最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US07867635B2 Substrates coated with a multi-film functional coating
The present invention is directed toward a coated substrate including an undercoating layer deposited on at least a portion of the substrate and a functional coating layer deposited over at least a portion of the undercoating layer. The functional coating layer comprises a material that can be present in more than one crystal structure.
US07867627B2 Process for the modification of substrate surfaces through the deposition of amorphous silicon layers followed by surface functionalization with organic molecules and functionalized structures
Functionalized substrates and method of passivating the surface of a substrate to improve the surface by imparting desirable surface properties to improve the performance of a surface, the method steps including exposing the substrate to a chemical vapor deposition process to coat the substrate with silicon, and functionalizing the coated surface by exposing the substrate surface to a binding reagent having at least one unsaturated hydrocarbon group.
US07867626B2 Combustion turbine component having rare earth FeCrAI coating and associated methods
A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), at least one of titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo), at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of the at least one rare earth element.
US07867622B2 Coated wood composite and production method thereof
To provide: a coated wood composite having surface properties such as transparency, smoothness, gloss, uniformity, and depth, and excellent in various physical properties such as durability and strength; and a method for producing such a coated wood composite efficiently and easily. A coated wood composite produced by placing an unsaturated polyester resin composition on a decorative veneer and heat-pressing the decorative veneer and the composition placed thereon to mold the composite, wherein the unsaturated polyester resin composition comprises: an unsaturated polyester; a polymerizable monomer; and an isocyanate component essentially including an aliphatic diisocyanate.
US07867620B1 Composite plate comprising carbon nanotube bundles with high thermal conductivity and method for making the same
A composite plate comprising CNT bundles with high thermal conductivity is formed by the method comprising preparing a CNT growth substrate, depositing a CNT growth catalyst on the CNT growth substrate, preparing a wafer with etched through via arrays, placing the wafer with the etched through via arrays over the CNT growth substrate with the CNT growth catalyst, growing CNT bundles in the etched through via arrays on the wafer over the CNT growth substrate with the CNT growth catalyst in a CVD chamber to form a wafer matrix CNT composite structure; and removing the CNT growth substrate from the wafer matrix CNT composite structure. The formed composite plate comprising CNT bundles with high thermal conductivity has improved CTE silicon match, has a more effective thermal conductivity than a silicon matrix or Cu or Cu alloy substrate, and contains nanotubes that remain vertical.
US07867615B2 Heat-resistant exfoliated graphite sheet
A method of manufacturing a heat-resistant expanded graphite sheet is characterized in that after an acid-treated graphite material obtained by treating a graphite material with a strong acid is compounded with a powder of an organic phosphorus compound and is agitated and mixed uniformly to obtain a mixture, this mixture is subjected to heating treatment for 1 to 10 seconds at temperatures of 950 to 1200° C. to produce cracked gas, that gaps between graphite layers are expanded by its gas pressure to obtain expanded graphite particles having an expansion rate of 200 to 300 times, and that these expanded graphite particles are subjected to pressure molding.
US07867612B2 Composite material, method for the production and use thereof
A composite material is described that contains a reinforcing resin and reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers have a coating containing polyphenylene sulfide and the proportion of polyphenylene sulfide relative to the uncoated fibers is 0.001 to <0.01 wt. %. The composite material shows higher apparent interlaminar shear strength and bending strength as compared with similar composite materials having no PPS coating in the above concentration range.
US07867610B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet
A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet has a high adhesiveness and an excellent terminal peeling resistance as well as exhibits extremely small diffusing amounts of formaldehyde and toluene. The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet contains at least a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of a water-dispersion type acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive containing a water-dispersion type acrylic polymer and a tackifying resin-containing emulsion, wherein a diffusing amount of formaldehyde is less than 3 μg/m3 and a diffusing amount of toluene is 10 μg/g or less. As the tackifying resin-containing emulsion, a tackifying resin-containing emulsion prepared using substantially no organic solvents or a tackifying resin-containing emulsion prepared using a material other than aromatic hydrocarbon-based organic solvents can be suitably employed.
US07867606B2 Transparent, electrically conductive layer, a process for producing the layer and its use
Transparent, electrically conductive layer, a process for producing the layer and its use, wherein the layer is based on at least one compound of the formula 1 wherein the substituents are as defined.
US07867604B2 Composition coextrudable with PVDF and having no stress-whitening effect
The present invention relates to a composition coextrudable with PVDF and comprising: 30 to 50 parts of PVDF; 70 to 50 parts of a copolymer comprising, by weight, 90 to 50% of methyl methacrylate (MMA) per 10 to 50% of an alkyl (meth)acrylate respectively, the alkyl having from 2 to 24 carbon atoms; 1 to 4 parts of a UV absorber; the total making 100 parts. The invention also relates to coextruded films consisting of this composition as the adhesive layer and a PVDF-based layer of 50 to 100 parts of PVDF per 50 to 0 parts of PMMA respectively. These films possess mechanical properties sufficient to allow them to be used as a coating transparent to visible light but opaque to UV radiation.
US07867603B2 Coextruded toner receiver layer for electrophotography
The invention relates to a toner receiver member comprising a base, at least one tie layer adjacent to said base, and at least one toner receiver layer adjacent said at least one tie layer on the side opposite to the base, wherein said at least one toner receiver layer comprises a layer of branched polyester or a mixture of styrene acrylate copolymer with an ethylene methacrylate copolymer or with a low density polyethylene.
US07867598B2 Honeycomb structure and honeycomb catalytic body
A honeycomb structure having porous partition walls having a large number of pores, formed so as to produce a plurality of cells each extending between the two ends of the honeycomb structure, and plugged portions formed so as to plug the cells at either one end of the honeycomb structure or at the insides of the cells, wherein the honeycomb structure has the partition walls of a permeability of 7×10−12 to 4×10−8 m2. The honeycomb structure can provide a honeycomb catalyst structure which is superior in purification efficiency, is low in pressure loss and can be mounted even in a limited space.
US07867596B2 Wet friction member
A carbon fiber composite material (10) is provided which includes carbon fibers (11), a matrix (12) binding the carbon fibers (11) together, and pores (13), and a volume fraction of the carbon fibers (11) exclusive of the pores (13) is not less than 45% and up to 80%. The carbon fiber composite material (10) may preferably have a porous structure of which a porosity is not more than 20% and up to 70%. This carbon fiber composite material (10) has a high static friction coefficient (μS), and low μ ratio, and thus is suitable for a wet friction member (e.g., carbon disc 5) which is excellent in both of static friction performance and dynamic friction performance.
US07867595B2 Optical information recording medium
An optical information recording medium is provided having a superior jitter property even when an organic substance is used for a recording layer. The optical information recording medium has a substrate having a penetrating hole in a central portion thereof and a spiral pre-groove provided in one surface of the substrate, a reflection layer provided on the surface of the substrate in which the pre-groove is provided, a recording layer which is provided on the reflection layer and which is composed of an organic substance including a dye, and a light transmissive cover layer provided on the recording layer. In the optical information recording medium, the cover layer has an elastic modulus of 40 MPa or less at 25° C. in an interface region facing the recording layer.
US07867591B2 Assembly tape with perforation and expansion reserve
Pressure-sensitive tape for closing, sealing, and gluing joints, in particular in housing construction, and in particular joints in corners and edges, with a backing on the tape side, an adhesive coating of at least a portion of the backing on the tape bottom side, and a removable protective film for the adhesive coating on the tape bottom side. In at least one edge area the tape has at least on perforation area where at least the backing is perforated, and the tape has at least one expansion reserve.
US07867583B2 Artificial plant barrier system
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to plant hedges or barriers and provide a method, system and apparatus for creating artificial plant hedges or barriers. In one embodiment of the invention, an artificial plant barrier system can be provided. The system can include a starter unit, a middle unit coupled to a top of the starter unit, and a top end unit coupled to a top of the middle unit. The starter unit can include a channel defined between a first opening in a top of the starter unit and a second opening in a bottom of the starter unit, wherein the bottom of the starter unit is coupled to a base support. The middle unit can include a channel defined between a first opening of a top of the middle unit and a second opening of a bottom of the middle unit, wherein the bottom of the middle unit is coupled to the starter unit. The top end unit can include a channel defined between a top of the top end unit and a first opening of a bottom of the top end unit, wherein the bottom of the top end unit is coupled to the middle unit. The system can further include a support core assembly configured to interface with the channels of the starter unit, the middle unit and the top end unit.
US07867580B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display which can give mono-domain alignment of the ferroelectric liquid crystal without forming alignment defects. The liquid crystal display has a UV curable liquid crystal side substrate having a first substrate, an electrode layer formed on the first substrate, a first alignment layer formed on the electrode layer, and a UV curable liquid crystal layer with a UV curable liquid crystal fixed and formed on the first alignment layer; and a counter substrate having a second substrate, an electrode layer formed on the second substrate, and a second alignment layer formed on the electrode layer. The UV curable liquid crystal layer of the UV curable liquid crystal side substrate and the second alignment layer of the counter substrate are disposed so as to face each other such that a ferroelectric liquid crystal is sandwiched between the UV curable liquid crystal side substrate and the counter substrate.
US07867576B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring a pattern of an applied liquid
A method for monitoring the quality of a pattern of fluid beads applied to a moving substrate measures time delays between the passage of a reference point on a substrate element and leading and trailing edges of a bead, the quality of which is to be measured. A time delay ratio is generated, and compared to a reference ratio. The result of the comparison is indicative of variations in the quality of the measured bead. The invention has utility in a variety of industries, including industries in which adhesive beads are applied to a substrate, such as the envelope and box industries. An apparatus in accordance with the invention may conveniently utilize non-contact sensors to monitor the passage of the substrate and beads, and further may advantageously monitor the leading edge of the substrate and leading and trailing edges of the beads.
US07867567B2 Coating method of coating solution
In an aspect of the coating method according to the present invention, the lower limit decompression degree PS1 at which a seam trouble occurs is obtained from the formula of the viscocapillary model. According to the aspect of the present invention, coating is performed by setting the Pb so as to satisfy PS1
US07867566B2 Method for fabricating reinforced composite materials
A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.
US07867564B2 Metal plating method and pretreatment agent
The object of the present invention is to provide a metal plating method by a simple process, for example, on resins on which plating has been heretofore impossible. The metal plating method involves surface treating an article to be plated with a liquid prepared by mixing or reacting in advance an organic acid salt of a silane coupling agent containing an azole in a molecule, for example, a coupling agent which is an equimolar reaction product of imidazole and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and a noble metal compound, and then conducting electroless plating thereon.
US07867556B2 Controlled preparation of nanoparticle materials
A method of producing nanoparticles comprising effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition to the material of the nanoparticles, the precursor composition comprising a first precursor species containing a first ion to be incorporated into the growing nanoparticles and a second precursor species containing a second ion to be incorporated into the growing nanoparticles, said conversion being effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticles.
US07867554B2 Boron nitride coated fibers and composite articles containing same
Boron nitride coated fibers, and composite articles comprising such fibers, are described herein. These fibers can be desized and coated in one continuous process, without requiring purging in between processing steps. The fibers may be heated up in an ammonia atmosphere, and then be contacted with a reaction mixture, which comprises a boron source and a nitrogen source. Once coated, the fibers may be utilized in a ceramic matrix composite.
US07867553B2 Method of making cathode including iron disulfide
A cathode includes a foil current collector including a coating containing iron disulfide on one side that covers less than 100% of the side.
US07867547B2 Selectively coating luminal surfaces of stents
With abluminal side of a stent masked, the luminal side of the stent is selectively coated with a substance, such as an anti-coagulant, a platelet inhibitor and/or a pro-healing substance. The stent can be masked by inserting it into a rigid mandrel chamber or by compressing a masking sleeve onto the outer side of the stent. A spray nozzle inserted into the masked stent spray coats the substance onto the luminal side. The sprayed coating can be cured onto the stent such as by inserting an electrical-resistance heater bar into the stent.
US07867545B2 Homogenous granular solid matrix containing vegetable protein
The present invention relates to a homogeneous solid matrix composition containing vegetable proteins, lecithin and at least one ingestible bioactive compound which is at least partially insoluble in an aqueous medium.
US07867533B2 Process for making a healthy snack food
The present invention is directed towards a method for making a healthy snack food having an appearance and taste similar to conventional fried snack products without the use of an oil-frying process. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing food slices from a starch-based food or dough. The food slices can be blanched and a controlled amount of oil can be added to enhance final organoleptical properties. The food slices are then rapidly dehydrated to a much lower moisture content in a primary drying step that simulates conventional frying dehydration rates. A food snack, such as a corn or potato-based snack, produced by this method is a low-fat, ready-to-eat snack having the conventional texture and taste associated with fried snack products.
US07867531B2 Myoglobin blooming agent containing shrink films, packages and methods for packaging
Heat shrinkable, oxygen barrier, packaging films, methods of packaging and packages are provided having a myoglobin blooming agent to provide, promote, enhance or maintain a desirable coloration on the surface of a myoglobin-containing meat product.
US07867530B2 Composition
There is provided a composition comprising i) a wax in an amount of 10 to 40 wt. % based on the composition ii) a compound in an amount of 60 to 90 wt. % based on the composition, having the formula wherein t is an integer, wherein each R1, R2 and R3 is independently selected from an acyl group or a hydrogen atom, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is H or an acyl group (a short acyl group) having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R3 is an optionally branched chain acyl group (a long acyl group) consisting of a saturated chain having 10 to 20 carbon atoms and an optional hydrophilic branch group.
US07867528B2 Method for producing bread
In a method of producing bread which includes the steps of mixing separate leaven or yeast into bread dough, fermenting the dough, dividing and forming the dough, fermenting the dough again, and baking the thus fermented dough, the baking step includes at least one baking stage and at least in the final stage of baking, the dough is baked using superheated steam. The dough may be first baked partially, and after storing at room temperature or freezing, the dough may be completely baked. There is also provided a method of producing raisin yeast bread which includes the steps of fermenting water extracts of raisins and flour, further fermenting the mixture for 10 to 20 days while adding flour and water to obtain ripe raisin leaven, mixing the ripe leaven into separate leaven or bread dough, fermenting the mixture, dividing and forming the mixture, fermenting the thus divided and formed dough first at 20-25° C. for 0.5 to 2 hours, then at a low temperature of 2-10° C. for 7 to 22 hours, and finally at 20-25° C. for 1 to 6 hours, and baking the thus fermented dough. At least in the final stage of baking step, the dough is baked using superheated steam.
US07867526B2 Composition for weight reduction comprising capsaicin, green tea extract, L-tyrosine and caffeine
A composition for reducing the weight of a human. The composition is provided in the form of a capsule comprising an effective amount of capsaicin and/or analogs thereof, L-tyrosine, supplemental caffeine and/or and analogs thereof, green tea extract containing catechin and caffeine, and embodiments which include calcium. The invention is also directed toward methods for reducing and maintaining weight of a human using the composition.
US07867524B2 Energizing formulation
The present invention relates to a pre-mix and a pharmaceutical composition for oxygenating a subject's tissues, uses and methods of treatment thereof.
US07867521B2 Aspartame and citrate flavored phosphate salt laxative
The present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods suitable for cleansing the colon before colonoscopy. The compositions include a phosphate salt and a flavorant that includes aspartame and a citrate. The kits include the previously mentioned compositions and also may include suitable containers, packaging, relief wipes, and instructions for use. The methods may include administering orally to a subject an aqueous preparation including monobasic sodium phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate, aspartame, and citric acid.
US07867517B2 Oral pharmaceutical composition with improved bioavailability
The present invention relates to prompt-release oral pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more active principles solubilised, suspended or embedded in a suitably formulated amphiphilic matrix for improving in vitro and in vivo bioavailability of medicaments sparingly absorbed through the oral route and/or with problems of high variability of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
US07867516B2 Medicinal preparation containing 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1h)-pyridone as active ingredient
A tablet characterized by comprising 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone as the main ingredient and, based on the main ingredient, 10 to 50 wt. % excipient, 5 to 40 wt. % disintegrator, 1 to 10 wt. % binder, 0.5 to 5 wt. % lubricant, 2 to 6 wt. % coating basis, and 0.05 to 3 wt. % light-shielding agent, wherein the odor or bitterness of the 5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-(1H)-pyridone is masked and the light stability is improved.
US07867515B2 Orally disintegrating solid dosage forms comprising progestin and methods of making and use thereof
The present invention is directed to non-effervescent, orally disintegrating solid pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising progestin and methods of making and using the dosage forms to treat conditions in females in need thereof.
US07867514B2 Method for stabilizing preparation
Disclosed is a method for stabilizing a solid pharmaceutical preparation containing a pharmacological substance and sodium lauryl sulfate, the method comprising incorporating into the preparation at least one member selected from the group consisting of neutral salts, basic salts and basic substances. The preparation containing sodium lauryl sulfate prepared by the method of the invention has superior performance, including high storage stability, suppression of discoloration and deterioration, and prevention of change in its properties, such as the dissolution rate of pharmacological substance from the preparation.
US07867510B2 Material having antimicrobial activity when wet
An article is applied to the body of an animal (including humans) to provide both absorbency and antimicrobial activity. The article may comprise a water absorbent material; and a composition that reacts with water to produce molecular iodine. The composition provides a local concentration (in the water) of at least 10 parts per million iodine in water carried by the material (that is actual water supported by the water absorbent material) when the material has 5% by weight of water present in the water absorbent. The article may be a diaper, sanitary pad, bandage, bandaid or wrap for an animal.
US07867508B1 Treatment of upper respiratory conditions
Provided are compositions and methods useful for the non-addictive treatment and prevention of upper respiratory conditions in man and animals, e.g., allergic, non-allergic and mixed rhinitis in man or pharyngitis and IAD in horses. Compositions of the invention comprise effective amounts of a suitable nasal decongestant; a suitable corticosteroid; and a suitable anticholinergic agent. The compositions and methods provided are especially useful for long term use in patients with mixed rhinitis and substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of rhinitis medicamentosa. The compositions and methods of treatment provided also eliminate the risk of adverse sequella seen from therapeutic regimens which employ systemic use of decongestants. The compositions provided can further comprise a suitable aromatic and/or a suitable antihistamine and can also comprise optional suitable antimicrobials, cytokine modulators, leukotriene antagonists, cromolyn sodium, or a suitable NDAID agent.
US07867507B2 Pesticide delivery granule
A pesticide granule is provided that includes a base carrier particle. A liquid pesticide coating is applied to the particle surface. The coating may contain adjuvants. The coating has sufficient tack to adhere a second powdered pesticide to the carrier particle. The usage of tackifying agents to render the particle surface tacky enough to adhere powdered pesticide is reduced or eliminated. The powdered pesticide is sized to a mean diameter of less than 10% of the carrier diameter to promote adhesion. The synergistic rapid acting pesticide delivery associated with the granule results in the usage of less pesticide to control a given pest with reduced environmental impact. Bifenthrin is a representative of the liquid pesticide.
US07867505B2 Foundation
A cosmetic composition is provided comprising (a) metal oxide particles; and (b) greater than 1.7% by weight of the cosmetic composition of cross-linked organopolysiloxane elastomer, wherein organo-functionalised silicone fibrils are bonded to and extend away from the surface of the metal oxide particles.
US07867503B2 Chimeric recombinant antigens of Toxoplasma gondii
A method for treatment or prevention of Toxoplasma gondii infections pharmaceutical composition comprising an antigen fragments of Toxoplasma gondii in the form of a chimeric fusion product or a nucleotide sequence coding for the chimeric fusion product and a method of using the chimeric fusion product or nucleotide sequence coding therefor.
US07867501B2 Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences relating to Streptococcus pneumoniae for diagnostics and therapeutics
The invention provides isolated polypeptide and nucleic acid sequences derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae that are useful in diagnosis and therapy of pathological conditions; antibodies against the polypeptides; and methods for the production of the polypeptides. The invention also provides methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of pathological conditions resulting from bacterial infection.
US07867498B2 Polypeptide carrier protein
The invention relates to polypeptide carrier proteins that comprise at least five CD4+ T cell epitopes, for conjugation to capsular polysaccharides. The carrier proteins are useful as components of vaccines that can elicit a T-cell dependent immune response. These vaccines are particularly useful to confer protection against infection from encapsulated bacteria in infants between the ages of 3 months and about 2 years.
US07867497B2 Monoclonal antibodies to respiratory syncytial virus and uses therefor
The present invention is directed to particular human monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof that find use in the detection, prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infections. In particular, these antibodies may neutralize RSV. Also disclosed are improved methods for producing monoclonal antibodies.
US07867495B2 Anti-GM-CSF antibodies and uses therefor
The present invention provides recombinant antigen-binding regions, antibodies and functional fragments thereof that are specific for GM-CSF, which plays an integral role in various disorders or conditions. These antibodies, accordingly, can be used to treat, for example, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Antibodies of the invention also can be used in the diagnostics field, as well as for further investigating the role of GM-CSF in the progression of various disorders. The invention also provides nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing antibodies, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and kits with instructions for use.
US07867490B2 Treatment of liver cirrhosis and its complications
The present invention relates to the field of liver diseases, more particularly to the field of portal hypertension and liver cirrhosis. The invention relates to the use of molecules which can inhibit the binding of placental growth factor (PIGF) to its receptor (VEGFR-1), such as monoclonal antibodies, for the manufacture of a medicament to treat liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension and its complications.
US07867489B2 Pharmacological vitreolysis
A method of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD). TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
US07867484B2 Heparin and heparan sulfate binding chimeric vectors
The present invention is based on the finding that parvovirus (including AAV) capsids can be engineered to incorporate small, selective regions from other parvoviruses that confer desirable properties. In some embodiments, a substitution of a single amino acid that is unique to the AAV6 capsid (Lys-531) among other AAVs that have been characterized to date can confer one or more desirable properties to other AAVs.
US07867479B2 Compounds to affect insect behavior and/or bird behavior
Various exemplary compounds, compositions, methods and devices are disclosed. An exemplary composition or formulation includes methyl anthranilate, fatty acid and an amine such as, but not limited to, monoethanolamine or triethanolamine. Such an exemplary composition is optionally an emulsion. An exemplary method applies an exemplary compound to an insect nest. Such an exemplary compound may be in a composition or formulation. Exemplary compounds optionally include semiochemicals of insects, plants and/or animals. Other exemplary compounds, compositions, methods and devices are also disclosed.
US07867477B2 Methods for in vivo evaluation of pulmonary physiology and/or function using NMR signals of polarized 129Xe
In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain dynamic data sets of an NMR spectroscopy signal of polarized 129Xe in a selected structure, environment, or system. The signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the physiology of a membrane or tissue; (b) the operational condition or function of a body system or portion thereof (when at rest or under stimulation); and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a respiratory, cardiopulmonary disorder or disease such as chronic heart failure, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat the disorder or disease.
US07867468B1 Multiscale carbon nanotube-fiber reinforcements for composites
Systems and methods for the preparation of reinforcements for composite materials, whereby single- and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may be electrophoretically deposited on fibrous substrates for the production of hybrid CNT/fibers. The fibers may include carbon fibers and woven carbon fabrics. The length, as well as the density and orientation of the deposited nanotubes on the fiber surfaces may also be tailored. The strength of the CNT/fiber-matrix interface formed in composites fabricated from the hybrid CNT/fibers may be adjusted by introduction of functional groups on the CNT/fiber surfaces, such as aminophenyl and carboxyphenyl groups.
US07867467B2 Nanodiamond and a method for the production thereof
The invention relates to carbon chemistry and is embodied in the form of a nanodiamond comprising 90.0-98.0 mass % carbon, 0.1-5.0 mass % hydrogen, 1.5-3.0 mass % nitrogen and 0.1-4.5 mass % oxygen, wherein the carbon is contained in the form a diamond cubic modification and in a roentgen-amorphous phase at a ratio of (82-95):(18-5) in terms of a carbon mass, respectively. The inventive method for producing said material consisting in detonating in a closed space of a carbon-inert gas medium a carbon-containing oxygen-deficient explosive material which is placed in a condensed phase envelop containing a reducing agent at a quantitative ratio between said reducing agent mass in the condensed envelop and the mass of the used carbon-containing explosive material equal to or greater than 0.01:1 and in chemically purifying by treating detonation products with a 2-40% aqua nitric acid jointly with a compressed air oxygen at a temperature ranging from 200 to 280° C. and a pressure of 5-15 MPa.
US07867465B2 Cold wall horizontal ammonia converter
Systems and methods for producing ammonia. Nitrogen and hydrogen can be supplied to a reaction zone disposed inside an inner shell. The inner shell can be disposed inside an outer shell such that a space is formed therebetween. The reaction zone can include at least one catalyst bed in indirect heat exchange with the space. The nitrogen and hydrogen can be reacted in the reaction zone in the presence of at least one catalyst to form an effluent comprising ammonia. The effluent can be recovered from the inner shell and cooled to provide a cooled effluent stream. A cooling fluid can be provided to the outer shell such that the cooling fluid flows through at least a portion of the space and is in fluid communication with the exterior of the inner shell. At least a portion of the cooled effluent can provide at least a portion of the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid can then be recovered from the outer shell as an ammonia product.
US07867460B2 Efficiency of ammonia processes
Systems and methods for producing ammonia. The system can include a first shell having two or more discrete catalyst beds disposed therein, a second shell disposed about the first shell, a first heat exchanger disposed external to the first shell and in fluid communication therewith, a second heat exchanger disposed external to the second shell and in fluid communication therewith, and a flow path disposed within the first shell. A first portion can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst to provide an ammonia effluent. The heat of reaction from the ammonia effluent can be exchanged within the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The heated second portion of the feed gas can be introduced to the first shell and can be reacted in the presence of the catalyst.
US07867455B2 Microtube picking device for pharmaceutical development
A microtube picking device for pharmaceutical development in which the picking of a selected microtube from a storage rack can be reliably carried out without producing friction in a latch member and without shifting the position of the microtube when it is reinserted into the storage rack. The microtube picking device has a picking member with a microtube accommodating hole whose internal surfaces are arranged in a polygonal array. The device also has at least one latch member having elastic force, which presses and fixes the microtube to two adjacent surfaces of the microtube accommodating hole.
US07867454B2 Thermal reaction device and method for using the same
An M.times.N matrix microfluidic device for performing a matrix of reactions, the device having a plurality of reaction cells in communication with one of either a sample inlet or a reagent inlet through a via formed within an elastomeric block of the device. Methods provided include a method for forming vias in parallel in an elastomeric layer of an elastomeric block of a microfluidic device, the method comprising using patterned photoresist masks and etching reagents to etch away regions or portions of an elastomeric layer of the elastomeric block.
US07867453B2 Gravity-driven fraction separator and method thereof
The present invention relates to a gravity-driven fraction separator and method thereof. The gravity-driven fraction separator is substantially a substrate having a microchannel structure arranged thereon, in which the microchannel structure is extending longitudinally on the substrate while sloping with respect to the level of the substrate by a specific angle. As a micro fluidics is being filled in a loading well situated upstream of the microchannel structure, the micro fluidics is driven by gravity to flow downstream in the microchannel structure while filling a plurality of manifolds formed in a area situated downstream of the microchannel structure, so that accurate quantification and separation of the micro fluidics using the plural manifolds, each having a specific length, can be achieved and provided for posterior inspection and analysis.
US07867452B2 Multi-well filtration device
A multi-well filtration device for filtering a suspension comprises a filtration plate with a filtration chamber and a collecting plate with a collecting well. The filtration chamber is connected to the collecting well and a filter element is arranged between the filtration chamber and the collecting well. A separation layer is arranged between the filtration plate and the collecting plate adjacent to the filter element. The use such of a separation layer allows an easy detachment of the filtration plate from the collecting plate. The detached filtration plate can comfortably be transferred into an analysis device, in which the solid phase of the filtration chamber can separately be analyzed through the separation layer, without any replacement of the solid phase.
US07867444B2 Lab cell centrifuging module
A compressible and expandable sample tube holder includes a housing with a plurality of adjacent section members, movable toward and away from each other. Biasing members normally maintain the section members in an expanded condition. In the compressed condition the spacing between section members is reduced. A sample tube breakage detector includes slidable plungers having a protracted position that corresponds to a broken sample tube and a retracted position that corresponds to an unbroken sample tube in the sample tube holder. A detector compares the plunger positions before and after centrifuge spin to detect any broken sample tubes in the sample tube holder. A gripper device for the sample tube holder includes a lifting probe and a stabilizer to stabilize the sample tube holder during lifting. The gripper device and breakage detector are raised and lowered by a raising and lowering device having first and second telescoping members.
US07867439B2 Process for producing dispersoid-strengthened material
In a first embodiment the invention relates to a process for producing a dispersoid-strengthened material, comprising the steps of: (i) providing metal particles, wherein the metal is selected from platinum group metals, gold, silver, nickel and copper, as well as alloys thereof; (ii) mixing the metal particles with a precursor compound of the dispersoid and solvent; (iii) removing the solvent, so as to obtain metal particles provided with precursor compound; and (iv) compacting the metal particles provided with precursor compound in order to obtain the dispersoid-strengthened material, wherein the precursor compound is converted into the dispersoid during the compacting operation. In a second embodiment the invention relates to a process for producing a dispersoid-strengthened material, comprising the steps of: (i) providing metal particles, wherein the metal is selected from platinum group metals, gold, silver, nickel and copper, as well as alloys thereof, and wherein the metal particles are produced by mechanical processes selected from machining, milling, turning and filing; (ii) mixing the metal particles with a dispersoid or a precursor compound of the dispersoid, as well as solvent; removing the solvent; and compacting the metal particles obtained in step (iii) in order to obtain the dispersoid-strengthened material.
US07867438B2 Cubic boron nitride compact
A method of manufacturing a powdered composition or starting material used in producing a CBN compact which comprises CBN, a secondary hard phase and a binder phase includes two steps of attrition milling. First, the attrition milling of the secondary hard phase and the binder phase. Second, adding CBN particles to the fine particle mixture of the first attrition milling and then attrition milling this mixture.
US07867437B2 Method of manufacture Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder and sheet film comprising the same
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder and a method of manufacturing a sheet film to be inserted into a high-pressure hydrogen tank for a fuel cell vehicle by mixing the Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder with a binder and compressing the mixture. The method of manufacturing Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder includes: forming Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder using Ni-doped TiO2 powder as a starting material; and drying the Ni-doped TiO2 nanotube-shaped powder in the temperature range of 60 to 200° C. for 2 to 24 hours.
US07867435B2 Manufacture of inflatable member for bifurcation catheter assembly
A catheter inflatable member forming mold can include first and second frames that mate to define a mold cavity, the mold cavity defining a main cavity portion and a bulge cavity portion, the mold cavity being sized to receive an elongated tube member therein. The mold can also include a pin member with a head portion positioned in the mold cavity, the pin member extending into the mold cavity, the head portion of the pin member being moveable in a first direction to contact and move the tube member towards the bulge cavity portion of the mold cavity during molding.
US07867434B2 Production method for a delaminatable laminated bottle
A particularly small eyedropper or the like is provided, which has a construction such that, when a body thereof is squeezed, an introduction hole thereof can be easily closed to compress air in a space between an inner layer and an outer layer thereof even in the absence of a check valve in the introduction hole, and defectiveness of the introduction hole can be easily checked. To this end, a test hole (19) communicating with an introduction hole (17) via a space between an outer layer bottle (1) and an inner layer bag (16) is provided in an outer layer mouth portion (4). The test hole (19) is closed by the inner layer bag (16) and an inside plug (21) fitted in the mouth portion (4). Further, the introduction hole (17) is provided in a middle portion of a body which is pressed by a finger when the bottle is squeezed. The introduction hole (17) is closed by the finger.
US07867427B2 Method of hard coating a surface with carbide
A method of hard coating a surface with carbide. A first step involves positioning a temporary membrane a pre-selected distance from a surface of a work piece to be hard coated to create a insertion gap which is accessible from an upper end. A second step involves filling the insertion gap with carbide pieces, sized to fit the insertion gap in a selected orientation, by inserting the carbide pieces from the upper end of the insertion gap and allowing them to drop into the insertion gap by force of gravity. A third step involves filling spaces between the carbide pieces with bonding powder by inserting the bonding powder into the upper end of the insertion gap. A fourth step involves heating the powder until the carbide pieces are bonded to the surface. A fifth step involves removing the temporary membrane.
US07867423B2 Mould lining
Powder metallurgy techniques are utilised to form components and in particular titanium components in moulds. By the nature of the powder forming process, closed surfaces are created in the powder formed component, particularly when hot iso-static pressing techniques are utilised. In order to create surface texturing, and in particular entrant features, a mould lining is associated such that it reciprocates the shape of an underlying mould. The mould lining incorporates surface discontinuities such as holes, slots, spots or folds which result, once the moulded material is formed, in entrant features which can be utilised to enhance bonding through adhesives or other surface features beneficial to a component.
US07867421B2 Method for the production of fibres with a high content of colloidal particles and composite fibres obtained thus
The invention relates to a method for the production of composite fibers with an increased content of colloidal particles, made from a pre-fiber, comprising a polymeric binder and colloidal particles, during which the chemical structure of the polymeric binder is degraded at a temperature of the order of ambient temperature such as to at least partially eliminate the above. The invention further relates to a fiber comprising a polymeric binder and colloidal particles, combining an excellent mechanical strength and a content of colloidal particles greater than 70% by mass.
US07867420B2 Process for the production of a container of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding and a connection element for use in such a process
A process for the production of a container of thermoplastic material by extrusion blow molding is provided, in which during shaping of the container within a multi-part tool, the container is provided with at least one connection element (3) which passes through the wall of the container. The connection element (3) according to the invention, is of a two-part structure, wherein a part is in the form of a removal cutting element (11). The cutting element (11) serves as a penetration tip for piercing the wall of the container while still in the plastic condition.
US07867419B2 Method for preparing golf ball and golf ball
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a solid core formed of a rubber composition and a cover of at least one layer encasing the core, which method includes the steps of treating a surface of the core with a solution containing a halogenated isocyanuric acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and covering the treated core with a cover material. The invention also provides a golf ball obtained by such a method. Golf balls obtained by this method have a good feel and a good scuff resistance, and also have a high durability to impact.
US07867410B2 Compositions and methods for reducing fire hazard of flammable refrigerants
The present invention relates to compositions comprising flammable refrigerant, fire hazard-reducing agent, and optionally a lubricant suitable for use in a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus. Further, the present invention relates to compositions comprising lubricant and fire hazard-reducing agent and methods for reducing flammability of flammable refrigerant, for delivering a fire hazard-reducing agent to a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus, and for replacing a non-flammable refrigerant with a flammable refrigerant.
US07867408B2 Anisotropic wet etching of silicon
A silicon oxide film is formed on one principal surface of a silicon substrate by thermal oxidation, and thereafter, a silicon nitride film is formed on the silicon oxide film by CVD. A lamination layer of the silicon oxide film and silicon nitride film is selectively dry etched to form a mask opening 22 and leave an etching mask made of a left region of the lamination layer. The substrate is selectively and anisotropically etched with alkali etchant such as TMAH by using the etching mask to form a substrate opening. By setting a ration of the thickness of the silicon oxide film to the thickness of the silicon nitride film to 1.25 or larger or preferably 1.60 or larger, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the etched shape of the inner walls of the openings and cracks in the etching mask.
US07867398B2 Method to reduce wastewater treatment plant footprints and costs
A method and apparatus for reducing the footprint of chemical/mechanical/biological wastewater treatment facilities employing sulfur dioxide disinfection and chemical dewatering of solids in conjunction with an environmental biological systems for treating the separated treated wastewater.
US07867397B2 Method for purifying waste water with added oxidizing agent
The invention concerns a method for purifying wastewater loaded with organic matter, said method including: a step of contacting wastewater with a biological culture containing a purifying biomass and a step of separating performed by filtration through organic or inorganic membranes. The invention is characterized in that at least part of the biological culture is subjected to an oxidative stress step enabling a liquor to be obtained by the action of at least one oxidizing agent used in small amount so as to preserve the biological activity of the purifying biomass while modifying the microbial floc to make it denser.
US07867393B2 Integrated module for blood treatment
The support element (4) is provided with a plurality of connectors (7), (8), (11) which receive corresponding counter-connectors of a blood treatment device. The support element is also predisposed to include a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with the blood treatment device in order to provide an integrated module for blood treatment. An assembly process of the integrated module for blood treatment is also described.
US07867384B2 Apparatus, system, and method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands
A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.
US07867383B2 Method for recombining catalytic hydrocarbons
A process for catalytic hydrocarbon recombination is disclosed, in which catalytic hydrocarbons are fractionated at fractionators to fractionate a gasoline fraction and a diesel fuel fraction, an intermediate fraction is drawn; the intermediate fraction or the mixture of the intermediate fraction and the gasoline fraction are treated for aromatic hydrocarbon extraction to get aromatic hydrocarbon fraction and non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction; the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the high octane number gasoline fraction obtained are blended with gasoline fraction to increase the octane number of the gasoline; the non-aromatic hydrocarbon fraction are fractionated, and the diesel fuel fraction obtained are blended with the diesel fuel fraction to increase the diesel fuel output and the cetane number of the diesel fuel. In comparison with the prior art, the recombination process of the present invention has low limitation to the raw material, low capital cost, low operation cost, and increases the types of the products.
US07867382B2 Processing unconventional and opportunity crude oils using one or more mesopore structured materials
A process for removing contaminants and breaking emulsions in a feedstream comprising a crude source composition comprising unconventional or opportunity crude oil, the process comprising: providing the feedstream comprising the crude source composition comprising unconventional or opportunity crude oil, the feedstream comprising an emulsion comprising one or more contaminants, a salt content, and a water content; and, contacting the feedstream directly with one or more mesopore structured materials and one or more demulsifiers under conditions effective to separate a majority of the water content, the salt content, and the one or more contaminants from the feedstream, thereby breaking the emulsion and producing a purified hydrocarbon phase.
US07867375B2 Method for detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble by dynamic sensor response
A method for detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble in an aqueous liquid is provided comprising providing a sensor positioned within a measuring chamber, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the concentration of a gaseous component dissolved in a liquid, the sensor comprising a sensitive region; setting a gas partial pressure at the sensor, wherein the gas partial pressure differs from an expected value of the gas partial pressure of the gaseous component of a liquid to be measured; exposing the sensor to the liquid to be measured; resting the liquid until standstill is attained; recording a signal from the sensor as a function of time until the signal becomes constant; and detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble from the variation of the signal over time. The gas bubble, if present, is in at least partial contact with the sensitive region of the sensor.
US07867374B2 Active matrix electrochemical machining apparatus and method
An apparatus and method of electrochemical machining utilizes a computer controlled static array of electrically insulated cathode sections to selectively and individually energize the electrodes for the purpose of shaping the surface of a part. The tightly clustered array of electrodes can be formed by individual wires as an example. The waste reaction products may be managed so as to improve machining accuracy. The electrodes can be composed of materials capable of generating an oxide layer or that resist electrolytic dissolution to combat the problem of crossover erosion in closely spaced conditions. An alternative approach to remedy crossover erosion is to extend the reach of insulation into the gap space between tool and part.
US07867372B2 Apparatus and method for performing vertical electrophoresis
An apparatus for performing vertical electrophoresis comprises a main body, a pair of gel plates, a pair of clamping devices, and a lower buffer tank. The clamping devices are slidably attachable to the sides of the main body between a loading position for allowing the gel plates to be inserted into the main body, and a locking position for allowing secure attachment of the gel plates to the main body by a single horizontal sliding movement.
US07867371B2 Electrochemical sensor and method of manufacture
An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing defining a cavity for a reference electrolyte and defining an opening to the cavity configured to be proximate to a target fluid. The sensor further includes a junction plug comprising a porous material and a cross member impermeable to a target fluid positioned between the junction plug and the cavity. The cross member includes a planar portion disposed against the junction plug that defines an aperture to enable electrochemical communication between the target fluid and the reference electrolyte.
US07867367B2 Fluid treatment apparatus
A fluid treatment apparatus capable of maximizing contact area between a fluid and electrodes in the apparatus to improve corrosion resistance or combustion efficiency includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port for the water at both ends of the housing, and a plurality of first electrodes installed in the housing for generating a potential difference through delivery of electrons at a contact surface between the fluid and the electrodes. The first electrodes are disc shaped and have a water passing hole formed in a center portion. The first electrodes being arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to a main flow direction of the fluid, so as to form a channel between the first electrodes to branch and guide a main flow.
US07867360B2 Generation of active polysulphide with manganese and bismuth catalysts
Polysulphide produced by oxidizing white liquor includes both active and inactive components. “Active” polysulphide is the only component that increases pulp yield. The amount of active polysulphide formed when manganese oxides are used as catalysts in the generating process is increased by adding a co-catalyst. Adding bismuth compounds and, in particular, bismuth oxide as a co-catalyst increases the total amount of polysulphide formed with all the manganese oxides and increases the amount of active polysulphide produced particularly when using the lower manganese oxides. The co-catalyst also increases the number of cycles in which the most active catalyst, manganese dioxide, can participate before losing efficiency. Other elements in the same group and adjacent groups in the periodic table are active but these other elements are more soluble than bismuth and are toxic.
US07867359B2 Functionalizing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials
Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.
US07867358B2 Paper products and methods and systems for manufacturing such products
Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.
US07867352B2 Composite material placement method and system
To apply a course on a layup mold, a ply boundary that defines a ply area on the layup mold is determined and a tape of composite material is applied on the ply area at an oblique angle relative to the ply boundary. In addition, a leading edge of the tape is butt cut and the leading edge, and the ply boundary essentially converge. Furthermore, a trailing edge is generated. The trailing edge is a butt cut and the trailing edge and the ply boundary essentially converge.
US07867349B2 Thick film green sheet slurry, production method of thick film green sheet slurry, production method of thick film green sheet and production methods of thick film green sheet and electronic device
A thick film green sheet slurry, a production method of thick film green sheet slurry, a production method of a thick film green sheet, a thick film green sheet and a production method of an electronic device are provided; by which coating of a relatively thick film becomes possible, a sheet formed after coating has excellent cutting property (strength capable of being cut), and a sheet having high air permeability, excellent handleability and a high adhesive force can be formed. In the present invention, a thick film green sheet slurry comprises a ceramic powder, a binder resin including a butyral based resin as the main component, and a solvent: wherein the solvent includes a good solvent for letting the binder resin dissolved well therein and a poor solvent having lower solubility to the binder resin comparing with that of the good solvent; and the poor solvent is included in a range of 30 to 60 wt % with respect to the entire solvent. The good solvent is alcohol, and the poor solvent may be toluene, xylene, mineral spirit, benzyl acetate, solvent naphtha, etc.
US07867348B2 Non-woven fabric, non-woven fabric manufacturing method and absorbent article
The present invention aims at providing a non-woven fabric having high-density regions and low-density regions dispersed horizontally, so as not to prevent liquid transfer from a surface sheet to an absorbent body and not to diffuse a liquid less during transfer, a manufacturing method thereof, and a disposable diaper made therefrom. The non-woven fabric 5 includes a plurality of high-density regions 11 and a plurality of low-density regions 12 dispersedly formed in a planar direction thereof. The high-density regions 11 are formed dominantly on at least one side of the non-woven fabric 5, and the low-density regions 12 are formed communicating both sides thereof.
US07867347B2 Method for controlling heating rollers and laminator using such method
The present invention relates to a laminator and a method for controlling the heating rollers of the laminator. In the preheating stage, the rotational directions of the heating rollers are reverse to those during the heating and pressing operation. As a consequence, the article fails to be transported across the region between the heating rollers before the heating and pressing operation is performed.
US07867342B1 Cymbal cleaning device
A method and device for cleaning cymbals in which a cymbal is secured to a rotatable device, the rotatable device is rotated, and a cleaning agent is applied to the rotating cymbal after which an abrasive member is translated radially over the surface of the rotating cymbal thereby cleaning the cymbal. The device for cleaning a cymbal has a housing and a rotatable motor therein. The motor has an upstanding threaded shaft onto which a cymbal is secured with a cooperating threaded fastener. A regulator controls the speed of rotation. As the cymbal rotates within the housing, the cleaning agent is applied and an abrasive member is translated radially over the surface of the rotating cymbal.
US07867341B2 Methods and systems for performing an upper rack wash in a dishwasher
A dishwasher includes a tub, a fluid circulation assembly, and a water flow blocking mechanism. The assembly includes a pump, which is in flow communication with a lower spray arm via a water passage and at least one other spray arm via a conduit. The water flow blocking mechanism includes a water flow blocking device, a magnet, and a magnet positioning device. The water flow blocking device is normally positioned in a pocket in the conduit. The magnet positioning device is configured to move the magnet from a first position to a second position. When the magnet is in the first position, the water flow blocking device is maintained in the pocket by magnetic forces from the magnet. When the magnet is in the second position, the water flow blocking device is not retained in the pocket by magnetic forces of the magnet.
US07867340B2 Dishwasher and sound-insulation member therefor
A dishwasher is provided which can reduce the discharge of noise produced by the dishwasher, thereby preventing a user from being upset due to the noise and achieving not only a comfortable use environment but also an improvement in productivity. With the dishwasher, it is possible to prevent the noise, caused during operation of the dishwasher, from being discharged from a lower side of a door, by use of a sound-insulation member with a simplified configuration. In the manufacture of the dishwasher, improved assembly productivity can be accomplished.
US07867339B2 Process for cleaning an installation
Process for the cleaning of an installation, whereby the installation is rinsed with an alkaline cleaning solution and the result of the cleaning is tested by means of an indicator agent on the basis of permanganate in an alkaline environment. In order to make the cleaning more economical and less productive of waste water, the indicator agent that is used as an indicator is introduced into the alkaline cleaning solution for further use as a cleaning agent.
US07867338B1 Roof cleaning method
A roof brush and method of use. What is provided is a brush head which can be tossed on a roof and subsequently pulled off the roof to remove leaves and other debris on the roof. Accordingly, a roof brush is provided which is capable of cleaning a roof and permitting an individual operating the roof brush to remain standing on the ground while cleaning.
US07867337B2 Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate having a liquid film formed by pre-processing unit is transported by a substrate transport robot from the pre-processing unit to a freeze processing unit disposed away from the pre-processing unit. In the freeze-processing unit, the liquid film is frozen. This causes the adhesion power of contaminants adhering to the surface of the substrate reduce, and therefore the contaminants is detached from the surface of the substrate. Subsequently, the substrate which was subjected to the freezing process, is transported from the freeze processing unit to a post-processing unit which is disposed away from the pre-processing unit and the freeze processing. In the post-processing unit, a cleaning liquid is supplied to the frozen film on the rotating substrate, thereby easily removing the contaminants adhering to the substrate together with the frozen film.
US07867336B2 Cleaning wastewater holding tanks
Vibrators, each comprising an electric motor having an eccentric weight on its rotating shaft, are adhesively secured to the bottoms of the wastewater holding tanks of a recreational vehicle, to aid in flushing the tanks by dislodging solid debris from the inside walls and bottoms of the tanks and from the electrodes of the liquid level sensors in the tanks.
US07867335B2 GaN bulk growth by Ga vapor transport
GaN is grown by creating a Ga vapor from a powder, and using an inert purge gas from a source to transport the vapor to a growth site where the GaN growth takes place. In one embodiment, the inert gas is N2, and the powder source is GaN powder that is loaded into source chambers. The GaN powder is congruently evaporated into Ga and N2 vapors at temperatures between approximately 1000 and 1200° C. The formation of Ga liquid in the powder is suppressed by the purging of an inert gas through the powder. The poser may also be isolated from a nitride containing gas provided at the growth cite. In one embodiment, the inert gas is flowed through the powder.
US07867333B2 Mortar compositions with base on ultra-fine clinker, refined sand and chemical additives
The invention describes improved mortar compositions that can reach compressive strength values up to six times more than the obtained ones by conventional mortars at the first hours of setting, as well as up to three times more at 28 days of setting. Cementitious materials, such as Portland cement and clinker of Portland cement were refined in a high energy mill until reaching the greater fineness possible (100%<10, um) to obtain a material with greater mechanical resistance by compression that those that are reached with normal cement. The compositions of the invention containing the refined cementitious material as well as refined and suitably distributed sand, develop compressive strengths substantially higher (greater to 100 MPa).
US07867332B2 Method of producing a solid mineral material
The invention concerns a method for producing a solid inorganic material comprising a step a) during which at least three formulations are mixed together, said mixture comprising at least (i) silicon, (ii) aluminum and (ii) calcium and/or magnesium, followed by a step b) of forming the paste thus obtained into shape, then a step b) of drying at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of under 99° C.
US07867331B2 Coating composition optimization for via fill and photolithography applications and methods of preparation thereof
A sacrificial coating material includes: at least one inorganic compound, and at least one material modification agent, wherein the sacrificial coating material is dissolvable in an alkaline-based chemistry or a fluorine-based chemistry. A method of producing a sacrificial coating material includes: providing at least one inorganic compound, providing at least one material modification agent, combining the at least one inorganic compound with the at least one material modification agent to form the sacrificial coating material, wherein the sacrificial coating material is dissolvable in an alkaline-based chemistry or a fluorine-based chemistry, but not organic casting solvents commonly used in organic BARC materials.
US07867327B2 Ink set for ink jet recording and method for ink jet recording
There is provided an ink set for ink jet recording, which can realize lightfastness and waterfastness and, at the same time, can realize good images, especially images having a good hue. The ink set for ink jet recording comprises a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition, wherein the cyan ink composition comprises as a colorant at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 and C.I. Pigment Blue 15:4, the magenta ink composition comprises as a colorant at least one pigment selected from group consisting of C.I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. Pigment Red 202, C.I. Pigment Red 209, and C.I. Pigment Violet 19, and the yellow ink composition comprises as a colorant C.I. Pigment Yellow 213.
US07867326B2 Ink set for ink-jet recording, ink-jet recording apparatus, method of ink-jet recording, method of evaluating ink set for ink-jet recording, and method of manufacturing ink set for ink-jet recording
An ink set for ink-jet recording contains a yellow ink, a magenta ink, and a cyan ink. Ink sets capable of forming composite black images having good color deterioration properties and ozone resistance may be prepared by selecting an appropriate combination of a yellow ink, a magenta ink, and a cyan ink.
US07867325B2 Gas chromatographic device
A gas chromatographic device comprises an inlet system and a chromatography column. The inlet system includes a liner having pressure reducing means contained therein for reducing pressure between an inlet of the pressure reducing means and an outlet of the pressure reducing means. When the devise is in use, the chromatography column is positioned in the liner of the inlet system downstream from the pressure reducing means, and the chromatography column is under vacuum at its outlet.
US07867319B2 Filled epoxy tubesheet
A filled epoxy tubesheet comprises an epoxy filled with a metal, such as aluminum flakes. Embodiments of the filled epoxy tubesheets can bend due to stress on the surface rather than crack. Embodiments of the filled epoxy tubesheet can be used to improve Air Separation Module performance by reducing or eliminating leakage through crack in the tubesheet.
US07867317B2 Pre-treatment process for liberation of metals from waste printed circuit boards using organic solution
A method for recovering valuable metals contained in printed circuit boards of waste electronic machine, and more particularly, a method for liberating metal and plastic laminated in waste printed circuit boards uses an organic solvent and then separates and recovers the liberated metal components using an electrostatic separation process.
US07867311B1 Filter assembly with trapped auxiliary flow component
A filter assembly, including an air cleaner, has an auxiliary flow component having a mounting flange extending into a gap between a housing port and a conduit in trapped relation to mount the auxiliary flow component to the port and the conduit at the interface thereof. The port and conduit are mounted to each other with the mounting flange therebetween in permanently captured sandwiched relation, without detachment fasteners.
US07867310B2 Method and apparatus for separating air and oil
Methods and devices for separating oil from a mixture of oil and air are provided. In various embodiments, an air/oil separator includes a cylindrical housing that creates a circular flow path of the air and oil. Further, the air/oil separator may include various flow guides that improve the air/oil separation properties of the separator. Other embodiments include a turbine engine with a lubrication system that includes the improved air/oil separator.
US07867307B2 Cyclonic separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance
A cyclonic separating apparatus for a cleaning appliance includes a plurality of cyclonic separators arranged in series for separating particles from a dirt- and dust-laden airflow, at least two or three collectors for collecting separated dirt and dust, and a closure member movable between a closed position in which the closure member closes an end of each collector and an open position in which separated dirt and dust can be emptied from the collectors. The ends of the collectors are separated by dividing walls. A expandable seal is provided between the closure member and the dividing walls to seal when the closure member is in the closed position. The expandable seal is able to seal effectively even if the closure member is misaligned, incorrectly fitted or if dirt and dust is present between the surfaces to be sealed.
US07867306B2 Multistage cyclonic separating apparatus
A cyclonic separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic separating unit including at least one first cyclone, a second cyclonic separating unit located downstream of the first cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of second cyclones arranged in parallel, and a third cyclonic separating unit located downstream of the second cyclonic separating unit and including a plurality of third cyclones arranged in parallel. The number of second cyclones is higher than the number of first cyclones and the number of third cyclones is higher than the number of second cyclones, providing an apparatus which achieves a higher separation efficiency than known separation apparatus.
US07867300B2 Ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and method for using same
The present disclosure provides teachings relating to ammonia-based hydrogen generation apparatus and associated methods of use. Exemplary methods and apparatus comprise a thermocatalytic hydrogen generation reactor which includes a reaction chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate, and a combustion chamber containing a catalyst-coated substrate. Exemplary catalyst-coated substrates include, but are not limited to, metal foam, monolith, mesh, ceramic foam or ceramic monolith.
US07867299B2 Methods, apparatus, and systems for producing hydrogen from a fuel
Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen with reforming catalysts. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may be an oxidic support having a ceria and zirconia promoter, or may include a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also include at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones, where upstream catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone and downstream catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in their respective reforming reaction zone.
US07867298B2 Reacting apparatus comprising a plurality of reactors
Disclosed is a micro-reactor module including: a high temperature reactor which causes a reaction of a reactant; and a low temperature reactor which causes a reaction of a reactant at a lower temperature than the high temperature reactor, wherein a material of infrared reflecting film is set so that an infrared reflectance of the high temperature reactor is higher than an infrared reflectance of the low temperature reactor. Consequently, heat radiation of a plurality of reactors set to different temperatures is suppressed and the difference in temperatures between the plurality of reactors is maintained.
US07867296B2 High ethanol-content fuel compositions
A diesel fuel formulation containing a high proportion of ethanol has a corrected flash point. This flash point modification is achieved by feeding into the mixture a liquid of low flash point such as a light fraction consisting of a C5 to C7 paraffin cut. The resultant formulation invention can be directly used in a vehicle.
US07867295B2 Branched carboxylic acids as fuel lubricity additives
Certain branched carboxylic acids may serve as improved lubricity additive compositions in distillate fuels, and in particular for cold weather applications. Suitable branched carboxylic acids may include, but are not necessarily limited to, isostearic acid, neodecanoic acid, isononanoic acid, neononanoic acid, neoundecanoic acid, isovaleric acid, pivalic acid, and the like and mixtures thereof. The branched carboxylic acids may be used alone or together with straight chain carboxylic acids, and optionally with an aromatic solvent.
US07867293B1 Method for providing an electrochemical cell having a pocket seperator design
A method of manufacturing an electrochemical cell is described. A separator sheet segregating the anode from direct contact with the cathode is folded back upon itself along a crease with an upper portion at least partially sealed to a lower portion along an aligned peripheral edge to form an envelope. A first envelope portion houses the cathode having an uncovered portion of the cathode current collector spaced from the crease and a second envelope portion houses the anode. The first envelope portion is sealed to the second envelope portion through uncovered perforations of the cathode current collector to lock the anode aligned with the cathode. The anode and cathode are then wound into a jellyroll electrode assembly housed in a cylindrical casing and activated with an electrolyte.
US07867292B2 Prismatic rechargeable battery and method for producing such a battery
A method for producing a prismatic rechargeable battery that includes providing a battery housing comprising a plurality of cell vessels separated by intermediate walls. The method also includes providing contact connector plates on opposite sides of each of the intermediate walls and electrically coupling the contact connector plates provided on opposite sides of the intermediate walls to each other through their associated intermediate walls. The method further includes arranging plate stacks in the cell vessels, each of the plate stacks having a plurality of contacts and coupling the electrical contacts of the plate stacks to contact connector plates provided on the intermediate walls. The method further includes closing the housing such that the cell vessels and the housing are sealed.
US07867290B2 Separator filled with electrolyte
Methods are provided to suitably impregnate low surface energy separator materials with polar electrolyte in an electrolytic capacitor. Backfilling methods overcome the high contact angles exhibited by polar electrolytes on porous hydrophobic separators, forcing the electrolyte into the separator pores, thereby sufficiently impregnating the separator disposed between two electrodes within the capacitor assembly. Methods enable use of separators sans surfactant or surface modifications to improve wetting.
US07867287B2 Hand prosthesis with fingers that can be aligned in an articulated manner
A hand prosthesis includes a chassis to which a number of finger prostheses are articulated. Each of the finger prostheses are movable relative to the chassis and toward one another about at least one swiveling axis via a drive that is connected to the finger prostheses by a force transmission unit.
US07867286B2 Ventilated prosthesis system
A prosthesis system including a ventilated shell, and a substantially compliant, ventilated spacer element that defines a first surface having a frictional feature. The spacer element is arranged to secure to an internal surface of the shell. The prosthesis system also includes a connector that is secured to a distal end of the shell, and a retainer supported by the connector so as to extend into a cavity formed by the shell.
US07867279B2 Intervertebral disc prosthesis
An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first plate including a socket and a second plate comprising a recess. A core is sandwiched between the socket and the recess. The core includes a domed surface and a plug portion. The first plate is configured to rotate upon the domed surface of the core. The second plate is substantially fixed to the core, with the plug portion engaging the recess. The core may be press-fit into the second plate during assembly of the intervertebral disc prosthesis. The first plate and second plate both include tabs that define notches, wherein the notches are configured to engage prongs of a disc insertion tool. Teeth provided on the first plate and the second plate assist in fixing the first plate and the second plate to the vertebral bodies.
US07867272B2 Stent having twist cancellation geometry
This invention relates generally to an expandable intraluminal medical device for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to a stent having a plurality of hoop sections. Each hoop section comprises a tubular configuration of structural elements having proximal and distal open end, and defining a longitudinal axis extending there between. A set of flex connectors connects each adjacent hoop section. Each set of flex connectors comprises one or more flex connector members arranged in the same geometric orientation. Adjacent sets of flex connectors comprise one or more flex connector members arranged in an opposite geometric orientation.
US07867270B2 Multi-port delivery device
A multi-port stent graft delivery device (2) has an annular access lumen (26) between a delivery catheter (24) and a main sheath (6), at least one indwelling access sheath (28, 30) within the access lumen, and an indwelling guide wire (36, 38) within the or each access sheath and a stent graft (16) retained in the delivery device. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate stabilization of the access sheath during cathertization of a side branch and deployment of a side arm covered or uncovered stent therein through the advanced access sheath. A manifold associated (4) with a handle provides a plurality of access ports (41, 43). A docking balloon may also be used.
US07867268B2 Stent delivery system for self-expanding stent
A delivery device for a catheter-sheath assembly includes an outer shaft having proximal and distal ends, an inner shaft having proximal and distal ends, and a rigid inner member disposed within the inner shaft. A catheter is secured to the rigid inner member and a sheath extends from the outer shaft, covering the catheter and a stent maintained on the distal end of the catheter. The outer shaft is directable from a first position to a second position to retract the distal end of the sheath with respect to the catheter to deploy a stent or other therapeutic or corrective element from within the sheath.
US07867267B2 Stent delivery system with nested stabilizer and method of loading and using same
A stent delivery system deploys a stent having an inner periphery that defines an interior space extending lengthwise along at least a part of the stent and comprising at least one segment having relatively low column strength. The stent delivery system comprises a stabilizer which is disposed within the stent interior space and has a surface element adapted to engage the stent inner periphery in a region containing the low-column-strength segment. The surface element may comprise a sleeve or a coating having a high friction surface adapted to transmit adequate shear force to the stent to move the stent relative to the outer sheath upon deployment. Alternatively, or in addition, the surface element can include at least one radial protuberance. The protuberances may comprise rings of various cross-sections, axial lengths, or space sizes therebetween, or may be in the form of discrete barbs, bumps, or inflatable knobs arranged in a ringed configuration or helical pattern about the stabilizer. The stabilizer may also comprise an inner core and a heat-moldable compression sleeve surrounding the inner core, the heat-moldable compression sleeve having an outer surface comprising a plurality of protuberances defined by a thermal imprint of the stent inner periphery on the compression sleeve outer surface. A method for delivering a stent using a stent delivery system as described herein is also disclosed, as is a method for loading a stent and stabilizer having a heat-moldable compression sleeve into a stent delivery system.
US07867266B2 Temperature management system with assist mode for use with heart-lung machine
A system and method uses both a heart-lung machine (HLM) and a catheter and/or pad to reach a target temperature for, e.g., cardiac bypass surgery. At or about the target temperature, temperature control of the catheter/pad is suspended and patient temperature controlled using only the HLM.
US07867258B2 Multi-axial bone attachment member
Orthopedic constructs having parts that are movable with respect to each other and one or more friction members to limit unintended movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-axial bone anchor having a receiver member and a screw-type anchor is provided. The receiver member includes one or more internal apertures in which a friction member is placed, and a portion of the anchor contacts or is loosely held by the friction member(s).
US07867255B2 Spinal rod connector system and method for a bone anchor
A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to a connector with the first and second rods extending axially therefrom in opposite directions from one another. The connector is mountable to a mounting anchor and securable thereto with an engaging member. The connector secures the first rod in the mounting anchor and the connector is clampingly engaged between the engaging member and the first rod. The second rod is engageable in a receiving portion of the connector adjacent to the mounting anchor.
US07867253B2 Suture retention hub
A suture retention hub is provided. It includes a base configured to moveably hold a handle within at least a portion of the base. The base has an aperture which extends through the base. The hub also includes a handle configured to moveably fit into the portion of the base. The handle has an aperture formed therethough as well. When a suture is positioned in the apertures and the base and handle are positioned such that the apertures are substantially in an axial alignment, the suture moves readily through the apertures in the hub. Then the base and handle are positioned such that the apertures are not in a substantial axial alignment, the suture is frictionally crimped and it is prevented from moving through the hub.
US07867250B2 Septal occluder and associated methods
Devices are provided for closing septal defects such as PFOs. The devices generally include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and a flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members.
US07867242B2 Instrument for guiding stage apparatus and method for using same
This documents describes among other things a normalizing stage apparatus, tools and methods. One example includes a base that defines a trajectory. A first stage is moveably coupled to the base and the first stage moves along the trajectory. A second stage is moveably coupled to the first stage and moves an instrument coupled thereto with respect to the base and the first stage. Before movement of the instrument, the first and second stages are in first positions desired (e.g. predetermined) distances from a target area in the body. Another example includes the first stage and a guide tube stop coupled with the first stage. A guide tube is coupled with the guide tube stop and extends through a guide tube stop lumen. The guide tubes outer perimeter is dimensioned and configured to snugly couple with the surface defining the guide tube stop lumen.
US07867239B2 Vertebral plating system
A vertebral plating system includes a bone screw and a vertebral plate. The bone screw includes a screw head and a shaft. The screw head includes at least three segments flexibly attached to the shaft and has a spherical outside surface. The plate includes holes to receive the screw and that have a spherical inside surface. A driver tool has pins that are inserted into a pin hole on each segment, and that causes the segments to move towards each other when downward pressure is applied.
US07867238B2 Method for using dynamic lordotic guard
A lordotic guard and method for guiding a bone removal device to form an implantation space in the human spine and, if desired, for inserting a spinal implant into the implantation space.
US07867229B2 High-frequency treatment apparatus
According to the present invention, a high-frequency treatment apparatus includes: an electrode assembly electrically connected to the high-frequency generating unit for generating a high-frequency current, the assembly having at the distal end thereof a current-applying electrode for discharging the high-frequency current, the proximal end of the current-applying electrode being covered with a first insulating member; an insertion section receiving the electrode assembly such that the electrode assembly is movable in predetermined directions, the insertion section being located on the return side of the high-frequency current applied from the current-applying electrode; a liquid supply unit for supplying an irrigation liquid to the vicinity of the current-applying electrode; and a second insulating member for covering a predetermined area on the surface of base part of the current-applying electrode, the base part being exposed from the distal end of the first insulating member.
US07867228B2 Apparatus and method for performing an endoscopic mucosal resection
A surgical device including an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, an arm pivotally connected to the distal end and moveable through a dissection plane, and a cutting element disposed on the arm and adapted to move from an un-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein the cutting element is generally aligned with the dissection plane when in the un-deployed configuration and at least partially transverse with respect to the dissection plane when in the deployed configuration.
US07867227B2 Bipolar cardiac ablation system and method
An apparatus for bipolar radio frequency ablation of heart tissue includes a flexible epicardial lead having an interior surface along a portion thereof comprising an electrically conductive surface to be placed in contact with tissue to be ablated. Additionally, the epicardial lead includes an integral fastener disposed proximate a distal end thereof and a sliding lock collar having an aperture therein through which said epicardial lead passes. A complementary fastener may be secured thereto for engaging the fastener of said epicardial lead, thereby securing said lead in place around tissue to be ablated. The apparatus further includes an endocardial ablating lead placed in the left atrial chamber via transfemoral insertion for conduction of radio frequency energy between the ablating lead and the ablating surface of the epicardial lead.
US07867226B2 Electrosurgical needle electrode
An electrosurgical needle includes a body having at least one conductive element in the form of a needle that is surrounded by an insulation layer except at a conductor tip portion of the conductive element. The conductor tip portion and insulation layer each have unique geometric shapes and composition of the parts to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The electrosurgical needle electrode is configured to concentrate the flow of electrosurgical energy at the tip region.
US07867225B2 Electrosurgical instrument with needle electrode
An electrosurgical instrument includes a conductive element in the form of a needle that is surrounded by an insulation layer except at a conductor tip portion of the conductive element. The conductor tip portion and insulation layer each have unique geometric shapes and composition of the parts to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The electrosurgical needle electrode is configured to concentrate the flow of electrosurgical at the tip region.
US07867224B2 Laser system for medical removal of body tissue
A laser system has a laser source generating a laser beam, wherein the laser source is adapted for medical removal of body tissue by the laser beam within a predetermined treatment contour. A guide frame in the shape of the treatment contour is provided. A scanner is provided for completely scanning a base surface of the guide frame with the laser beam, wherein the scanner is arranged between the laser source and the guide frame in a path of the laser beam.
US07867223B2 Methods for treating hyperopia and presbyopia via laser tunneling
A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.
US07867222B1 Instrumentation for endoscopic surgical insertion and application of liquid, gel and like material
An endoscopic instrument includes an inner elongated instrument member that fits the bore of an outer elongated instrument member. The outer elongated instrument member includes a slot through which a surgical sheet material can be pulled so as to furl the material within the instrument. The slot can vary in length and width accommodating various surgical sheet material sizes. The slot can also be open ended or closed and its length and width can be varied accommodating different sizes and thicknesses of sheet material. The inner instrument member can include a flag that can be furled about the distal end portion of the inner instrument member and for attachment to the sheet of surgical material. The outer instrument member includes an articulating end portion that can be moved to deflect the end portion of the inner instrument member such as when the flag is unfurled inside a patient's body cavity.
US07867218B1 Steerable catheter for right coronary artery
A steerable three dimensional catheter to engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a patient includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a patient in whom the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior or left lateral interior surface of the ascending aorta of the patient. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two differently directed angles.
US07867217B2 System with a reservoir for perfusion management
A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.
US07867212B2 Absorbent articles, fastener ears for absorbent articles, and processes for making same
A method for manufacturing fastener ears for absorbent articles and other garments includes the step of cutting a wave-shaped pattern along the longitudinal axis of an elongated strip of material. The wave-shaped cutting pattern is substantially centered along the strip and divides the strip into a first web and a second web. Each web has a series of ear shapes, with each ear shape having a wave crest portion. Each wave crest portion has a first edge with a convex curvature. The method also includes the step of cutting each of the ear shapes out of its respective web to form a plurality of fastener ears. A fastener ear formed by such method is also contemplated.
US07867211B2 System comprising thong-shaped holder and absorbent article
A system comprising a thong-shaped holder for holding an absorbent article in close bodily contact in the pudendal region of the wearer. The holder comprises a front region, a crotch region having a specified Crotch Holding Force, and a rear region. The crotch region of the holder typically is elastically extensible in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. The holder provides an upward holding force against the absorbent article in the crotch region to hold the article in close bodily contact. A method for holding such an article in close bodily contact by wearing the holder is also disclosed.
US07867210B2 Absorbent article
In a disposable absorbent article structured such that an article body is composed of at least a top sheet arrange in a front face side, a back sheet arranged in a back face side and an absorber interposed between both of top sheet and back sheet, and a feces pocket is provided in a hip contact portion of the article body, wherein an opening portion of the feces pocket is covered with a mesh sheet.
US07867207B2 Coupling assembly
The present invention relates to a coupling assembly such as a coupling assembly for coupling an ostomy bag to a base plate, said base plate being adhered around a stoma. The present invention especially relates to a coupling assembly comprising a first, second and third coupling part, which are coupled together to form a coupling assembly.
US07867204B2 Needleless access port valves
Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a stretchable or flexible band. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the band is held in between a flange section of an inlet connector assembly and a shoulder section of the valve body. A plunger integrally formed with the band is movable inside a nozzle to control fluid flow through the inlet of the valve. When the plunger is urged by a medical implement to open the valve inlet, the band flexes to accommodate the moving plunger.
US07867200B2 Inserter
The invention relates to an inserter for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises a needle unit comprising a needle hub (2) and a carrier body (4), and a cannula housing (3). The cannula housing and the needle hub are releasably connected and when they are connected, the insertion needle (6) is placed inside the cannula (5). The carrier body guides the movement relative to the set housing between a retracted and an advanced position. When released the needle unit and the cannula housing are forced by a spring unit (13) to an advanced position where the needle and cannula are placed subcutaneously. The object of the invention is to provide a disposable inserter for an infusion set which inserter is easy and safe for the user to handle during use and to dispose of after use.
US07867198B2 Medical liquid infusion apparatus
An object is to provide a medical liquid infusion apparatus suitable for a portable use and capable of suppressing an abrupt change in flow rate even when the environmental temperature rises. A medical liquid infusion apparatus 1 is provided with a driving portion 2 and configured to infuse a medical liquid inside a medical liquid container 3 to a patient by applying a pressure to the medical liquid container 3 using a driving force of the driving portion. The driving portion 2 includes a compressed gas cylinder 4 filled with a compressed gas, and it is configured in such a manner that the driving force is generated by the pressure inside the compressed gas cylinder 4.
US07867194B2 Drug delivery apparatus
An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a body cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a variable-volume vessel defining a working chamber for receiving a drug and recirculating a therapeutic fluid. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The device allows for the controlled delivery of the therapeutic fluid to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear.
US07867192B2 Ambulatory infusion devices and methods with blockage detection
Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices.
US07867187B2 Vapor assisted fluid cutting device and method
Various methods and devices are provided for cutting tissue using a high pressure fluid jet. In one exemplary embodiment, a high pressure fluid jet delivery device is provided having a nozzle adapted to direct fluid to a tissue site. A heating element is disposed on the nozzle and is adapted to heat fluid surrounding a high pressure fluid jet flowing from the nozzle to form at least one vapor bubble. The vapor bubble can reduce the interaction between the high pressure fluid jet and the fluid surrounding the high pressure fluid jet.
US07867185B2 Graduated compression device for the treatment of circulatory disorders
A method of applying therapeutic compression to a patient's body limb, by: (a) measuring the dimensions of a patient's body limb; (b) determining a desired compression profile for the patient's body limb; and (c) forming a compression device comprising a plurality of tension bands dimensioned to be wrapped around the patient's limb, wherein different tension bands have different widths such that applying an equal tension to the bands results in different compressions being applied along the length of the patient's limb such that the desired compression profile is applied to the patient's limb.
US07867183B2 Knee brace having a rigid frame and patellofemoral support
Embodiments of the knee brace disclosed herein provide a combination of external ligament support and/or relief from pain caused by osteoarthritis with patellofemoral support. The brace includes a rigid frame and a flexible strap configured to extend across the wearer's patella to provide anterior loading thereto. The strap is operatively secured at either end to components of the rigid frame, thereby providing maximum leverage for applying force to the wearer's patella. In some embodiments, the strap includes a removable and adjustable buttress for directly contacting the wearer's patella. The patellar strap provides dynamic loading to the patella through the wearer's range of motion for relief of patellofemoral dysfunction, such as patellar shift, subluxation and dislocation, and malalignments such as patella alta, patella baja, tilt and glide. In some embodiments, a conversion kit is provided for converting a rigid brace frame into a knee brace capable of providing patellofemoral support to a wearer's knee. The kit includes at least a patellar strap and at least one tab for securing the strap to the rigid frame.
US07867182B2 Molded orthopaedic devices
An apparatus and method for providing an orthopaedic support having a flexible inner member and an exoskeleton that is molded directly onto the flexible inner member. One embodiment is a wrist support having a separate, attachable thumb spica, and may include a molded plastic exostructure supplying support for resisting motion of said wrist. An inner fabric support is attached to said molded exostructure for providing cushioning to the wrist area. Other embodiments include to said molded exostructure for providing an attachable stay; a web bridge that extends across and supports the web of the hand; an adjustable wrist support having an adjustable forearm portion that can accommodate various sizes of forearms; a wrist brace having a space to accommodate the web of the hand; and a support having an interior padding member, with the padding member itself having a support structure molded onto the padding.
US07867180B2 Immobilisation device
The present invention relates to a transparent immobilization device which is able to be molded direct on a patient and which is provided to cover at least a part of a patients' body that needs to be fixed, supported and/or immobilized, which immobilization device is at least partly made of a plastic material. The immobilization device is at least partly made of a sheet of a material comprising at least one thermoplastic elastomer which is a copolymer of ethylene with at least one α-olefin having 3-10 carbon atoms, or a blend of two or more of such copolymers. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such an immobilization device, according to which the plastic material is first heated to a temperature which is 15-20° C. above the melting temperature, then cooled to a temperature which may be supported by the body and molded on the body part of the patient that needs to be immobilized.
US07867179B2 Protective covering process
A process for applying a protective covering for a cast or wound to a patient includes the steps of selecting an elongated waterproof flexible transparent polymer bag having an opening in at least one end thereof and then cutting the selected bag to a predetermined length and sliding it over a patient's appendage to cover a cast or wound. A roll of elongated high cling plastic stretch film having a thickness between 50 and 200 gauge is then selected and wrapped around at least one end of the open end of the polymer bag adjacent the patient's appendage with a plurality of wraps while stretching the plastic stretch film to form a waterproof seal between the bag and the patient's appendage so that a waterproof cover is provided for the patient's wound or cast.
US07867175B2 Body fluid sampling unit
A body fluid sampling unit includes a puncture device including a needle having a sharp needle point and a drive mechanism for operating the needle to puncture a living body surface with the needle point, a tip including an introducing section for introducing a body fluid flowing out from a puncture portion of the living body surface punctured with the needle point, a test paper for detecting a predetermined component in the body fluid, and a tip body mounted to a component measuring device for measuring the quantity and/or property of the predetermined component detected by the test paper; and a case including a mechanism containing section for containing the puncture mechanism so that the needle point of the puncture mechanism can be moved by the drive means, and a sampling implement containing section for containing the body fluid sampling implement so that the tip can be taken out.
US07867173B2 Biopsy device with replaceable probe and incorporating vibration insertion assist and static vacuum source sample stacking retrieval
A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable hand piece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. A straw stacking assembly is automatically positioned by the reusable hand piece to retract multiple samples with a single probe insertion as well as giving a visual indication to the surgeon of the number of samples that have been taken.
US07867169B2 Echogenic needle catheter configured to produce an improved ultrasound image
An echogenic medical device, such as a needle catheter, which produces an improved ultrasonic image of the device, and a method of performing a medical procedure using a device of the invention. One aspect is directed to a catheter which reduces artifacts in the ultrasound image of the catheter. In one embodiment, the catheter has a spherical distal tip. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an echogenic catheter with echogenic portions arranged in an array to facilitate determination by ultrasonic imaging of the rotational orientation of the catheter relative to a desired location within the patient.
US07867168B2 Ultrasonic transducer having distributed weight properties
Systems and methods which partition ultrasound signal processing between an ultrasound system main processing unit and transducer assembly are shown. A particular division of signal processing functionality disposed in the main processing unit and the transducer assembly may be selected to provide a desired weight balance, a desired level of processing for data communication between the main processing unit and the transducer assembly, etcetera. Battery capacity may additionally or alternatively be partitioned between the main processing unit and the transducer assembly.
US07867167B2 Ultrasound calibration and real-time quality assurance based on closed form formulation
Disclosed is a system and method for intra-operatively spatially calibrating an ultrasound probe. The method includes determining the relative changes in ultrasound images of a phantom, or high-contrast feature points within a target volume, for three different ultrasound positions. Spatially calibrating the ultrasound probe includes measuring the change in position and orientation of the probe and computing a calibration matrix based on the measured changes in probe position and orientation and the estimated changes in position and orientation of the phantom.
US07867162B2 Implantable fluid devices
An implantable fluid device comprises a flexible fluid chamber capable of being in an inflated state and a deflated state. The chamber has a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The chamber also has, in cross section when deflated, a plurality of alternating protrusions and intermediate portions about the central longitudinal axis. When deflated, the protrusions have a selected height and the intermediate portions have a selected depth. When inflated, the protrusions have the selected height and the intermediate portions have a selected height.
US07867161B2 Sling delivery system and method of use
An apparatus and method of use are disclosed to treat urological disorders. The biocompatible device includes a handle, needle, dilator and sling assembly configured to be minimally invasive and provide sufficient support to the target site. In addition, the configuration of the sling assembly also allows the sling to be adjusted during and/or after implantation. The device and treatment procedure are highly effective and produce little to no side effects or complications. Further, operative risks, pain, infections and post operative stays are reduced, thereby improving patient quality of life.
US07867154B2 Angle adjusting mechanism for tilting inversion exerciser
A tilting inversion exerciser includes a supporting stand having a plate formed in each of two housings, and a curved channel formed in each plate and formed by two end stops, two arms each having a board formed in a casing and pivotally coupled to the plate with a pivot axle for supporting a user supporting table, the board includes a guide pin slidably engaged in the curved channel of the plate, a panel includes an anchor engageable into the curved channel of the plate for forming a shortened moving path between the anchor of the panel and the end stop of the plate, and for limiting the guide pin of the board to slide along the shortened moving path, and a latch member changeably secures the anchor and the panel to the housing at different angular position.
US07867149B1 Swiveling user support for exercise machine
A swiveling user support assembly has a user support or seat rotatably mounted on a user support mounting device or frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, while the mounting device or frame is pivotally or rigidly connected to a main frame of an exercise machine. The user support has a base, and a primary user support and stabilizing device mounted on the base. A pivot connection between the base and mounting device or frame allows the user support to swivel from side to side about the first pivot axis. A centering mechanism helps to orient the user support in a central position for user entry or exit.
US07867148B2 Modular heavy bag with spindle support
A heavy bag for boxing, martial arts, or other athletic practice, generally cylindrical in nature having a bottom, a cylindrical vertical side wall, and an open upper end subject with closure, there being positioned within the shell, a disk member adjacent the bottom of the heavy bag, the disk member having an upwardly extending step spindle, the step spindle extending upwardly proximate the open end of the bag, there being slidably receivable on the step spindle a plurality of modular toroidal drums or cells whose central aperture is complimentary with the diameter of the particular step spindle and its outer circumference is complimentary with the internal diameter of the cylindrical shell side wall of the heavy bag, there being positioned between each of the modular toroidal drums or cells on the step spindle, a washer or disk member supported on a respective step of the spindle and providing support to the adjacent upper modular toroidal drum or cell so as to prevent compression of the lower drum and thereby contribute to a heavy bag which maintains its proper density and resilience and resistance over the height of the bag through usage and time, each drum being filled with suitable stuffing or filler.
US07867145B2 Hand exercise device
A hand exercise device 100 and method for exercising human hands 102 and digits 104 comprising a plurality of separate digit sleeves 110 wherein the diameter and length are such that the separate digit sleeves 110 slide over the finger and thumb digits 105, 106 of the human hand 102; a magnetic element 120 is attached with the separate digit sleeve 110 near a distal end 116 of the separate digit sleeve 110, wherein the magnetic element 120 will facilitate a desired exercise in multidirectional movements when the magnetic element 120 is approximated near another magnetic 129 or ferrous metal surface 150.
US07867144B2 Apparatus for exercising the chest and back
Apparatus for exercising muscles of the chest and back includes a frame, parallel bars and overhead bars attached to the frame. A seat supports a user during exercise and a weight stack can be adjusted to suit the user. The seat is vertically movable relative to the frame as exercises are being performed by the user.
US07867141B2 Physical activity measuring system
A physical activity measuring system analyzes analyzing body motions of a user to accurately determine the exercise intensity. The system includes a portable device which is adapted to be carried by the user and is equipped with a body sensor and an indicator for indication of the exercise intensity. The body sensor senses the user's body motions to give corresponding motion strength. The portable device has a processor which constitutes an exercise calculator which has a predetermined relationship between a default standard deviation of the motion strength and an exercise intensity scale. The exercise intensity calculator collects a time series data of the motion strengths within a predetermined first time frame, obtains a standard deviation of thus collected motion strengths, and converting the standard deviation into an instant exercise intensity within the intensity scale in accordance with the predetermined relationship. The standard deviation with regard to the motion strengths can be well concordant with the exercise intensity, and therefore gives the accurate exercise intensity on a real-time basis.
US07867140B2 Device for conditioning balance and motor co-ordination
A device for conditioning the balance and motor co-ordination of a user (2) comprises a system (3) for acquisition of information relative to the kinematics of at least one part (4) of the body of the user (2), a processing interface (9) connected to the acquisition system (3) to encode the information in a signal, a pair of earphones (12, 13) operating between the processing interface (9) and the user (2), to feed the user the signal suitably defined by a stereophonic sound which can be transmitted in an audio channel.
US07867136B2 Method for limiting drive train torque
A method is provided for limiting a torque output associated with a power conversion unit. The method may include receiving data related to a pressure associated with an implement system hydraulic cylinder, determining, based on the data, a preferred torque value, wherein the preferred torque value is below a predetermined threshold value associated with one or more drive train components, and modifying a torque output associated with a power conversion unit to approximate the preferred torque value.
US07867133B2 Increased loading to improve low load controlled auto-ignition operation
A method for controlling an engine and a supplemental torque apparatus of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle. During a transient gear change where the engine temporarily encounters a low load and low speed operating condition, the system increases loading on the engine via the supplemental torque apparatus so that a cylinder can continue auto-ignition combustion.
US07867132B2 Gear transmission
A gear transmission comprises a traveling load detection element including an upstream detection member, a downstream detection member and a biasing member. One of the upstream and downstream detection members is an axially slidable detection member which is axially slidable along an output shaft. One of the upstream and downstream detection members has a first engagement part and a second engagement part. The first engagement part and the second engagement part generate respective forces for sliding the axially slidable detection member opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing member. The forces are changed according to variation of the traveling load.
US07867130B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US07867129B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US07867127B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US07867123B2 Drive apparatus for an extruder
A drive apparatus for an extruder includes a speed reduction mechanism unit and an output distributing mechanism unit separated from each other. The speed reduction mechanism unit is a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism including a hollow gear connected in mesh with a main input shaft through a plurality of gears giving a selectively variable speed change ratio and located on the outer periphery, a supporting shaft of a sun gear which constitutes an auxiliary input shaft, and a planetary frame of planetary gears which constitutes an output shaft, wherein the speed reduction mechanism unit and the output distributing mechanism unit are connected to each other by only an output shaft joint, and the main motor or auxiliary motor is selected by a switching lever to widen the running range of the motors.
US07867120B2 Linear unit
A linear unit having a main module unit and a drive unit in which the main module unit has a housing with a table part that a drive belt is able to move in the longitudinal direction; the drive belt is wound around a drive roller, which is connected to a drive unit, and around a freewheeling roller; and the drive belt is connected to the table part and is divided into an upper span and a lower span, and a guide element is situated on the base leg of the housing and is able to separate the upper span from the lower span.
US07867115B2 Segmented ball with lighted elements
Embodiments of the instant invention include lighted bounceable toys for play and amusement. Such toys or structures can be made in an infinite number of graceful and useful configurations. Exemplary bounceable ball toys include a light assembly having a power source and a plurality of light emitting elements, and a spherical skeletal structure having a plurality of segments. The spherical skeletal structure defines an open interior cavity, and at least some segments of the skeletal structure include a channel opening that faces toward the interior cavity. Light emitting elements transmit light to the channel openings.
US07867113B2 Goal detector for detection of an object passing a goal plane
A system is disclosed for detection of whether a movable object, such as a sports object, e.g. a football or an ice hockey puck, has passed a flat plane in space, such as a goal plane defined e.g. as a vertical plane extending from a goal line or a horizontal plane defined by the upper rim of the basketball basket. The system comprises a plurality of pairs of antennas arranged along the periphery of the flat target plane, the two antennas of each of said pairs being arranged with a mutual displacement in the direction perpendicularly to the flat target plane, radio wave emitter means arranged in the movable object and/or each antenna, and means for receiving the radio waves from the radio wave emitter means and provide an output accordingly arranged in each antenna and/or in the movable object, the system further comprising processing means to receive and process said output together with a predetermined set of conditions and providing a resulting output if the set of conditions are fulfilled so as to determine whether the movable object passes the flat target plane.
US07867110B2 Putter fitting method
A putter fitting method and system comprising a laser configured to deflect a laser beam off of a putter at address and strike a scoring map in such a way so as to indicate the any error's in a golfer's aim. The method and system may further comprise determining physical alterations to the golfer's putter in order to correct the aim errors. Such changes may be to the hosels (neck), hosel offset, hosel types, head shape, loft, line combination, length or the like. These changes may be suggested automatically, for example, by a computer program, based on the location of the laser strike, or by a fitting professional.
US07867108B2 Saturated polyurethane compositions and their use in golf balls
The present invention is directed to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a saturated polyurethane composition. The polyurethane is the product of a reaction between an H12MDI/PTMEG-based prepolymer and a polycaprolactone curing agent. Golf balls of the present invention include one-piece, two-piece, multi-layer, and wound golf balls. The composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.
US07867106B2 Golf balls having two or more core layers formed from HNP compositions
The present invention is directed to golf balls having a layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and a layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. Golf balls of the present invention have at least three layers, including an inner core layer, an outer core layer, a cover, and optionally an intermediate core layer. The present invention is not limited by which golf ball layers are formed from an HNP composition, so long as at least one layer is formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer is formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. Relatively soft HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer preferably having a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. Relatively hard HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer preferably having a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi.
US07867104B2 Structure of a golf club head or other ball striking device
Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g-cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g-cm2, or even at least 12,000 g-cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g-cm2, or even at least 25,000 g-cm2 or at least 28,000 g-cm2.
US07867099B2 Connecting arrangement between a shaft journal and a joint part
A connecting arrangement between a shaft journal (2), which is mounted so as to be axially fixed with respect to a unit, and a joint part (10) which can be pivotably attached to the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed manner. A shaft nut (5) having an internal thread (6) which can be screwed onto an external thread (4) of the shaft journal, is provided with an additional external thread (8) onto which a further nut (12) can be screwed via a counter-thread (21) to produce an axially acting interlocking connection (13) between the further nut (12) and the joint part (10).
US07867098B2 Ball-and-socket joint
A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.
US07867096B2 Joint for tiltrotor hubs
A joint is configured for use with a rotary-wing aircraft having at least one engine. A driver is coupled to an output shaft of the engine, the driver being rotatable about an axis. A yoke is at least partially rotatable relative to the driver about a first center of rotation, the center of rotation being located on the axis. A plurality of upright links couple the yoke to the driver, each link being translatable relative to the yoke, the driver, or both. Each link is also rotatable relative to the yoke, the driver, or both, about a second center of rotation.
US07867094B1 Methods for promoting the development and sharing of content and a dynamically modified computer game
An application is described for facilitating the modification of an underlying computer game by players and developers; the development and testing of game modifications via a publishing infrastructure; the sharing and playing of game modifications and the marketing of available game modifications. Users subscribe to the application or are charged a fee to access individual content and partake in these game modification processes across a network infrastructure.
US07867086B2 Image integration with replaceable content
A video game adapter interface apparatus has a user input device and an associated video display. The user selects a distinguishable visual image representation for association into a video game's audiovisual presentation, such as where that user is identified. For example, color, size graphics or shape can be used to distinguish users. In one embodiment a digitized image of each user's face is used as the distinguishable representation. Alternatively, the user can create an original image or select one of a predetermined set of visual images as the user's identification for use in the video game audiovisual presentation. In a preferred video game embodiment, the video game adapter interface system is coupled to a video game system and a storage card containing User Images. The video game adapter interface system then integrates a selected User Image from the Storage Card into the video game's audiovisual presentation, and can also integrate the User Image into the video game play. For non-User Image video game software and for non-video game and audiovisual presentations, an Intercept Adapter Interface Systems permits the integration of User Images into the audiovisual presentation in place of and/or in addition to predefined character images otherwise present in the audiovisual presentation.
US07867084B2 Pass-through live validation device and method
Hardware, systems, devices, architecture and methods for a wagering game-specific platform features secure storage and verification of game code and/or other data. An external connection securely communicates with a computerized wagering gaming system. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved. This is provided by use of various electronic devices and elements for encryption, including at least a device that is internally embedded in the gaming device that access digital signatures, encrypted files, encrypted compiled files and hash functions as well as other encryption methods. Such functions are able to be effected, and security and validation is advantageously applied to data loaded into storage media even while the gaming machine is in operation.
US07867080B2 Interactive streak game
Techniques for providing a streak game are described. A streak wager on a streak game is received and a representation of the streak wager is displayed. The streak game is made up of a number of consecutive main games and a selected outcome for each main game. An outcome of a main game is received. Whether the received outcome is the same as the selected outcome for the main game associated with the streak game is determined. The number of received consecutive outcomes that are the same as the selected outcomes for the main game associated with the streak game is tracked. If more than one streak game is in play at the same time, the streak games are each individually tracked. A new streak wager can be placed at any time, such that one streak wager need not be completed before a new streak wager is received.
US07867079B2 Promotion administration system and method
A system for administering promotions in which a player is awarded promotion credit to be consumed in wagering activities includes a credit administration facility that maintains a player credit account, and a display means capable of displaying a composition of the player credit account on a display means. The promotion credit is either one or both of a priori and a posteriori promotion credit. The credit administration facility automatically determines the composition of the player credit account as a function of any credit purchases made by the player, wagers made by the player and their corresponding payouts, and any promotion credit awarded to the player.
US07867077B2 Gaming device having bonus game dependent upon variable wager component selection
A primary and secondary game for a wagering gaming machine. In one embodiment, the number of lines wagered or a slot machine makes the player eligible for a bonus game, and a wager made per payline effects how many moves or positions on a meter the player advances upon achieving the bonus triggering symbol or combination of symbols. When the player advances the meter to the end, the gaming device displays a payout event. The payout event can be any type of bonus gaming event that potentially provides an award to the player.
US07867074B2 Gaming device having a bonus scheme with multiple potential award sets
A gaming device and a method for operating the gaming device including several groups displayed by a display device and at least one component associated with each group. Several selections are displayed by the display device having multiple components of the groups associated with the selections. A player completes a group and receives a prize for that group when the player picks selections and generates each component associated with a group.
US07867073B2 Electronic gaming device and method for operating same
A method is provided for facilitating a game of video poker, where a payout may be determined based on aspects of both an initial hand, and a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on a ranking of an initial hand and a ranking of a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in an initial hand and absent from a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in a final hand and absent from an initial hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on cards present in an initial hand and present in a final hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on a probability of generating a final hand from an initial hand. In one or more embodiments, a payout is determined based on an order of cards within an initial hand, final hand, and/or within a set of replacement cards drawn to complete a final hand.
US07867067B2 Shrimp processing machine
A clamp assembly for a shrimp processing machine includes a center bracket and first and second clamps. The center bracket defines a support surface for supporting a shrimp. The first and second clamps are mounted relative to the center bracket and movable between an open position and a closed position. The first clamp includes a first jaw including a first engaging surface for engaging a first side shell portion of the shrimp in the closed position. The second clamp includes a second jaw including a second engaging surface for engaging a second side shell portion of the shrimp in the closed position. Additionally, a shoulder extends from the second jaw away from support surface of the center bracket for applying a force to the shell when the second clamp moves toward the closed position to roll the shrimp toward the first clamp and tear the shrimp shell.
US07867062B2 Blade sharpener
A hand-operated blade sharpener providing engagements of a blade by an abrasive stone at pre-selected angles to the blade is disclosed.
US07867057B2 Bra wings using elastic spacer fabric
A bra includes first and second cups for contacting and supporting the breasts of a wearer of the bra, each cup having an inner side, located at a position between the breasts, and an outer side, located at an outer portion of each breast; and at least one bra wing extending from the outer side of each of the first and second cups. The at least one bra wing includes a spacer material having a modulus in at least one direction at 20% stretch and 10 lbs. load of between 1.8 and 3.0 lbs. of force.
US07867056B2 Bra wings using elastic spacer fabric
A bra includes first and second cups for contacting and supporting the breasts of a wearer of the bra, each cup having an inner side, located at a position between the breasts, and an outer side, located at an outer portion of each breast; and at least one bra wing extending from the outer side of each of the first and second cups. The at least one bra wing includes a spacer material having a modulus in at least one direction at 20% stretch and 10 lbs. load of between 1.27 and 2.13 lbs. of force.
US07867053B2 Method for manufacturing light emitting device
To provide a bright and highly reliable light-emitting device. An anode (102), an EL layer (103), a cathode (104), and an auxiliary electrode (105) are formed sequentially in lamination on a reflecting electrode (101). Further, the anode (102), the cathode (104), and the auxiliary electrode (105) are either transparent or semi-transparent with respect to visible radiation. In such a structure, lights generated in the EL layer (103) are almost all irradiated to the side of the cathode (104), whereby an effect light emitting area of a pixel is drastically enhanced.
US07867049B1 Floatable workstation
A floatable workstation including an inflatable tube including a floor, partitions disposed internally within an air receiving cavity of the tube to form one or more inflatable chambers, each chamber including a valve for inflating the chambers. A plurality of handles are disposed on the corners of the inflatable tube or on a deck assembly. The deck assembly includes a plurality of deckboards assembled together to form a floorboard. The deckboards are either inserted within a recess above the floor of the tube or alternatively attached to the top of the tube. One or more deckboards may include a receptacle for removeably holding a bucket. A tether arrangement is attached to the floatable workstation for securely positioning the floatable workstation alongside a vessel allowing one or more persons to stand on the workstation to perform maintenance on the outer surfaces of a vessel. The tether arrangement includes tethers, a means for fastening the tethers to the handles, and suction mechanisms.
US07867048B2 Outboard motor
An outboard motor includes an engine, and a top cowling and a bottom cowling that are arranged to cover the engine. A flow-joining pipe is connected to each exhaust port of a plurality of cylinders of the engine. A first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, and a third exhaust pipe are connected to the flow-joining pipe in sequence. The flow-joining pipe and the first exhaust pipe are connected generally at the same height as a bottommost of the cylinders of the engine. The third exhaust pipe is disposed above a topmost of the cylinders of the engine. A catalyst is disposed in a connecting portion between the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe so as to be housed in an upper end portion of the first exhaust pipe and in a lower end portion of the second exhaust pipe. The outboard motor is thus able to prevent water from adhering to a catalyst while avoiding any increase in size.
US07867034B1 Card connector
A card insertion slot in the card connector through which two types of cards, large and small cards, can be selectively installed in a card accommodation space include first and second guideways in corresponding to the sizes of the cards. The card connector includes first and second contacts, a lock bracket configured to detect the width of the large card, an actuator configured to be rotatable, and a partition member including a partition plate configured to be movable. When the large card is inserted into the card connector, the lock bracket is moved from the first position to the second position. When the large card is further fed into the card connector, the actuator is rotated from the first position to the second position, and the partition plate is moved from the first position to the second position.
US07867031B2 Connector with serpentine ground structure
A high speed connector with reduced crosstalk utilizes individual connector support frames that are assembled together to form a block of connector units. Each such unit supports a column of conductive terminals in two spaced-apart columns. The columns have differential signal terminal pairs separated from each other by larger intervening ground shields that serve as ground terminals. The ground shields are arranged in alternating fashion within the pair of columns and they are closely spaced together so as to define within the pair of columns, a serpentine pattern of ground shields that cooperate to act as a single “pseudo” shield within each pair of columns.
US07867029B2 Connector housing and connector
This invention provides with a connector housing in which a retaining arm for fixing a metal terminal to be inserted into a receiving chamber is formed within the receiving chamber, and extends in a direction of insertion of the metal terminal, and the retaining arm has a convex retaining portion to be engaged with a predetermined retaining hole formed in the metal terminal, wherein the retaining portion has a first slanting surface formed at a central portion of the retaining portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the metal terminal, and a pair of second slanting surfaces formed respectively at opposite side portions to the central portion, the second slanting surfaces being gentler in inclination angle than the first slanting surface; and at an arbitrary position in the direction of extending of the retaining arm in a range in which the first slanting surface is disposed above a predetermined height, the second slanting surfaces are disposed lower than the first slanting surface.
US07867027B2 Coaxial cable connector and coaxial cable connection unit
A coaxial cable connector includes: a pair of first crimp pieces; and a pair of second crimp pieces. Into the pair of first crimp pieces, an insulating inner sheath and at least a part of a braided wire, which are exposed from an insulating outer sheath, are inserted. The pair of second crimp pieces are located on outsides of the pair of first crimp pieces, and are crimped so as to surround the pair of first crimp pieces. Moreover, the pair of first crimp pieces are formed into a shape that is along inner walls of the pair of second crimp pieces.
US07867025B2 Cable connector with supported center conductor contact
A cable connector for a coaxial cable includes at one end a basket with circumferentially spaced fingers extending generally axially toward the other end of the cable connector. The fingers define a cavity that is positioned in surrounding relation to a inner conductive pin. Disposed in the cavity is a cylindrical collar which engages an inner wall of the fingers, along a substantial portion of their length, so as to bias them radially outwardly and prevent stresses that may otherwise occur when the fingers are inserted into the inner conductor of a coaxial cable.
US07867022B2 Brackets and receptacle assemblies with angled ports
A bracket configured to be mounted to a support wall. The bracket includes a panel that has opposing first and second sides that extend along a plane. The first side faces an exterior space and the second side facing an interior space. The bracket also includes a hub that is configured to receive an electronic device. The hub includes a first hub portion that extends from the first side and a second hub portion that extends from the second side toward the interior space. The first and second hub portions define a port through the panel to connect the interior and exterior spaces. The port extends along a central axis and is sized and shaped to receive and receive the device along the central axis. The central axis forms a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the plane of the first and second sides.
US07867019B1 Thermal imaging device with a battery pack with a shock absorber
A thermal imaging device includes a replaceable battery pack, which may include a shock absorbing and/or seal member. A battery portion of the battery pack includes an electrical contact and a sidewall that contains at least one battery cell, which is electrically coupled to the contact. An attachment mechanism of the battery pack is configured to engage a portion of a housing of the device, such that a portion of the battery pack forms a terminal end of the device, the battery portion is held within the portion of the housing, and the electrical contact of the battery portion is operably connected to the imaging assembly of the device. The attachment mechanism is releasable from engagement with the housing, such that an entirety of the battery pack can be completely separated from the thermal imaging device.
US07867018B2 Apparatus for accommodating and making electrical contact with a luminous means in a spotlight
An apparatus for accommodating and making electrical contact with a luminous means, which contains a glass vessel, a luminous means base and contact pins for supplying power, in a spotlight, which contains a luminous means holder for accommodating the luminous means base with plug-type sockets for accommodating the contact pins of the luminous means, is provided. The luminous means holder has a device for monitoring the connection between the luminous means base and the luminous means holder. The monitoring device comprises a device for detecting the relative position of at least one part of the luminous means base in relation to the luminous means holder when the luminous means base is inserted into the luminous holder.
US07867016B2 Electrical press-in contact
The present invention relates to an electrical press-in contact, particularly press-in pin contact, for transmitting electric current and/or electrical signals, comprising a press-in section and a mounting section which are mechanically coupled with each other via a relief section, and the relief section comprises a compensating portion and a stop portion, wherein the compensating portion allows a coupled relative movement of the press-in section and the mounting section, and the stop portion blocks a movement of press-in section and mounting section towards each other. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrical or electronic module or a printed circuit board comprising an electrical press-in contact according to the invention.
US07867015B1 Strain relief device for protection of power cords
A strain relief device for protecting a power cord includes a tubular base member defining a lumen adapted to accommodate a power cord. The lumen includes a trailing lumen, a leading lumen, and an annular recess formed between the trailing and leading lumens. The leading lumen has flat, tapered sidewalls. A tapered cylindrical plug is sized to snugly fit within the leading lumen and has a protruding annular rim at its narrow end. The diameter of the protruding annular rim is about equal to the diameter of the annular recess so that the rim snaps into the recess when the plug is inserted into the leading lumen. The plug is disposed in encircling relation to the power cord prior to insertion of the plug. Pulling on the power cord increases the compression of the plug about the cord due to the common taper of the plug and the leading lumen.
US07867014B2 Press-clamping terminal for aluminum wire
An aluminum wire press-clamping terminal is press-clamped to an aluminum wire having a conductor portion in which a plurality of aluminum- or aluminum alloy-made strands are twisted. The aluminum wire press-clamping terminal includes: a bottom plate portion for placing the conductor portion thereon; a pair of caulking piece portions which are extended from the bottom plate portion and adapted to be caulked to the conductor portion on the bottom plate portion to hold the conductor portion therebetween; and at least one groove and at least one convex portion which are formed on contact surfaces of the bottom plate portion and the pair of caulking piece portions, the contact surfaces being adapted to contact the conductor portion. The convex portion extends in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the conductor portion.
US07867012B2 Connector assembly, display apparatus having the same and method of connecting the same
A connector assembly includes a first connector having a recess disposed in a first side thereof, a second connector disposed in the recess and connected to the first connector, and a lever rotatably connected to the second connector. The lever is rotated toward the first connector by an external force after the second connector is connected to the first connector. The lever is connected to the first connector to fix the second connector in the recess of the first connector.
US07867011B2 Connector assembly
A connector assembly is disclosed, comprising a first connector and a second connector matable with each other along a first direction. The first connector comprises a first insulator and first lock portions. The first lock portions are made of metal and are attached to the first insulator. Each of the first lock portions is formed with an engaged hole piercing the first lock portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second connector comprises a second insulator and a second lock portion. The second lock portion is provided with engaging portions. The second insulator holds the second lock portion with the engaging portions movable along the second direction. The engaging portions of the second lock portion are positioned within the engaged portions of the first lock portions, respectively, under a mating state of the first connector with the second connector, so that the mating state is locked.
US07867008B1 Water-proof connector assembly
Disclosed is a water-proof connector assembly which comprises a first connecting device, a second connecting device and a fastener. The first connecting device includes a first casing, a male conductive terminal, a water-resisting member and a first screwing member. The first casing, being provided successively a first section, a second section, a third section and a fourth section, has a first inner hole. The second connecting device includes a second casing, a female conductive terminal which allows the male conductive terminal to insert for conducting electricity, a second water-proof sleeve and a second screwing member. The second casing, being provided successively a fifth section, a sixth section and a seventh section, has a second inner hole. The fastener is mounted around and movable on a first outer surface of the first section and the second section of the first casing between a predetermined first position and a predetermined second position.
US07867007B2 PGA contact with inclined flexible arm
An electrical contact for electrically connecting with a pin of an electrical package, includes a base portion as a planar board-like, a first and a second mating fingers jointly configuring a room for receiving the pin, and a flexible arm being inclined relative to the base portion and connecting with the base portion and one of the first with the second mating fingers.
US07867005B2 IC socket having improved latch devices
An IC socket (100) for receiving an IC package includes a socket body for carrying the IC package, a plurality of contacts (3) received in the socket body for electrical connection with the IC package, a driving member (5) mounted upon the socket body, and at least one latch device (19) driven by the driving member (5) to shift between a closed position and an opened position. The driving member (5) is able to be operated between an upper position and a lower position. The latch device (19) has a movable pressing member (194) engaging with a spring member (1943) and pressing the IC package toward the socket body. The position of pressing member (194) is adjusted in a vertical direction by abutting against the IC package.
US07867004B2 Electrical connector with improved stiffener device
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of electrical contacts and a stiffener device surrounding housing. A load plate is mounted to one end of the stiffener device and a lever is rotatably mounted to the other end of the stiffener device. The stiffener device includes an insulative frame for cost saving and a number of metal auxiliary members for increasing intensity.
US07867003B2 Wire bale independent load mechanism
Electronic assemblies are described. One embodiment includes a circuit board and a socket coupled to the circuit board. The assembly also includes a load mechanism including a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The load mechanism also includes a first axis portion extending from a first longitudinal end of the first lever arm, the first axis portion pivotally coupled to the circuit board, and a second axis portion extending from a first longitudinal end of the second lever arm, the second axis portion pivotally coupled to the circuit board. The load mechanism also includes a first load arm region extending from the first axis portion and the second axis portion and positioned between the first and second lever arms. The load mechanism also includes a first handle region at a second longitudinal end of the first lever arm, and a second handle region at a second longitudinal end of the second lever arm. The load mechanism also includes a second load arm region extending from the first handle region, and a third load arm region extending from the second handle region, the second and third load arm regions positioned between the first and second lever arms. The load mechanism also includes a gap positioned between an end of the second load arm and an end of the third load arm. The load mechanism is coupled to the circuit board. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07867002B1 Wire connector
A wire connector includes first and second connecting members that are adapted to hold respectively at least one wire to be connected separably to each other, a waterproof ring, and a locking unit. The waterproof ring is sleeved on a first connecting segment of the first connecting member. The second connecting member includes a second connecting segment sleeved releasably on the first connecting segment, and a receiving segment surrounding the waterproof ring for watertight contact with the waterproof ring. The locking unit includes two engaging components disposed on the second connecting member, and two hook components disposed on the first connecting member and engaging respectively and detachably the engaging components for pulling the receiving segment toward a shoulder of the first connecting segment to cooperate with the shoulder to clamp tightly the waterproof ring therebetween, thereby securing firmly the second connecting member to the first connecting member.
US07867001B2 Connection member and harness connector
A waterproof harness connector that is simple, highly reliable, and can branch a wire. An inner holder is inserted into an outer holder from an opening, and then, joints of wire terminals, where seal members are attached to wires, are inserted into wire terminal holding holes of the inner holder through wire terminal insertion openings of the outer holder. When a pin terminal is inserted into pin terminal insertion hole of the inner holder, the pin terminal penetrates tubular contacts of the joints, which are placed in the holding hole, to electrically connect the wire terminals to each other. After that, a waterproof member is fixed to an opening to make the inside of the outer holder a waterproof structure.
US07866999B2 Connector having an ejection mechanism operable to eject a card
A connector has an ejection mechanism operable to eject a card having a notch along a length direction, at least one contact, a housing for holding the at least one contact, and a cover for covering the housing. The ejection mechanism includes a movable unit that is movable between a holding position, at which the movable unit is located when the card has been inserted in the connector, and an ejecting position, at which the movable unit is located when the card has been ejected from the connector, along the length direction during insertion and ejection of the card. The movable unit includes a lock portion movable along a width direction perpendicular to the length direction as well as along the length direction when the movable unit moves along the length direction. The lock portion is located within the notch of the card to prevent ejection of the card when the movable unit is located at the holding position. The cover and the housing define a cavity that can receive at least part of the card and an opening for allowing the card to be inserted into the cavity. The connector also has a width-direction movement regulator configured to prevent the lock portion from moving in the width direction when the movable unit is located at the holding position.
US07866998B2 Electrical card connector
The electrical card connector (100) has a card receiving space for receiving an electrical card includes an insulative housing (10), a plurality of terminals (20) received in the insulative housing, a metallic shell (30) covered on the insulative housing, and an ejector (50) attached to a lateral side of insulative housing. The insulative housing is disposed on front section of the metallic shell. The ejector includes a base seat (51), a slider (53), a spring (52) and a cam follower (54). The slider is able to slide along a card inserting/ejecting direction. A metallic sheet (514) is assembled to the base seat. The base seat and the metallic sheet form a slot (515), the metallic sheet acts as a bottom wall and one lateral side wall of the slot.
US07866997B2 Electrical card connector
An electrical card connector comprises an insulative housing (10), a plurality of contacts (20) received in the housing, a shell (30) covering the housing and an ejector (500. The housing is located at the front of the shell. The ejector comprises a base (51) and an ejecting member (53) assembled on the base, the base is located at the side of the housing, and the ejecting member is moveably in a card inserting direction. The base is secured to the housing to limit a lateral movement of the base.
US07866992B2 Connection system, in particular electrical connection system
A connection system, in particular an electrical connection system, having a male connector and having a female connector has a bayonet-type connection for connecting the male connector and the female connector. The bayonet-type connection has at least one axially extending insertion channel and at least one adjoining latching position, which is offset in the circumferential direction with respect thereto, in the female connector, the end side of the female connector, which end side is provided for connection to the male connector, being covered by a cover, which is arranged adjustably in the female connector such that, when the male connector is positioned on it, the opening is released by this male connector in order to produce the connection.
US07866988B2 Locking connector
A connector in which contact between a circuit board and a card-type electronic device is made less liable to be unstable, even when the connector is subject to a shock. One (37) of a pair of arms (37, 38) of a base (3) is made elastically deformable. A holddown (43) is provided on the arm (37) such that the arm (37) cannot be elastically deformed when the base (3) is mounted on the circuit board.
US07866984B1 Epidural and combined spinal epidural anesthesia administration instructional aid
An anesthesia administration instructional aid comprises a pipe, a penetrable material in the pipe, and a reservoir located at a predefined distance from the penetrable material. A method for learning administration of epidural and combined spinal epidural anesthesia comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining an anesthesia administration instructional aid, wherein the instructional aid comprises a pipe, a penetrable material in the pipe, and a reservoir located at a predefined distance from the penetrable material; (b) filling a fluid into the reservoir; (c) inserting a larger needle having a lumen and a tip through the penetrable material such that the tip of the larger needle rests between the reservoir and the penetrable material; and (d) inserting a smaller needle having a tip through the lumen of the larger needle such that the tip of the smaller needle pierces and rests inside the reservoir.
US07866983B2 Surgical simulator system
Disclosed is a surgical simulator for teaching, practicing, and evaluating surgical techniques. Such a simulator may comprise a cassette of organs, blood vessels, and tissues that may be disposable. The simulator also comprises a hemodynamic simulator and a frame assembly, the frame assembly providing support for the cassette of organs as well as a fluid conduit through which simulated blood flow from the hemodynamic simulator may be connected to the blood vessels of the organs and related tissues. The hemodynamic simulator provides adjustable and variable pressures to the arteries and veins, as well as variable pulse rates, which can be programmed at settings chosen by an instructor or user.
US07866979B2 Dental drill system and stop collar for preparing implant bed for implants
A dental drill system and method for drilling a socket to a predetermined depth and diameter which is sized to receive an implant includes a first drill bit with a first bit diameter, a second drill bit with a second bit diameter, wherein the second bit diameter is greater than the first bit diameter. A stop collar is provided which includes a body with a first bore formed through the body. The first bore is adapted to receive the first drill bit. A second bore is formed coaxial with the first bore and extends a portion less than an entire length of the body, wherein the second bore is greater than the first bore and adapted to receive the second drill bit.
US07866978B2 Virtual orthodontic treatment
A method for virtual orthodontic treatment is provided in which a virtual set of orthodontic components is associated, in a virtual space, with a first virtual three-dimensional image of teeth, and then by a set of rules which define the effect of the set of components' teeth, the effect of the virtual treatment can be computed. This virtual treatment can be used to predict the results of a real-life orthodontic treatment as to design such a treatment.
US07866975B2 Operating device for shut-off needles in injection-moulding devices with needle valve nozzles
An operating device (10) for shut-off needles in injection moulding tools with needle valve nozzles has a displaceable element (20) to which at least two shut-off needles (16) can be fastened and which can be moved between two guide rails (30) mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable in a second direction (D2) that is perpendicular to the first direction (D1). At least two slide elements (50) are arranged between the displaceable element (20) and the guide rails (30) in grooves (40) running obliquely with respect to the first direction (D1) and to the second direction (D2), which convert a movement of the guide rails (30) in the first direction (D1) into a displacement motion of the displaceable element (20) in the second direction (D2). In order to achieve a flexible and easily manageable construction that permits inexpensive subsequent extensions and/or changes, the invention provides that at least one additional displaceable element (120) is arranged at the guide rails, where at least two slide elements (150) are arranged between the additional displaceable element (120) and the additional guide rails (130) in grooves (140) running obliquely with respect to the first direction (D1) and to the second direction (D2).
US07866971B2 Coupling for a plastics injection molding machine
A coupling for a plastics injection molding machine which connects a drive shaft to a screw comprises at least one force sensor with a measuring element for the indirect determination of the nozzle pressure. The coupling comprises a first connection which has torsional strength and does not transfer axial force. The coupling comprises a second connection, which is mechanically uncoupled from the first connection and is compression proof and does not transfer torque between the drive shaft and the feed screw. The measuring element is arranged in the force path A of the second compression proof connection but is not also in the force path T of the first connection. Thus, during operation, measurements in the measuring element are not falsified by torsional forces.
US07866964B2 Sensor for hermetic machine
A hermetic scroll compressor includes a hermetic shell through which the pressure within the shell is monitored. In one embodiment, a housing is resistance welded into an aperture extending through the shell. An oil filled pressure sensor or a dry type pressure sensor is associated with the housing. The oil filled pressure sensor extends through an aperture in the shell. The dry type pressure sensor is located on the housing outside of the shell. In another embodiment, the shell forms the diaphragm portion of the pressure sensor.
US07866961B2 Compressor with discharge valve arrangement
A fixing bolt is inserted into a through hole of an end-face member and screwed with a screw hole of a valve holding member, by which a discharge valve is sandwiched by the end-face member and the valve holding member. Thus, since a thickness of the end-face member can be provided thinner, a capacity of a discharge hole of the end-face member is made smaller so that degradation of operating efficiency as well as increase of operating noise are prevented.
US07866957B2 Hermetic compressor
A hermetic compressor has a bipolar permanent magnet motor where permanent magnet is disposed in rotor core. A hollow bore is disposed at the end on the compressing element side of the rotor core, and main bearing extends into the bore. The thickness of the rotor core is longer than that of the stator core, thereby widening the magnetic path of the rotor core. The magnetic flux amount generated in the rotor core, which is conventionally insufficient due to existence of the bore, increases, the loss decreases, and the efficiency increases.
US07866950B1 Turbine blade with spar and shell
A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine, where the turbine blade is made from a spar and shell construction in which a thin walled shell is held in place between the blade tip and the platform by only a mechanical fastener without using any bonding, welding or brazing. The spar is connected to an attachment by a tie bolt, and a separate platform is secured, over the attachment t in which the shell is held against. This provides for a thermally free platform and shell connection. With this arrangement, the shell is held under compression within the 2% yield stress range such that the turbine blade shell can have an infinite life. Also, the turbine blade is much lighter than prior art blades. As a result, the spar and shell blade produces less stress on the rotor disk during engine operation.
US07866949B2 Methods and apparatus for fabricating a rotor for a steam turbine
A method of fabricating a turbine rotor is provided. The method includes fabricating a plurality of substantially cylindrical disks. Fabricating each disk includes fabricating a substantially cylindrical body and extending a bore substantially concentrically through the body. The method also includes coupling at least two of the plurality of disks together to form a rotor having a bore extending axially therethrough.
US07866946B2 Method for operating a device to vary a blade setting angle, and a varying device
A method for operating a device to vary a blade setting angle on a rotor blade of a wind power plant, comprising two variable drives each per rotor blade, a bearing element acting between the rotor blade and rotor hub which has a freely rotatable bearing ring, wherein the method has the following process steps: setting the bearing ring into a permanent rotation by a first drive, and adjusting the setting angle of the rotor blade by a second drive.
US07866941B2 Fan with vibration notification
A fan comprises a ventilation device and a vibration device. The ventilation device comprises a housing, an impeller disposed in the housing and rotating with respect to a rotating center, and a driving mechanism disposed in the housing and connected to the impeller to rotate the impeller. The vibration device is disposed on the impeller and comprises at least one fixed element, at least one movable element, and at least one track. The fixed element is fixed to the track, and the movable element is slidably disposed on the track. When the movable element slides on the track, a vibration notification is generated.
US07866936B2 System and method for transferring mail between containers
A system and method for transferring mail between containers in an orderly and secure manner. The system and method utilize ejection rods to lift mail from an input tray into a transfer box assembly that deposits the mail into an output tray in an orderly, stable and secure manner, ensuring that mail is not shuffled or lost during the transfer process.
US07866923B2 Continuous chamber mass confinement cells and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to mass confinement cells that may be used in retaining walls and earth retention systems that has a natural earthen appearance or other aesthetic design and is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment. The mass confinement cells are generally light-weight and include a continuous chamber that at least partially aligns with confinement cells positioned above and below, thereby allowing the intermingling of fill material between adjacent cells. The mass confinement cells are capable of accepting and retaining any type of filling material. The filling material provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such mass confinement cells.
US07866918B2 Soil stabilization and irrigation arrangement
A soil stabilization and irrigation arrangement is proposed, comprising a useable area (10) and a water compensating device (22) disposed outside the useable area (10). The useable area (10) is formed from a basin (14) which is constructed as watertight and in which a drainage device (18) is arranged near the bottom, and which contains a footing (20); the water compensating device (22) is formed from a water receiving space (23) which is provided with a water inlet (24) and a water outlet (26) and which is in communication with the drainage device (18) of the useable area (10); and the useable area (10) further comprises an arrangement of soil stabilizing mats (32) in the footing (20) above the drainage device (18), wherein the soil stabilizing mats (32) are embodied as permeable to water.
US07866917B2 Trailing system for dispensing paint
A device and method for marking pavement surfaces are provided. A trailer comprising an enclosure is adapted to mount a first guide bar supporting an electric motor. Multiple holding brackets are attached to the electric motor for keeping the electric motor on track of the first guide bar though multiple rollers. A metal block housing is supported on a second guide bar attached parallel to the first guide bar. A printer is mounted on the metal block housing and adapted for marking pavement surfaces. The printer comprises a primary reservoir for storing paint, multiple printing heads positioned at multiple openings on the metal block housing for marking the pavement surfaces, and a secondary reservoir for delivering paint to the printing heads through hoses. Multiple gears comprising a rack and a pinion allow the electric motor to control movement of the metal block housing with respect to the second guide bar.
US07866915B2 Covering for an access aperture, and related assemblies
A covering (10), for an access aperture, comprises a pair (11, 12) of cover plates, of unequal sizes, that are positionable one adjacent the other along a line of juxtaposition (14) to define a generally rectangular covering. The line of juxtaposition (14) extends from one side (24) of the generally rectangular covering to another (26) and is spaced from the diagonal (27) of the rectangular covering that it is proximate.
US07866911B2 Slotted drain
A slotted drain having a first channeled half having a first engaging structure and a second channeled half having a second engaging structure mating within the first engaging structure is disclosed. The first channeled half can define a cantilever snap-fit recess and the second channeled half can comprise a cantilever snap-fit protrusion. A slot is formed when the first and second channeled halves are joined. The slot is adapted to receive a liquid variant and the slotted drain is adapted to receive the liquid from the slot into the first and second channeled halves. The slotted drain may optionally include a concrete pass-through port, a rebar clip, bedding feet and/or securement ribs. A method of assembling a slotted drain is also disclosed.
US07866910B2 Community intermodal transit system
A community intermodal transit system includes a city or town center and low speed mixed-mode corridors extending substantially radially outwardly from said city center. Further included are a corresponding number of circumferentially disposed parking structures located proximally to outer ends of the mixed-mode corridors and an outer transportation network including various modes of transportation, each mode including a transfer point to at least one of said parking structures. Service roads are provided to the city center, as are direct public links from the parking structures to airports or a seaport. Low speed, low profile vehicles may operate on small gauge tracks upon said mixed-mode corridors.
US07866909B2 Cable locking system
The cable locking system is a two-part device that locks a cable-like strap or other flexible or rigid member with an enlarged end into place by using an opposing arrangement of keyhole-shaped apertures bored into two rigid parts.The cable locking system requires no extra hardware to secure the connection, and can be retrofitted to fit virtually any size support system in numerous applications.The cable locking system can be installed quickly and easily without a need for tools, extra labor, or supporting equipment. In the case of a suspension bridge, the suspension parts can be pre-manufactured and assembled, then quickly and easily connected to complete the structure.The cable locking system makes the construction of a suspension bridge or other hoisting device as well as many kinds of structures simple and straightforward, with fewer parts that can potentially fail. The cable locking system can also easily be disassembled.
US07866908B2 Stethoscope cleaning assembly
An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid is associated with a dispenser assembly which is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is manually operated due to moveable engagement with the head portion as it travels along the path of travel. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispenser assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from.
US07866903B2 Printer and emission intensity adjusting method
A printer for performing a printing operation on a printing medium, includes an optical sensor, operable to detect the printing medium; an emission intensity adjuster, operable to adjust emission intensity of a light-emitting element included in the optical sensor; and an output monitor, operable to monitor an output voltage of the optical sensor so as to control the emission intensity adjuster to adjust the emission intensity.
US07866900B2 Camera control apparatus, shooting direction control method and camera apparatus
A camera control apparatus, includes two actuators, each including a piezoelectric body and a stick-shaped shaft provided on the piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body being configured to be modified based on application of an AC voltage, a rotating part including two circular-shaped members rotatably provided, the circular-shaped members being configured to sandwich two of the shafts; an electric power source part configured to apply the AC voltage to the piezoelectric bodies; and a rotation control part configured to change a shooting direction of a camera apparatus directly connected to the circular-shaped members in rotational directions of the circular-shaped members based on the amount of rotation of the circular-shaped members.
US07866898B2 Optical communication module
Disclosed is an optical communication module including a module base in an approximately rectangular shape in which the light path member is introduce from one end surface in a longitudinal direction, a cover member provided at an upper portion of the module base and a plurality of pairs of conductive members in which each of the conductive members constituting a pair are respectively disposed at both outside surfaces of the module base and which are electrically connected to the light path member, and a concave portion is formed at an upper surface of the module base, the cover member is formed so as to cover an opening of the concave portion, and the conductive members are formed so as to extend for equal lengths toward an upper surface side and a lower surface side of the module base from a center line of a height direction of the outside surfaces.
US07866895B2 Cage for roller bearing and manufacturing method thereof
In the present cage, both pillar portions which face each other in a circumferential direction of a pocket have a plurality of bent portions which are alternately bent in a width direction, and each bent portion is provided with roller stopping portions protruding into the pocket. The bent portions are formed in a curved cross-sectional shape. Tip portions of the bent portions in the thickness direction of the cage are formed in a cross-sectional shape that becomes narrower toward the tips, and the tip portions are drawn in a state where they protrude into the pocket by plastic deformation working, thereby forming the roller stopping portions.
US07866894B2 Hydraulically positioned shaft bearing attachment system and method
A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a pressure loaded piston drives the sleeve from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. The initial position is determined by monitoring the pressure applied to the piston. Once the initial position has been reached, a linear indicator is used to measure the axial sleeve movement from the initial position to a final position. The system remains in place after the bearing is installed on the shaft and facilitates removal of the bearing assembly from the shaft.
US07866891B2 Rolling bearing apparatus
A rolling bearing apparatus is provided that rotatably supports a cam shaft in a cylinder head of an engine. The rolling bearing apparatus includes a plurality of rolling elements; a cage that positions the rolling elements so as to be spaced at regular intervals from each other in a circumferential direction and that retains the rolling elements in a freely rotatable manner; a shell-type outer ring configured to receive the rolling elements and the cage and having a raceway surface of the rolling elements at an inner side thereof; and an outer ring fastening member formed of a material having almost the same thermal expansion coefficient as the shell-type outer ring and having a press-fit portion press-fitted to the shell-type outer ring.
US07866889B2 Fluid dynamic bearing system
A fluid dynamic bearing system used particularly for a spindle motor having a shaft that is accommodated in a bearing bush and rotatably supported with respect to the bearing bush, a bearing gap filled with a bearing fluid being located between the shaft and the bearing bush. At least the outside circumference of a section of the shaft extending into the bearing bush is made of a plastic material. As an alternative, a film made of a plastic material whose thickness is less than the width of the bearing gap can be disposed in the bearing gap.
US07866888B2 Hydrodynamic bearing with sloping surface
A hydrodynamic bearing (300) has a bearing surface adapted for receiving a shaft to rotate thereon. The bearing surface has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves for generating hydrodynamic pressure each has at least one interior surface (3421). The at least one interior surface has a sloping surface along a circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic bearing.
US07866882B2 Standard radiation source
The present standard radiation source comprises a black body having a cavity, a shielding plate positioned at an open end of the cavity, at least one first heater positioned in the shielding plate, at least one second heater positioned on the outer wall of the black body, a first insulation device covering the second heater and a temperature-controlling device positioned on the first insulation device.
US07866879B2 Immersion blender spatula ring
An immersion blender which includes a motor housing and an elongate shaft housing extending from the motor housing to a blender working end. The working end includes a rotatable mixing tool enclosed in part by a blade guard. A resilient spatula ring is attached to the blade guard as an extension thereof. The spatula ring has a spatula edge and sufficient flexibility to conform to inner surface contours of a mixing vessel. A spatula ring may also be provided as an aftermarket product to fit existing immersion blender models.
US07866873B2 Planar illumination device
A planar illumination device comprises a light guide plate, a point-like light source arranged on an incoming-light face of the light guide plate, an inner frame formed substantially in a U-shape on a top view, and an outer frame having a seat portion and side walls wherein the light guide plate is accommodated in the inner frame and mounted on the seat portion of the outer frame, while the point-like light source is arranged along the incoming-light face of the light guide plate and held between the incoming-light face and the side wall of the outer frame. At the inner frame, an elastic action portion which is elastically deformed so as to make a partial contact with the outer frame and energizes the light guide plate toward the point-like light source is provided.
US07866871B2 Light enhancing structures with a plurality of arrays of elongate features
Various embodiments comprise light recycling films comprising an array of parallel ridges and grooves that form prisms that selectively reflect or transmit light. In some embodiments, the light recycling film may be used in displays that include spatial light modulators comprising a plurality of pixels. The light recycling film can limit the field-of-view of the display and enhance the luminance within that field-of-view. Various embodiments comprising multiple arrays of ridges and/or grooves can enhance uniformity of illumination of the pixels in the spatial light modulator and reduce Moiré effects.
US07866870B2 Backlight assembly
A backlight assembly which can reduce manufacturing costs and enhance display quality of a liquid crystal display (“LCD”). The backlight assembly includes: a light source emitting light; and a light guide plate (“LGP”) including an incident surface on which light emitted from the light source is incident, a top surface which adjoins the incident surface, and a bottom surface which adjoins the incident surface, faces the top surface, and includes a plurality of lower prisms separated from one another and flat portions interposed between the lower prisms, wherein each of the lower prisms includes a first surface and a second surface which are adjacent to each other, the first surface including a plurality of oblique planes having different positive slopes, the second surface having a negative slope, and where the slope forms an angle with a line normal to the incident surface.
US07866865B2 Tail light
A tail light for an automobile includes a plurality of first illuminating elements and a plurality of second illuminating elements. The first illuminating elements are arranged to form a logo pattern of the automobile, and each of the first and second illuminating elements are configured for providing an adjustable illuminating brightness. The tail light is capable of selectively operating between a braking state and a non-braking state. In the braking state, the illuminating brightness of the first illuminating elements is greater than that of the second illuminating elements. In the non-braking state, the illuminating brightness of the first illuminating elements is less than that of the second illuminating elements.
US07866855B2 Luminaire reflector having improved prism transition
A reflector (14) for a luminaire comprises a generally parabolic wall (28) having series of main right-angled prisms (16) and an interleaved series of transition prisms (18). The main and transition prisms have essentially the same shapes and follow the same overall curvature to control the illumination. The transition prisms transition into the main prisms by merging a peak of a transition prism into the valley between adjacent main prisms in a short transition zone (20). Thus, the transition zone has only a small effect on the overall lighting pattern.
US07866854B2 Outdoor lighting fixture
A housing has a component storage cavity and an open bottom. A door covers and uncovers the open bottom. The door preferably has a latch that can be released with one hand. A window in the door transmits light from the housing. A partition divides the component storage cavity into a lamp section and a control component section. There is an opening through the partition. A removable control component mounting plate is dimensioned to cover the opening and thus become part of the control component section. A removable lamp reflector lies inside the housing behind the window. The mounting plate and reflector preferably each have a latch that can be released with one hand.
US07866851B2 LED heat sink
An LED heat sink having an LED unit and a pipe. The LED unit has a base having a top and an LED chip attached to the top of the base. The pipe has a inlet end, a outlet end, a body, multiple inlets, multiple partitioning walls and multiple partitions. The inlet end is attached to the base of the LED unit. The inlets are defined near the base. The partitioning walls are formed inside the body. The partitions are defined within the body by the partitioning walls and communicate with the inlet end.
US07866849B2 Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device (100) is provided, comprising four light sources (101, 102, 103, 104) and a collimating element (105) for collimating and mixing the light from the light sources. The light-collimating element comprises three V-shaped profile surfaces (110, 120, 130) arranged with their edges (115, 125, 135) towards the light sources. The V-shaped profile surfaces are provided with dichroic filters that transmits light from the light sources that they are arranged in front of, and reflects light from the remaining light sources. Such a device is capable of collimating and mixing the light from the four light sources, such that essentially the same degree of collimation is achieved for all four light sources.
US07866846B2 LED lamp assembly
An LED lamp assembly includes a fixing member with a plurality of LED lamps secured to it from different aspects. The fixing member has a plurality of supporting parts extending outwards from a bottom end thereof and a plurality of holding parts extending outwards from an upper end thereof. Each holding part defines an opening therein. The LED lamps are respectively mounted on the holding parts of the fixing member and each comprise a plurality of LED modules received in an opening of a corresponding holding part and facing toward the supporting parts.
US07866842B2 Fluorescent lamp reflectors
Reflector (1) for light concentration and direction in fluorescent lamps with parabolic shape made of thin synthetic film with reflective surface and vertically positioned louvres (4) made of thin flexible and synthetic film through which the reflector (1) is fitted on the fluorescent lamps (3). In the centre of the louvres (4) there is an especially shaped opening (6) which adjusts to the diameter of the lamp (3), so that the lamp (3) can pass through the openings (6) of the louvres (4), retain the reflector (1) on the fluorescent lamp (3) and rotate some degrees in relation to the lamp (3) in order to concentrate the light towards the desired direction.
US07866841B2 Compact flashlight
A flashlight is provided with an end cap which carries an axially-actuated switch for turning the flashlight on and off with a convenient one-handed operation. The switch is designed with a latching function and a mode selection function which can be cycled through high, low and strobed light outputs with a partial throw of the switch. Cut-out portions are provided in the end cap for guiding a user's finger toward the switch and away from the sidewalls of the end cap.
US07866838B2 Illuminating device with remote control
An illuminating device (10) includes a light source module (11) and an electronic module (15) detachably connected with the light source module. The light source module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (112). The electronic module includes a receiver (151), a control circuit (152) electronically coupled to the receiver, and a driver circuit (150) for driving the light emitting diodes. The receiver is used to receive a wireless control signal from a remote controller (19), and the control circuit is used to control the driver circuit according to the received control signal.
US07866835B2 Auxiliary mirror assembly for sideview mirror of car
An auxiliary mirror assembly for the sideview mirror of a car includes an auxiliary sideview mirror, an elongate hollow support post mounted on the auxiliary sideview mirror, two mounting brackets mounted on the support post, and two locking members each pivotally mounted on the support post and each releasably locked onto a respective mounting bracket to releasably lock the respective mounting bracket onto the support post. Each of the mounting brackets includes an adjusting member adjustably mounted on the support post and a clamping member pivotally connected with the adjusting member. The adjusting member of each of the mounting brackets has a serrated portion. Each of the locking members has a toothed portion detachably engaged with the serrated portion of the respective mounting bracket.
US07866832B2 Multi-projector intensity blending system
The present invention relates to projection systems where multiple projectors are utilized to create respective complementary portions of a projected image. The present invention also relates to methods of calibrating and operating individual image projectors. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an attenuation map is generated for the projectors and pixel intensity values are established for the projectors by applying one or more intensity transfer functions to the attenuation maps. The intensity transfer functions are configured to at least partially account for the non-linear response of the output intensity of the projectors, as a function of an input intensity control signal applied to the projectors. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US07866831B2 Image projector
An image projector realizing image projection with high image quality by reducing speckle noise. An image projector comprising a coherent light source, a collimation lens for transforming coherent light emitted from the coherent light source into coherent parallel light, and a projection optical system for projecting coherent parallel light is further provided with a reflection element for reflecting the coherent parallel light and capable of oscillating in parallel with the direction normal to the reflection plane, and a reflection element drive means for causing oscillatory motion of the reflection element.
US07866830B2 Illumination device and projector
An illumination device includes: a light source section emitting coherent light; and a phase modulation section onto which the coherent light emitted from the light source section is incident, modulating the phase of the coherent light, forming a phase modulation pattern, varying the phase of the coherent light while generating a diffracted light in accordance with the phase modulation pattern, thereby scanning the light onto at least a part of a region of a projection surface.
US07866828B2 Projection type image display apparatus
An image display apparatus has a first exhaust fan (13) for mainly exhausting air from a light source unit (9) and discharging the air to the outside of the image display apparatus and a second exhaust fan (14) for mainly exhausting air from a power supply unit (11) and discharging the air to the outside of said image display apparatus. The inspiration face of the second exhaust fan is arranged to partly overlap the expiration face of the first exhaust fan. Accordingly, the internal temperature of the image display apparatus, and hence the temperature of the exhaust air, can be efficiently reduced, and at the same time fan noise of the fans can be reduced. As a result, uprating of power of the light source unit and downsizing of an image display apparatus can be simultaneously achieved.
US07866825B2 Blind for a projector
A blind (10) for a projector includes a bracket (20) mounted to the projector, and a folded fin (30) fixed on the bracket and covering a hot air vent of the projector. The folded fin includes a plurality of parallel fins (32) and a plurality of upper and lower tabs (34, 36) interconnecting the fins. Each of the fins defines an angle of 135 degrees with a plane defined by the lower tabs. Furthermore, a projection of each of the fins on the plane defined by the lower tabs overlaps a part of a corresponding adjacent fin. Thus, the blind can prevent a light leakage from the projector, while allow a heated airflow to be expelled out of the projector simultaneously.
US07866819B2 Non-invasive measurement of tear volume systems and methods
Devices systems, and methods can measure, diagnose and/or characterize an eye of a patient, including physiologic and optical properties, such as hydration and tear volume in relation to an optical surface of the eye, including topography of a corneal surface of the eye and/or a wavefront elevation map of the eye. The system forms an image of a tear meniscus along an eyelid. The eye can be illuminated so that the meniscus appears as a dark band in the image. Tear volume can be determined by measuring a height across the tear meniscus. The tear volume can be used to determine the optical properties of the tear of the eye and to diagnose conditions of the eye. The patient can be screened for treatment of the eye with refractive surgery using a measured pupil size, hydration and topography and/or wavefront.
US07866817B2 Systems and methods for improving visual perception
The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to enable a person wishing to improve his vision capabilities to carry with him a training device and to be able to train his vision whenever and wherever he wishes. The current invention makes use of widely available and familiar infrastructure of hand held devices such as cellular phone and cellular network. Other mobile digital devices having visual display may be used, for example: Pocket PC, Palm computer electronic notebook, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and even some digital music players such as iPod. Training session comprises of displaying to the trainee sequence of images on the built in display of there hand held device and receiving his response to the displayed images.
US07866815B2 Accommodating or focusable contact lens
An “accommodating contact lens” or “focusable contact lens” is a contact lens comprised of a single unit lens, primarily of a rigid gas permeable material, that has one optical power ground into the lens and is fitted for the eye for clear vision at distance when the eye is in a relaxed, unaccommodated state. Unlike a standard single vision, rigid gas permeable contact lens, it has a modified anterior surface, which exists as either an excavated, concave region or heaped ridge running the entire circular midperipheral to peripheral region of the contact lens, that allows the eyelids a contact point on the lens to re-shape or move the contact lens either by squeezing or lifting it anteriorly from the eye during an attempt to accommodate or focus at near, in order to provide to the eye additional power and clear vision at intermediate or near distances.
US07866807B2 Ink set for ink jet recording, ink for ink jet recording, and ink jet image recording method
An ink set for ink jet recording, an ink for ink jet recording and an ink jet recording method capable of suppressing bleeding and the interference between discharged droplets to form high-quality images can be achieved by an ink set for ink jet recording, having plurality of liquids containing at least a first liquid and a second liquid, wherein the first liquid has an oil-soluble polymer dissolved therein, and at least one of a plurality of the liquids contains a polymerizable compound, as well as by an ink jet image recording method which uses the ink set and applying the first and second liquids simultaneously onto a recording medium, or first applying one of the liquids and then the other onto a recording medium such that the two liquids contact each other to form an image.
US07866801B2 Liquid-supplying system and liquid-consuming apparatus
A high-performance liquid-supplying system is provided in which cost reduction can be achieved with a simple system configuration and accuracy in detecting the residual amount of liquid is high. An ink-supplying system 1 supplies liquid reserved in a main tank 14 to a recording head 3 through a subtank 16 mounted on a carriage 6. The main tank 14 has a structure opened to the atmosphere, and the subtank 16 has a sealed structure. The subtank 16 has liquid-detecting means 21 including a vibrating plate 31 as a part of a liquid supply channel 18 or a temporary reservoir 16a and a piezoelectric actuator 32 provided on the vibrating plate 31.
US07866800B2 Liquid droplet jetting apparatus and method for manufacturing liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes: a liquid droplet jetting head which jets liquid droplets when an actuator is driven; and a wiring member via which a drive signal is outputted to a surface electrode formed in the actuator. The wiring member includes a substrate, a wire provided on the substrate, and a covering member having an insulating property and covering the wire. The wire has an electrode land which is stacked on the surface electrode to be connected to the surface electrode, and the covering member has a first covering layer in which a first opening to expose the electrode land therein is formed and a second covering layer having a second opening communicating with the first opening and covering the first covering layer. The surface electrode and the electrode land are connected in a state that an electroconductive material is interposed therebetween through the first and second openings.
US07866799B2 Liquid discharge head
A liquid discharge head includes a substrate which has a heating resistive element for generating a bubble in a liquid, and a first wall member which faces the heating resistive element. A discharge port which discharges the liquid is provided in the first wall member, and an ink channel communicated with the discharge port is formed between the substrate and the first wall member. In the liquid discharge head, the substrate includes a second wall member around the heating resistive element, the second wall member being protruded in a direction toward the discharge port, the first wall member includes a protrusion portion in a surface facing the substrate, the protrusion portion being protruded toward the heating resistive element, and an end portion of the protrusion portion exists in a region in which the second wall member surrounds the heating resistive element.
US07866796B2 Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve making use of certain materials which is capable of operation at high frequencies and which can be made as a compact unit. The plunger (1) is made from a material having a saturation flux density greater than 1.4 Tesla preferably more than 1.6 Tesla, a coercivity at less than 0.25 ampere per centimeter and a relative magnetic permeability in excess of 10.000; and the nozzle bore leading from the valve head chamber (14) to the nozzle orifice (12) has a length to diameter ratio of less than 8:1 preferably between 2:1 to 4:1 and the nozzle orifice (12) has a diameter substantially the same as that of the nozzle bore. The invention also relates to method for operating a drop on demand ink jet printer incorporating such a valve.
US07866794B2 Pen-shaped modular camera assembly having a serial bus interface
Provided is a pen-shaped modular camera assembly having a plurality of modules each with at least one connector to link the modules together. The assembly includes a camera module having an image sensor for capturing an image in an RGB (red, green, blue) color space, as well as a central processing module arranged in communication with the camera module. The central processing module has a central processor that includes a RISC processor core and a memory for storing operating instructions to operate the camera module and image data for manipulation by the processor core. The assembly also includes a serial bus interface for communicating with the camera module, the printer module and the dispenser module.
US07866788B2 Printers and printhead cleaning primarily in page-wide array printers
A method of printing on a substrate and a printer are provided. The method uses a printer comprising a print head and a mask having a hole therethrough, the mask being disposed between the print head and the substrate, and comprises aligning the hole with the print head; printing on the substrate through the hole; and misaligning the hole with the print head so that the print head is covered by the mask. The method may allow the servicing of a print head in the array while the printer is printing on the substrate using at least one of the remainder of the print heads in the array.
US07866787B2 Maintenance unit for droplet ejecting device
A maintenance unit for a droplet ejecting device, includes a base frame, a sealing unit, a guiding mechanism, and a supporting part. The sealing unit is capable of sealing nozzles. The guiding mechanism is capable of moving the sealing unit, in association with a reciprocating motion of a carriage between a first position in which the sealing unit seals the nozzles and a second position in which the sealing unit separates from the nozzles. The guiding mechanism includes a first engaging part and a second engaging part that are coupled to the sealing unit. The second engaging part is provided at a side closer to a droplet ejecting region than the first engaging part. The supporting part supports the sealing unit and is in a position either just, below the first engaging part or at a side farther from the droplet ejecting region than the first engaging part when the sealing unit is in the second position.
US07866782B2 System for optically detecting and measuring release agent on a print drum in an ink jet printer
A system optically detects and measures release agent on a rotating image member in an ink jet printer. The system includes a collimated light source oriented to direct a collimated beam of light generated by the source towards a rotating image member, an image sensor for generating an image of a portion of the rotating image member from a portion of the collimated beam of light reflected by the rotating image member, an image differentiator for measuring a difference between a first image generated by the image sensor and a second image generated by the image sensor, and a release agent measurement generator that is coupled to the image differentiator to receive the difference between the two images and to generate a measurement of the release agent on the rotating image member.
US07866776B2 Ink jet head driving method, ink jet head and ink jet recording apparatus
In an ink jet head driving method, a first drive pulse signal is transmitted to a first actuator that is formed in a first ink chamber confronting a print area on a recording medium and from which ink is to be discharged. The first drive pulse signal comprises a reserve drive pulse signal transmitted to temporarily increase a volume of the ink chamber and a discharge drive pulse signal transmitted sequentially with the reserve drive pulse signal to temporarily reduce the volume of the ink chamber and thereby cause ink to be discharged from the first ink chamber. In synchronization with the reserve drive pulse signal, a second drive pulse signal is transmitted to a second actuator that is formed in a second ink chamber confronting a non-print area of the recording medium adjacent to the print area thereof and that is configured to discharge ink. The second drive pulse signal has one of a voltage value and a pulse width at which the volume of the second ink chamber is varied but does not cause ink to be discharged from the second ink chamber.
US07866773B2 Refrigerator door having end cap with retention plug
An improved refrigerator door is provided with a metal outer panel and upper and lower plastic end caps installed on top and bottom edges of the door. The caps include grooves to receive flanges on the edges of the panel, thereby mounting the caps to the panel. The caps include plugs for receipt in a vertical channel in the panel. A bushing is snap fit into the upper cap without the use of hardware fasteners. Electric wires and a water line extend downwardly through the bushing to an ice and water dispenser in the door.
US07866772B1 Sliding rail coupling structure for hidden sliding track assembly
A sliding rail coupling structure includes an outer rail, an intermediate sliding rail slidable in and out of the outer rail and having two longitudinal sliding grooves at two sides, sliding bearing bushes coupled to and movable along the intermediate sliding rail, each sliding bearing bush holding a plurality of roller cylinders that are kept in contact between the top wall of the intermediate sliding rail and the top wall of the outer sliding rail and a plurality of rolling balls that are respectively kept in contact between the longitudinal sliding grooves of the intermediate sliding rail and the sidewalls of the outer sliding rail, a roller holder affixed to the intermediate sliding rail to support two support rollers that are respectively in contact with two bottom flanges of the outer sliding rail.
US07866771B2 Drawer slide
A drawer slide mechanism includes at least first and second slide members, with the second slide member being telescopically and movably received by the first slide member in an axial direction. First and second elongated bearing members are disposed laterally between, and in non-rolling sliding engagement with, corresponding inner surfaces of the first slide member and outer surfaces of the second slide member. The first and second elongated bearing members are configured to slide independently of each other.
US07866766B2 Light weight track for a snowmobile
A ground engaging track for a vehicle has a continuous loop or endless belt body portion having an exterior surface to engage the ground and an interior surface including driven members. The driven members are configured to be engaged by a drive sprocket to rotate the body portion to move the vehicle.
US07866764B2 Hydraulic control unit for an electronically controlled brake system
A hydraulic control unit of an electronically controlled hydraulic brake system has a housing (49) accommodating a pump (35) and at least one low-pressure accumulator. The low-pressure accumulator is positioned in a location at a lower height than the cam cavity (51) of the pump (35), and a drainage bore (53) connects the cam cavity (51) with the spring chamber (68) of at least one of the low-pressure accumulators. This allows the drainage of brake fluid from the cam cavity (51) into the spring chamber (68) solely by way of gravity. Thus this measure eliminates the risk of damage to the pump motor in the event that ambient water penetrates the cam cavity (51), which might flush brake fluid from the cam cavity 51 into the housing (49) of the pump motor.
US07866762B1 Transmission brake disengagement apparatus and method of operation
The present invention is directed to a transmission brake disengagement apparatus which eliminates the disadvantages of transmission brake disengagement apparatus having mechanical switches thereby improving the starting consistency of a drag race car. In particular, the present invention provides an improved transmission brake disengagement apparatus which incorporates a mechanical actuation switch for providing an electrical signal to effect the disengagement of an electrically actuated transmission brake of a drag race car, without the need of applying continuous pressure on the switch.
US07866760B2 Method and system for refilling brake circuits after a large consumption of compressed air
A method and system is provided for refilling vehicle operational brake circuits after a large consumption of compressed air. The operational brake circuits are compressed air consumer circuits of a consumer part of a vehicle compressed air system. The operational brake circuits also include at least one additional compressed air consumer circuit provided with a compressed air reservoir. The actual pressure values in the operational brake circuits and in the additional compressed air consumer circuit are continuously determined and compared against a lower threshold value. If the values are below the threshold value, the identified operational brake circuits are blocked as defective and communication is established between the additional compressed air consumer circuits and the intact operational brake circuits in order to refill the operational brake circuits from the compressed air reservoirs of the additional compressed air consumer circuits.
US07866748B2 Child seat for a motor vehicle
Child seat for motor vehicles with a seat shell and backrest, at the upper end of which a head support (10) with lateral wings (11) projecting towards the front is disposed. The inclination of the head support (10), at least of a headrest (12) disposed between the two lateral wings (11) of the same, can be adjusted relative to the backrest (arrows 13, 14), in particular, between an upright, waking position “W” extending approximately parallel to the backrest and a resting or sleeping position “S” inclined towards the rear.
US07866746B2 Structure of attaching monitor panel
The present invention can include a frame member which attaches the monitor panel at a back side of a vehicle seat, a skin member covering the vehicle seat, a pad member having a seat outer shape, the frame member is harder than the pad member, and the frame member is arranged at a back side of the vehicle seat in place of the pad member and covered by the skin member and the monitor panel is attached to the frame member through the skin member.
US07866740B2 Roof frame and cover system for recreational vehicles
An RV roof frame and cover system protects an RV during storage. The system comprises a roof frame and a cover. The frame has a ridge pole member having two sets of rafter members extending downwardly therefrom. The rafter members are attached at their lower ends to one of two horizontal members which can be moved towards and apart from one another to adjust the width of the frame. The rafter members are rotatably attached to both the ridge pole member and the lower horizontal member. The horizontal members are tied to one another by tie beam members which have an adjustable length to accommodate the movement of the horizontal members towards and away from one another. The tie beam members may be provided on legs which extend downwardly from the horizontal members.
US07866738B2 Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure comprising: first and second members each having a hat-shaped cross section including a main wall, first and second side walls extending from the main wall; an opposing area in which the opening, first side wall and second side wall of the first member are opposed to and jointed to the opening, first side wall and second side wall of the second member, respectively, with a joint surface defined therebetween; and a non-opposing area in which one of the first and second members is shifted parallel to the joint surface, so that the first side wall of the first member is opposed to and jointed to the second side wall of the second member.
US07866734B2 Inflatable shaping system reducing the aerodynamic drag upon the rear of a vehicle
An inflatable shaping system has a frame, rectangular with four sides, similar to the rear of a trailer or truck. The frame has a hinged connection and swings from an over-the-road configuration and to a deflated stowed position against the side of the trailer. Upon the frame, the system has an inflatable body and a durable skin covering the frame and the inflatable body. The inflatable body has a continuous attachment to the frame. The inflatable body has at least one inflatable element connected by a flexible adhesive or device. The inflatable elements remain contained between the frame and the durable skin, generally outwardly from the trailer. In communication with the inflatable elements, a pump system supplies air for their inflation and removes air for their deflation. The pump system operates remotely in the vicinity of the truck.
US07866732B2 Compact cable drive power sliding door mechanism
A sliding door drive assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a transmission operatively connected to a motor for transmitting a rotating force to an output shaft. A cable drum is fixedly secured to the output shaft and rotates therewith. First and second cables are wound about the cable drum in opposite directions. The first cable extends from the cable drum forward along the sliding door. The second cable extends from the cable drum rearward along the sliding door. Support guides extend tangentially out from the cable drum to guide the first and second cables outwardly and away from the cable drum along a path minimizing frictional forces. Front and rear pulley assemblies are mounted to the motor vehicle and are operatively coupled to the first and second cables between the sliding door drive assembly and the sliding door for tensioning the first and second cables.
US07866729B2 Powered actuating device for a closure panel of a vehicle
An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions. A gas spring is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the screw for urging the actuating device into the extended position to move the closure panel into the open position.
US07866728B2 Opening and closing member control apparatus for vehicle
An opening and closing member control apparatus for a vehicle includes a driving device adapted to drive an opening and closing member to open and close an opening portion formed at a vehicle body, a sensor provided at a connecting portion connecting the vehicle body with the opening and closing member, the sensor detecting an opening operation and a closing operation of the opening and closing member, and a drive controlling device controlling the driving device to drive the opening and closing member to open or close the opening portion by determining the opening operation or the closing operation of the opening and closing member based on a detection value of the sensor.
US07866725B1 Cable roll tarp system for rear opening trailer
A roll tarp system with a rear assembly including a pivoting arm and cable to help deploy the roll tarp system. The pivoting arm and flexible cable can articulate to allow a rear door to open. The roll tarp system includes a conventional roll tarp on a roller attached to one side of a container of a truck or trailer and an actuator to operate the tarp. A pivoting arm can be attached to the outside of a rear opening door on the container. A flexible cable has one end attached to the distal end of the pivoting arm and another end attached to the tarp axle of the roller of the roll tarp. Preferably, the flexible cable consists of the only structure between a cable attachment at the pivoting arm and an attachment at the axle of the roller.
US07866720B2 Shovel with auxiliary handle
A shovel is provided having a scoop, a shaft coupled to the scoop, a handle coupled to the shaft, and an aperture within the center of its scoop. The aperture in the scoop is configured and positioned to provide an auxiliary handle for a user to grasp in addition to the shovel handle coupled to the shaft.
US07866714B2 Exterior door handle for a motor vehicle
An exterior door handle for a motor vehicle, including an electromechanical locking system and a manually actuated handle part that can perform a lifting movement in order to open a door lock. The lifting movement of the handle part is subdivided, a device generating an increased actuation resistance and a switch electrically opening the door lock at the end of a first lifting distance. The handle part can travel an additional lifting distance beyond the first lifting distance in case the electric power supply is interrupted or the electric locking system breaks down, the additional lifting distance mechanically opening the door lock.
US07866710B2 Two piece quick connect retainer
A connector assembly having a male member, a female member and a retainer for releasably securing the male member and the female member. The retainer has inner retainer arms for engaging the male member and an interior portion of the female member, and an outer retainer flange for engaging an outer portion of the female member.
US07866708B2 Joining tubular members
An apparatus includes a connector to connect a first tubing section and a second tubing section together. The connector that includes a body that includes a first opening to receive the first tubing section, a second opening to receive the second tubing section, and a passageway. The apparatus includes a member that is adapted to be moved from a retracted position to an extended position to form a sealed connection between a tubular member that is connected to the first tubing section and the passageway.
US07866707B2 Anchoring element for pipe couplings
A seal anchor for pipe couplings suited for frictional connection of smooth-ended pipes. The seal anchor has a housing, and at least one sealing element, for example of rubber-elastic material, arranged therein. The anchor may be of generally L-shaped cross-section and has a first limb extending in the axial direction and a second limb extending at an acute angle to the first limb. The anchoring element blank is provided with slots which run across its width in the longitudinal direction relative to the limbs and between the limbs. One or more webs span the slots to join adjacent limbs.
US07866698B2 Steering wheel adjusting mechanism for motor vehicles
The invention relates to a steering wheel adjusting mechanism (2) for motor vehicles (4) comprising a pivotally to the vehicle (4) attached supporting arm (8), and a pivotally to the supporting arm (8) attached steering shaft housing unit (12), where at least one locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to both the vehicle (4) and the steering shaft housing unit (12), which locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is compressible with clamping means (18) in order to lock the steering shaft housing unit (12) relative to the vehicle (4). Optionally, the supporting arm (8) is pivotally attached to a to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening part (20). Optionally, the locking plate package (14 and 16, respectively) is attached to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable fastening unit (22). Optionally, the fastening part (20) and the fastening unit (22) are integrated with each other to a firmly to the vehicle (4) mountable steering wheel adjusting bracket (24).
US07866694B2 Airbag device and method of manufacturing same
An airbag has a front panel positioned on an occupant side when inflated, and a rear panel of substantially the same shape as the front panel positioned on an opposite side to the occupant. Furthermore, an inflation restricting section, which restricts the inflated shape of the airbag, is formed by drawing together and fixing a portion of the front panel. When the airbag is inflated, the occupant side of the airbag is pulled inwards, thereby forming a cavity on the occupant side.
US07866692B2 Gas generator for a vehicle passenger protection device and process for removing solids and liquid burned residues in a gas stream
A gas generator for a vehicle passenger protection device. The gas generator includes a combustion chamber in which a gas-generating charge is arranged. A conical deposition chamber is provided that has a first wall, within which a plurality of gas through-holes are formed, and at least one second wall which extends at an angle from the first wall and within which at least one blow-off hole is formed. Gas generated inside the combustion chamber enters the deposition chamber through the gas through-holes and leaves the deposition chamber through the at least one blow-off hole.
US07866690B2 Air belt apparatus
An air belt apparatus that can reduce the required tolerance level of a pipe is provided. Gas supplied from an inflator 12 flows into a bag body 16 through a pipe 18 so as to inflate a lap bag 15. The inflator 12 is connected to a gas inlet 16a of the bag body 16 via the pipe 18. The gas inlet 16a is cylindrical, and the pipe 18 is inserted in this cylindrical gas inlet 16a so as to extend beyond an inner end of the gas inlet 16a.
US07866689B2 Vehicle seat frame structure and method of manufacturing same
This invention relates to a method of manufacturing seat back frame, wherein a pair of side back frame portions are first provided. Also provided is a first upper back frame portion having an upper surface defining a first profile is provided, and a second upper back frame portion having an upper surface defining a second profile. The second profile is different from the first profile. A desired profile of a vehicle seat back frame is then determined. After the determination, one of the first and the second upper back frame portions is selected for attachment to the pair of side back frame portions corresponding to the desired vehicle seat back frame profile determined previously. The selected one of the first and the second upper back frame portions is secured to the pair of side back frame portions.
US07866678B2 Heated banquet cart
A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
US07866676B2 Device for retaining a boot on a snowshoe
A device for laterally retaining a boot on a snowshoe (1), comprises a retaining plate (3) with a plane of general symmetry (P), on which are mounted front retaining means (4) made up of an assembly of retaining walls (4a, 4b) forming an enclosure in which the front and/or rear end of the boot is to be engaged. The device includes an adjustment structure for adjusting the distance between the two lateral retaining walls (4a, 4b), that is between a left wall (4a) and a right wall (4b).
US07866671B2 Automatic leveling vehicle
An automatic leveling vehicle comprising a front frame section and a rear frame section interconnected by a swivel joint which permits pivotable movement of the front frame section relative to the rear frame section about a generally horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle, a gear train attached to the rear frame section, right and left rear wheel assemblies, right and left rear axle assemblies operatively interconnecting the gear train, a lever arm connected to the gear train for controlling the position of the rear axle assemblies, selective movement of the lever arm causing the right and left rear axle assemblies to move their associated wheel assemblies up or down in opposite directions, a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals for positioning a lever arm control such that the rear frame section is maintained in a relatively level orientation when the rear wheel assemblies encounter an uneven terrain.
US07866670B2 Static gasket
A static gasket has a gasket core with opposite surfaces with at least one fluid conveying opening passing through the surfaces. A layer of elastomeric sealing material is applied to at least one of the opposite surfaces to provide a plurality of walled-off regions each completely bounded by a peripheral wall of at least partially varying height extending outwardly from the respective gasket core surface. The layer includes at least first and second sealing threads of the sealing material extending outwardly from the respective surface of the gasket core with the sealing threads extending continuously about the fluid opening in spaced relation to one another, and a plurality of bridge threads extending continuously between and intersecting the first and second sealing threads.
US07866669B2 Composite sealing material
When the composite sealing material is press-fitted, the swelled portion of the first sealing portion of a first sealing member is press-fitted to impart sealing ability, the second extended portion of a second sealing member is pressed to the opening portion side of a sealing groove through the first extended portion of the first sealing member, and the upper surface of the second sealing portion is press-fitted to impart sealing ability.
US07866668B2 Electric dartboard
An electric dartboard includes a base, a dart frame, a plurality of score blocks and a touch sensor. A positioning ball and a resilient member are disposed at a predetermined position of the base. The dart frame, rotatably in 360 degrees, is disposed in the receiving zone, and the dart frame includes an upper frame body and a lower frame base. A plurality of first positioning recesses are formed on an outer periphery of the frame base for receiving the positioning ball therein. Score blocks are disposed between the frame body and the frame base, while the touch sensor is disposed between the receiving zone and the dart frame. The dart frame and the score blocks can rotate in 360 degrees relative to the base.
US07866665B2 Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus
A sheet conveying device includes: a feed unit that feeds sheets from a predetermined position; a conveying unit that conveys the sheets fed by the feed unit toward an image forming position at which images are to be formed on the respective sheets; and a registration unit that is provided at an upstream of the image forming position and positions the sheets by being bumped with the sheets conveyed by the conveying unit, wherein the feed unit and the registration unit are configured to operate so that a first timing at which a precedent sheet is bumped to the registration unit and a second timing at which a subsequent sheet is fed by the feed unit matches when a plurality of sheets are consecutively fed by the feed unit.
US07866663B2 Method for sensing paper skew and method for correcting paper skew
A method for sensing a paper skew adapted for a device having a paper feeding mechanism is provided. The device has a feed sensor which is fixed at a start position of paper feeding; and, a position sensor which moves in a direction perpendicular to a direction of paper feeding and passes through a first and a second positions. The first position is the intersection of a moving path of the position sensor and a line. The feed sensor is on the line, and the line is parallel to the direction of paper feeding. The method includes the device having a first distance; moving the position sensor to the second position; feeding a work paper into the device; obtaining a second distance which is a moving distance of the work paper fed; and determining whether the work paper is skewed or not according to the difference between the first and the second distances.
US07866662B2 Synchronized vacuum belt feeder
A vacuum belt feeder comprising a means of conveyance having a pitch, for retrieving items from a supply zone, and then distributing them at target locations in a discharge zone.
US07866661B2 Sheet/page buffer for sheet handling apparatus
A page buffer for receiving and holding, in queue, pages prepared by a printer and subsequently processed by mailpiece inserter. The page buffer includes pairs of vertically-aligned rollers defining a plurality of page stations therebetween. Each pair of rollers is spaced-apart and defines a nip for driving printed pages along a feed path. Furthermore, each page station is defined by and between a first pair of rollers disposed downstream of an adjacent second pair of rollers. A drive means is also provided for independently driving the pairs of vertically-aligned rollers. The drive means is controlled such that, in a first operating mode, the pairs cooperate to drive printed pages along the feed path. In a second operating mode, the drive means is controlled such that at least one of the page stations causes its respective first pair of rollers to retain and hold a leading edge portion of a printed page while the adjacent second pair drives and releases a trailing edge portion of the printed page. The printed page is, therefore, held within the page station such that the trailing edge droops below the feed path in a predominantly vertical orientation.
US07866659B2 Sheet-feeding mechanism, sheet-feeding device, and image forming apparatus
An object of the present invention is to improve separability with respect to other sheet without damaging sheets in a sheet-feeding mechanism used in an image forming apparatus. For the purpose of accomplishing the object, the sheet-feeding mechanism includes: a feeding roller (10) which rotates in a sheet-conveying direction, at least a contact member (12) is made of material having elasticity; and a retard roller (20) having a plurality of press-contact rollers (21) which comes in contact with the feeding roller (10) at a predetermined pressure to form a plurality of press-contact surfaces (311), and a hardness of the contact member (12) of the feeding roller (10) is different from that of the press-contact roller (21) of the retard roller (20).
US07866658B2 Media pick system and method
A media pick system includes a media support, a pick roller, disposed above media support, configured to selectively contact and pick sheets of media disposed upon the media support, and clearance means, associated with the media support, for providing contact-free clearance around the pick roller during a media out condition.
US07866653B2 Duplex document reader
The present invention discloses a duplex document feeder for installed in scanning devices such as facsimile machine, printer, scanner or multi function peripheral (MFP). The duplex document feeder can control the motion accuracy of the sheet and avoid the happening of jam. The duplex document feeder includes a pick-up module, a sheet-controlling roller module and a an ejection module. The pick-up module is used for feeding the sheet into a first feed channel; the sheet-controlling roller module provides a first nip force to feed the sheet outside the duplex document feeder and provides a second nip force to feed the sheet into the interior of the duplex document feeder again; the ejection module provides a third nip force to feed/eject the sheet into/from the duplex document feeder.
US07866651B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
Provided is a sheet processing apparatus for processing sheets, including: a sheet process tray on which sheets to be processed are stacked; a sheet transport means for transporting processed sheets on the sheet process tray; a pressure member which is provided on an upstream side of the sheet transport means with respect to a sheet transport direction and which moves in the sheet transport direction while pressing the processed sheets, for transporting the processed sheets in cooperation with the sheet transport unit; and a controller for selectively operating the pressure member.
US07866650B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
An aligning unit aligns a front end of a sheet bundle stacked in a tray in a discharging direction. A sheet bundle conveying unit holds a rear end of the sheet bundle and conveys the sheet bundle in the discharging direction. The aligning unit is arranged to be retracted from a conveying path of the sheet bundle after aligning the front end of the sheet bundle and to come out in the conveying path of the sheet bundle behind the sheet bundle conveying unit after a movement of the sheet bundle conveying unit.
US07866649B2 Sheet aligning apparatus, post processing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A sheet aligning apparatus includes a tray device for piling and storing sheets from a sheet outlet, a sheet discharging and delivering device arranged above the tray device, and a shift device for moving the sheet discharging and delivering device between an operating position of pressing the uppermost sheet with predetermined pressing force and a non-operating position of lightening or releasing pressing force. The apparatus also includes a regulating stopper member for colliding the sheets sent by the sheet discharging and delivering device at the sheet front or back ends for regulating sheet position, an aligning device for regulating the sheets on the tray in a direction crossing the sheet discharging direction, and a control device for controlling the sheet discharging and delivering device, the shift device and the aligning device.
US07866647B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a pair of sheet feeding rollers for receiving the sheet supplied from an image forming apparatus and conveying it to the downstream side, a stand-by tray for receiving the delivered sheet and an assist arm arranged at the sheet delivery side of the pair of sheet feeding rollers and adapted to turn. The assist arm turns, utilizing the rotary force of a motor that is adapted to rotate both forwardly and backwardly, so as to press the rear end of the sheet delivered from the pair of sheet feeding rollers against the stand-by tray when the motor is driven backwardly.
US07866643B2 Image forming system and program thereof
An image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a book binding apparatus, the image forming system includes: a first detection section which detects maximum and minimum book-body sheet length in the bundle of the book-body sheets; a second detection section which detects a thickness of the bundle of the book-body sheets; a third detection section which detects a cover sheet length; a selection section to select whether the cover sheet length is determined based on the maximum book-body sheet length or on the minimum book-body sheet length; a calculation section which calculates a cutting amount of the cover sheet according to the selection; a trimming section which cuts the cover sheet based on the calculated cutting amount; and a book binding section which encases the bundle of sheets of the book-body with the U-shaped cover sheet.
US07866639B2 Fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device
A fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device including a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting an inner shaft member and an outer cylindrical member with each other. A pair of first fluid chambers are formed on diametrically opposite sides of the inner shaft member and a pair of second fluid chambers are formed being diametrically opposed to each other such that an opposing direction of the second fluid chambers is orthogonal to an opposing direction of the first fluid chambers. Each partition wall that partitions the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber extends in a direction in more proximity to the opposing direction of the first fluid chambers than to the opposing direction of the second fluid chambers so that spring rigidity as measured in the opposing direction of the first fluid chambers is set greater than spring rigidity as measured in the opposing direction of the second fluid chambers.
US07866636B1 Stanchion base shoe support for railings
A stanchion base shoe support for railings. The stanchions are set into a concrete slab or curb during the construction. Only the top surface of a mounting plate is exposed prior to mounting the base shoe extrusion. The stanchion is constructed from steel or a similar material. A flange plate at the top of the stanchion provides an easy place to mount a temporary support member when placing the stanchion into the concrete formwork. The stanchion system eliminates all field drilling of concrete. The stanchions have a top plate and cylindrical members that have a set of internal threads. After the concrete is cured, workers apply a base shoe, securing it to the stanchions. This makes drilling and securing the base shoe simpler, easier and more accurate. Once the base shoe is installed, the railing system is built up in the normal manner.
US07866633B2 External mounted brake for a driving disk
The invention relates to an electromagnetically ventilating spring-pressure brake for mounting on the driving disk (15) or the driving disk shaft (16) of already existing elevators, which are operated with cables passing over a driving disk. The external-mounted brake (1) is situated concentric to the central axis of the driving disk (15) or driving disk shaft (16) on a separate base (23) of the structure on the free side (i.e. opposite the driving side) of the driving disk (15) and is fastened in a stationary and rotationally fixed manner. The rotor (5) of the brake (1) is connected in an essentially rotationally fixed manner to the free end of the driving disk (15) or of the driving disk shaft (16) in order to transmit the braking torque of the external-mounted brake to the driving disk (15).
US07866631B2 Rope tensioner for winch
An apparatus is disclosed for tensioning lines of a winch having a reel and three lines wound about the reel. The apparatus is used to position an object on a support. The first and second lines are wound about the reel in a first direction and the third line is wound about the reel in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first line extends around the first guide, the second line extends around the second guide, and the third line extends between the first and second guides. All three lines are connected to each other and to the object at their distal ends. An inner frame and an outer frame each contact the first and second lines. At least one of the inner frame and outer frame moves with respect to the other of the inner and outer frame to maintain tension in the first and second lines.
US07866629B2 Gate valve with streamlined flow
A gate valve comprising a valve body including at least a first seat adjacent to a groove. A gate is slideably carried in the valve body for movement between an open position wherein the gate is spaced from the at least one seat and a closed position wherein a portion of the gate is positioned within the groove and the gate is sealingly engaged with the at least one seat. A bridging member is biasedly positioned within the groove and is configured to substantially bridge the groove when the gate is in the open position.
US07866626B1 Hydraulically controlled in-line valve apparatus
An apparatus for failsafe control of liquid material passage through a line is provided. The apparatus includes a dispensing control unit for coupling to the line, which includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a conduction port extending therebetween for selectively passing the liquid material received from the line therethrough. A control port is disposed in the housing to direct a flow path of at least a portion of a pressurized fluid stream received thereby. A response valve portion also disposed in the housing is reconfigurable between first and second states responsive to the pressurized fluid stream directed thereto, such that in the first state it seals the conduction port against passage of the liquid material, and in the second state opens the conduction port for passage of the liquid material. The response valve portion is resiliently biased to the first state.
US07866620B2 Holder for a beverage container
A holder for a beverage container, such as, for example, a beverage can, which is intended for installation in a motor car, has pivotable and spring-actuated holding jaws pivotally mounted by a knife-edge bearing. As a result, a pivot axis close to the inner side of the container receptacle is possible, which facilitates pressing outward of the holding jaws by insertion of the beverage container. In addition, it allows snap-mounting of the holding jaws from below by of a spring tongue.
US07866619B2 Monitor for vehicles
Disclosed herein is a tiltable monitor for vehicles. The monitor includes a base, a rotating shaft having external threads and connected to a reversible motor, and a moving bar having a screw hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted. The moving bar is reciprocated along the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates. The monitor further includes a display panel and a support arm which connects the display panel to the base. A front end portion of the display panel is pivotably coupled to the base by the medium of the moving bar acting as hinge shaft, and reciprocated together with the moving bar. A first end of the support arm is pivotably connected to a side portion of the display panel and a second end of the support arm is pivotably connected to the base. The tilting structure of the monitor is simple.
US07866618B2 Automated tilt head for electronic display mount
An automated tilt head assembly for tilting of an electronic display screen from a vertical plane and for rotation of the tilt head assembly about a vertical axis of rotation. The automated tilt head assembly generally includes a mobile carrier surface to which an electronic display device is mounted, a guide system for defining a range of tilt motion about a tilt axis, and a power-driven unit having a motor and gear assembly for automatically and selectively controlling the tilt motion. The motor drives a worm member, which by means of a gear, mates with a toothed sector of the mobile carrier surface, to thereby control the tilt motion of the mobile carrier surface. The tilt head assembly further includes a second power-driven unit having a motor and gear assembly to control rotation of the head assembly about a vertical axis.
US07866617B2 Slide and lock clamps
Slide and lock clamps for attaching to supports are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a clamp including a base plate comprising a first cradle. A rod is secured to the base plate. A sliding carriage is movably connected to the rod. The sliding carriage includes a lever, a cam, and a movable lock constructed and arranged for releasably locking the sliding carriage in place on the base plate. A second cradle is movably connected to the rod and positioned next to the sliding carriage for securing a support between the second cradle and the first cradle.
US07866616B2 Fixing device
A fixing device is suitable for fixing an object onto a post, and includes a base and a pair of clip plates. The base connects the object. Each of the clip plates has a pivoting side and a fastening side opposite to the pivoting side, wherein the pivoting sides are pivoted on the base, and the fastening sides are connected to each other in a detachable mode. The pair of clip plates and the base together form an enclosure space for holding a segment of the post. Therefore, the fixing device is easily to fix the object onto the post.
US07866610B2 Telescoping wing and airfoil control mechanism
This invention relates generally to a collapsible, nesting wing structure with or without wing warp flight control. The invention also incorporates means to maintain wing extension during flight, methods of wing construction for nesting collapsible wings, and control surfaces for collapsible wings.
US07866609B2 Passive removal of suction air for laminar flow control, and associated systems and methods
Passive removal of suction air for producing a laminar flow, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. One such method includes forming a laminar flow region over an external surface of an aircraft by drawing air through the external surface and into a plenum. The method can further include passively directing the air from the plenum overboard the aircraft. For example, the air can be passively directed to a region external to the aircraft having a static pressure lower than a static pressure in the plenum, as a result of the motion of the aircraft. Flows from different sections of the external surface can be combined in a common plenum, and the corresponding massflow rates can be controlled by the local porosity of the external surface.
US07866608B2 Device for controlling a vortex trail generated by the oblong element of an aircraft bearing surface
A device for controlling a vortex trail generated by an oblong element of an aircraft bearing surface includes a control component arranged on a fixing element of the oblong element and on a bearing surface such that a base of the control component contacts the leading edge of the bearing surface. The control component has a triangular shape, on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis thereof, whose two adjacent sides form flanks interconnected by a rounded edge.
US07866607B2 Piggyback satellite payload arrangement, a device for and method of attaching a piggyback satellite payload and adapter to be used for a piggyback satellite payload arrangement for launching the piggyback satellite
The invention relates to a piggyback satellite, a device for and a method of attaching piggyback satellites with multiple payloads, including a primary satellite and at least one secondary payload, such as a deployable micro satellite, affixed instrument package or the like, wherein the secondary payload is mounted on the nadir end of the primary satellite, preferably employing a universal adapter between the primary satellite and the at least one secondary payload that releases at least one secondary payload or the like in a certain orbit in space for allowing the secondary payload to continue its journey independently in space for transmitting and receiving data.
US07866595B2 Pivoting package support
A yarn package manipulator permits an operator to mechanically grasp and manipulate packages or spools of stranded materials, such as yarn for loading and replenishing such materials in a manufacturing process. The package manipulator is suspended from a lifting device such as a cable hoist and has a control handle coupled to its frame for the operator to maneuver the device and carried materials. Selectively extensible fingers are pivotally attached to a pivot arm extending from the manipulator frame. The fingers are operable to grip the package by its core and pivots about a horizontal axis so that the spool of stranded material may be oriented for loading onto a creel or other station in a manufacturing process.
US07866593B2 Two roll drop front toilet tissue dispenser
A two-roll dispenser is disclosed for a plurality rolls of products, in one embodiment a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The operation of resetting the device to accept replacement rolls of product is achieved by opening and re-closing the casing. The seer mechanism is also disclosed, maintaining a casing door in a reserve position until a primary roll of product is substantially consumed. In one form, rolls of product having a partial or split core are utilized to achieve the objects of this disclosure.
US07866592B2 Revolving rack for chain spools
The present disclosure relates to a revolving rack for the distribution and storage of chain on spools and a method of distribution and storage thereof, and more specifically, to a revolving rack with multiple spools placed on removable spool holders attached to a manual or automatic rotating mechanism that is user activated to place a selected spool at a desired operative position for distribution of chain. The revolving rack including a rotating mechanism connected to a frame with two roller chains placed on bottom sprockets and top sprockets having a built-in mechanism to hold a selected spool at a fixed height. Spools are inserted in spool holders and then adapted on the revolving rack. A drive mechanism rotates the spool holders a desired position either manually or electrically. The revolving rack also includes a sturdy frame having an operative section for receiving the rotating mechanism and a fixation section with a forklift-type interface. The spool holders include a central support placed on a spool holder equipped with a friction based stabilizer to prevent rotation and unwinding of chain.
US07866589B2 Wind-on device for workstations of two-for-one twisters and ply twisters
Wind-on device for workstations of two-for-one twisters and ply twisters with a take-up bobbin, a drive shaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine, a friction roller which is driven by the drive shaft and causes the take-up bobbin to make a rotational movement, and a driven advance roller positioned upstream of the friction roller in the yarn run. According to the invention, in addition to the friction roller (14, 15), the advance roller (8, 9) is also driven by the drive shaft (27, 28) and in that the advance roller (8, 9) is mounted on a support element (23, 24) and can be pivoted together with the support element (23, 24) about a pivot axle selectively into an operating position or into a higher situated service position.
US07866588B2 Method for manufacture of a fishing reel
This invention is a method for manufacturing a spinning reel from an extrusion and in particular the frame or housing of a spinning reel, the method comprises the steps of providing a single long bar single extrusion, the extrusion includes two regions, a first region comprises a hollow, tube-like portion and a second region comprises a filled portion, the filled portion extending exterior of the hollow portion and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second region, cutting a blank from the end of the extrusion to form a blank and machining the blank to provide a frame or housing of a spinning reel. The invention is also directed to a spinning reel frame formed by an extrusion.
US07866585B2 Rotary shaft impactor
In one aspect of the invention, a rotary shaft impactor has a rotor assembly connected to a rotary driving mechanism. The rotor assembly has a plurality of autogenous bed pockets, the pockets having a wall intermediate a distal and a proximal end. A least one of the pockets comprises a plurality of inserts arranged adjacent one another in a row and attached to at least the proximal or distal end wherein a first end of at least one insert is complementary to a second end of an adjacent insert.
US07866582B2 Method for generating finest particles and jet mill therefor as well as classifier and operating method thereof
A method and apparatus for generating fine particles via a jet mill with an integrated dynamic air classifier, wherein the rotational speed of a classifying rotor of the air classifier and the inner amplification ratio V (=Di/DF) are so selected, set or controlled that the circumferential velocity of the operating medium at an immersion pipe or outlet connection assigned to the classifying wheel reaches up to 0.8 times of the velocity of sound of the operating medium. A dynamic air classifier with a classifying wheel is additionally created, wherein a source for an operating medium is a fluid, more preferably a gas or a vapour, which has a higher and more preferably a substantially higher velocity of sound than air.
US07866580B2 Tower support system for irrigation system
A swing arm support system for automated irrigation systems has a support hub and a means to attach and operate two wheels to opposite sides of the support hub. The support hub provides greater ground flotation to prevent the forming of ruts in a field and traction to prevent an automated swing arm from becoming stuck. The swing arm support system provides for the use of common automated irrigation components so that fabrication, repair and operation are most efficient. The support hub in pivotally attached to an existing swing arm support tower. The support hub is carried by two pneumatic tires in one embodiment, four tires in another embodiment, six tires in another embodiment, and movable tracks in another embodiment.
US07866578B2 Film forming apparatus and jetting nozzle
A film forming apparatus includes an aerosol generating section which generates an aerosol; a jetting nozzle having an internal passage formed therein and through which the aerosol flows, the internal passage having one end serving as a supply port of the aerosol and having other end serving as a jetting port of the aerosol; a narrowed channel which is provided in the internal passage and which has a channel area narrower than a channel area on an upstream of the narrowed channel; and a collision portion which is provided in the internal passage on a downstream of the narrowed channel, and against which a flow of the aerosol passed through the narrowed channel collides. Since the aggregated particles are crushed and supplied from the jetting nozzle in the form of fine particles, a thin and uniform film can be formed on the process-objective material.
US07866574B2 Remanufactured fuel injector tip and fuel injector tip remanufacturing process
A method of manufacturing a fuel injector having high-flow orifices in its tip includes removing a bulb from a fuel injector tip having at least one spray orifice with a first diameter, and friction welding a slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a fused interface of material of the slug and material of the fuel injector tip. The method further includes modifying the slug subsequent to friction welding the slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a new bulb from the slug having at least one spray orifice therein with a different diameter than that of the removed bulb. A remanufactured fuel injector, and fuel injector tip, includes an injector tip body having a first tip portion of a first material and a second tip portion of a material compatible for friction welding with the first material. The injector tip body further includes a third tip portion attaching the first tip portion to the second tip portion, the third tip portion including a friction weld formed during remanufacturing of the fuel injector tip.
US07866568B2 Data recording apparatus and method for controlling the same, and data recording medium and method for controlling the same
A data recording apparatus can be attached thereto with a recording medium having a first communication part and a second communication part. The data recording apparatus comprises a third communication part adapted to communicate with the first communication part, and a fourth communication part adapted to communicate with the second communication part. The data recording apparatus takes control to stop communication of the fourth communication part with the second communication part if the third communication part can communicate with the first communication part in a case where the detection part detects the data recording medium being attached to the data recording apparatus.
US07866559B2 ID document structure with pattern coating providing variable security features
A security feature for an identification document and method for making it provide layers of security, including, for example, tamper evidence, optically variable effects, and personalized information that links the security information to the document and its bearer. The feature is made by printing a first material representing first information on a core layer of the document. This first material at least partially overlaps the core layer. One example is Xerographic printing of information about the ID document applicant and the applicant's photo. The process also applies a second material representing second information adjacent to the first material. One example is ink jet printing of personal information with a UV curable ink in the form of a relief pattern on the core layer. Finally, the process applies a laminate layer over the core layer. The laminate layer covers the first and second materials. The first and second materials adhere differently to the laminate and core layers such that removal of the laminate layer from the core layer causes a separation of the first and second materials. The relief pattern is made to give the document a tactile feel as well as create optically variable effects.
US07866556B2 Electromagnetic field induced MSR swipes detection
A payment terminal including a magnetic card reader, a decoder receiving analog signals from the magnetic card reader and providing a digital data output to utilization circuitry and data integrity assurance circuitry operative to eliminate spurious data due to Electromagnetic Field (EMF) interference.
US07866554B2 Systems and methods for event driven baggage management
Systems and methods for event driven baggage management are disclosed. Readers are used to detect and monitor the location of tags attached to baggage as the baggage moves from the point at which a traveler drops of the baggage at the origin of a trip to the point at which the traveler picks up the baggage at a destination location. Methods and systems that are capable of detecting when a bag has been lost or misdirected and searching for the lost or misdirected bag are also disclosed. Notification may be sent directly to a traveler or the carrier when specified baggage events occur. Additionally, systems and methods for communicating a destination of an object to a wireless earphone device worn by an object handler are also disclosed.
US07866547B1 Payment card sweepstakes program
A method includes providing an authorized user of a credit card issued by a service provider, the authorized user referring customers to the service provider for credit card services, the customers submitting applications for credit card services to the service provider, the service provider receiving and processing and approving the applications and issuing credit cards to the customers, and in consideration therefore issuing valuable consideration to the authorized user.
US07866545B2 Method for identifying banknotes origin
The invention relates to a method for verifying the origin of bank notes from an automatic teller.In the inventive method for verifying the origin of bank notes, in particular forgeries, from an automatic teller, data characterizing bank notes to be paid out or already paid out from a sensor device for checking the bank notes to be paid out or already paid out for authenticity and/or type and/or state are detected, the data of the bank notes to be paid out or already paid out are stored, check data are generated by means of the sensor device for each bank note whose origin is to be verified, whereby the check data of the bank note to be verified are compared with the stored data of the paid out bank notes and the paid out bank note is ascertained whose stored data have the greatest match to the check data of the bank note to be verified, and the verification of origin for the bank note to be verified from the automatic teller is regarded as furnished if the match exceeds a given threshold value.
US07866536B2 Product packaging end cap
The present invention relates to a packaging concept includes a tubular wall member and end caps. The packaging is constructed from a sheet of flexible material wrapped into a continuous wall and fastened at the ends of the sheet material leaving open tube ends. The open ends of the tube are then closed by an end cap. The end caps are each formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The blank includes at least three aligned cap layers. The first and second cap layers are adjacent to each other and connected by a tab connector. Each of the first and second cap layers also includes a plurality of bendable support tabs and each of the first and second cap layers includes a plurality of spaces between adjacent respective bendable support tabs. The first cap layer is folded relative to the second cap layer such that the support tabs of the first cap layer enter the spaces of the second cap layer and the support tabs of the second cap layer enter the spaces of the first cap layer. The first and second cap layers are smaller than the open tube ends and the third and fourth cap layers are larger than the open tube ends. Therefore, the first and second cap layers enter the open tube ends and the third and fourth cap layers abut the open tube ends to provide cap that can be secured to the tubular wall member by an adhesive product.
US07866531B2 Multi-sheet structures and method for manufacturing same
A method for fabricating multi-sheet structures in which a first sheet is arranged on a planar support and a blowing agent is placed on at least one selected portion of the first sheet. A second sheet is positioned over the first sheet so that the second sheet overlies the selected portion of the first sheet and the first and second sheets are then secured together by friction stir welding in a pattern which encloses the selected portion of the first sheet. Additional sheets may be secured together in a like fashion. Thereafter, the sheets are heated to a temperature sufficient to decompose the blowing agent.
US07866528B2 Staple drive assembly
A staple drive assembly includes an actuation sled and at least one staple pusher. The staple drive assembly is adapted to fit within a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a corresponding number of retention slots. The at least one staple pusher includes at least one pusher plate for releasably engaging a backspan of a staple. The staple pusher may include a plurality of pusher plates that may be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart. An actuation member has at least one angled camming surface for engaging a complimentary angled surface of the at least one staple pusher. Camming engagement between the actuation member and the at least one staple pusher causes vertical movement of the at least one staple pusher. Lateral and longitudinal offset of the actuation member camming surfaces and the corresponding staple pusher following surfaces improves stability and control of the staple pusher during firing.
US07866523B1 Soft-tipped anvil
A tool for treating tissue in conjunction with one or more connectors may include an anvil against which at least one connector is urged, and a flexible tip extending from the distal end of said anvil. At least one connector may be held by a connector holder that is pivotally connected to the anvil. The anvil may be used to treat tissue by making an incision in the wall of the blood vessel, inserting the flexible tip and at least a portion of the anvil through the incision into the lumen of the blood vessel, and deforming at least one connector, introduced from outside the wall of the blood vessel, against the portion of the anvil that is located within the lumen of the blood vessel.
US07866519B2 Cam-actuated pneumatic switch mechanism system for controlling the timed spacing of fasteners driven from hand-held fastener-driving tools
A fastener-driving tool has a cam-actuated pneumatic switch mechanism system operatively incorporated thereon which is adapted to control the timed driving or discharge of fasteners out from a hand-held fastener-driving tool and into a substrate at predeterminedly spaced positions with respect to each other. The arrangement is particularly adapted for use in connection with the driving of fasteners into corner regions of structural workpieces, although the same may also be used to drive fasteners into flat planar surfaces.
US07866518B2 Tape feeder, tape carrying unit and tape exfoliating unit
A tape feeder 1 includes a carrying sprocket 4 for carrying a carrier tape 3 at inside of a cabinet 2, a motor 5 for driving to rotate the carrying sprocket 4, a driven sprocket 6 driven to rotate by a movement of the carrier tape 3 carried at inside of the cabinet 2, and an exfoliating roller 7 rotated cooperatively with rotation of the driven sprocket 6 for reeling to exfoliate a cover tape 12 pasted onto the carrier tape 3 for sealing a part, in which driving of the motor 5 is transmitted as an operation of carrying the carrier tape 3 and is transmitted to the driven sprocket 6 by way of the carrier tape 3.
US07866511B2 Dispensing system
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a dispensing system for use in lavatories. The system may include a container, a mount, and optionally, a conversion module. The container may have an attached dispensing mechanism and a projection that is adapted to fit into a receiver on the mount or conversion module. The receiver may be adapted to engage the projection on the container. The assembled system secures the container into the mount and allows the container to be rotated to a proper orientation while it is secured to the mount.
US07866509B2 Dispensing nozzle assembly
A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream.
US07866508B2 Beverage dispensing system and method
A beverage dispensing system and method for dispensing a beverage comprising water from a water source. Some embodiments of the beverage system can include a housing, an inlet adapted to be coupled to the water source, a concentrate source containing concentrate, a dispensing outlet, a fluid line, and a valve. The dispensing outlet can dispense at least one of water and the concentrate. The fluid line can fluidly couple the water source and the dispensing outlet. The valve can be positioned to supply any desired amount of concentrate in a range of concentrate amounts from the concentrate source to the fluid line. The range of concentrate amounts can correspond to a range of water amounts flowing through the fluid line to produce a corresponding range of beverage amounts dispensed from the dispensing outlet.
US07866504B2 Storage apparatus
A storage apparatus includes a container body, a lid member with an arm, a shaft, an urging member, and a slot. The container body has a top opening. The lid member opens and closes the top opening of the container body, and is held swingably to the container body. The arm extends downward from the lid member. The shaft supports the arm pivotably to the container body, and is fitted into the slot so as to pivotably hold the arm. The urging member urges the lid member upward. The slot extends up-and-downward. Moreover, the container body further has a receiver. The receiver is brought into contact with the lid member so as to support the lid member when the pivotably-supporting shaft moves relatively within the slot so as to move the lid member downward. Therefore, the arm and pivotably-supporting shaft hardly deform because no excessive load acts onto them.
US07866500B1 Collapsible polymeric bellows storage tube
A bellows design collapsible polymeric storage tube. The device incorporates separate flexible plastic disks as segregating spacers that are dropped inside the device creating separate spaces for a plurality of items. The spacers lock into the widest part of the bellows securing them in place. The disks are printable/markable for promotional/informative media and labeling. In a first instance of the bellows receptacle, the collapsible bellows tube consists of two threaded ends and two threaded lids. The lids pop open and have their own separate space(s) that also uses a disk to create a separate segregated compartment. When a lid is empty the top of the lid collapses in upon itself thus saving space when the lid is empty and packed away, likewise the body of the tube collapses and expands as it is filled or emptied of the contents inside in order to save space when it is packed away. In a second instance of the present invention, the bellows receptacle uses a pair of segregating discs with each positioned approximate the top and bottom of the bellows receptacle forming closure for said receptacle. Any number of additional discs can be used to create segregated compartments within said bellow receptacle.
US07866499B2 Hydraulic pressurizing containment vessel and method of use thereof
A pressurizable chamber device or containment vessel and method of use thereof. The device or vessel includes two chamber portions, a lid portion and a base portion, drawn to one another via a nut portion. The lid and base portions each include concave surfaces that matingly fit together, such that an internal chamber is formed when these portions are fit together. The lid and base portions each include a flange having a groove therein, such that a flexible seal element is fittable into the groove. The lid and base portions include features to matingly engage the nut portion, such that engagement thereamong draws the lid portion and the base portion toward one another, tightly sealing the formed internal chamber. A pressure, such as a resin pressure that may be precisely regulated, may then be applied, for example, to a mold contained within the formed and tightly sealed chamber.
US07866497B2 Bottle security device
A bottle security device locks onto a bottle neck to prevent theft of the bottle or its contents. The device includes a housing and a cap which receives a portion of the bottle neck and rotates relative to the housing. A spiraling cam surface provides a mechanism during rotation of the cap to move a securing member between a secured position to engage the bottle neck and an unsecured position to disengage from the bottle neck. A locking mechanism is provided to prevent rotation of the cap to keep the device locked on the bottle neck.
US07866496B2 Lightweight finish for hot-fill container
A lightweight finish for a hot-fill container uses less material compared to existing hot-fill container finishes. The lightweight finish yields a cost savings while still providing adequate dimensional stability to allow the container to maintain its shape during the hot-fill process.
US07866495B2 Baby bottle, and method of production of a baby bottle
A bottle, in particular a baby's bottle, having a bottle jacket that is open at both ends. A base cap that is equipped with an air intake valve is fixed in one base end region of the bottle jacket and a teat is fixed in the opposite teat end region. The teat has a shaft and a nipple connected to the shaft by a lip contact region. The bottle jacket has an essentially conical form that widens from the teat end region to the base end region and the wall thickness of the shaft of the teat is greater than the wall thickness of the teat in the lip contact region and of the nipple. The bottle jacket is injection-molded from a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene.
US07866491B2 Wall hanging garage shelf and rack storage system
A storage system capable of a variety of configurations and adaptations to be made based upon the necessities and desires of the user. The basic units of the device include at least two generally triangular shaped braces, a plurality of square shaped tubular rails, and a variety of attachment devices that allow for a variously adjustable tiered storage system with slidable suspension hooks that allow the device to be variously configured and modified without the use of tools.
US07866490B1 Method for storing garden trimmers
A method for storing and protecting a garden trimmer includes mounting the trimmer horizontally on a rack and enclosing the power head of the trimmer in a rigid box enclosure at the forward end of the rack with the shaft and trimmer head projecting rearwardly outside of the box enclosure and being open and accessible from the outside.
US07866488B2 Universal rack mountable shelf
A support and method for supporting equipment within a rack system regardless of its design is disclosed. The base of the support includes a surface capable of supporting the equipment reducing unintended movement of the equipment. Brackets capable of being securely attached to the rack system, regardless of whether it is two-post or four-post in design, are associated with the base of the support. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of selecting a design of rack system, attaching the support of the present system, and placement of the equipment to be supported.
US07866485B2 Apparatus and method for preparing platelet rich plasma and concentrates thereof
A Platelet Rich Plasma separator assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include a cylindrical outer wall closed at the top by an upper plate and closed at the bottom. A bottom plate having an upper surface sloped down to a central opening. The top edge of the inner wall terminates at a distance from the upper plate to define an annular erythrocyte passageway therebetween. The inner wall has an outer surface and an inner surface that slopes radially inward from its top edge to its bottom at an angle of from 0.2 to 5 degrees with a central axis of the inner wall. A cylindrical depth filter is positioned between the inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall in communication with the inner wall through the erythrocyte passageway.
US07866478B2 Packaging for an article
Packaging for use with an article of manufacture, which includes a first member having a first interior cavity for receiving a first portion of the article, a second member having a second interior cavity for receiving a second portion of the article, and a molded hinge connecting the first member and the second member. The first member may be attached to an outer container for holding the article.
US07866475B2 Blister package
A child-resistant multi-step tear-access blister package having at least one product well containing a product. The product is accessed by tearing the blister package from a peripheral edge toward the product well. A step in addition to tearing is required to access the product, thereby elevating the cognitive skill necessary to access the product above those of a typical small child. In the disclosed exemplary embodiment, the additional step involves weakening a tear-resistant channel blocking a tear path from the peripheral edge of the package to the product well. More particularly, initial tearing of the package toward the product well is interfered with by the presence of the tear-resistant channel interrupting the tear path. The tear-resistant channel may be bent or snapped to permit tearing therethrough and to permit continued tearing of the blister package toward the product well to access the product.
US07866473B2 Flexible package having an easy opening feature
A flexible package is disclosed having an easy opening feature. The opening feature includes a gusset formed in at least one side wall. The gusset is aligned inward of the side wall and forms a pocket having an internal panel and an external panel. An aperture is formed through the external panel and is sized to receive at least one human finger. The package also has a line of weakness formed in the side wall containing the external panel with the aperture formed therethrough. The line of weakness has two portions, each located on an opposite side of the aperture and each extending from the first end of the gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom. The line of weakness also has a third portion which extends across the side wall and connects with the first two portions of the line of weakness. The combination of the gusset, the aperture and the line of weakness create a structure which allows the package to be easily opened.
US07866465B2 Multi-compartment storage and mixing vessel
A multi-compartment storage and mixing container for separately storing two or more components and for mixing the components in the container immediately before use. The container comprises an outer container and an inner assembly. The inner assembly comprises a plunger assembly comprising a stem and a plurality of spaced apart partitions mounted perpendicularly thereon. The inner assembly is transformable from a first storage position, where two or more separated sealed compartments are defined within the container, to a second mixing position, where there is free communication between all portions within the container.
US07866458B2 Conveyor device for containers such as preforms
A linear, horizontal conveyor device for containers which are equipped with a collar at the base of the neck thereof. The invention includes two conveyors including endless links, which are each equipped with two parallel, mobile lines which face one another and which are driven in the same direction and at the same speed. The aforementioned lines are separated from one another by a distance that is greater than the diameter of the body of the containers and less than the diameter of the collars thereof. At least one conveyor includes a short segment that can be moved transversely outwards, such that the space between the two facing lines becomes greater than the diameter of the collar and the container falls.
US07866456B2 Portable self-contained screw conveyor
A portable screw conveyor includes a conveyor boom assembly carrying a conveyor and supported by a portable base having wheels located at each corner of the base which provides support for the conveyor boom assembly. An actuator system preferably with a linear actuator, is provided between the conveyor boom assembly and the portable base to raise and lower one end of the conveyor boom assembly. A conveyor boom assembly preferably carries a flexible screw conveyor.
US07866452B2 Vibration damper for vehicles
A vibration damper for vehicles comprises a work cylinder in which a piston is guided axially by a piston rod. The piston divides the work cylinder into two work spaces filled with damping fluid. A tension stop is provided between the piston and a piston rod guide, wherein a tension stop element including a flexible part and a reinforcing ring is arranged between a support fastened to the piston rod and the piston rod guide. The reinforcing ring limits the deformation of the flexible part of tension stop when subjected to force during operation so that permissible shearing stresses of the flexible part are not exceeded.
US07866451B2 Damper and automobile seat having the damper
A damper (1) has silicone-based unvulcanized rubber (4) interposed between a housing (2) and a shaft (3) which are disposed in such a manner as to be relatively rotatable about an axis (A) in (R) directions with respect to each other, and rotational energy between the housing (2) and the shaft (3) is absorbed through the deformation of the silicone-based unvulcanized rubber (4).
US07866445B2 Lift machine
A lift machine comprises a base, a support for supporting a load above the base, a lift actuator operatively connected between the base and the support for raising and lowering the support relative to the base, and a support stabilization mechanism operatively connected between the base and the support for stabilizing the support relative to the base during raising and lowering of the support by the lift actuator. The support stabilization mechanism comprises a pair of opposed linkages, with each of the pair of opposed linkages having a lower torque tube link and an upper torque tube link. The lower torque tube link has a torque tube operatively pivoted to the base. The upper torque tube link has a torque tube operatively pivoted to the support. The pair of opposed linkages are interconnected in such a manner that the pair moves in synchronization during raising and lowering of the support by the lift actuator and maintains the support substantially level even in the event that the center of mass of the load is offset from a vertical axis of the lift actuator.
US07866443B2 Adjustable stair stringer and railing
An adjustable stair stringer and railing construction assembly is disclosed. The assembly is adapted to use a pair of parallel stringer arms for each side of the stair, a riser/tread support bracket for each stair and alignment and spacing elements for spacing the support brackets along the stringers. The brackets include formations for spacing the stringers with respect to each other and for spacing adjacent brackets along the stringers. The brackets are initially pivotally attached to each of the stringers so as to be rotatably movable about their pivotal attachment as the stringers are moved axially. Axial movement of the stringers with respect to each other establishes the angle of rise of the stair. Treads and risers are attached to the brackets to form the stairs and railings are attachable to the stringer and bracket assembly to complete the construction. The parallel stringers, brackets and spacers are also used in the preparation of formwork for pouring aggregate stairs with the stringers, brackets and spacers being reusable.
US07866439B2 Membrane for an electroacoustic transducer
A membrane (2′) for an electroacoustic transducer (1) is disclosed having a first area (A1), a second area (A2), which is arranged for translatory movement in relation to said first area (A1), and a third area (A3), which connects said first (A1) and said second area (A2), wherein local, planar spring constants (psc) along a closed line (L) within said third area (A3) encompassing said second area (A2), are determined in such a way that local, translatory spring constants (tsc) along said line (L) in a direction (DM) of said translatory movement are substantially constant or exclusively have substantially flat, mutual changes.
US07866434B2 Steering apparatus
A steering apparatus includes an axle housing rotatably supporting a wheel hub on which a steered road wheel is installed, and a lower suspension-system control arm adapted to be oscillatingly supported at one end on a vehicle body and having a turning portion provided at the other end for pivotably supporting the axle housing by the turning portion. An electric motor is installed on the lower arm for turning the axle housing by a driving force produced by the motor. A rotation axis of the motor and a pivot of the axle housing are arranged to be offset from each other.
US07866422B2 Electric golf cart and utility cart
A four-wheel electric vehicle includes wheels having electric hub or geared, series wound induction drive motors mounted on one or more wheels. The vehicle requires no outside power transmission devices, such as differential gears or drive axles, to rotate the wheels. The vehicle includes a vehicle body adapted to accommodate seating for at least one adult person. The vehicle body is composed of several modular panels that may be releasably attached to one another to configure the vehicle for multiple applications. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a golf cart. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a multipurpose utility cart.
US07866407B2 Method for construction of low thermal expansion and low resistance wire for logging applications
A device is provided, the device comprising a downhole tool comprising a wire comprising at least one strand comprising a low thermal expansion material. The low thermal expansion material may have a low electrical resistance material disposed thereon.
US07866398B2 Umbilical termination assemblies
An underwater termination assembly for use with a subsea system such as a well tree, comprises a construction having first and second limbs substantially at a right-angle to each other, which construction may be lowered having an umbilical connected to one of the limbs so that said one of the limbs sits on the bed of a body of water.
US07866392B2 Method and apparatus for sealing and cementing a wellbore
A well casing cementing apparatus includes a housing and an inner assembly of movable parts. The housing includes a cementing port and a packer on its outer surface below the cementing port. The inner assembly includes three movable parts comprising a closing sleeve for closing the cementing port after a cementing operation, a closing sleeve seat for moving the closing sleeve and a packer setting sleeve for setting the packer. A rupture disk is provided closing the cementing port in a run in condition and is selected to have a rupture pressure at or above a pressure selected for setting the packer. An expandable collet on a lower end of the housing permits the closing sleeve and the setting sleeve to be pumped out the lower end of the housing, but prevents the pumped out parts from moving back into the housing, e.g. during production of fluids from the well.
US07866388B2 High temperature methods for forming oxidizer fuel
A method of treating a formation fluid includes providing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen or mixtures thereof. Molecular oxygen is separated from air to form a molecular oxygen stream comprising molecular oxygen. The first gas stream is combined with the molecular oxygen stream to form a combined stream comprising molecular oxygen and the first gas stream. The combined stream is provided to one or more downhole burners.
US07866387B2 Packer variable volume excluder and sampling method therefor
A down hole apparatus includes a first expandable packer and a second expandable packer, where the first expandable packer longitudinally spaced from the second expandable packer. The apparatus further includes an optional expandable bladder disposed at a longitudinal location between the first expandable packer and the second expandable packer. The expandable bladder inflates to displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements. The down hole apparatus can optionally displace drilling fluid between the first and second bladder elements with another fluid. Fluids and/or slurry can be selectively removed using ports between the first and second expandable packers, and optionally placed in sample chambers, or expelled to the bore hole.
US07866386B2 In situ oxidation of subsurface formations
Methods and systems for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation described herein include providing heat to a first portion of the formation from a plurality of heaters in the first portion, producing produced through one or more production wells in a second portion of the formation, reducing or turning off heat provided to the first portion after a selected time, providing an oxidizing fluid through one or more of the heater wells in the first portion, providing heat to the first portion and the second portion through oxidation of at least some hydrocarbons in the first portion, and producing fluids through at least one of the production wells in the second portion. The produced fluids may include at least some oxidized hydrocarbons produced in the first portion.
US07866384B2 Downhole device
The invention relates to a downhole device for incorporation into a downhole string and movement in a wellbore. The device comprises a body member, at least one roller arranged on the device to engage the inner surface of the wellbore and means to orient the device in the wellbore. The means to orient the device are provided on the or each roller. Preferably the means to orient the device comprise a projecting portion provided on the or each roller which projects radially outwardly from the body member. The projecting portion can be an eccentrically-shaped portion of the or each roller.
US07866382B2 Spring load seal assembly and well drilling equipment comprising same
A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive structure.
US07866379B2 Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger with reduced pressure loss, and improved productivity and strength. The heat exchanger is made by laminating first heat conduction plates and second heat conduction plates alternately. A first heat conduction plate and a second heat conduction plate are integrally molded of one sheet. The sheet includes air duct ribs, heat conduction planes, air duct end faces, first protrusions, first outer peripheral ribs, second outer peripheral ribs, air duct end covers, and second protrusions.
US07866371B2 Lost wax investment casting gating fixtures
A method of forming a gating fixture for a lost wax casting process includes determining an optimal orientation of a gate in relation to a part, and forming a fixture that can repeatably be used to consistently locate the gate relative to the part. In one example, stereolithography is used to form the fixture.
US07866370B2 Blades, casting cores, and methods
An article includes a blade casting core combination. The combination includes a ceramic feedcore and a metallic core. The ceramic feedcore has: a root end; a tip end; a leading end; a trailing end; a first side; a second side; and a plurality of legs extending between the root and tip ends and arrayed between the leading and trailing ends. The metallic core has: a first face; a second face; a first portion extending from the feedcore trailing end; and a second portion extending from the tip end. The article may be a pattern where the core is embedded in a wax or may be a shell formed from such a pattern. The article may be used in a method for forming the resultant blade.
US07866359B2 Assembly drum intended for the manufacture of self-supporting tires
Assembly drum of variable diameter D, intended for the manufacture of a tire blank, the drum having a generally cylindrical laying surface (2) provided with circular grooves (3) arranged axially in a zone intended to receive profiled elements of great thickness, said groove (3) containing elastic circumferential bodies (4). When the drum D is moved to a first laying diameter, a mechanical means moves the elastic body (4) radially apart from the bottom of the groove, so as to align the radially outer surface of the elastic body (4) with the laying surface of the drum (2).
US07866353B2 Method and apparatus for filling open containers with a powdery product
Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).
US07866352B2 Filling method and filling apparatus of powder-particle material in compression molding
Powder-particle material in compression molding is transferred using air suction power and filled thinly, evenly and rapidly in a female mold. An adsorption pad 21 which is held so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction is provided at a movable cylinder 7, which can move in the horizontal direction in a space between a metal supply hopper 2 and a female mold 34 and rotate 180°, and powder particle material is laid in a scraped manner at the adsorption pad 21, adsorbed by actuating a vacuum pump 14, transferred to the female mold 34 in this state, turned around and caused to fall into the mold by terminating adsorption.
US07866351B2 Tool for clamping and twisting of wires
A tool for twisting of the bare ends of electrical wires or conductors or connectors while simultaneously restraining rotation of wires at a predetermined distance from their bare ends. The tool reduces repetitive motion of the user when making electrical connections and can also enables the user to make more secure electrical connections. The various embodiments illustrate the invention as a hand tool or in conjunction with a power tool.
US07866347B2 Isolation tool
An isolation tool for use in a pipe comprises a seal unit, the seal unit being mounted to a launching assembly. The seal unit is adapted for location in a section of pipe, the seal unit adapted to be inserted into the pipe via a single opening in the pipe wall. The seal unit comprises seal elements for engaging the pipe wall to isolate a section of pipe. The seal elements are initially retained in a retracted configuration. Hydraulic pressure is applied to a cylinder, a piston located in the cylinder being translated into the seal unit, causing compression of the seal elements.
US07866344B2 Rotary valve
A rotary valve for controlling air supply in an inflatable device comprises a first rotor (11) and the second rotor (12) driven by motor (13) with a drive pulley (14) fixed directly onto its drive spindle (15). A toothed belt (16) driven by the drive pulley (14) engages with the toothed perimeter profile of the first rotor (11), to rotate rotors (11) and (12) relative to a stator (10). As the first and/or second rotor(s) are rotated, channels and ports on the airtight interfaces between the rotors (11, 12) and the stator (10) are connected and disconnected as required by the desired inflation sequence, including all the ports sealed in one position or all the ports exhausting to atmosphere in another position. The valve can be used in conjunction with any type of inflating device, where complex porting or air routing is required, the valve achieving this in a simpler manner.
US07866339B2 Pressure regulator for a fuel supply unit
Disclosed is a pressure regulator for a fuel supply unit of a motor vehicle comprising a valve for joining a connection to an outlet above a designated pressure in the connection, a valve body and a valve seat, and a spring element for prestressing the valve body against the valve seat, characterized in that the valve body is designed as a sheet-metal part.
US07866338B2 Quick connect pressure reducer/cylinder valve for self-contained breathing apparatus
A breathing air tank and valve assembly is provided for use in a self-contained breathing apparatus. The breathing air tank and valve assembly includes a pressure vessel and a cylinder valve for connection to the pressure vessel. The cylinder valve includes a valve body having an interior, and a first fitting adapted to connect the valve body directly to the pressure vessel, thereby creating a fluid connection to the interior of the valve body. The cylinder valve includes a second fitting that is an outlet adapted to connect the valve body to a pressure reducer assembly, and a third fitting that is an inlet having a check valve. The third fitting is adapted to connect the valve body to an external source of pressurized air and thereby provide a direct air path from the external source of pressurized air through the interior of the valve body to the pressure vessel.
US07866335B2 Air valve connecting device for connecting different valves
An air valve connecting device includes a mouth attached to one end of a housing and having a compartment for engaging with a U.S. type valve, and having a bore for engaging with a French type valve, a barrel engaged onto the mouth, an actuator engaged in the housing and having a shank for engaging with the barrel for selectively receiving the French type valve, a tube engaged in the actuator for engaging with the French type valve, and the tube is extendible into the mouth for selectively engaging with the U.S. type valve, a handle includes a cam member for forcing the actuator to secure either the French type valve or the tube to the actuator, and for forcing the barrel and the mouth to engage with either the French type valve or the U.S. type valve.
US07866334B2 Sewer pipe gas exhaust filter apparatus
A sewer pipe gas exhaust filter apparatus includes a sewer vent valve unit connected to a sewer pipe and including a valve member moved into and out of engagement with a valve seat by a float member, a gas filter unit connected to the sewer vent valve unit and including a gas filter medium, and a gas flow valve arrangement to cause gases from the sewer to flow through the filter medium while bypassing air drawn into the sewer pipe past the gas filter unit. The filter medium of the gas filter unit removes chemical components from air and gas exhausted from the sewer pipe, thereby improving the odor of such exhausted gases.
US07866331B2 Free-arm canopy
The free-arm canopy comprises a mast (2), on which an extendable and retractable jib (10) is arranged, with a transverse fitting (34) at the end thereof on which a canopy (12) is arranged on a canopy pole (30) by means of a joint (32). The canopy (12) comprises a slider (36), connected in a jointed fashion to top ribs (44) by means of support ribs (40) which are further jointed to a crown (48) connected to the canopy pole (30), wherein the canopy (12) may be opened and closed by means of a tensile line (70) connected to the slider (36) and displacing the canopy pole (30) against the fitting (34) and thus locking the joint (32) on opening. According to the invention, the free-arm canopy may be improved, whereby the crown (48) of the canopy (12) is arranged on the upper end of a pole piece (52) in the form of a sleeve which may be displaced over the fitting (34) such that with an open canopy (12) the crown (48) goes over the joint (32) and is at least almost in contact with the jib (10).
US07866330B2 Cleaning device, a lithographic apparatus and a lithographic apparatus cleaning method
A cleaning tool to clean a surface of a liquid confinement system of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the liquid confinement system having an aperture to allow passage of a beam of radiation therethrough of an immersion lithographic apparatus. The cleaning tool includes a sonic transducer, a reservoir configured to hold liquid between the sonic transducer and the surface to be cleaned, and a barrier positioned in the reservoir under the aperture to form, in use, a shield to sonic waves.
US07866329B2 Apparatus for cleaning paint rollers
A roller cleaning apparatus for cleaning and/or drying a roller such as a paint roller by directing jets of solvent against the surface of the roller—to spin the roller to expel liquid from the roller by centrifugal force. A jet spray manifold with a riser conduit connector for connection to a source of pressure fluid is mounted on the bottom side of a lid structure. A roller to be cleaned is also mounted to the bottom side of the lid structure in position for spinning and cleaning. The lid structure may be mounted on a standard paint bucket or other support.
US07866323B2 Smoking waste receptacle
A receptacle for receiving smoking waste includes a canister and a cap disposed on the canister. The cap includes a flow-inhibiting surface for affecting gas flow into the canister and a container member forming a containing area disposed horizontally inward of the flow-inhibiting surface for receiving smoke rising from the collection area. The cap can have at least one snuffing area for snuffing smoking material and at least one depositing area for depositing smoking waste into the canister. The opening for depositing smoking waste can allow for 360 degrees access to the user.
US07866320B2 Nasal canula and mouthpiece assembly and method
A nasal cannula and mouthpiece assembly for delivering oxygen to a person is provided having a nasal cannula, at least two mouthpieces, two pairs of oxygen supply tubes and two sets of adjustors. Each mouthpiece has a first outer end for receiving oxygen and a second outer end with a first and second opening. The first opening delivers oxygen across lips of a mouth of the person and the second opening delivers oxygen inside the mouth from the sides. A sleeve member encloses each of the mouthpieces and positions the mouthpieces in front of the sides of the mouth. The oxygen supply tubes of the first pair deliver oxygen to the nasal cannula and those of the second pair deliver oxygen to the first pair and to the mouthpieces. The two sets of adjustors adjust the lengths of the oxygen supply tubes of the first pair and the mouthpieces to provide a desired fit of the assembly on the person.
US07866319B2 Respirator exhalation unit
A respirator exhalation unit (10) comprises a negative pressure valve (120) and a selectively actuable positive pressure valve assembly (130). The position of the positive pressure valve assembly (130) is selectively adjustable to convert the exhalation unit (10) for use in multiple operating modes, such as a negative pressure mode, a powered air mode, and a self-contained breathing apparatus mode (SCBA). Additionally, a closed circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) adapter assembly (200) can be attached to the exhalation unit for conversion to a CCBA operating mode. Further, the negative pressure valve (120) divides the interior of the exhalation unit into two chambers, one of which functions as a dead space that protects the user from exposure to any harmful contaminants at the end of exhalation.
US07866318B2 Methods for providing expiratory pressure relief in positive airway pressure therapy
A method of operating a CPAP apparatus in which the interface pressure is controlled to rapidly drop at the start of expiration by an expiratory relief pressure (ERP) that is independent of instantaneous respiratory flow, following which the pressure rises to an inspiratory level at or shortly before the end of expiration, or at the onset of an expiratory pause, if any. The ERP is an increasing function of the inspiratory pressure. The expiratory pressure follows a template that is a function of the expected expiration time, the magnitude of the template being equal to the ERP. The current estimated proportion of expiration is determined by comparing the expiration time of the breath in progress to low-pass filtered expiratory durations measured for a number of the preceding breaths.
US07866317B2 Inhalation device
An inhalation device may include a control and an air pump that is connected to the control. The air pump is controlled by the control such that the air pump supplies an inhalation flow, or inhalation volume or both according to a predetermined time course to a nebulizer connected to the air pump. The inhalation flow, inhalation volume or both is controlled by controlling the air pump, rather than by using valves.
US07866316B2 Particle dispersion device for nasal delivery
A nebulizer and a method of breathing using the nebulizer is described. The nebulizer and breathing techniques are capable of delivering medicament into the sinus cavity of a user.
US07866315B2 Method and apparatus for controlling the purity of oxygen produced by an oxygen concentrator
An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.
US07866314B2 Method of tracheal intubation
An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.
US07866312B2 Ventilation hood and cooktop safety system and method
A ventilating hood and cooktop system includes safety components to reduce or eliminate the possibility of a fire in the ventilating hood. The system provides elements for sensing the temperature over the cooktop. When the temperature reaches a first predetermined level, the ventilation fan speed is increased. The system includes alarm warning elements which issue different signals depending on the temperature above the cooktop. If a maximum temperature is reached, the system shuts off the fan of the ventilating hood and shuts down the cooktop.
US07866311B2 High speed solid cooking fuel igniter
Devices and methods for accelerating the combustion of non-gas cooking fuels used in barbequing. The devices include a starting fuel for preparing, or starting, a cooking fuel, such as charcoal briquettes, for use to cook food. The starting fuel is contained in a kindling chamber beneath an upper chamber containing the cooking fuel. A powered air delivery mechanism may provide an airflow to the fuels to increase combustion and heating thereof. In some embodiments, the device is a breach-loading device. In some embodiments, the air delivery mechanism is battery-powered. The device may be configured to provide, and/or may be automated to provide, different operating states responsive to the degree of ignition and/or combustion of the fuels in the device. In some embodiments, the device is adapted to automatically be transitioned between forced-air and natural-draft operating states, which may be controlled responsive to sensed operating parameters of the device.
US07866303B2 Direct injection event-based engine starting
A method for starting an internal combustion engine having direct fuel injection, comprising of adjusting a number of direct injections per combustion cycle based on a cylinder event number from a first cylinder event.
US07866301B2 Self-guided armature in single pole solenoid actuator assembly and fuel injector using same
A self-guided armature assembly for a single pole solenoid assembly includes an armature stem and an armature. The solenoid assembly includes a flux ring component and an actuator body. The armature is movable inside the flux ring. An axial air gap is defined between the top armature surface of the armature and a bottom stator surface of a stator assembly. A sliding air gap is defined between an inner diameter surface of the flux ring and an outer diameter surface of the armature. The self-guided armature is guided along the flux ring via a guiding interaction between the armature and the flux ring. The sliding air gap is smaller than the axial air gap. A stem clearance gap is defined between the armature stem and the actuator body. The sliding air gap is also smaller than the stem clearance gap.
US07866298B2 Butterfly valve device
An object of the present invention is to provide a butterfly valve device made of resin, the butterfly valve device being little susceptible the secular change in gas flow (in particular, the minimum flow) or random changes.According to the present invention, when a butterfly valve is located at a full-closed position facing a peripheral lower surface of a semicircular portion with respect to a rotating shaft of the butterfly valve made of a resin material, a partial annular projection is adapted to radially inwardly extend towards an inner wall surface of a fluid path, the partial annular projection including a plane that contacts the peripheral lower surface of the valve to form a fluid seal. Preferably, while the valve opens only by the thickness thereof from a mechanically full-closed position, from which the valve cannot mechanically rotate any more in a close direction, a surface on the periphery of the valve is formed in a curved surface shape having the specific curvature so that the specified minimum airflow is achieved at the mechanically full-closed position. In addition, cylindrical elastic sealing members are mounted around the shaft in a bearing hole, and an edge on the fluid path side of the sealing members elastically contacts an annular surface formed at a position facing the bearing hole about the rotating shaft of the valve.
US07866295B2 Piston skirt oil retention for an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine is provided having a cylinder case with at least one cylinder bore wall defining at least one cylinder bore. At least one piston is reciprocally movable within the at least one cylinder bore. The at least one piston includes at least one skirt portion preferably having a barrel-shaped profile. The cylinder bore wall has an oleophobic characteristic, while the at least one skirt portion has an oleophilic characteristic. The oleophobic and oleophilic characteristic is produced by at least one of coating and machining the at least one cylinder bore wall and the at least one skirt portion, respectively.
US07866294B2 Electrode for an ignition device
An electrode for an ignition device formed from a dilute nickel alloy with improved resistance to high temperature oxidation, sulfidation, corrosive wear, deformation and fracture. The electrode includes at least 90% by weight of nickel; zirconium; boron and at least one element from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, chromium, titanium and manganese. The weight ratio of Zr/B may range from about 0.5 to 150, and may include amounts of, by weight of the alloy, 0.05-0.5% zirconium and 0.001-0.01% boron. The oxidation resistance may be improved by the addition of hafnium in an amount that is comparable to the amount of zirconium, which may include an amount of, by weight of the alloy, 0.005-0.2% hafnium. Electrodes of dilute nickel alloys which include aluminum and silicon, as well as those which include chromium, silicon, manganese and titanium, are particularly useful as spark plug electrodes.
US07866292B2 Apparatus and methods for continuous variable valve timing
Apparatus and methods for shifting the phase between a driver gear and a driven gear in communication by a timing belt are provided as well as methods for configuring the apparatus. The apparatus may continuously vary the phase relationship between the driver gear and the driven gear.
US07866289B2 Camshaft adjusting device
In a camshaft adjusting device including a vane cell adjuster component for coupling a camshaft to a crankshaft to be driven by the crankshaft in an adjustable angular relationship, wherein a vane rotor is mounted onto the camshaft by a central hollow clamping bolt including a control valve for controlling the flow of control fluid to and from the vane cells so as to control the relative angular position of the camshaft, an additional fixing means is provided between the vane rotor and the camshaft for assisting a rotationally fixed coupling of the vane rotor with the camshaft.
US07866285B2 Cooling air conduit for V-twin cylinders
A cooling air conduit for motorcycle engine which is particularly suitable for V-twin cylinders is provided which is constructed of a conduit body of elongated, tapered shape formed by a top panel, a bottom panel and two side panels such that a cool air passageway is formed inbetween the panels to direct cool air, away from the first cylinder, and onto the second or rear cylinder for efficient cooling.
US07866280B2 Method and system of providing sealed bags of fluid at the clean side of a laboratory facility
A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including: providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.
US07866275B2 Retractable platform for transom of boat
A movable platform for attachment to a transom of a boat is disclosed. The movable platform includes a planar platform disposed horizontally and a planar frame coupled to an underside of the platform. The movable platform further includes at least one elongated tube coupled to the transom of the boat, wherein at least one element of the planar frame is movably disposed within the at least one elongated tube. The movable platform further includes at least one cylinder disposed horizontally, wherein a barrel of the at least one cylinder is secured to the at least one elongated tube and wherein a piston rod of the at least one cylinder is secured to the planar frame, such that the planar frame is moved horizontally when the piston rod moves within the barrel.
US07866274B2 Pile translating and launching system and method
The disclosure provides an efficient system to obtain a pile from a storage location on a vessel and shift the pile across the vessel without significant rotation of the pile. The pile can be transferred into an assembly that can lower the pile and launch the pile. The disclosure provides a method of translating and launching a pile for a marine application, comprising: storing at least a first pile on a rack located on a vessel; transporting the pile to an installation site; lifting the pile from the rack with a cart; supporting the pile on the cart; shifting the cart and the pile to a launch arm assembly; transferring the pile from the cart to a first portion of the launch arm assembly adjacent a side of the vessel; lowering the first portion with the pile; and releasing the pile from the first portion into a marine environment.
US07866273B2 Boat mooring device
A boat mooring device adapted to secure a watercraft to a mooring post with a rope. The device includes a rigid member forming a loop circumscribing a central opening. A passageway for receiving a rope within the rigid member extends between first and second ports. The rigid member prevents direct contact between the mooring post and a rope positioned within the passageway. A locking member moveable between first and second positions is disposed on the rigid member. In the first position, the locking member allows sliding movement of the rope through the passageway in a first direction from the first port toward the second port and inhibits sliding movement of the rope in a second direction from the second port toward the first port. In the second position, the locking member allows sliding movement of the rope in both the first direction and the second direction.
US07866271B2 Placement system for a flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a wind-powered watercraft
Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope. Said wind-attacked element can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to a sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.
US07866267B2 Well car with cross member
A well car for carrying shipping containers has a pair of end structures supported by rail car trucks, a pair of first and second spaced apart side beams extending between the end structures and a well defined therebetween. A container support cross member is mounted between the side sills in a position to support an end of a shipping container load carried within the well. The container support cross member may be a monolithic beam member with a attachment fitting formed at an end thereof. The attachment fitting is connectable to a side sill at a moment connection. The remaining end of the cross member is similarly configured and connected to the second side sill. Each end of the cross member has load bearing surface portions which may be used for supporting a corner of a shipping container. The moment connections permit a bending moment to be carried by the cross member between the first and second side sills.
US07866264B2 Energetic material initiation device
An initiator that includes a header body, an insulating spacer, an initiator chip, a plurality of terminals and a plurality of contacts. The insulating spacer is coupled to the header body. The initiator chip that forms at least a portion of an exploding foil initiator and includes a plurality of electric interfaces. The initiator chip is secured to a side of the insulating spacer opposite the header body. The terminals extend through the header body. The contacts electrically couple the electric interfaces to the terminals. The cover is coupled to the header body and cooperates with the header body to house the insulating spacer, the initiator chip and the contacts. A method for forming an initiator is also provided.
US07866256B2 Smoker attachment for a barbecue grill
A smoker attachment for heating and burning smoking particles for a gas grill includes a housing and end caps. The housing is an elongate hollow member with a triangular cross-section. The housing has open ends and a slot just below the apex. A cavity of the housing holds the smoking particles. End caps cover the open ends. For flavoring food on a gas grill, the smoker assembly, filled with smoking particles, is used in place of one sear bar located directly above one of the gas burner tubes. Heat released from the gas burner tube directly below the base of the smoker attachment causes the smoking particles to ignite and smolder. This smoke flows through the slot in the housing and fills the grill area. During this process, the food being cooked on the grill is flavored by the smoke.
US07866255B1 Beverage brewer with spray distribution assembly and method
A hot beverage brewer (10) having a hot water dispense system (12), a brew basket assembly (18) for holding ingredient to be mixed with the hot water to make a freshly brewed hot beverage and a controller (16) for controlling the delivery of hot water from the hot water dispenser system to the brew basket (18) with a spray distribution assembly (14) having a spray head (20) having a generally vertical passageway (22) for receipt of hot water and a spray plate (38) with a an umbrella-like body (34) with a downwardly, outwardly tapered top with radiating, outwardly, downwardly directed, upwardly facing grooves and an upwardly standing central core (58) snuggly received within the passageway (22) joined to the top of the umbrella-like member (34) with a plurality of radially, outwardly facing grooves (68) extending from the top to the bottom to form a plurality of peripheral closed channels for passing hot water to upwardly facing grooves (74) of the umbrella-like body. The umbrella-like member (34) has a surrounding outer edge that varies in radial distance from the core around a periphery of the umbrella like body to form a plurality of radially extending pedals (80) separated by a plurality of slots (82). Tooless securing means (32, 60) permits relative rotation of the core within the passageway (22) scrape clean the core and passageway of residue.
US07866253B2 Pressure medium-actuated unit
A pressure-medium actuated swivel motor includes a cylinder with closed ends and an inside surface with a pair of diametrically opposed axially extending ribs, and a motor shaft with a pair of diametrically opposed axially extending vanes, wherein the vanes and the ribs bound first and second pairs of diametrically opposed working chambers between the motor shaft and the cylinder. First and second pressure medium ports are connected to respective first and second pairs of working chambers, each pair being connected by an interconnection channel through the shaft. A movable separating element which divides a compensating space in the piston into a first and second compensating subspaces, wherein the first compensating subspace is connected to the first pair of working chambers, and the second compensating subspace is connected to the second pair of working chambers.
US07866250B2 Vehicle protection system
A protection system features a flexible packaged net with perimeter weighting housed in a deployment box releasably attached to a vehicle. One deployment subsystem includes an airbag packaged in the deployment box behind the net. A sensor subsystem detects an incoming threat and a fire control subsystem is responsive to the sensor subsystem and is configured to activate the deployment subsystem to inflate the airbag and deploy the net in the trajectory path of the incoming threat.
US07866248B2 Encapsulated ceramic composite armor
A composite armor including a disrupting layer and a backing layer provides protection against blast and ballistic threats. The disrupting layer includes ceramic particles or tiles that disrupt the incoming projectile, while the backing layer prevents penetration past the armor by the disrupted projectile. The disrupting layer may include a layer of polygonal ceramic tiles with a deflecting front surface, encased by a retaining polymer, and may also include fire-retarding particles.
US07866247B2 Automatic shooting mechanism and robot having the same
An automatic shooting mechanism capable of remote switching and unmanned switching between a safety mode and a shooting mode, and remote shooting and unmanned shooting. Also provided is a sentry robot employing the automatic shooting mechanism and capable of performing wide and narrow monitoring and sentry duties in short and long ranges, and automatically shooting at a target. The automatic shooting mechanism comprises a safety unit including a safety solenoid and an elastic member to move a safety pin of a gun between a safety mode position and a shooting mode position, a return unit for applying force to the safety pin of the gun to move the safety pin to the safety mode position. The automatic shooting mechanism further comprises a shooting unit including a shooting solenoid to move a connecting link back and forth, and a trigger push member having one end contacting a trigger of the gun and the other end contacting the shooting solenoid, and coupled at a middle portion of the shooting unit to be capable of pivoting to pull the trigger as desired.
US07866245B2 Fiber cable made of high-strength synthetic fibers for a helicopter rescue winch
A fiber cable for helicopter rescue winches includes a plurality of load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands braided with one another, at least one electrically conductive insert, and a wear indicator providing a visual check of a state of the fiber cable, where the load-bearing synthetic-fiber strands are encased in a radial direction by a friction-reducing stable fiber layer, an inner cable jacket, and outer cable jacket.
US07866242B1 Noise dampener hub assembly for a circular saw
A noise dampener hub assembly for mounting a circular blade on the drive shaft of a circular saw including a spindle hub assembly having an inside noise dampener disc member, a separate outside noise dampener disc member and a spanner hub. The tubular hub member is externally threaded and the spanner hub is internally threaded so that they can be screwed together. The respective inner surfaces of the inside noise dampener disc member and the outside noise dampener disc member have radially spaced annular grooves that removably receive respective O-rings which dampen the noise produced during operation of the circular saw. A pair of pins extend outwardly from the inside noise dampener disc and pass through aligned apertures in the circular saw blade. These pins have different diameters for telescoping into the respective different sized alignment apertures. Also the respective pins and apertures are oriented 170° from each other so that the circular saw blade will always be installed at the same position.
US07866236B2 Automatic screw feeding apparatus for power screwdriver
An automatic screw feeding apparatus includes a base assembly, a slide assembly, a first spring, a screw carrier driving device, and a screw carrier guidance device. The slide assembly is mounted to the base assembly, movable forward and backward between a first position and a second position along a straight path. The first spring is mounted between the base and slide assemblies for keeping the slide assembly at the first position. The screw carrier guidance device includes a connection member connected with the base assembly, a guide member mounted to the connection member and movable forward and backward between a third position and a fourth position, and a second spring mounted between the guide and connection members for keeping the guide member located at the third position. The second spring can greatly lighten the load of the first spring to prevent the fed screws from being jammed.
US07866231B2 Axle assembly having gasket that shields an opening
An axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a differential assembly, a cover, and a gasket. The axle housing defines a cavity and an access aperture. The differential assembly is received in the cavity and is supported for rotation in the axle housing. The cover has a flange and a body. The flange is coupled to the axle housing such that the cover closes the access aperture. The body has an opening that is in fluid connection with the cavity. The gasket has a gasket member and a tab. The gasket member is disposed between the axle housing and the flange. The tab extends inwardly from the gasket member and covers at least a portion of the opening. The tab is configured to shield the opening from splash lubrication during operation of the axle assembly.
US07866229B2 Automatic length compensating device for a flexible cable transmission
An automatic length compensating device (30) for a flexible cable transmission (8) having a core (12) sliding inside a sheath (10). The device (30) has a first and a second member (31, 32) inserted at least partly one inside the other in a predetermined direction (B) and defining, in that direction (B), respective through seats (33, 34) fitted through with the core (12) of the transmission (8); elastic means (35) interposed between the first and second member (31, 32), and which provide for increasing mutual withdrawal of the first and second member (31, 32); and releasable locking means (50) defining a number of mutually engaged positions of the first and second member (31, 32) corresponding to different extensions of the device (30) in the aforementioned direction (B). The second member (32) has two arms (40) engaged between two corresponding arms (38) of the first member (31), and the locking means are defined by toothed coupling means (50) between each arm (38) of the first member (31) and a corresponding arm (40) of the second member (32). (FIG. 4)
US07866225B2 Spindle drive, in particular for adjusting a movable part in a motor vehicle, and a method for manufacturing this spindle drive
A spindle drive (10), in particular for adjusting a movable part (58) in a motor vehicle, includes a drive assembly (42), which drives a drive wheel (18) supported on a spindle (16). The drive wheel (18) is rotatably supported in a support tube (14) that includes a receptacle (52) for a fastening device (54) for diverting crash forces. A guide tube (64) that accommodates the spindle (16) and overlaps axially with the support tube (14) is located coaxially with spindle (16).
US07866223B2 Method of obtaining samples of meat to assay for microbial contamination
The present invention generally relates to a device for obtaining samples of meat during commercial meat production. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for an automated, hand held device used to rapidly obtain samples of meat that are of essentially uniform size in order to test for the presence of microbiological contaminants in such meat, as well as methods of using the device. The device can be used to comply with laws and regulations concerning the testing of meat for microbial contamination during commercial meat production. The device is also lightweight and ergonomically constructed so that it may be operated by a single individual.
US07866221B2 Method for storing pipette chip
A method for storing pipette chips for making a container for storing used pipette chips on a pipetting device compact is provided. A method for storing pipette chips including a step of moving a pipette chip to an entrance portion of a pipette chip container, a step of cutting at least a part of a pipette chip, a step of taking a cut pipette chip into the pipette chip container, and a step of stacking a pipette chip to be subsequently taken in onto a preceding taken-in pipette chip.
US07866220B2 Method for collecting gaseous sample
The present invention of collecting a gaseous sample employs a sealable container, an inlet mounted at a part of the container, an outlet mounted at another part of the container, an atomizing electrode mounted in the container, a primary refrigerator mounted adjacent to the atomizing electrode, an opposite electrode mounted in the container, an acicular capture electrode mounted adjacent to the opposite electrode, and a secondary refrigerator mounted adjacent to the capture electrode. Charged microparticles are prepared by chilling the gaseous sample and producing condensate of the same. Such charged microparticles are collected by the capture electrode with static electricity, and they are condensed by chilling them. This method prevents the capture electrode from spreading solution thereon.
US07866213B2 Method of analyzing non-synchronous vibrations using a dispersed array multi-probe machine
A method for identifying an unfolded non-synchronous blade vibration frequency in blades on a rotating rotor using a plurality of probes spaced from each other about the rotor. A set of data is acquired from the probes during a predetermined number of rotor revolutions and is processed using a Fourier analysis to generate an output representative of frequencies and phase shift angles corresponding to blade vibrations. The phase shift angles are used to identify a subharmonic for a blade vibration frequency to provide an output identifying the vibration frequency. A space dispersion and time dispersion of probes is described to increase the accuracy of the subharmonic determination using the phase shift angles.
US07866212B2 High-sensitivity sensors for sensing various physiological phenomena, particularly useful in anti-snoring apparatus and methods
A mechanical vibration sensor adapted to be brought into contact with an object for sensing mechanical vibrations in the object, includes a body of a soft elastomeric material having high transmissivity and low attenuation properties with respect to a preselected type of energy waves; and a pair of transducers mounted, by mounting members having high attenuation properties with respect to the energy waves, in spaced relationship to each other to define a transmission channel between the transducers. Such sensor is particularly useful in a method and apparatus for controlling snoring by a person, by utilizing a stimulus device effective, when sensing snoring, to immediately produce a response in the person tending to interrupt the person's snoring.
US07866211B2 Fouling and corrosion detector for process control industries
A method for inferring possible or impending corrosion or fouling of process elements from fluid flowing in a pipe of an industrial process is described. A frequency response of a body is measured. The measured frequency response is compared against a stored value. Corrosion or fouling of the process elements is identified based upon the comparison between the measured frequency response and the stored value.
US07866210B2 Semiconductor mechanical sensor
A semiconductor mechanical sensor having a new structure in which a S/N ratio is improved. In the central portion of a silicon substrate 1, a recess portion 2 is formed which includes a beam structure. A weight is formed at the tip of the beam, and in the bottom surface of the weight in the bottom surface of the recess portion 2 facing the same, an electrode 5 is formed. An alternating current electric power is applied between the weight portion 4 and the electrode 5 so that static electricity is created and the weight is excited by the static electricity. In an axial direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the excitation of the weight, an electrode 6 is disposed to face one surface of the weight and a wall surface of the substrate which faces the same. A change in a capacitance between the facing electrodes is electrically detected, and therefore, a change in a physical force acting in the same direction is detected.
US07866208B1 Flow measuring device
A flow measuring device has a flow channel block including a main flow channel whose both ends are open, and an auxiliary flow channel that branches from the main flow channel, a flow amount measurement element provided for the auxiliary flow channel, and a branch entrance and a collection exit that open in a wall surface of the main flow channel, and that communicate to the auxiliary flow channel, so that a part of a gaseous body that flows through the main flow channel is directed to the auxiliary flow channel through the branch entrance, and the gaseous body that has passed through the auxiliary flow channel is directed back to the main flow channel through the collection exit. A holding member containing portion is provided in a depressed manner for an area excluding an area including the branch entrance and an area including the collection exit in a circumference surface of a space of the flow channel block that configures the main flow channel. An orifice is contained within the main flow channel. An orifice holding member fitted into the holding member containing portion holds the orifice by being brought into contact with the orifice. The wall surface of the main flow channel is configured by a wall surface excluding the area for which the holding member containing portion is formed out of the main flow channel and an inner surface of the orifice holding member.
US07866205B2 Sample operation apparatus
There is provided a sample operation apparatus in which, by a static electricity force acting between a probe and a sample, an accurate position is gripped without the sample being moved, and the sample can be operated by the probe for an observation, a grip, a release, or the like. In a casing body capable of being sealed, there are installed a sample operation tweezers comprising an observation probe and a grip probe, and a sample base fixing a substrate on which the sample is mounted. By the facts that a surface of the substrate is treated such that its hydrophilic nature is higher than the sample operation tweezers, and that a humidity in the casing body is controlled by a humidity control device, there is made such that an actuation of a grip, a movement, a separation or the like of the sample is performed under a state in which water films are formed on the sample, the substrate and a surface of the sample operation tweezers.
US07866202B2 Method of fabricating a carbon monoxide detector and a carbon monoxide detector fabricated using the same
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a carbon monoxide detector and a carbon monoxide detector fabricated using the same. Particularly disclosed is a method of fabricating a carbon monoxide detector, which can operate at room temperature and process high detecting selection, and the detector fabricated using the same. The method comprises: providing a substrate having an upper surface; forming two electrode sets on the upper surface of the substrate, and the two electrode sets combined to provide an interdigitated array electrode; forming a tin dioxide layer, which covers the portion of the two electrode sets and the portion of the upper surface; and forming an organic polymer layer on the surface of the tin dioxide layer. The carbon monoxide detector comprises: a substrate having an upper surface; two electrode sets, which are located on the upper surface of the substrate; a tin dioxide layer, which covers the portion of the two electrode sets and the portion of the upper surface; and an organic polymer layer, which is located on the surface of the tin dioxide layer.
US07866198B2 Method of producing a stepped shaft
A method for forming a stepped shaft includes: forming a billet of a predetermined mass; heating the billet; cross-wedge rolling the billet to form an intermediate workpiece having a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion that are axially spaced apart by a neck that is smaller in diameter than the first and second cylindrical portions; and performing at least one upset forging operation on the end of the intermediate workpiece to enlarge the first cylindrical portion such that in at least one location its diameter is larger than a diameter of any other portion of the stepped shaft and larger than a diameter of the billet.
US07866197B2 Rolling-circle machine
A rolling-circle machine for rolling a workpiece includes at least one first rolling portion, a second rolling portion connected to the first rolling portion, and at least one adjusting screw. The first rolling portion includes one or more first concaved sections for rolling the workpiece and at least a through hole. The second rolling portion includes one or more second concaved sections for rolling the workpiece. The second concaved section forms one or more rolling slots in cooperation with the first concaved section. The adjusting screw includes a threaded post passing through the through hole of the first rolling portion and one end of the threaded post is fixed in the second rolling portion. The adjusting screw is configured for adjusting a distance between the first and the second rolling portion to roll workpieces that have different dimensions.
US07866192B2 Locking mechanism for use with a drawer
A locking mechanism for use in drawers of cabinet structures including a pair of bolts secured for lateral displacement along the interior face of the drawer front. A latch having a flange is rotationally secured to the drawer to permit the flange of the latch to be positioned between the opposing ends of the bolts and thereby preclude their further displacement. A lever, rotationally mounted out of the path of travel of the bolts is associated with an externally mounted lock that permits the user to rotate the lever and lift the latch flange out of engagement with the bolts, thereby permitting the bolts to be displaced out of a locking engagement with the cabinet structure.
US07866191B2 Clothes washer with clothing trap
An automatic clothes washer having a clothes trap for reducing the likelihood that an article of clothing can escape from a wash basket during the spinning of the basket.
US07866190B2 Washing machine having broadcasting receiver
A washing machine having a broadcasting receiver for providing various multimedia contents on the washing machine is disclosed. A broadcast signal reception module is provided in the washing machine, such as a washer or dryer, which is frequently used in the user's living space. Therefore, the washing machine can not only perform a washing operation, but also output a broadcast signal. In particular, the provision of the broadcast signal reception module in the washing machine enables reception of a mobile broadcast signal, as well as a fixed broadcast signal, thereby making it possible to provide more various multimedia contents through the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to increase customer satisfaction with a multifunction-alization of the washing machine and thus use the washing machine more universally, resulting in an increase in the competitiveness of a product.
US07866188B2 PCVD apparatus with a choke defined within a microwave applicator
The present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a PCVD deposition process, wherein one or more doped or undoped layers are coated onto the interior of a glass substrate tube, which apparatus comprises an applicator having an inner and an outer wall and a microwave guide which opens into the applicator, which applicator extends around a cylindrical axis and which is provided with a passage adjacent to the inner wall, through which the microwaves can exit, over which cylindrical axis the substrate tube can be positioned, and wherein at least one choke of annular shape having a length l and a width w is centred around the cylindrical axis within the applicator.
US07866183B2 Drink bottle and method of manufacturing same
A drink bottle and method of manufacturing same.
US07866182B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator having a cold air supply device is provided. The refrigerator includes an evaporator and the cold air supply device mounted at a rear surface of a storage compartment to cover the evaporator. The cold air supply device includes a plurality of discharge holes formed in a front surface and both lateral surfaces thereof to discharge cold air, which was heat exchanged by the evaporator, toward front and lateral sides of the cold air supply device.
US07866177B2 Personal cooling element, in particular for patients
A personal cooling element for patients comprises at least one cooling zone (2) that can be pre-tensioned against the body surface (10) of a person wearing the personal cooling element. The cooling zone (2) is three-layered with an internal layer (4) that faces towards the body, an external layer (6) that faces away from the body and an evaporation zone (8) that is located therebetween. The internal layer (4) and the external layer (6) each are made from a material that is waterproof and permeable to water vapor. The evaporation zone (8) is supplied with liquid water.
US07866175B2 Flow control of refrigerant
The present invention concerns a cooling or heating apparatus including at least a 5 compressor (1), a condenser (2), an expansion apparatus (7), a vaporizer (9) and a space for liquid accumulation (10). The invention is characterized essentially by a control system consisting of an electronic bubble detecting device (4) for detecting the occurrence of bubbles in the refrigerant condensate. The bubble detecting device (4) is attached in proximity to the condenser's (2) outlet or to its exit line, the bubble detecting device (4) is in electrical connection with an expansion apparatus (7) that is controlled electrically. The bubble detecting device (4) gives signals to the expansion apparatus (7). Gas bubbles in the condenser liquid affect the control system so that when the amount of gas bubbles registered/signal analyzed by the bubble detecting device (4) exceeds the set signal value for the presence of bubbles in the condensate there is a signal to the expansion apparatus' electric control unit (7) to shut off or alternatively to decrease the refrigerant flowthrough. When the gas bubble amount is absent or alternatively is less than the predetermined set signal value the expansion apparatus (7) is given a signal from the bubble detecting device (4) to the expansion apparatus' electric control unit (7) to increase the refrigerant flowthrough.
US07866174B2 Refrigerator having cold air circulating apparatus and control method of circulating cold air
A refrigerator having a cold air circulating apparatus includes: a main body, which is provided with a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment for preserving food items, and a temperature controlled compartment for preserving food items, separately from the freezer and the refrigerator compartments; a first cooling unit formed at the rear side of the freezer compartment for supplying cold air into the freezer compartment; a second cooling unit formed at the rear side of the refrigerator compartment for providing cold air into the refrigerator compartment; a cold air circulating device for circulating air inside the temperature controlled compartment by using the first cooling unit or the second cooling unit; and a control unit for controlling operations of the cold air circulating device to thereby regulate temperature inside the temperature controlled compartment, based on a user-set temperature for the temperature controlled compartment.
US07866172B2 System and method for controlling working fluid charge in a vapor compression air conditioning system
Vapor compression air conditioning systems are provided with a flow restrictor for transferring working fluid to and from at least one of the compressor low pressure inlet conduit and compressor high pressure outlet conduit to provide for accurate charge adjustment to achieve predetermined fluid sub-cooling. Pressure and temperature measurements are taken at a condenser fluid outlet conduit and provided to a microcontroller for determining fluid sub-cooling and comparing sub-cooling with a predetermined target sub-cooling. A charge addition or recovery apparatus may include a solenoid valve controlled by the microcontroller to more accurately control the addition or recovery of refrigerant fluid charge.
US07866171B2 Food keeping refrigerator
A food keeping refrigerator is provided. The food keeping refrigerator keeps food in refrigerating and freezing chambers and refrigerates and freezes the food through a cooling device. The food keeping refrigerator preserves the freshness and nutrition of food for an extended period of time by emitting appropriate light to the food stored in the refrigerating and freezing chambers of the food keeping refrigerator. The food keeping refrigerator includes a storing device that stores food keeping information, a light generating device mounted inside the refrigerating and freezing chambers that generates light and emits the light to the food, and a controller that reads the food keeping information corresponding to the food from the storing device and controls the light generating device to emit the light according to the food keeping information.
US07866170B2 Method for cooling drinks and beverages in a freezer and refrigerator using such method
A method for cooling a bottle in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator includes sensing the temperature of a zone of the freezer in which the bottle is placed, estimating the temperature of the bottle on the basis of the compressor status and of the sensed temperature of the zone, and informing the user when the estimated temperature of the bottle has reached a set value. The method can also be used for an automatically adjusted “shock freezing” process for any kind of food.
US07866168B2 Heat pump water heater
A heat pump water heater system including a water storage tank and a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system includes a heat absorber positioned below the water storage tank and a heat rejecter in fluid communication with the heat absorber and positioned within the water storage tank. The heat absorber is configured to transfer heat to fluid in the heat exchange system, and the heat rejecter is configured to transfer heat from fluid in the heat exchange system to the water in the water storage tank.
US07866161B2 Method of operating a gas engine plant and fuel feeding system for a gas engine
A gas engine plant that includes a combustion engine adapted to combust gaseous fuel receives fuel containing hydrocarbons, reforms the fuel by cracking the heavier hydrocarbons in the fuel while minimizing cracking of methane, and feeds the reformed fuel in gaseous form to the combustion engine.
US07866160B2 Process and installation for producing electric power
A process and an installation produces electric power or cogenerates electric and thermal power. A hydrocarbon fuel is enriched through an endothermic reforming reaction on a mixture of the fuel with steam or water. The heat for the reforming reaction is supplied by the combustion of a material, preferably biomass, different from the hydrocarbon fuel. The process integrates this reforming reaction in a gas turbine installation, wherein up to 12% of the exhaust gases of the gas turbine are used as comburant air for the combustion of the material. The process is shown to have little or even no impact on the gas turbine cycle performance when no reforming is applied.
US07866154B2 Manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method
An assembling apparatus (manufacturing apparatus) can assemble an actuator (product) in which a shape memory alloy (SMA) is stretched. In the assembly, the SMA is locked by a first holder, a guide is moved along predetermined movement directions while sending the SMA and, after that, the SMA is locked by a second holder. A switch is turned on to pass current from a current source to the SMA via an electrode. The SMA is fixed to two electrodes by caulking members and, after that, an unnecessary portion of the SMA is cut. In such a manner, the actuator is manufactured. Since the SMA is tensioned while current is passed to the SMA as described above, the stretch can be stably performed while suppressing elongation of the SMA. As a result, a product can be manufactured with high quality.
US07866153B2 Displacer piston assembly
A split displacer piston assembly (1) in conjunction with a Stirling engine is disclosed. Said assembly comprises of two main parts, displacer dome (8) and displacer base (9). Within the displacer dome there are several heat shields (10). The displacer base has a piston ring assembly (12) installed in an outer perimeter groove and fixed between the displacer base and displacer dome is a displacer guide ring (11). In order to service and or replace these parts rapidly, the displacer dome and displacer base are fastened by threaded engagement.
US07866151B2 Anti-saturation valve assembly for load sensing hydraulic system
An anti-saturation valve assembly (51) for use in a hydraulic system having priority (17) and auxiliary (25) load circuits, the priority circuit providing a priority load signal (19). The anti-saturation valve assembly includes a pressure sensor portion (61) which senses a decrease between pump pressure (23) and the priority load signal (19), and generates a force on a pressure reducing portion (63) to reduce, correspondingly, a pilot pressure (59): The reduced pilot pressure to a pilot valve (35) results in reduced flow to a pilot-operated main control valve (27) in the auxiliary load circuit (25), thus providing anti-saturation protection for the circuit, without throttling a main flow path and wasting substantial hydraulic power.
US07866150B2 Load sense boost device
A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes a pressure regulator that maintains the output pressure from a hydraulic pump above a predetermined minimum pressure.
US07866144B2 Arrangement for the dosed injection of a reducing medium into the exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine
In an arrangement for the dosed injection of a reducing agent into the exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine, comprising a pump for the pulsed pumping of the reducing agent and an atomizing injection nozzle disposed in the exhaust tract of the internal combustion engine, the injection nozzle includes a valve element which opens and closes the injection nozzle depending on the pressure generated by the pump and permits the injection of the reducing agent into the exhaust tract only when the pressure of the reducing agent is in excess of a certain value in order to ensure proper atomization of any reducing agent injected into the exhaust tract.
US07866137B2 Recyclable chenille yarn
A recyclable chenille yarn has a core yarn or core yarns, and effect yarns, of natural fiber materials. The core yarn or yarns hold the effect yarns by twisting the yarns together, so that no binder is necessary or used. Accordingly, the chenille yarn is biodegradable and readily recyclable. Preferred natural fibers for the yarns include bamboo, kudzu, potato, alpaca, banana, coconut, kenaf and soybean.
US07866134B2 Positive grass collector attachment positioning
A grass mower for cutting grass and collecting cut grass includes a main body, two handle brackets, a handle, a collector element, and two collector brackets. The main body is for cutting grass. The two handle brackets are oppositely mounted on lateral sides of the main body. The handle is coupled to the two handle brackets. The collector element is for collecting the cut grass. The collector element is defined by a frame, and the frame includes at least two limb elements located on substantially opposite sides of the collector element. The two collector brackets are respectively mounted to the two handle brackets and are configured to respectively accommodate the limb elements, wherein the collector element is mounted on the mower free from the handle.
US07866132B2 Harvesting head reel support arrangement including hydraulic cylinders and control circuitry
A harvesting head (104) for an agricultural combine (100) includes a hydraulic height control circuit for controlling the height of the reel (122). The hydraulic height control circuit includes at least two closed hydraulic circuits (124, 134 and 128, 138).
US07866127B2 Apparatus and method for producing customised containers of cigarettes
Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes is automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel which is movable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion, a body portion and a collar, which is mounted within the body portion. The body portion is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar.
US07866122B2 Equipment for manufacturing cigarette packages
Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.
US07866121B2 Composite wind tower systems and methods of manufacture
The present invention relates generally to composite fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wind tower systems and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composite FRP wind tower system including a plurality of tower cells for functional engagement with adjacent tower cells along mating surfaces to form a tower section, each tower cell including a lower end and an upper end for telescopic engagement with a tower cell of an adjacent tower section.
US07866120B2 Post wrap device
Embodiments are described of devices for concealing and/or protecting a portion of a member, such as the base of a post, which devices can be easily applied to the member at any time. These embodiments include a plurality of components adjustably connected to one another so as to provide a snug fit of the device against the member to be protected, regardless of initial variations from the expected dimensions of the member. Further device embodiments are self-adjusting to provide a snug fit regardless of subsequent changes in the dimension of the member over time.
US07866117B1 Composite box building and the method of construction
The invention forms a composite building by using beams made from plastic foam coated with fiber reinforced concrete.
关于PatentHub
关于我们 加入我们 联系我们 帮助中心
PatentHub产品
专利百科 商标查询 专利交易 大学排行榜 行业专题库
API接口 排行榜 专利资讯 最新中国发明专利 最新美国发明专利
PatentHub联系方式
QQ：3307693423 QQ：3236401158