin. The bushings are assembled to a thumb lever and mounted over the axle pin. The axle pin allows for a controlled gap to be maintained between the throttle lever, bushing assembly and the control housing. The thumb lever is allowed to flex open when a side load is applied. Thus allowing the thumb lever assembly to travel without binding on the control housing. This insures proper functioning of the RPS feature. |
| US07717215B2 |
Seat belt retractor
A seat belt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is structured such that a motor for rotating a spool of a seat belt retractor is controlled to drive in the belt winding direction to apply a first tension on a seat belt before a vehicle collision and the motor is controlled to drive in the belt winding direction to apply a second tension on the seat belt during the vehicle collision. |
| US07717214B2 |
Motorcycle with countershaft and adjustable motor mount
A motorcycle having a frame, front and rear wheel assemblies and a motor and transmission assembly. The motor and transmission assembly attaches to the frame through a front mounting assembly and a rear mounting assembly such that the motor is selectively movable horizontally with respect to the frame. The front and rear mounting assemblies are preferably isolation mounted to dampen vibrations from the motor to the frame. In an embodiment a countershaft is mounted to the frame, the countershaft having a drive sprocket on one side, and a driven sprocket on the opposite side. Therefore, the transmission power take-off engages the countershaft through a chain on one side of the motorcycle, and the rear wheel assembly engages the countershaft through a chain on the other side of the motorcycle. Because the horizontal position of the motor is adjustable, the transmission chain can be adjusted independently of the rear wheel chain. |
| US07717212B2 |
Vehicle suspension systems for seperated acceleration responses
The invention relates to suspension systems comprising, in certain embodiments, a pivoting means concentric to a wheel rotation axis so that braking forces can be controlled by placement of an instant force center, and so that acceleration forces can be controlled by a swinging wheel link. |
| US07717211B2 |
Swing arm structure with shaft drive and spacer
To provide a rear wheel structure which can easily perform the mounting and dismounting of a rear wheel without causing a fluctuation in a banking angle. In the rear wheel structure which includes a pair of left and right swing arms which are arranged to sandwich a rear wheel, a driving force transmission device is provided for transmitting a driving force to the rear wheel along one swing arm, and a spacer which is arranged on an axle of the rear wheel. A muffler is arranged outside the swing arm on a side opposite to the driving force transmission device. The spacer is arranged between the swing arm on the driving-force-transmission-device-side and the rear wheel for mounting the rear wheel relative to the one swing arm. |
| US07717209B2 |
Vehicle with vertical lift
An apparatus for producing vertical lift in a vehicle. In one embodiment, two sets of trans-flow fans discharge air through multi-directional vane assemblies that direct the discharged air outward and downward. Each one of the sets of fans is positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. The multi-directional vane assemblies include vertical vanes that direct the discharged air fore and aft and horizontal vanes that direct the discharged air downward at various angles. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a hovercraft skirt and a portion of the discharge air is directed into the skirt, causing the vehicle lift vertically on a cushion of air. In one such embodiment, a flow director controls the amount of discharged air flowing through the inlet to the volume defined by the skirt. |
| US07717207B2 |
Mounting structure for storage battery device
Two side members are provided so as to be in side portions of a vehicle. Each side member is provided with a kick-up portion curved upward. A cross member is provided so as to interconnect side surfaces of forward portions of the kick-up portions of the two side members. A forward portion of a battery pack is fixed to an upper surface of the cross member via forward brackets welded to the forward portion of the battery pack. A rearward portion of the battery pack is fixed to upper surfaces of rearward portions of the kick-up portions of the two side members via a bridge provided so as to interconnect the two side members. |
| US07717205B2 |
Engine hood assembly enclosure with exhaust aftertreatment device integrated therein, and machine using same
A hood assembly for a machine includes an enclosure within which at least one exhaust aftertreatment device is mounted. The engine hood assembly may be preassembled so that the exhaust aftertreatment system is integrated into the enclosure. This may allow the hood assembly to be assembled to the machine and the exhaust aftertreatment system mated to an exhaust pipe from the engine as a unit while the machine is being built on an assembly line. The engine hood assembly may include ventilation openings to assist in heat rejection from the engine compartment and from the exhaust aftertreatment devices. The hood assembly of the present disclosure finds particular application in assisting large track type tractors in meeting ever more stringent exhaust emission requirements without extensive and expensive redesign alternatives. |
| US07717203B2 |
Wheel rotating apparatus and in-wheel motor vehicle
In a wheel rotating apparatus including a motor and a planet gear mechanism to generate a drive force, the planet gear includes first and second gears having different diameters, connected to each other in an axial direction thereof with planet gear shaft. The first gear is inside the stator and the rotor in radial and axial directions of the wheel and the second gear is outside the first gear in an axial direction of the wheel. A vehicle may include a suspension connected to the base of the wheel rotating apparatus. |
| US07717201B2 |
Undercarriage having shock absorption function
Disclosed is an undercarriage having a shock absorption function, including a pair of roller frames facing each other, each roller frame having a plurality of vibration-proof rollers inside thereof, at a lower portion thereof, a main frame disposed between the roller frames and provided with a turn table at a center portion thereof, and a shock absorption bridge for connecting the main frame to the roller frame. According to the present invention, vibration-proof rollers are installed inside a roller frame instead of conventional rollers and the shock absorption bridge is fixed between the main frame and the roller frame, thereby absorbing an external shock in two steps and thus enhancing ride comfort. |
| US07717197B2 |
Apparatus for keeping a down hole drilling tool vertically aligned
An apparatus (10) for keeping a down hole drilling tool vertically uses a pendulum (36). The pendulum (36) controls flow from outlets (34) of drilling fluid chambers (30), providing drilling fluid to centralizer (24) activating pistons (26) acting upon centralizer blades (24). When the outer housing (12) deviates from a vertical orientation, the pendulum (36) swings by force of gravity to assume an angularly offset pivotal position. This adjusts the hydraulic pressure in one or two of the outlets (34) for one or two of the drilling fluid chambers (30) resulting in a change in the hydraulic force acting upon one or two of the pistons (26) causing one of the centralizers (24) to change their position to urge the outer housing (12) back toward the vertical position until the pendulum (36) again assumes the concentric pivotal position and the balanced pressure equilibrium in the drilling fluid chambers (30) is restored. |
| US07717196B2 |
Angle drilling device
In an angle drilling device for introducing or expanding wellbores that are inclined in relation to the horizontal, an angle-adjustable bore rig for a movable feed drive is arranged on a base frame that is movable for example. The bore rig is pivotally connected with the base frame while a connection, for example a link bar, extends between the feed drive and the base frame and has a constant length to effect during travel of the feed drive a change in incline of the bore rig as a consequence of the distance between both pivot points for the bore rig and the point of articulation of the connection. |
| US07717191B2 |
Multi-mode hammer drill with shift lock
A shift bracket can be mounted on a shift rod for movement between a first, high-speed drilling mode and a second, low-speed drilling mode. Cooperating shift lock surfaces can be associated with the shift bracket and the shift rod, respectively. For example, a groove in the can create a shift lock surface on the shift rod. The shift bracket can be moved into a locked configuration where the cooperating shift lock surfaces can engage each other preventing movement of the bracket out of the high-speed drilling mode. The hammer mode can correspond to the high-speed drilling mode, but not to the low-speed drilling mode. A spring member can bias the bracket toward the locked position. An actuation member can be coupled to the shift bracket to overcome the biasing member and to rotate or perpendicularly move the bracket into an unlocked position. The actuation member can also move the shift member from the first mode to the second mode. |
| US07717189B2 |
Planter with remote hydraulic feed
An agricultural implement, such as a planter, having a telescoping tongue for placing the implement in either a transport or field use configuration, includes an hydraulic pump located on the planter frame, preferably toward the rear, for powering the planting functions. A mechanical drive line from the PTO of the tractor to the remote hydraulic pump is disengaged as the planter frame begins to move from the planting position. The drive line permits the tractor to make full 90° turns in the field. |
| US07717188B2 |
Soil aerator
A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus. |
| US07717187B1 |
Method, system and apparatus for retarding fire
A self-protecting barrier for retarding fire has a combustible hydric member or a network of combustible hydric members having an ignition temperature above 100° C., at least a first surface which is water-permeable and may be flammable, and a sufficient water absorption capacity for fire retardation. The hydric members may be foamed-polymer elements, or superabsorbent polymer-filled matrixes, or loose superabsorbent polymer-filled pouches or pockets. A self-protecting barrier system for retarding fire further includes fire adjacent the water-permeable surface and steam between the water-permeable surface and the fire, and may further include a combustible object adjacent the barrier opposite the fire. A method of isolating a combustible object from the flames of a fire includes the steps of providing at least one fire-retardant barrier between the object and the flames, volatilizing or boiling a portion of the hydration water at a temperature of about 100° C. to form a first steam layer at the first surface and deterring ignition of the hydric member and preventing the flames from reaching the object by substantially extinguishing the flames with the first steam layer. The method may also include the steps of allowing the first steam layer to dissipate, and then removing the barrier, and other steps. |
| US07717186B2 |
Removable horseshoe clip
A removable horseshoe clip for temporarily placement on a horseshoe during the fitment process to secure the horseshoe against slipping or rotational movement during nailing, and method of use. The removable horseshoe clip includes an inner retaining clip sized to engage the inner peripheral edge of a horseshoe, a broad base for seating against the bottom surface of the horseshoe, and an outer retaining clip adapted to abut the outer peripheral edge of a horseshoe and the outer surface of a hoof wall. |
| US07717185B2 |
Lock open and control system access apparatus for a downhole safety valve
A combination penetration tool for access to the control system of a subsurface safety valve also has a lockout for the flapper that operates by latching into a nipple profile near its upper end as a series of collet fingers pass through a sleeve that is held in the locked position on the valve housing. One or more dogs on the collet fingers line up with the flapper already pushed open by the advancing collet fingers to push the flapper further back. A second series of dogs get past the sleeve after moving through it. With a jar up force the second series of dogs overcomes a lock on the sleeve and shifts the sleeve to overlap the open flapper and allow the lock ring that moves with the sleeve to latch into the housing. The second series of dogs is sheared off but retained by the tool for removal from the well. The penetrator portion of the tool is a known device that preferably works by jarring up. |
| US07717184B2 |
Safety interlock for control lines
A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips. |
| US07717180B2 |
Swellable elastomers and associated methods
Methods are provided that include a method of reducing fluid loss in a subterranean formation comprising placing a lost circulation composition comprising a base fluid and a swellable elastomer in at least a portion of a subterranean formation comprising a lost circulation zone; allowing the swellable elastomer to at least partially swell upon contact with a fluid; and allowing the lost circulation composition to at least partially reduce the loss of fluid to the subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided. |
| US07717177B2 |
Energized fluid for generating self-cleaning filter cake
A process for generating and subsequently breaking a filter cake, including dissolving a non-reactive gas in a wellbore fluid to form an energized fluid; pumping the energized fluid into a formation at a downhole pressure, wherein the pumping is at overbalanced conditions; producing a filter cake; and decreasing the down hole pressure to below a cut point of the dissolved gas in the energized fluid to form a vapor phase, wherein the vapor phase compromises the integrity of the filter cake is disclosed. |
| US07717176B2 |
Permeable cements
A permeable cement composition including an aqueous slurry of a hydraulic cement which is based upon a water-immiscible dispersed fluid phase and a hollow particulate material. The hollow particulate material breaks down in the presence of the cement so as to leave voids which together with the dispersed phase create a permeable structure in the cement. |
| US07717172B2 |
Methods and apparatus to sample heavy oil from a subteranean formation
A method of sampling fluid from a subterranean formation includes positioning a first tool having a heater in a borehole so that the heater is adjacent a portion of the subterranean formation; heating with the heater the portion of the subterranean formation; removing the first tool from the borehole; orienting a second tool having a sampling probe in the borehole so that the sampling probe is to contact a portion of the subterranean formation heated by the heater; and obtaining via the sampling probe a fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation heated by the heater. |
| US07717169B2 |
Bearing assembly system with integral lubricant distribution and well drilling equipment comprising same
A well drilling head comprises a well drilling head housing, a bearing assembly, a first lubricant manifold and a second lubricant manifold. The well drilling head housing has a sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within the well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached to a lower end portion thereof. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearings and a bearing lubricant flow path configured for allowing bearing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The first lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to the first end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path. The second lubricant manifold has a bearing lubricant passage coupled to a second end portion of the bearing lubricant flow path. |
| US07717165B2 |
Heat exchanger, especially charge-air/coolant radiator
Disclosed is a heat exchanger, particularly a charge-air/coolant radiator (1), having a disk-type structure. Said heat exchanger comprises a plurality of disks (2) which are penetrated by a coolant and a fluid that is to be cooled. The inlet zone and/or outlet zone for the fluid that is to be cooled is/are expanded at least at the discharge end or delivery end. |
| US07717164B2 |
Stacked plate heat exchanger in particular an oil cooler for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a stacked plate heat exchanger (1), in particular, an oil cooler for motor vehicles, made up into an assembly from alternating dished plates and baffle sheets (3), stacked one on top of and inside the other, each comprising first and second through openings (7, 8), for the formation of distribution and collector channels, which are welded together to form said first and second flow channels, whereby the baffle sheets (3) form a stay between the stacked plates and the assembly is enclosed by a base plate (4) and a cover plate (5). |
| US07717163B2 |
Heat exchanger
The difference in linear thermal expansion coefficient between the fins (57) and the adsorbent layer (58) is made smaller than the difference in the linear thermal expansion coefficient between the fins (57) and the adsorbent. |
| US07717159B2 |
Method, apparatus and system of changing a mold in a die casting machine
A mold clamping apparatus for a die casting machine is provided. The apparatus can include a base, a fixed die plate standing fixedly on an end of an injection side of the base and defining a cavity therein, and a moving die plate arranged so as to proceed and retract on the base facing the fixed die plate and defining a cavity therein. A first versatile main mold can be disposed in the cavity of the fixed die plate and adapted to receive an insert die. Further, a second versatile main mold can be disposed in the cavity of the moving die plate and adapted to receive an insert die. |
| US07717157B2 |
Sun shade apparatus
A sun shade apparatus of the present invention has a pair of cables provided so as to be movable in outer tubes. A curtain has its opposite ends connected to ends of each cable and is stretched with the movement of the cables. At least one of the outer tubes is divided into a first tube and a second tube between which a length adjusting mechanism is interposed. The length adjusting mechanism consists of a first connecting member having a female thread formed therein, and a second connecting member having a male thread formed on its outer surface and having a cylindrical portion which is screwed into the female thread of the first connecting member. A fastening nut member which abuts against an end surface of the first connecting member is provided on the cylindrical portion. |
| US07717156B2 |
Device for creating an adjustable angular force
A device for creating an angular biasing force for the roller tube of a security shade, which roller tube is mounted to a fixed structure of a vehicle. The device comprises an element attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle and a plurality of force units, each including a torsion spring exerting a biasing force between the structure and the roller tube, wherein the torsion springs each have a first inner end associated with the fixed structure and a second outer end associated with the roller tube so the torsion biasing force of each spring is in a direction from the fixed structure to the roller tube. The total angular force of the device is the sum of the biasing forces of all of the torsion spring force units when the units are connected in parallel. When connected in series, the magnitude of angular rotation is the sum of the angle of rotation of all units. |
| US07717155B2 |
Pivoting barrier operator system with integral cable storage drum and transfer assembly
An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, comprising an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, at least a portion of said operator motor assembly movable depending upon an operating condition thereof; a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the barrier, said counterbalance system coupled to said operator motor assembly to move the barrier; and an integral cable storage drum and transfer assembly connecting said operator motor assembly to said counterbalance system. |
| US07717152B2 |
Net guide for wire screen and wire screen apparatus having the same
A net guide for a wire screen, made to absorb an impact by causing connections of many guide pieces of a net guide formed by the connections of the guide pieces to have a stretchability. A net guide going in and out from a lower end of a movable frame in compliance with an opening/closing of a net to thereby guide a lower end of the net is constituted by connecting, by a wire, many guide pieces formed approximately like a U-letter by a bottom part and a standing wall part. The wire is inserted through through-holes of the guide pieces, and the guide pieces under a connected state are pressed by a coil spring giving a tension to the wire. |
| US07717151B2 |
Material placement method and apparatus
A material placement head for dispensing and compacting a plurality of strips of a material onto a surface with a plurality of independently movable roller assemblies. Each roller assembly of the placement head comprises a compacting roller and may be rotatably and linearly moved in six-degrees of freedom independent of the other roller assemblies of the placement head. The roller assemblies may be arranged in a staggered configuration and substantially simultaneously apply the plurality of strips of the material to the surface, such that the strips of the material are applied to adjacent paths on the surface. Each compacting roller may be malleable and substantially crowned around its outer circumferential surface to provide even compaction to the strips of the material. |
| US07717147B2 |
Apparatus for refurbishing used cores for rolls of material
Apparatus (2) for refurbishing used cores (4) for rolls of material, which apparatus comprises: stripper means (6) for stripping remaining material (8) from the used cores (4); feed means (10) for feeding the used cores (4) to the stripper means (6); cleaning means (12) for cleaning the used cores (4) after they have been treated by the stripper means (6); and adhesive applicator means (14) for applying adhesive to the used cores (4) whereby the used cores (4) are then ready for re-use as refurbished cores for new rolls of material. |
| US07717145B2 |
Router support for a jig apparatus
A jig apparatus for aiding in the formation of a variety of mechanically interconnecting structures in workpieces. The jig apparatus may include a base and a template mounting system for adjustably positioning a template with respect to the base. A securing system for securing a workpiece in a desired position may be included. An adjustable workpiece mounting fence may also be included for varying the angular orientation of a workpiece to be shaped with respect to a template. Additionally, a collar guide system for a router for utilization with a template may be implemented with a hand held router being implemented for removing material from a workpiece. A router bit positioning system for aiding in establishing a pre-determined bit depth may be included. |
| US07717134B2 |
Quick draining air valve
A quick draining air valve comprises a first valve having an air inlet device for inputting high pressure air; a second valve having at least one channel which is extended to a surface of the second valve; a distal end of the channel extending with a tube which is connected to the air inflation tube; the second valve being connected to the first valve so that high pressure air enters into the tube through the channel and then into the air inflation tube; and a cover plate being openable, high pressure air providing by the first valve being drained out with a high speed from the second valve; by the channel of the second valve, residue air in the air inflation tube connected to the tube of the second valve is drained out from the second valve. |
| US07717133B2 |
Spout tip attachment
A water delivery system is disclosed including a first component coupled to a fluid transport member, the first component including an interface, and a second component coupled to an aerator. The second component positioning the first component relative to the aerator. The aerator and the interface of the first component cooperate to form a water tight seal there between. |
| US07717130B2 |
Fast-acting fluid control valve
A fluid control valve capable of rapidly opening and closing. The valve includes a housing with an annular-shaped spool cavity that contains an annular-shaped spool capable of axial movement within the spool cavity between first and second spool positions. The spool has axially-spaced circumferential spool sealing features and optionally radial passages therethrough. The housing has axially-spaced circumferential housing sealing features configured and disposed within the spool cavity so that, with the spool in the first spool position, fluid flow is enabled through the spool cavity axially between the spool sealing features and the housing sealing features, which provide axial force balancing of the spool. With the spool in the second spool position, the spool sealing features and the housing sealing features cooperate to substantially prevent fluid flow through the spool cavity. |
| US07717128B2 |
Pressure balanced three-way valve for motion control
A switching control valve for use in controlling the motion of a hydraulic component is provided. The valve includes a housing that defines a feed port, an outlet port, a drain port, and a longitudinal opening through the housing. The valve also includes an inlet valve moveably positionable in the longitudinal opening for selectively fluidly connecting the feed port to the outlet port, as well as a drain valve moveably positionable in the longitudinal opening for selectively fluidly connecting the outlet port to the drain port. The valve further includes a valve shaft that is moveably positionable in the longitudinal opening, such as by a solenoid or similar control device, and is operably connected to the inlet valve and the drain valve. The housing, the inlet valve and/or the drain valve are configured to provide permanent fluid communication between the outlet port and the drain port. |
| US07717123B2 |
Biomechanically derived crutch
A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a fixed end and a free end. |
| US07717121B2 |
Free arm parasol
The invention relates to a free arm parasol which comprises a pole (2) whereon an extension arm (10) is guided such that it can be extended and detracted in the direction of the axis thereof, and can pivoted about the axis thereof. The extension arm (10) supports a parasol (12) on the end thereof and is rotationally mounted on the other end in a bearing (14). A carrier element (16), which is connected in an articulated manner to the pole (2), is connected to bearing. Also, a stopping device (24), which is used to stop the pivotable positioning of the extension arm (10), is provided on the bearing (14). Said stopping device comprises a steering bar (26) which is arranged in the extension of the extension arm (10), can be placed counter to the carrier element (16), can be locked to the carrier element (16) and can be pivoted about the axis of the extension arm (10) when in the unlocked state in order to improve the handling of the free arm parasol. Said arm is coupled in a detachable manner to the extension arm by means of a coupling device, according to a selected rotational angle in relation to the extension arm (10). |
| US07717117B2 |
Surgical draping system for a patient on an operating table and an adjacent movable medical tool and related methods
A surgical draping method for a patient on an operating table and an adjacent movable medical tool may include positioning a patient drape having a surgical access opening in a medial portion thereof over the patient on the operating table so that the surgical access opening exposes a surgical site on the patient. Opposing medial side portions of the patient drape may be fastened together underneath the operating table to provide a pathway thereunder for passage of at least one portion of the medical tool therethrough. An equipment drape may be positioned adjacent a side of the operating table aligned with the pathway to cover the at least one portion of the medical tool when moved through the pathway. |
| US07717115B2 |
Delivery methods and devices for implantable bronchial isolation devices
Disclosed is an apparatus for deploying a bronchial isolation device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer shaft having a distal end. A housing is coupled to the distal end of the outer shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft. A handle is adapted to move the outer shaft relative to both the inner shaft and the handle while the inner shaft remains fixed relative to the handle so as to eject the bronchial isolation device from the housing. |
| US07717114B1 |
Mask seal interface
A face-seal interface for a respiratory mask utilizing an elastomer containing precipitated particles on its surface to provide a more comfortable long-term engagement with the skin of a wearer. A particle filled bladder forming the face-seal interface keeps a set shape and improves user comfort. |
| US07717112B2 |
Positive airway pressure therapy management module
A positive airway pressure therapy management module includes a user interface, a controller and memory. The module may include ports that capture data from a PAP device and/or from sensors. The user interface may display information and questions, and may receive answers. The controller may store data while offline from the network, and may respond to requests over the network while online with the network. A software product includes instructions that, under control of a computer, perform steps for managing positive airway pressure therapy of a patient. A method for managing positive airway pressure therapy of a patient captures data and communicates the data over a network. The method may capture data from a PAP device and/or from sensors, display questions and receiving answers, and calculate indices and/or metrics, perform a pressure titration, and/or relay commands to a PAP device in response to commands from the network. |
| US07717111B2 |
Device for supplying a respiratory gas
The invention relates to a device for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient within the scope of the diagnosis and/or the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders. The invention especially relates to a CPAP appliance comprising self-optimising dual level pressure regulation. According to the invention, the device for supplying a respiratory gas comprises an electronic signal processing device for generating a pressure control signal (p) on the basis of indicative signals (5) relating to the breathing activity and/or the physiological state of a person. The signal processing device (1) comprises a signal inputting device and an extraction device (2) for generating data field entries (3) according to predefined signal analysis procedures. A pressure signal generator (4) is provided for generating the pressure control signal (p), taking into account determined data field entries (3) which are at least selected by the extraction device (2). |
| US07717110B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating Cheyne-Stokes respiration
A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. A characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas is monitored and used to determine a Target Flow for the gas delivered to the patient. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The Target Flow is altered if the patient experiences a sleep disordered breathing event. In a further embodiment, the system determines an apnea detection time (Tapnea) as Tinsp plus a constant, and delivers a machine triggered breath if an amount since the start of inspiration reaches Tapnea. Yet another embodiment monitors the characteristic during an inspiratory phase of a respiratory cycle, and controls the flow of gas during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle based on a result of this comparison. |
| US07717104B2 |
Handheld device for fast electrical ignition of a charcoal grill
A device comprising an improved electrical hot-air gun for fast ignition of the charcoal-bed of a barbeque charcoal grill for home use having a very short distance between the front of the hot-air gun and the electrical heating wire of the heating assembly and a very high outlet temperature. The hot-air gun also has a scraper mounted on the igniter/heater front to be able to aid in cleaning the grating of a BBQ grill. |
| US07717097B2 |
Method for controlling the temperature of gases entering an engine of an automotive vehicle, heat exchanger and device for managing the temperature of these gases
According to the method, the gases are circulated in a liquid/gas heat exchanger (2, 12) prior to their entering the internal combustion engine (58) and a high temperature liquid and/or a low temperature liquid is circulated in the liquid/gas heat exchanger (2, 12) in order to heat and/or cool the gases (84) as required. The liquid/gas heat exchanger may comprise a single stage or two stages, that is a high temperature stage and a low temperature stage. It can also be used to cool the recirculating exhaust gases prior to their entering the engine. |
| US07717094B2 |
Canister arrangement in power generating apparatus
A power generating apparatus has a frame, an engine disposed inwardly of the frame and configured to drive a generator, a fuel tank for storing fuel to be supplied to the engine, and a canister containing an adsorbent for adsorbing fuel vapor from the fuel tank. The canister includes a communicating tube, which places the canister in communication with the atmosphere. The canister is also in communication with an intake system. The canister is movably positioned in a space S between the frame and the intake system so as to prevent an increase in the size of the power generating apparatus when the canister is added to the power generating apparatus. |
| US07717087B2 |
Connection for high-pressure chambers of fuel injectors
A connection point of a chamber subjected to high pressure in a body subjected to high pressure of a high-pressure injection system for fuel at a bore extending substantially vertically through the body. In the chamber subjected to high pressure of the body, a cylindrically shaped pocket or an encompassing groove is embodied, into which the bore discharges, forming an intersection point. |
| US07717086B2 |
Controller for boat propulsion unit
A boat propulsion unit controller includes a switch arranged to switch between a long intake duct and a short intake duct for drawing air into an engine of a boat propulsion unit, a motor-operated driver arranged to drive the switch, a duct length switching position sensor arranged to detect the position of the switch at the time of switching the duct length, a fuel supply arranged to supply fuel to the engine, a sensor failure detector arranged to detect failure of the duct length switching position sensor based on its output, and a controller arranged to compensate the fuel supply rate based on the position of the switch detected at the time of duct length switchover. A controller, when the duct length switching position sensor fails, takes the action of switching to the long intake duct and compensates the fuel supply rate using a sensor output quasi value corresponding to the time of switchover to the long intake duct. Engine performance may be maintained as much as possible even when duct length switchover fails due to frequent duct length switchover actions. |
| US07717085B1 |
Virtual throttle position sensor diagnostics with a single channel throttle position sensor
A method and system for operating a throttle system includes a throttle body generating a throttle position sensor signal and encoding the throttle position sensor signal to form an encoded throttle position sensor signal. The system also includes an electronic control module receiving the encoded throttle position sensor signal from a throttle body, forming a first replicated throttle position sensor signal and a second replicated second throttle position sensor signal from the encoded signal and communicating the first replicated throttle position sensor signal and the second throttle position sensor signal to a diagnostics module. |
| US07717083B2 |
Diesel combustion mode switching control based on intake carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration
A method of switching a combustion mode of a diesel engine may include determining a carbon dioxide concentration in an intake manifold of a diesel engine, operating the diesel engine in a first combustion mode, and operating the diesel engine in a second combustion mode when the determined carbon dioxide concentration is greater than a predetermined carbon dioxide concentration value. |
| US07717081B2 |
Engine cylinder head structure
In a cylinder head structure of an engine, a structure of an oil passage is simplified to downside the engine and to provide proper flow of cooling water in the cylinder head. A partition wall is disposed in the cylinder head to separate an upward valve operating chamber from a downward water jacket. A boss section is formed at a position lower than the partition wall in an edge wall of the cylinder head, and has one end joined to a chain case and the other end protruding into the water jacket. A branch oil passage is formed in the boss section. The branch oil passage has a valve upstream-side passage section specified by a section toward the chain case with respect to a junction with a cylinder head-side oil passage. The linear communication passage section communicates between an end portion of the branch oil passage protruding into the water jacket and a camshaft cap coupling surface of a second camshaft bearing section. |
| US07717080B1 |
Serpentine belt system
A serpentine belt system for use in connection with an engine block for an automotive engine is disclosed. A spacer, which is preferably a pair of brackets, is provided for mounting on the face of the engine block, and the water pump is mounted on the spacer brackets and does not need to be attached to the engine block. A bridge bracket is secured to the spacer brackets, and other elements of the automotive system, such as the air conditioner compressor and alternator, may be secured to the bridge bracket. A tensioner housing is mounted on and supported by the air conditioner compressor and the spacer member. |
| US07717076B2 |
Method for starting an engine of a vehicle
A method for starting an engine of a vehicle ensures that a stationary vehicle cannot unintentionally begin to move during the starting operation. In the event of a starting command, a check is made as to whether the vehicle is stationary. If the vehicle is stationary, at least one vehicle brake is activated. After activation of the vehicle brake, starting of the engine is authorized. |
| US07717075B2 |
Cam mechanism having forced-valve-opening/closing cams and cam-profile setting method
No-load valve lift correction curves of opening and closing cams are set by offsetting no-load curve sections of basic valve lift curves of the cams in such directions as to increase a clearance between the curves, and they are connected with remaining sections of the curves to provide normal valve lift curves of the cams. Cam profiles of the cams are set on the basis of such normal valve lift curves. The cam profiles are set so that an ultimate speed difference between jumping and landing speeds of a follower on an ultimate valve speed curve determined from ultimate valve lift curves, having first and second shift sections where the follower shifts from the opening cam to the closing cam and from the closing cam to the opening cam, is smaller than a basic speed difference between jumping and landing speeds on a basic valve speed curve. |
| US07717074B2 |
Camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine
A camshaft adjuster (1) for an internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the relative angle between a drive wheel (2) and an inner rotor associated with a camshaft can be adjusted via hydraulic loading of pressure spaces (9, 10) between an outer rotor (3) and the inner rotor (6), wherein the drive wheel (2) is made of plastic and the outer rotor (3) associated with the drive wheel (2) is made of metal. Particularly good linkage can be obtained and mounting complexity can be reduced by having at least one bearing surface between the outer rotor (3) and the inner rotor (6) that is connected with a firmly bonded material or positive fit in the drive wheel that is made from plastic. |
| US07717073B2 |
Collar and variable valve actuation mechanism
An engine variable valve actuation mechanism that substantially equally adjusts the valve lift amount in each cylinder. The mechanism includes variable valve lift mechanisms respectively arranged in association with the engine cylinders. A control shaft extends through the variable valve lift mechanisms. An actuator moves the control shaft in the axial direction and drives the variable valve lift mechanisms. Collars are arranged alternately with the variable valve lift mechanisms. Each collar includes a cylindrical sleeve and flanges formed integrally with the sleeve. The flanges directly or indirectly contact the end faces of adjacent variable valve lift mechanisms. This determines the positions of the variable valve lift mechanisms with respect to one another in the axial direction. |
| US07717072B2 |
Adjustment device for adjusting the relative rotational angle position of a camshaft in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine
An adjustment device (1) for adjusting the relative rotational angle position of a camshaft (2) in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine is provided, with the device having an adjustment mechanism (3), which is embodied as a triple-shaft transmission and provided with an input part (4) fixed to the crankshaft, an output part fixed to the camshaft, and an adjusting shaft (7) connected to an adjusting motor shaft (5) of an adjusting motor (6). The motor (6) is provided as an electric motor and is arranged parallel to the camshaft (2). The motor generates an adjustment torque that is transmitted to the adjustment shaft (7) via a secondary drive (18) that has a belt drive, a chain drive, a cardan drive, or an additional spur gear stage. |
| US07717065B2 |
Aquaculture
An aquaculture system (10) comprises one or more tanks (14) that are arranged to be disposed within a body of water such as a pond (12). A reticulation system (16) recirculates water from the pond (12) through the one or more tanks (14). Solid waste material including uneaten food is extracted from the tanks (14) and deposited at a location that is isolated from communication with the pond (16). |
| US07717064B1 |
Ground feeder for round bales
A ground feeder ring is provided for use with round bales of hay positioned on the ground in the field for feeding the hay to horses with a minimum of waste. The feeder ring is preferably assembled in the field around a previously positioned round hay bale and is formed from several individual ring segments that, when assembled, define a ring encircling the bale. Each ring segment is formed with corresponding overlap regions at the respective ends thereof with fastener openings formed therein to permit the connection of adjacent ring segments. The assembled ring prevents horses from accessing the bottom portion of the round bale that causes waste of the hay, thus reducing feeding costs. The ring segments can be manufactured from plastic formed during a rotational molding process to provide a durable double wall, lightweight device that can be easily transported and assembled in the field. |
| US07717063B2 |
Spreading device for feedstuff
A tank of the spreading device is rotated by a driving device. The tank contains a number of side boards, each of which is composed of a static plate and a door plate hinged to the static plate. The hinge joining the door and static plates has an elastic element preventing the door plate from being opened outward. When the tank is rotated at a high speed, a centrifugal force on the feedstuff inside the tank is strong enough to push the door plates open and the feedstuff is thereby automatically cast out. By varying the speed of the tank's rotation, the feedstuff could be cast for various distances, thereby achieving efficient and effective distribution of the feedstuff. |
| US07717062B2 |
Pet seat arrangement
A pet seat for comparatively small pets which pet seat may be detachably mounted on the console structure of a vehicle. |
| US07717061B2 |
Gas switching mechanism for plasma processing apparatus
A processing apparatus is disclosed which is capable of switching supplies of a raw material gas and a reducing gas alternately, while continuously forming a plasma of the reducing gas. An excitation device (12) excites a reducing gas supplied thereinto, and the excited reducing gas is supplied into a process chamber (2). A switching mechanism (20) is arranged between the excitation device (12) and the process chamber (2), and a bypass line (22) is connected to the switching mechanism (20). The switching mechanism (20) switches the flow of the excited reducing gas from the excitation device (12) between the process chamber (2) and the bypass line (22). |
| US07717060B2 |
Controlled electroless plating
An electroless metal deposition process to make a semiconductor device uses a plating bath solution having a reducing agent. A sample of the bath solution is taken and the pH of the sample is increased. The hydrogen evolved from the sample is measured. The hydrogen evolved is used to determine the concentration of the reducing agent present in the sample. Based on the determined reducing agent concentration, the plating bath solution is modified. |
| US07717058B2 |
Method of preparing turbine blades for spray coating and mounting for fixing such a turbine blade
The invention relates to a method of preparing turbine blades for spray coating their blade region that is subjected to the medium flowing through during operation in a spray coating apparatus, in which the turbine blade is inserted with its blade root into a cavity of a mounting in such a way that it protrudes with the blade region that adjoins the blade root from an opening of the cavity to form a gap between the rim of the opening and the turbine blade, and in which the gap is bridged by a shielding fixed on the mounting, which is characterized in that a shielding layer of a plastic which is resistant during the spray coating is used for the shielding, the shielding layer being arranged in such a way that it reaches up to the boundary between the blade root and the blade region. |
| US07717053B2 |
Spring line assembly
A mooring device including two telescoping tubes, a pair of ropes for securing a boat to a dock or piling, and a spring biasing the ropes and/or tubes with respect to one another to adjust to changes in waves and/or tides, while maintaining the boat at a safe distance from the dock or piling. |
| US07717052B2 |
High performance rudder for ships
A high performance full spade rudder for ships includes a rudder blade, a rudder trunk and a rudder post. The rudder blade widens from the leading edge to a central area which constitutes the widest point of the rudder profile. The rudder blade profile tapers from the central area to a narrow rear area and widens again from the rear area to the trailing edge. A bearing is placed in an inner longitudinal bore of the rudder trunk for bearing the rudder post, wherein the bearing penetrates with its free end into a recess, taper or the like in the rudder blade. No bearing is provided between the rudder blade and the rudder trunk. The bearing for the rudder post is placed in the rudder trunk in the area of the free end of the rudder trunk. |
| US07717048B2 |
Agricultural seeding system
A seeding machine having at least one tool bar, a plurality of row units and a processing circuit. Each of the plurality of row units are connected to the toolbar. Each of the row units have a seed metering device, a seed placement device and a seed sensor. The seed metering device includes a seed disk providing a metering action to a plurality of seeds. The seed placement device receives the seeds from the seed metering device. The seed sensor is positioned to detect the passage of seeds through either the metering device or the seed placement device. The seed sensor producing a signal indicative of the passage of the seeds. The processing circuit is receptive of the signal from each of the seed sensors of each of the plurality of row units. The processing circuit determines a seed placement parameter dependent upon the signal, the processing circuit alters the metering action of the seeds dependent on the seed placement parameter. |
| US07717045B2 |
Folding table
A folding table is disclosed. The folding table includes two top panels hingedly connected together to form a table top having a top surface and a bottom surface. The table top has a folding action about the hinged connection of the two top panels. Four leg panels depend from the bottom surface of the table top. Each of the leg panels has a first section and a second section. The first section has a top edge hingedly connected to the bottom surface of the table top and a side edge hingedly connected to the second section. The leg panels are arranged in two pairs of leg panels wherein the second section of each thin leg panel in the respective pair is hingedly connected to the other resulting in a stiff leg member. The hinged action of the two interconnected second panels fall in a plane of symmetry with the folding action of the table top whereby the folding table may be collapsed from a deployed state forming a table to a folded state for storage and portability. |
| US07717042B2 |
Wide area dispersal warhead
A wide area dispersal warhead including a housing defining a cavity, an explosive charge in the housing, and a large plurality of individual munitions in the cavity of the housing about the explosive charge. The explosive charge is configured to deploy the munitions upon detonation into a hemispherical dome shaped pattern. |
| US07717040B2 |
Plate cutting and imaging with same device
A method for cutting flexographic plates (10) while plate imaging process is performed is described. The method includes mounting a flexographic plate (10) on an imaging drum (30); imaging at least one graphical element or piece (11) on the flexographic plate; cutting the graphical piece using the imaging device (31); and removing at least one graphical piece from the imaging device drum. |
| US07717038B2 |
Magnetic plate for printing of optical effects
This invention discloses a magnet for use as a printing plate or printing head that is used for aligning flakes or particles in a paint or ink. A composite sheet or block of magnetizable material is selectively magnetized so that a magnet is formed within the sheet or block that has a shape of a predetermined image, logo, or indica. Dies are used to magnetize the magnetizable material and preferably the does contact the material to be magnetized. A pre-magnetized sheet such as a refrigerator magnet may be re-magnetized differently so that a magnetic image is encoded therein for use as a printing plate. Preferably the printing plate is flexible so that it can be formed to a curved surface of a cylinder or drum for printing. Conveniently these flexible magnets can be changed for other designs and placed on the same drum for use in printing. |
| US07717033B1 |
Nut cracking mechanism for variable-sized nuts
A nut cracking mechanism for shelling variable-sized nuts having a brittle shell and fragile nut meat, the nut cracker mechanism having a housing with a horizontally positioned rotatable drum contained in the housing, and an adjustable, substantially vertical compression plate mounted in the housing with a cracking surface displaced from a cylindrical slip resistant cracking surface of the drum to form a narrowing gap between the drum and the compression plate, the gap having an upper portion sized to accommodate nuts of varying sizes and a lower portion sized to compress nuts between the cylindrical surface of the drum and the compression plate until the nut cracks and releases its meat, the mechanism having associated components to feed nuts to the top of the mechanism and receive shells and meat from the bottom of the mechanism. |
| US07717032B2 |
Linear actuation drive system for multi-unit fruit juice extraction machines
A rotary-to-reciprocating linear drive conversion device is linked to drive moveable elements of a multi-unit fruit juice extraction machine. At least two co-rotating members drive a reciprocating transverse member by means of respective protruding force-transfer posts of the co-rotating members rotating while disposed to slidingly engage in the groove, so that the rotation of the co-rotating members results in reciprocal movement of the transverse member, and of elements of the multi-unit fruit extraction machine linked thereto.The elements of the multi-unit fruit extraction machine include opposing sets of a plurality of matched peeler cups, forming matched pairs of opposing peeler cups, each peeler cup comprising a plurality of outwardly extending blades cooperatively intermeshing with a corresponding plurality of outwardly extending blades of an opposing peeler cup of the matched pair, one of said cups additionally comprising a filter device. |
| US07717031B1 |
Multi-purpose cookware
A cooker having a base unit and a cover. The cover including a top and bottom ends. The bottom end having a circular edge extending straight and upwardly therefrom to form an annular wall. The annular wall further extending inwardly to form a top portion. |
| US07717028B2 |
Sandwich press and grill
There is provided a toaster grill having a lower housing that supports a lower cooking surface and an upper housing that supports an upper cooking surface. The upper housing pivots with respect to a “U” shaped frame that is hinged with respect to the lower cooking surface. A locking hinge allows the pivoting motion of the frame to be automatically arrested in an intermediate orientation between the fully closed and fully open grill orientations. The locking hinge automatically resets when the upper housing is rotated from the fully open grill orientation to the fully closed orientation. |
| US07717023B2 |
Improvised explosive device detection/destruction/disablement
Apparatus and accompanying methods for the detection and subsequent destruction or disablement of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) while maintaining a satisfactory level of human safety. Operationally, our inventive method and apparatus detects the IED using one or more methods including: detecting internal battery components; detecting magnetic signature(s) of the IED; detecting a characteristic energy spectrum of the IED; and/or detecting characteristic chemical signatures of the device(s). Once detected, the device may be further characterized and then subsequently deactivated and/or destroyed by a shaped pulse charge directed at the device or its power source (battery) from a safe distance. |
| US07717018B2 |
Machining unit and machine tool
A machining unit that is supported on a machine tool and machines a workpiece by a revolving tool with a main spindle section being driven and rotated includes an eccentric rotational section, a tool holder, a tool revolution-radius changing mechanism, and a cutting-edge-orientation correcting mechanism. The eccentric rotational section is disposed on the main spindle section, and is rotatable about an eccentric axis that is located eccentrically at any distance in a radial direction of the main spindle section from a rotation center of the main spindle section. The tool holder is disposed on the eccentric rotational section, and supports the tool. The tool revolution-radius changing mechanism moves the tool in the radial direction, and changes the radius of the revolution of the tool by rotating the eccentric rotational section about the eccentric axis. The cutting-edge-orientation correcting mechanism corrects the orientation of a cutting edge of the tool by making the tool holder spin about an axis of the tool holder, the axis being parallel to the rotation center of the main spindle section. |
| US07717014B2 |
Torque drive for making oil field connections
A power tong system for precisely making up a connection between two elongated elements, such as sucker rods, into an operative string for petroleum well installations. High precision is attainable to secure the full advantages of prestressing the coupling by combinatorial use of both a rotary drive to achieve a first contact position and a linear drive to secure a precise final torsioning. The mechanism for achieving this may employ a peripherally driven drive ring coupling gears engaged to the drive ring periphery, a rotatably driven drive and a linear gear rack which are both engageable to the coupling gear. |
| US07717012B2 |
Electronic organ type accelerator pedal
The present invention related to an electronic organ type accelerator pedal. The electronic organ type accelerator pedal according to the present invention is capable of enhancing stability by the compression spring having a double structure and the carrier restricting the reverse rotation of the foot plate, while maintaining the benefit of the electronic accelerator pedal which is capable of ensuring space, improving an operation feeling and reducing driver's fatigue since the electronic accelerator pedal is not influenced by tension changes of the cable, and improving fuel efficiency by improving fuel consumption rate. |
| US07717011B2 |
Fixing device for steering device
To provide a fixing device for a steering device capable of tilt adjustment and having a very simple cam structure.The fixing device includes a fixed bracket; a movable bracket; a lock bolt that passes through the fixed bracket and the movable bracket; a main drive cam, through which the lock bolt passes, and that is fitted to rotate freely; and a driven cam, through which the lock bolt passes, and that is fitted unrotatably. Cam operation parts are formed on the main drive cam and the driven cam respectively. Cam operation parts on both sides are always in contact with the other side while the main drive cam and the driven cam separate and come close in the axial direction, and the diameter of the driven cam is larger than the diameter of the main drive cam. |
| US07717009B2 |
Rotary damper
A rotary damper includes an operating part mounted in an interior in a vehicle in such a manner that the operating part can be introduced or withdrawn, an operating part case that guides a path of the operating part, a pinion gear mounted to one side of the operating part and a guide rail rotatably mounted to the operating part case such that the pinion gear can be engaged with the guide rail. Further, a separation preventing protrusion is provided at a portion of the guide rail, where the pinion gear starts to move in a curvilinear form, the separation preventing protrusion configured to support an outside surface of the pinion gear. |
| US07717007B2 |
Gear change control device and straddle-type vehicle
A gear change control device for improving the stability of shift changes in a straddle-type vehicle. In response to an operation of a shift up switch or a shift down switch, the target angular position (θmax(up), θmax(down), θmeet(up), θmeet(down), θon(up), θon(down)) and the rotational speed (vmax(up), vmax(down), vo(up), vo(down), v12(up)-v34(up), v21(down)-v43(down)) of a shift shaft are set based on a gear change command input signal inputted from the shift up switch or the shift down switch to a CPU. The shift shaft is rotationally driven at the set rotational speed until the set target rotational position is reached. |
| US07717000B2 |
Isokinetic sampling
A method of sampling a multi-phase fluid stream is provided which comprises the steps of: sampling, with a sampling probe, a portion of the fluid stream; measuring the flow rate of said sampled portion; and measuring, independently of the sampling step, the total flow rate of the fluid stream, wherein the flow rate of the sampled portion is controlled according to the ratio of the flow rate of the sampled portion to the flow rate of the fluid stream, in order to obtain substantially isokinetic sampling of the fluid stream. The method may provide isokinetic sampling to an accuracy of 5% or less and preferably only samples a small portion of the fluid stream. The method has particular application for high rate condensate gas wells. A corresponding sampling system is provided which has particular application in the sampling of streams from well-heads. A flow conditioner for use with sampling methods and systems is also provided, the flow conditioner being a pipe section including: a swirl inducing section; a flow straightener; and an orifice plate. |
| US07716999B2 |
Test method for determining microstructure deformation resistance of a microstructured film
Test method for determining (e.g. prism) microstructure deformation of a microstructured (e.g. brightness enhancing) film are described. |
| US07716995B2 |
Coriolis flow meter and method for determining flow characteristics
A Coriolis flow meter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter (5) includes one or more flow conduits (103), at least two pickoff sensors (105, 105′) affixed to the one or more flow conduits (103), a driver (104) configured to vibrate the one or more flow conduits (103), and meter electronics (20) coupled to the at least two pickoff sensors (105, 105′) and to the driver (104). The meter electronics (20) vibrate the one or more flow conduits (103) of the flow meter (5) with a first vibration frequency and in a first out-of-phase bending mode, measure a first vibrational response, with the first vibrational response being generated in response to the first vibration frequency, vibrate the one or more flow conduits (103) with at least a second vibration frequency and in the first out-of-phase bending mode, measure a second vibrational response, and determine at least a mass flow rate and a viscosity using the first and second vibrational responses. |
| US07716994B2 |
Single and multiphase fluid measurements using a Coriolis meter and a differential pressure flowmeter
A first property of a process fluid is measured using a differential pressure flowmeter. A second property of the process fluid is measured using a Coriolis flowmeter. A third property of the process fluid is determined based on the measured first property and the measured second property. |
| US07716993B2 |
Gas flow rate verification unit
A gas flow rate verification unit capable of enhancing reliability of gas flow rate verification. The gas flow rate verification unit has a first cutoff valve that is connected to a flow rate control device and to which gas is inputted, a second cutoff valve for discharging the gas, a communication member for allowing the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve to communicate with each other, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the gas supplied between the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the gas supplied between the first cutoff valve and the second cutoff valve, and a control means for verifying the flow of the gas flowing in the flow control device, the verification being performed by using both the result of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the result of the temperatures detected by the temperature detector. The volume (Vk) between the valve seat of the first cutoff valve and the valve seat of the second cutoff valve is equal to or less than the volume (Ve) between the outlet of the flow control device and the valve seat of the first cutoff valve. |
| US07716990B1 |
Portable electroluminescent diagnostic gauge
A self contained internally illuminated diagnostic gauge used to display the magnitude of physically measured quantities in low or no light areas. The diagnostic gauge uses mechanical gauge needles to indicate the magnitude of the measurements on a dial. The dial is illuminated internally with a thin and flexible electroluminescent panel layer. This electroluminescent layer emits photons of light in response to a applied electrical energy. The electrical energy is supplied from a small battery system and driven through electronic circuitry both of which are contained inside of the gauge shell housing unit. The gauge shell has a removable battery cover that enables access to the power supply and the electronic drive circuitry of the device. |
| US07716989B2 |
Collapsible guide for non-automated area inspections
A system for scanning an aircraft structure includes a collapsible support frame including a mounting member configured to be releasably mountable to the aircraft structure and a moveable member configured to be moveably mounted to the mounting member and to receive a scanning device. The support frame is configured to be positionable in: a collapsed condition in which the mounting member and the moveable member are disposed substantially acutely with each other and an operational condition in which the mounting member and the moveable member are disposed substantially orthogonal with each other. |
| US07716987B2 |
Non-contact thermo-elastic property measurement and imaging system for quantitative nondestructive evaluation of materials
A non-contact thermo-elastic property measurement and imaging system and method thereof are described. Acoustic energy is incident on a first surface of a specimen under test. The acoustic energy is converted partially into heat by the specimen, causing a slight increase in the temperature in a region of interaction. The temperature increase is imaged using a high sensitivity infrared camera. Presence of defects (surface and subsurface) in the material modifies the distribution of temperature. An image of temperature distribution can be used for nondestructive testing and evaluation of materials. The temperature change in the specimen caused by acoustic excitation is related to thermal and elastic properties of the material. A measurement of the change in the temperature as a function of the amplitude of incident excitation can be used for direct measurement of thermo-elastic property of the specimen. |
| US07716986B2 |
Acoustic wave sensing device integrated with micro-channels and method for the same
An acoustic wave sensing device integrated with micro-channels and a method for the same are described. The present invention uses a piezoelectric substrate with a thinner portion serving as a sensing area and formed via a micromaching or chemical process. An inter-digital transducer (IDT) is located on the thinner portion to produce flexural plate waves (FPW). The micro-channels can be formed together with the thinner portion via the same manufacturing process, or integrated into the piezoelectric substrate via linkage. In the present invention, a novel manufacturing process and design are proposed for fabrication of the acoustic wave sensing devices with a good piezoelectric characteristic, a stable temperature compensation property, and a robust structure. Thereby, the techniques of flexural plate waves can be applied for liquid sensors. In this way, the drawbacks of the conventional acoustic wave sensing devices, such as poor piezoelectric properties and fragile film structures, are removed. |
| US07716985B2 |
Piezoelectric quartz accelerometer
A piezoelectric quartz accelerometer includes a sensitive element, a signal processing circuit, a base, an outer case, and a socket, wherein the sensitive element includes two round piezoelectric quartz wafers, and a supporting frame, wherein the two round piezoelectric quartz wafers are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the center axial line of the supporting frame; the sensitive element further includes an axial shock buffer unit and a transverse retaining unit for protecting overload of the two round piezoelectric quartz wafers; the signal processing circuit includes an oscillation circuit for obtaining frequency signal, a frequency differential forming circuit for extracting signal, a phase lock and times frequency circuit for amplifying signal, compensating zero phase, compensating non-linearization and compensating temperature, and an output circuit. |
| US07716978B2 |
High resolution capacitance high conductivity fluid sensor
In a method and apparatus for estimating a downhole fluid parameter include a body having an elongated cavity defined by an electrically conductive inner surface, an central electrical conductor located coaxially within the cavity, wherein an annular region is defined by the cavity inner surface and an outer surface of the electrical conductor. A fluid is conveyed to the annular region. A first electrode is coupled to the central electrode, a second electrode coupled to the central electrode, and at least one intermediate electrode coupled to the central electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode. An input signal is applied to the central electrode and first and second output signals are emitted from the second electrode intermediate electrode. The output signals are used in part to estimate the fluid property of the fluid existing in the annular region. |
| US07716974B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing a brake rotor
An apparatus or method for testing a brake rotor that is mounted on a hub for rotation with respect to a caliper housing. The apparatus includes a bracket having a first end and a second end. A first attachment member and a second attachment member are connected to the bracket and configured to engage the caliper housing. A first sensor is connected to the first end of the bracket for engagement with a first side of the brake rotor. A second sensor is connected to the second end of the bracket for engagement with a second side of the brake rotor. |
| US07716972B2 |
Method for monitoring the performance of a compression-ignition, internal combustion engine
A method for monitoring the performance of a compression-ignition, internal combustion engine which method comprises lubricating the engine with a crankcase lubricant, and introducing a fuel to the engine to operate the engine characterized in that the fuel comprises greater than 50% by weight of petroleum-based, middle distillate fuel oil and/or a Fischer Tropsch derived middle distillate fuel oil and 2.5% to 25% by weight of at least one lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid, and the performance of the engine is monitored by measuring the rate of ingress of lower alkyl ester of a fatty acid from the fuel into the crankcase lubricant by infra red spectroscopic analysis of the crankcase lubricant. |
| US07716968B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing reservoir drilling fluids for drilling unconsolidated tar sands
An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand. |
| US07716967B2 |
Leak detector sleeve
A leak detector sleeve allows performing leak detection at a flanged joint. The leak detector sleeve is made of elastomeric material that allows achieving a gas-tight seal when the leak detector sleeve encircles a flanged joint. The leak detector sleeve includes a hole that communicates with a gap in the flanged joint, thereby allowing the tip of a sniffer probe to be placed in or near the hole to detect whether the flanged joint is leaking. The leak detector sleeve is made of material that will withstand the operating temperature of the flanged joint without becoming hardened or brittle. A method for detecting a leak using the leak detector sleeve allows for efficiently and conveniently detecting leaks. In addition, the sleeve may be easily used and reused without the adverse effects or intensive manual labor required in the prior art. |
| US07716966B2 |
Mesh leak detection system for a medical device
The present invention provides a surgical device including an elongate body defining a fluid flow path therethrough. An expandable element may be coupled to the elongate body and placed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. Moreover, the surgical device may include a first leak detection element at least partially surrounding a portion of the expandable element, and a second leak detection element may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. In addition, a console may be provided, where the console may be in communication with the first and second leak detection elements. Further, a supply of cryogenic fluid as well as a vacuum source may be provided in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. |
| US07716962B2 |
Method of calibrating a gas sensor
A method of calibrating a gas sensor that generates an output related to the concentration of a sensed gas, the method comprising: i) obtaining the value of said output or a related value at each of a set of known values of a first variable and at each of a set of known values of a second variable, one of the variables being gas concentration; ii) for each value of said second variable, determining a first best fit function relating said output or related value to the first variable, each best fit function utilizing at least one coefficient whose value is determined; iii) for the, or the corresponding, coefficient values from each of the first best fit functions, determining a second best fit function relating said coefficient to the second variable, and replacing the coefficient values in the first best fit functions by the second best fit function, and, iv) repeating step iii) for each further coefficient, if any, in the first best fit functions so as to generate a final function relating said output or related value and said first and second variables. |