| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07867858B2 |
Hybrid transistor based power gating switch circuit and method
A method includes forming a first transistor having a first gate dielectric thickness and a first source/drain extension depth, a second transistor having a second gate dielectric thickness and the first source/drain extension depth, and a third transistor having the second gate dielectric thickness and a second source/drain extension depth. The second source/drain extension depth is greater than the first source/drain extension depth. The second gate dielectric thickness is greater than the first gate dielectric thickness. The first transistor is used in a logic circuit. The third transistor is used in an I/O circuit. The second transistor is made without extra processing steps and is better than either the first or third transistor for coupling a power supply terminal to the logic circuit in a power-up mode and decoupling the power supply terminal from the logic circuit in a power-down mode. |
| US07867856B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having fin-field effect transistor
A semiconductor device includes an element isolation region formed in a semiconductor substrate, an active region surrounded by the element isolation region, and a gate electrode formed in one direction to cross the active region. The semiconductor substrate includes two gate trenches formed in parallel to a major axis direction of the active region in the active region, and a fin-shaped part which is located between the two gate trenches. The gate electrode is buried in the two gate trenches and formed on the fin-shaped part. The fin-shaped part serves as a channel region. A fin field effect transistor in which a width of the channel region is smaller than a gate length is thereby obtained. |
| US07867851B2 |
Methods of forming field effect transistors on substrates
The invention includes methods of forming field effect transistors. In one implementation, the invention encompasses a method of forming a field effect transistor on a substrate, where the field effect transistor comprises a pair of conductively doped source/drain regions, a channel region received intermediate the pair of source/drain regions, and a transistor gate received operably proximate the channel region. Such implementation includes conducting a dopant activation anneal of the pair of source/drain regions prior to depositing material from which a conductive portion of the transistor gate is made. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated. |
| US07867849B2 |
Method of manufacturing a non-volatile semiconductor device
Example embodiments relate to methods of fabricating a non-volatile memory device. According to example embodiments, a method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device may include forming at least one gate structure on an upper face of a substrate. The at least one gate structure may include a tunnel insulation layer pattern, a charge storing layer pattern, a dielectric layer pattern and a control gate. According to example embodiments, a method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device may also include forming a silicon nitride layer on the upper face of the substrate to cover the at least one gate structure, forming an insulating interlayer on the silicon nitride layer on the upper face of the substrate, and providing an annealing gas toward the upper face of the substrate and a lower face of the substrate to cure defects of the tunnel insulation layer pattern. |
| US07867846B2 |
Organic light emitting display (OLED) having a gas vent groove to decrease edge open failures
An Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) and its fabrication method has a pixel defining layer provided on a first electrode which is formed with a gas vent groove to allow gas to vent when the pixel defining layer is being formed, so that gas is not left in a pixel but vented when a donor film is laminated by a Laser-Induced Thermal Imaging (LITI) method, thereby decreasing edge open failures. |
| US07867841B2 |
Methods of forming semiconductor devices with extended active regions
A method of forming a semiconductor device can include forming a trench in a semiconductor substrate to define an active region. The trench is filled with a first device isolation layer. A portion of the first device isolation layer is etched to recess a top surface of the first device isolation layer below an adjacent top surface of the active region of the semiconductor substrate and to partially expose a sidewall of the active region. The exposed sidewall of the active region is epitaxially grown to form an extension portion of the active region that extends partially across the top surface of the first device isolation layer in the trench. A second device isolation layer is formed on the recessed first device isolation layer in the trench. The second device isolation layer is etched to expose a top surface of the extension portion of the active region and leave a portion of the second device isolation layer between extension portions of active regions on opposite sides of the trench. An interlayer dielectric is formed on the semiconductor substrate and the second device isolation layer. A conductive contact is formed extending through the interlayer dielectric layer and directly contacting at least a portion of both the active region and the extension portion of the active region overlying the second device isolation layer. |
| US07867832B2 |
Electrical fuse and method of making
A semiconductor fuse and methods of making the same. The fuse includes a fuse element and a compressive stress liner that reduces the electro-migration resistance of the fuse element. The method includes forming a substrate, forming a trench feature in the substrate, depositing fuse material in the trench feature, depositing compressive stress liner material over the fuse material, and patterning the compressive stress liner material. |
| US07867829B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method, semiconductor wafer, and semiconductor device
There is provided a semiconductor device manufacturing method which prevents cracking of an overcoat during polishing process, and a semiconductor wafer and a semiconductor device which have an overcoat free from cracking. A plurality of divided overcoats 10 are formed on each chip 3 in a chip region 2 and on each unavailable chip pattern in an unavailable region in the periphery of the chips 3 on the surface of a semiconductor wafer 1, and the semiconductor wafer 1 is mounted upside down on a table with an intervening film so that the back surface of the semiconductor wafer 1 is polished. |
| US07867827B2 |
Physical quantity sensor, lead frame, and manufacturing method therefor
A physical quantity sensor is constituted using a lead frame having at least one stage and a plurality of leads whose bases are arranged in the same plane, wherein at least one physical quantity sensor chip having a plurality of electrode pads is mounted on the stage and is inclined so that the electrode pads are disposed in the inclination direction and are connected to the leads by use of wires whose lengths substantially match distances between the electrode pads and leads. This prevents the leads and wires from being unexpectedly broken, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of separation of the leads from the physical quantity sensor chip. In addition, the tip ends of the leads are disposed along the surface of the inclined stage before wire bonding; hence, it is possible to easily connect the tip ends of the leads to the physical quantity sensor chip. |
| US07867826B2 |
Semiconductor device packaged into chip size and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an integrated circuit and at least one connection pad, and at least one external connection electrode electrically connected with the connection pad. A first sealing material is provided on the semiconductor substrate around the external connection electrode, each impurity concentration of an Na ion, a K ion, a Ca ion and Cl ion contained in the first sealing material being not greater than 10 ppm. A second sealing material is provided on at least one of a lower surface and a peripheral side surface of the semiconductor substrate, a total impurity concentration of an Na ion, a K ion, a Ca ion and a Cl ion contained in the second sealing material being not smaller than 100 ppm. |
| US07867824B2 |
Methods of fabricating a large area transducer array
Methods of fabricating a tiled transducer array are disclosed. Embodiments of the methods include fabricating a wafer comprising a plurality of transducers, dicing the wafer to form individual transducers, testing the individual transducers to identify a plurality of known good transducers, preparing a substrate having a front side and a backside wherein the backside of the substrate comprises a plurality of connectors, positioning the plurality of known good transducers on the front side of the substrate and aligning the plurality of transducers in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction to form a transducer array, and electrically coupling the connectors on the substrate to the plurality of known good transducers, wherein the connectors are arranged such that each of the plurality of known good transducers may be electrically coupled to an electronic device disposed on the backside of the substrate, through a respective one or more of the plurality of connectors. |
| US07867822B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A method includes forming a switching device which includes a vertical channel spaced apart from a semiconductor substrate, and forming a storage device which is positioned on opposed sides of the switching device. The storage device includes a cylindrically shaped storage node, a plate electrode coupled to the storage node, and a dielectric film which is formed between the storage node and plate electrode, the storage nodes being electrically connected to the switching device. |
| US07867819B2 |
Semiconductor package including flip chip controller at bottom of die stack
A semiconductor package including a plurality of stacked semiconductor die, and methods of forming the semiconductor package, are disclosed. In order to ease wirebonding requirements on the controller die, the controller die may be mounted directly to the substrate in a flip chip arrangement requiring no wire bonds or footprint outside of the controller die. Thereafter, a spacer layer may be affixed to the substrate around the controller die to provide a level surface on which to mount one or more flash memory die. The spacer layer may be provided in a variety of different configurations. |
| US07867818B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for providing stacked-die devices
Methods and apparatuses to provide a stacked-die device comprised of stacked sub-packages. For one embodiment of the invention, each sub-package has interconnections formed on the die-side of the substrate for interconnecting to another sub-package. The dies and associated wires are protected by an encapsulant leaving an upper portion of each interconnection exposed. For one embodiment of the invention the encapsulant is a stencil-printable encapsulant and the upper portion of the interconnection is exposed by use of a patterned stencil during application of the encapsulant. |
| US07867815B2 |
Spacer electrode small pin phase change RAM and manufacturing method
A memory device comprising a first pan-shaped electrode having a side wall with a top side, a second pan-shaped electrode having a side wall with a top side and an insulating wall between the first side wall and the second side wall. The insulating wall has a thickness between the first and second side walls near the respective top sides. A bridge of memory material crosses the insulating wall, and defines an inter-electrode path between the first and second electrodes across the insulating wall. An array of such memory cells is provided. The bridges of memory material have sub-lithographic dimensions. |
| US07867814B2 |
Resistance memory element and method of manufacturing the same
A resistance memory element having a pair of electrodes and an insulating film sandwiched between a pair of electrodes includes a plurality of cylindrical electrodes of a cylindrical structure of carbon formed in a region of at least one of the pair of electrodes, which is in contact with the insulating film. Thus, the position of the filament-shaped current path which contributes to the resistance states of the resistance memory element can be controlled by the positions and the density of the cylindrical electrodes. |
| US07867812B2 |
Method for production of thin semiconductor solar cells and integrated circuits
The invention relates to the formation of thin-film crystalline silicon using a zone-melting recrystallization process in which the substrate is a ceramic material. Integrated circuits and solar cells are fabricated in the recrystallized silicon thin film and lifted off the substrate. Following lift-off, these circuits and devices are self-sustained, lightweight and flexible and the released ceramic substrate can be reused making the device fabrication process cost effective. |
| US07867811B2 |
Encapsulated organic luminescent display panel and method for manufacturing the same
Provided is a display panel comprised of a white color organic luminescent element and a color filter for full color implementation, wherein a substrate in which an organic luminescent element is formed and a color filter are assembled and fixed to face each other with an adhesive pattern therebetween, and liquid oil is filled between the color filter and the substrate inside of the adhesive pattern so as to block external moisture or oxygen, so that deterioration of luminous characteristics due to the external moisture or oxygen may be prevented by encapsulating the organic luminescent element and the color filter with the liquid oil, which leads to enhance reliability and stability of the element, and also allows the encapsulation process to be performed with relatively simple steps and low cost. |
| US07867808B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Embodiments relate to an image sensor and a method of manufacturing an image sensor. According to embodiments, an image sensor may include a first substrate, a photodiode, and an ion implantation isolation layer. According to embodiments, circuitry including a metal interconnection may be disposed over the first substrate. A photodiode may be provided in a crystalline semiconductor layer bonded to the first substrate, and electrically connected to the metal interconnection. The ion implantation isolation layer may be provided in the photodiode. |
| US07867807B2 |
Method for manufacturing photoelectric converting device
The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of obtaining a photoelectric converting device which can sufficiently maintain airtightness of a housing space for photocathode without degradation of the characteristics of the photocathode. In accordance with the manufacturing method, on the side wall end face of a lower frame and a bonding portion of an upper frame forming an envelope of the photoelectric converting device, a multilayered metal film of chromium and nickel is formed. In a vacuum space decompressed to a predetermined degree of vacuum and having a temperature not more than the melting point of indium, these upper and lower frames introduced therein are brought into close contact with each other with a predetermined pressure while sandwiching indium wire members, and accordingly, an envelope having a housing space whose airtightness is sufficiently maintained is obtained. |
| US07867805B2 |
Structure replication through ultra thin layer transfer
Methods and apparatus for forming a product from ultra thin layers of a base material are disclosed. Some embodiments provide a process that allows one to structure a silicon base material, like the ingot, and to transfer this structure into a respective silicon process step. Some embodiments provide a process that allows one to structure any complex structured layer stacks, where the layers can be applied on top of each other using, e.g., bonding technology. |
| US07867804B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device that includes a phase change material for protecting the device from failure caused by overheating. The semiconductor device is adapted to detect a rapid increase in current due to heat and also adapted to break a circuit in the detected rapid increase in current by depositing a phase change material inside or outside a cell actually operated in the semiconductor device. |
| US07867801B2 |
Apparatus for producing group-III nitride semiconductor layer, method of producing group-III nitride semiconductor layer, method of producing group-III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device, group-III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device thereof, and lamp thereof
An apparatus for producing a group-III nitride semiconductor layer which forms a group-III nitride semiconductor layer on a substrate by a sputtering method, the apparatus including: a first plasma-generating region where a target containing a group-III element is disposed and the target is sputtered to generate material particles formed of a material contained in the target; and a second plasma generating region where the substrate is disposed and nitrogen-containing plasma is generated. The first plasma-generating region and the second plasma-generating region are provided inside a chamber, and the first plasma-generating region and the second plasma-generating region are separated by a shielding wall which has an opening part from which the material particles are supplied onto the substrate. Also disclosed are a method of producing a group-III nitride semiconductor layer, a method of producing a group-III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device, and a lamp thereof. |
| US07867792B2 |
Method of providing electrical separation in integrated devices and related devices
An integrated device includes two sections (A, B), such as a DFB laser (A) and an EAM modulator (B), having a semi-insulating (SI) separation region therebetween. The separation region (24) is of a material acting as a trap on electrons and configured to impede current flow between the two sections (A, B) due to holes. The separation region (24) may be of a material acting as a trap both on electrons and holes. Alternatively, the separation region (24) is of a material that acts as a trap on electrons and is provided over a p-type substrate (20) common to the two sections (A, B). |
| US07867791B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device using multiple mask layers formed through use of an exposure mask that transmits light at a plurality of intensities
The invention provides a technique to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device and a display device at high yield. As an exposure mask, an exposure mask provided with a diffraction grating pattern or an auxiliary pattern formed of a semi-transmissive film with a light intensity reducing function is used. With such an exposure mask, various light exposures can be more accurately controlled, which enables a resist to be processed into a more accurate shape. Therefore, when such a mask layer is used, the conductive film and the insulating film can be processed in the same step into different shapes in accordance with desired performances. As a result, thin film transistors with different characteristics, wires in different sizes and shapes, and the like can be manufactured without increasing the number of steps. |
| US07867789B2 |
Contact clean by remote plasma and repair of silicide surface
Method for recovering treated metal silicide surfaces or layers are provided. In at least one embodiment, a substrate having an at least partially oxidized metal silicide surface disposed thereon is cleaned to remove the oxidized regions to provide an altered metal silicide surface. The altered metal silicide surface is then exposed to one or more silicon-containing compounds at conditions sufficient to recover the metal silicide surface. |
| US07867787B2 |
Forming inductor and transformer structures with magnetic materials using damascene processing for integrated circuits
Methods and associated structures of forming microelectronic devices are described. Those methods may include forming a first layer of magnetic material and at least one via structure disposed in a first dielectric layer, forming a second dielectric layer disposed on the first magnetic layer, forming at least one conductive structure disposed in the second dielectric layer, forming a third layer of dielectric material disposed on the conductive structure, forming a second layer of magnetic material disposed in the third layer of dielectric material and in the second layer of dielectric material, wherein the first and second layers of the magnetic material are coupled to one another. |
| US07867783B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing ligand binding assays on microarrays in multiwell plates
An apparatus and method for real time, label-free imaging and quantitation of binding events at an array of positions are provided. Total internal reflection from a planar side wall of a well of a multiwell plate is used to create an evanescent field in the plane of a pattern of ligands immobilized on the wall. Embodiments include imaging and multiple analyte detection and quantitation of a single wall of a single well as well as the simultaneous imaging and multiple analyte detection and quantitation of a number of wells. |
| US07867781B2 |
Detection methods
The invention relates to a method for quantitatively or qualitatively detecting an analyte in a sample, with the sample being incubated, for the purpose of avoiding, diminishing and/or detecting the high-dose hook effect, with an analyte-specific binding partner R1, which is associated with a solid phase, an analyte-specific binding partner R2, which is associated with a label L1, and an analyte-specific binding partner R3, which is associated with a label L2, and the L1-dependent measurement signal being determined either at a different time from the L2-dependent or L1 plus L2-dependent measurement signal or using a different measurement method. |
| US07867776B2 |
Priming module for microfluidic chips
Methods and apparatuses for priming sample substrates such as DNA sipper chips are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a priming system that is suitable for priming a substrate which has a plurality of wells and at least one channel includes a base unit and a top unit. The base unit is arranged to accommodate, or support, the substrate. The top unit, which is substantially physically separate from the base unit, fits over the substrate when the substrate is held by the base unit. The top unit includes an adapter portion that interfaces with the substrate. Included in the adapter portion is a first cavity that is used to facilitate pressurizing a first well of the substrate when the adapter portion is interfaced with the substrate such that the first cavity is aligned with the first well. |
| US07867774B2 |
Methods for altering surface characteristics of microspheres
Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. |
| US07867773B2 |
Method of holding a slide cassette for fluidic injection
A system for holding a slide. The system includes a housing having a side wall and a top. The top includes a recess surrounded by an outer rim. The system also includes an inlet port in communication with the recess and an elevating mechanism capable of receiving the slide and for raising the slide toward the top of the housing to engage the slide with the outer rim to form an analytical cavity. Together these elements form an analytical cavity in which the assay may be performed. |
| US07867772B2 |
Method for the determination of the CaCO3 content of a scrubbing liquid
The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the CaCO3, content of a scrubbing liquid, which has been separated from a scrubbing liquid circuit of a scrubbing column. |
| US07867766B2 |
Apparatus and method to measure the kinetics parameters of a porous powder catalyst
An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring the kinetic parameters of a catalyst powder, which include the reaction rate constants, active site concentration and intraparticle diffusivity. The measurement of the active site concentration selectively measures just the active sites and not the entire exposed atom concentration. The apparatus and method use surface concentrations less than 50% and larger than 1% the total active site concentration and a dynamic pulsed flow to avoid including weak adsorption sites not involved in the catalysis. The measurement is more accurate because (1) it uses a reactant gas and non-steady state adsorption at temperatures near to reaction temperatures, and (2) it uses the chemical kinetics expressions to extract the measured active site concentration to perform the measurement so as to count just those sites actually active for that reactant. This is better than the prior art methods that measure an entire surface atom concentration under non-dynamic conditions because the latter is not necessarily the same as the active site concentration in the chemical kinetics expression. The intraparticle diffusivity measured by the apparatus and method is the effective gas diffusivity in a porous powder, and this is useful as a characterization of the tortuosity of the porous powder. |
| US07867753B2 |
Method and device for the characterization of interactions between different species
A device detects interactions between species in liquid and species on a solid support. It includes a solid support (11), a mechanism (16) for temporarily reducing the amount of a liquid to which the support is exposed, a detector (12) capable of detecting an interaction between species attached to the solid support, and species contained in the liquid. Also described is a method including attaching a first species on a solid support, exposing the first species to a liquid containing a second species, performing a measurement, capable of detecting an interaction between the first and the second species, and a reference measurement. The liquid is temporarily removed during the measurement. |
| US07867747B2 |
Fibrinolytic metalloprotease and composition comprising the same
The present invention relates to a novel protease, a polynucleotide encoding the protease, and a fibrinolytic agent comprising the same. The protease is obtained from a new gene source by using metagenomic library technology, and can replace the conventional fibrinolytic agent. |
| US07867744B2 |
Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase II activity and polynucleotides having a nucleotide sequence which encodes for the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid constructs as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US07867743B2 |
Polypeptides having phytase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The invention relates to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, of an excellent performance in animal feed, of a high specificity towards the substrate phytate, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof. |
| US07867738B2 |
Process for enzymatically converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid
A process is provided to improve the specific activity of an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity when converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid under aqueous reaction conditions. Inclusion of an effective amount of at least one amine protectant improves the specific activity and catalytic productivity of the enzyme catalyst. |
| US07867736B2 |
Method for preparing an organic amine—lactic acid complex
The invention relates to a method for preparing a complex of an organic amine and lactic acid in a reactor, characterized in that a water-miscible organic amine is brought into contact with magnesium lactate in an aqueous medium in the reactor to form the complex and precipitated magnesium hydroxide, after which the magnesium hydroxide is separated from the complex. |
| US07867732B2 |
Isolated polypeptide binding to a sugar chain, polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide and use of the polypeptide and polynucleotide
In one embodiment of the present application, a polypeptide capable of binding to a sugar chain is disclosed, particularly a high-mannose-type sugar chain bound to an antibody, more preferably a sugar chain bound to a chicken antibody. Also disclosed is a method for the purification of an antibody (specifically a chicken antibody) as a representative application of the polypeptide. Further disclosed is means for the purification. The polypeptide, BML-17, is a novel lectin made of 168 amino acid residues isolated from Bryopsis maxima. By using BML-17, it becomes possible to purify an antibody (e.g., a chicken antibody) readily and with high efficiency. |
| US07867729B2 |
27877, 18080, 14081, 32140, 50352, 16658, 14223, 16002, 50566, 65552 and 65577 molecules and uses therefor
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 27877, 18080, 14081, 32140, 50352, 16658, 14223, 16002, 50566, 65552 and 65577 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 27877, 18080, 14081, 32140, 50352, 16658, 14223, 16002, 50566, 65552 and 65577 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 27877, 18080, 14081, 32140, 50352, 16658, 14223, 16002, 50566, 65552 or 65577 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 27877, 18080, 14081, 32140, 50352, 16658, 14223, 16002, 50566, 65552 or 65577 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-27877, 18080, 14081, 32140, 50352, 16658, 14223, 16002, 50566, 65552 or 65577 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. |
| US07867727B2 |
Methods and reagents for treatment and diagnosis of vascular disorders and age-related macular degeneration
Disclosed are screening methods for determining a human subject's propensity to develop a vascular disorder and/or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), therapeutic or prophylactic compounds for treating disease or inhibiting its development, and methods of treating patients to alleviate symptoms of the disease, prevent or delay its onset, or inhibit its progression. The inventions are based on the discovery that persons with a genome having a deletion of the CFHR-1 and/or CFHR-3 gene, which normally lie on human chromosome 1 between DNA encoding CFH and CFHR-4, are at reduced risk of developing AMD, and elevated risk of developing vascular disease such as aneurysm. |
| US07867722B2 |
Pretreatment agent for limulus test
A pretreatment agent for a sample to be subjected to Limulus assay comprising an alkali metal sulfate and/or an alkaline earth metal sulfate wherein the sulfate(s) has a final concentration of 20 mM or more when the sulfate(s) is allowed to contact with the sample, or an alkali metal halide and/or an alkaline earth metal halide wherein the halide(s) has a final concentration of from 0.4 M to 1.2 M or less when the halide(s) is allowed to contact with the sample, or a kit for Limulus assay reagent comprising thereof as a composing article. |
| US07867716B2 |
High temperature ion channels and pores
The present invention includes an apparatus, system and method for stochastic sensing of an analyte to a protein pore. The protein pore may be an engineer protein pore, such as an ion channel at temperatures above 55° C. and even as high as near 100° C. The analyte may be any reactive analyte, including chemical weapons, environmental toxins and pharmaceuticals. The analyte covalently bonds to the sensor element to produce a detectable electrical current signal. Possible signals include change in electrical current. Detection of the signal allows identification of the analyte and determination of its concentration in a sample solution. Multiple analytes present in the same solution may also be detected. |
| US07867713B2 |
Polymerase chain reaction system using magnetic beads for analyzing a sample that includes nucleic acid
A polymerase chain reaction system for analyzing a sample containing nucleic acid includes providing magnetic beads; providing a flow channel having a polymerase chain reaction chamber, a pre polymerase chain reaction magnet position adjacent the polymerase chain reaction chamber, and a post pre polymerase magnet position adjacent the polymerase chain reaction chamber. The nucleic acid is bound to the magnetic beads. The magnetic beads with the nucleic acid flow to the pre polymerase chain reaction magnet position in the flow channel. The magnetic beads and the nucleic acid are washed with ethanol. The nucleic acid in the polymerase chain reaction chamber is amplified. The magnetic beads and the nucleic acid are separated into a waste stream containing the magnetic beads and a post polymerase chain reaction mix containing the nucleic acid. The reaction mix containing the nucleic acid flows to an analysis unit in the channel for analysis. |
| US07867708B2 |
Method of forming signal probe-polymer
To solve a problem occurring in the PALSAR method that a polymer would be formed in the state of unbound to a captured test gene and thus affect the quantitative characteristics as a nonspecific signal, it is intended to develop a technique whereby the polymer formation is controlled in the step of forming an assembly (polymer) of probes so that the polymer is formed exclusively on a test gene to thereby improve the sensitivity and quantitative characteristics. It is found that the polymer can be quantitatively formed and a nonspecific reaction can be inhibited by, in the step of forming a polymer by reacting plural kinds of probes having abilities to complementarily bind to each other, not adding or reacting these probes at once but starting with the reaction of a first probe in one group, and then reacting the second probe in the other group followed by the reactions of probes one by one (i.e., the first probe, the second probe, and so on). |
| US07867707B2 |
Method for detecting analytes in a sample
The present invention relates to a method for detecting analytes in a sample comprising the steps of providing a solid support, providing capture probes being bound or capable of binding to the solid support, which capture probes are also capable of binding to the analytes, thus concentrating the analytes on the solid support, providing detection probes which are capable of binding to the analytes, contacting the sample with the detection probes, the solid support and the capture probes, and detecting through use of confocal observation the analytes which are bound to the detection probes. |
| US07867706B2 |
Capture and detection of target nucleic acid in dipstick assays
Use of helper probes in dipstick assays is described. In a dipstick assay to test for the presence of a target nucleic acid in a sample solution, the sample solution is contacted with the contact end of the dipstick to cause the sample solution to move by capillary action to a capture zone of the dipstick at which target nucleic acid is captured. The target nucleic acid may be captured at the capture zone by a capture probe capable of hybridising to the target nucleic acid. A labelled detection probe capable of hybridising to the target nucleic acid may be used to detect the target nucleic acid at the capture zone. A helper probe may be used to enhance the binding of the capture and/or detection probe to the target nucleic acid, thereby improving the sensitivity of target nucleic acid detection. Dipsticks and kits are also described. |
| US07867703B2 |
Element defined sequence complexity reduction
A method for providing defined mixtures of nucleic acids is described. In certain embodiments, the method uses oligonucleotide probes attached to a solid support as a sequence-specific affinity agent to isolate and facilitate the amplification of defined nucleic acid fragment mixtures. |
| US07867702B2 |
Screen for novel protein inhibitors based upon engineered cell line containing an inducible overactivity gene and compensatory gene
The present invention provides a method for identifying the presence of a protein inhibitor of a target protein in a sample, comprising the steps of a) contacting said sample with a cell, wherein said cell contains i) an inducible lethal overactivity mutation in a gene affecting the target protein; and ii) a mutation in a second gene, wherein the activity of the target protein is essential to the cell and the mutation in the second gene functionally compensates for any reduction in the activity of the target protein; b) inducing the lethal overactivity mutation; and subsequently c) assessing protein inhibition by comparing the degree of survival of the cell in the presence and the absence of said sample. Also provided are cells for use in said method. |
| US07867698B2 |
Reticle system for manufacturing integrated circuit systems
A reticle system that includes: providing a reticle system; and assigning two or more of an image pattern onto the reticle system to form one or more layers of an integrated circuit system by grouping and pairing each of the image pattern onto the reticle system according to a multi-layer reticle grouping/pairing flow. |
| US07867697B2 |
Positive photosensitive composition and method of forming resist pattern
A positive photosensitive composition comprises: (A) 5 to 20 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one compound that generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray; and (B) 100 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one fluorine atom-containing resin having a group that increases a solubility of the resin in an alkaline developer by the action of an acid. |
| US07867696B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring saturation levels of solvents used during rapid prototyping processes
A monitoring device and method is disclosed for monitoring the saturation level of resin in solvent baths, such as those used to remove resin from objects form by stereolithography. The monitoring device operates by monitoring an electrical characteristic, such as impedance, of the solvent bath as the resin-to-solvent ratio of the bath increases during use. Signals are provided by the monitoring device to the operator of the liquid storage device containing the solvent bath in a manner allowing the operator to determine when the solvent bath has reached the end of its useful life. |
| US07867695B2 |
Methods for mastering microstructures through a substrate using negative photoresist
Microstructures are fabricated by impinging a radiation beam, such as a laser beam, through a substrate that is transparent to the laser beam, into a negative photoresist layer on the substrate. The negative photoresist layer may be subsequently developed to provide a master for optical and/or mechanical microstructures. Related systems, microstructure products and microstructure masters also are disclosed. |
| US07867693B1 |
Methods for forming device structures on a wafer
Methods for forming device structures on a wafer are provided. One method includes transferring approximately an inverse of patterned features formed in a positive resist layer on the wafer to a device material on the wafer to form the device structures in the device material. Another method includes transferring approximately an inverse of patterned features formed in a sacrificial layer on the wafer to a device material on the wafer to form the device structures in the device material. |
| US07867692B2 |
Method for manufacturing a microstructure, exposure device, and electronic apparatus
Aspects of the invention can provide a method for manufacturing a microstructure, including forming a photosensitive film above a work piece, exposing the photosensitive film, as a first exposure, by irradiating interference light generated by intersecting two laser beams having a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of visible light, developing the exposed photosensitive film so as to develop a shape corresponding to a pattern of the interference light to the photosensitive film, and etching the work piece using the developed photosensitive film as an etching mask. |
| US07867690B2 |
Tertiary alcohol derivative, polymer compound and photoresist composition
(1) A polymer compound for photoresist compositions which is high in storage stability and small swelling at the development and (2) a compound which is a raw material for such a polymer compound are provided; and (3) a photoresist composition with improved LWR containing the subject polymer compound are further provided. In detail, [1] a tertiary alcohol derivative represented by the following general formula (1) is provided. (In the formula, wherein R1 represents a linear alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms or a cyclic alkyl group having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; W represents a linear alkylene group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a branched alkylene group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms or a cyclic alkylene group having from 3 to 10 carbon atoms; n represents 0 or 1; and p represents 1 or 2.) |
| US07867689B2 |
Method of use for photopatternable dielectric materials for BEOL applications
A method. The method includes dip coating a film of a composition on a silicon wafer substrate. The composition includes a polymer blend of a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer is a substituted silsesquioxane copolymer. The second polymer is a polysilsesquioxane having silanol end groups. The composition includes a photosensitive acid generator, an organic base, and an organic crosslinking agent. The film is patternwise imaged and at least one region is exposed to radiation having a wavelength of about 248 nanometers. The film is baked, resulting in inducing crosslinking in the film. The film is developed resulting in removal of base-soluble unexposed regions of the film, wherein a relief pattern from the film remains. The relief pattern is cured at a temperature between about 300° C. and about 450° C., and the curing utilizes a combination of thermal treatment with UV radiation. |
| US07867687B2 |
Methods and compositions for reducing line wide roughness
Embodiments of the invention provide a non-chemically amplified photoresist, which results in reduced line wide roughness (LWR). In accordance with one embodiment the photoresist includes a developer-soluble resin (DSR) and a photoactive compound (PAC). For one embodiment of the invention, the even distribution of the PAC within the DSR results in reduced acid diffusion thus reducing LWR. Prior to exposure to the light source, the PAC inhibits solubility of the DSR in the developer. Upon exposure the PAC converts to acid to promote solubility of the DSR. The even distribution of the PAC within the photoresist results in reduced LWR and a reduction in defects. For one embodiment the photoresist is applied in the EUV technology (e.g., wavelength is 13.4 nm). For such an embodiment the LWR may be reduced to less than 1.5 nm allowing for effective fabrication of devices having feature sizes of approximately 15 nm. |
| US07867686B2 |
Metal deposition
A method for electroless plating of metal on a laser-patterned substrate. A substrate is provided on which both a thermal imaging layer and catalytic layer are deposited. On exposure to a laser beam, sufficient levels of radiation are converted to heat in the thermal imaging layer to render the exposed regions of the adjacent catalytic layer inactive. The laser-patterned substrate is then exposed to a reaction solution which initiates the growth of a metal film on the unexposed regions of the catalytic layer. |
| US07867669B2 |
Solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane comprising laser micromachined porous support
A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a rigid, non-electrically-conducting support, the support preferably being a sheet of polyimide having a thickness of about 7.5 to 15 microns. The support has a plurality of cylindrical pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores, which preferably have a diameter of about 5 microns, are made by laser micromachining and preferably are arranged in a defined pattern, for example, with fewer pores located in areas of high membrane stress and more pores located in areas of low membrane stress. The pores are filled with a first solid polymer electrolyte, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer. A second solid polymer electrolyte, which may be the same as or different than the first solid polymer electrolyte, may be deposited over the top and/or bottom of the first solid polymer electrolyte. |
| US07867667B2 |
Polymer electrolyte for a fuel cell, a method of producing the same, and a fuel cell system comprising the same
A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes an ion exchange resin membrane, and an electric conductive polymer. The electric conductive polymer is present along a thickness direction of the ion exchange resin membrane from one side of the ion exchange resin membrane to the interior of the ion exchange resin membrane. |
| US07867666B2 |
Fuel cell with triangular buffers for reactant gas and coolant
An oxygen-containing gas flow field for supplying an oxygen-containing gas from an oxygen-containing gas supply passage to an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage is formed on a first metal plate. The oxygen-containing gas flow field includes oxygen-containing gas flow grooves as serpentine flow grooves having two turn regions T1, T2. The oxygen-containing gas flow grooves have substantially the same length. The oxygen-containing gas flow grooves are connected to an inlet buffer and an outlet buffer at opposite ends. The inlet buffer and the outlet buffer have a substantially triangular shape, and are substantially symmetrical with each other. |
| US07867664B2 |
Diagnostic apparatus and diagnostic method for fuel cell
According to an aspect of the invention, a diagnostic apparatus which diagnoses a state of the fuel cell includes an operation device which is used for operating the fuel cell; an operational state detecting portion which detects a change in an operational state of the fuel cell; a device control portion which controls the operation device such that the fuel cell is operated according to at least one predetermined operation pattern; and a diagnostic portion which diagnoses the state of the fuel cell based on the change in the operational state of the fuel cell that is detected by the change in the operational state detecting portion when the fuel cell is operated by the device control portion according to the at least one predetermined operation pattern, and the at least one predetermined operation pattern. |
| US07867659B2 |
Humidification system for fuel cell
The present invention provides a humidification system for a fuel cell, in which a plurality of membrane humidifiers employing hollow fiber membranes of different kinds having different diameters and pore sizes, or having different numbers of hollow fiber membranes is selectively used according to the amount of current generated from a fuel cell stack or a vehicle output, thus adjusting the humidification amount for dry air to be supplied to a fuel cell stack, and preventing the flooding phenomenon caused at a cathode and the starvation phenomenon in which the air supply is insufficient at the cathode. |
| US07867649B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell which achieves satisfactory low temperature characteristics and high safety against overcharging in combination. The cell includes a lithium-containing cathode, an anode capable of doping and undoping lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator. The separator is made up by a plurality of layers of a porous material or materials presenting micro-sized pores. The layers of the porous material or materials is formed of micro-porous separator materials representing different combinations of the porosity, melting point or material/compositions. |
| US07867647B2 |
Hydrogen generation device and fuel cell system including same
In a hydrogen generation device according to the invention, PSR reformers have a heat capacity smaller than that of the other PSR reformers. Therefore, the temperature of the catalyst reaches to a reforming-start temperature more quickly in the PSR reformers than in the other PSR reformers. When the hydrogen generation device is started and the reforming reaction is carried out, the mixture of gasoline vapor and water vapor is selectively and preferentially supplied to the PSR reformers so that the reforming reaction is carried out in the PSR reformers. |
| US07867640B2 |
Alpha voltaic batteries and methods thereof
An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. |
| US07867634B2 |
ITO layer structure
A ITO layer structure, which is composed of the ITO as the outermost layer and the first anti-reflected layer on the specific side of the transparent substrate, furthermore, the second anti-reflected layer is formed on the opposite side of substrate, can improve the total transmittance. |
| US07867632B2 |
Arylamine compound and organic electroluminescence device
Objects of the invention are to provide a compound of a single molecular species having excellent hole injection/transport property suitable for highly efficient and highly durable organic EL device and excellent amorphousness, and provide a highly efficient and highly durable organic EL device using the compound. This invention relates to an arylamine compound having a molecular weight of 1,500 to 6,000 represented by the following general formula (1), and to an organic electroluminescence device having a pair of electrodes and at least one organic layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein the compound is used as a constituting material of the at least one organic layer: wherein X represents a single bond, CH or CH2, or N or NH; Ar1 and Ar2 are respectively the same and each represents a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group, biphenylene group, or terphenylene group; R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represents an aryl group, wherein the aryl group may be substituted by a diarylamine group in such a manner as to form a triphenylamine partial structure, and the aryl group at the terminal may be substituted, by repetition, by a diarylamino group in such a manner as to form a triphenylamine-like partial structure; m represents an integer of 0 to 2; and n represents 0 or 1. |
| US07867631B2 |
Fluorine-containing compound and organic light-emitting device employing the same
A fluorine-containing compound is represented by Formula 1 below: wherein R1a, R1b, R2a, and R2b are each independently a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C30 heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 condensed polycyclic group, a hydroxy group, halogen, a cyano group, or a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, and adjacent groups selected from R1a, R1b, R2a, and R2b may join together to form a saturated or unsaturated carbon ring; n and m are each independently an integer of 0 to 5; Ar1a and Ar1b are each independently a C6-C30 aryl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by at least one fluorine or a C4-C30 heteroaryl group which is unsubstituted or substituted by at least one fluorine; and Ar2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 heteroaryl group. The fluorine-containing compound has good electrical characteristics and charge transport capability, and thus, is useful as a hole injection material, a hole transport material, and/or an emitting material for fluorescent or phosphorescent devices capable of producing light of a full spectrum of colors, including red, green, blue, and white. Thus, the fluorine-containing compound can be used to produce organic light-emitting devices with high efficiency, a low driving voltage, high brightness, and a long lifetime. |
| US07867630B2 |
White organic electroluminescent device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a white organic electroluminescent (EL) device including multiple polymer light emitting layers. a white organic electroluminescent device includes a first polymer light-emitting layer and a second polymer light-emitting layer, both of which are formed between a first electrode and a second electrode. A highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of the first polymer light-emitting layer is in the range 5.0 eV through 5.4 eV, and a HOMO energy level of the second polymer light-emitting layer is higher than the HOMO energy level of the first polymer light-emitting layer. Colors emitted from both of the first and second polymer light-emitting layers are combined to produce a white color. |
| US07867625B2 |
Copper-tin-oxygen alloy plating
The present invention relates to a Cu—Sn—O alloy plating having an oxygen content of 0.3 to 50 at %, a copper content of 20 to 80 at %, and a tin content of 10 to 70 at % in the plating. The present invention provides a copper tin alloy plating that has excellent plating adhesion and disengaging force stability and particularly a Cu—Sn—O alloy plating that has a blackish color tone without containing any controlled substances. |
| US07867624B2 |
Component having a coating system
The invention relates to a component having a coating system, which comprises at least one bonding coat applied directly onto the component and at least one thermal barrier coat formed on the bonding coat, the bonding coat comprising from 22 to 36 wt. % Cr, from 15 to 30 wt. % Ni, at most 55 ppm Al, and Fe as a basis. |
| US07867623B2 |
Polymeric particles capable of absorbing blood and/or body fluids
Polymeric particles capable of absorbing blood and/or body fluids, the polymeric particles being coated with at least one surfactant and with at least one solvent, are produced and used for absorbing blood and/or body fluids, especially in hygiene articles. |
| US07867621B2 |
Wide area lightning diverter overlay
An overlay of patterned metal foil above a substrate to be protected supports development of localized coronas after a lightning strike. The localized coronas transport energy of a lightning strike above the substrate's surface with limited removal of metal foil from the lightning strike attachment point. A first polymer film underlies patterned metal foil. A topcoat overlies the patterned metal foil. An adhesive, underlying the first polymer film affixes the lightning diverter overlay to the substrate. If desired, semiconductor particulates may be dispersed throughout the second polymer film to contribute to instantaneous generation of localized coronas. Also, an ink layer may be provided between the patterned metal foil and the topcoat or on the exterior, if desired, for aesthetic and/or anti-static purposes. |
| US07867619B2 |
Moisture-curing compositions containing silane-functional polymers with good adhesive properties
Moisture-curing compositions include at least one silane-functional polymer P with at least two terminal groups of formula (I), at least one aminosilane AS and at least one (meth)acrylsilane or anhydriodosilane of formula (II). The compositions have improved adhesive properties and are especially suitable for use as adhesives, sealing materials or coatings, especially as elastic adhesive or sealing materials. |
| US07867618B2 |
Interlayers comprising modified fumed silica
The present invention includes polymer interlayers that are used in multiple layer glazing panels. Interlayers of the present invention comprise a thermoplastic polymer, a plasticizer, and a fumed silica that has been modified to impart hydrophobic character. Interlayers incorporating such components have improved tensile modulus, moisture resistance, creep performance, anticorrosion effect, glass adhesion, and are well suited to a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, acoustic applications. |
| US07867617B2 |
Low temperature curable melamine containing coating composition and the use thereof
The present invention is directed to a melamine containing coating composition curable at ambient temperatures and suitable for coating plastic substrates. The present invention is also directed to a process for coating plastic substrates with a melamine containing coating composition curable at ambient temperatures. |
| US07867616B2 |
Carbon single-walled nanotubes as electrodes for electrochromic glasses
Electrochromic (EC) glass having carbon single-walled nanotubes as the electrodes (SWNTs) is disclosed. Methods and processes for preparing EC glass having SWNTs are also disclosed. The SWNTs, synthesized by any one of the art methods, are deposited on the glass to provide a transparent and electrically conductive substrate for use in EC glass. |
| US07867613B2 |
Composition and method for making a proppant
The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants. |
| US07867611B2 |
Biomedical sensors employing hydro-insensitive alternating current responsive composites
A biomedical sensor is disclosed that includes a conductive material for coupling to monitoring equipment, and a composite. The composite includes a polymeric material and a polar material that is substantially dispersed within the polymeric material. The composite has a first side that is coupled to the conductive material and has a second side that is positionable with respect to a subject to be monitored. The polar material exhibits molecular compatibility with the polymeric material such that the polar material neither blooms to a surface of the polymeric material nor crystallizes within the polymeric material. |
| US07867609B2 |
Thermal interface materials
A method for forming the crosslinkable thermal interface materials disclosed herein comprises a) providing at least one saturated rubber compound, b) providing at least one amine resin, c) crosslinking the at least one saturated rubber compound and the at least one amine resin to form a crosslinked rubber-resin mixture, d) adding at least one thermally conductive filler to the crosslinked rubber-resin mixture, and e) adding a wetting agent to the crosslinked rubber-resin mixture. This method can also further comprise adding at least one phase change material to the crosslinked rubber-resin mixture. The contemplated thermal interface material can be provided as a dispensable liquid paste, a gel, a tape, or a film. Applications of the contemplated thermal interface materials described herein comprise incorporating the materials into a layered material, an electronic component or a finished electronic product. |
| US07867605B2 |
Intrusion resistant glass laminates
Composite laminate interlayers for adhering a glass laminate comprising two sheets of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) between layers of plasticized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) adhesive layers, wherein the two PET layers provide increased stiffness for the laminate without sacrificing the optical clarity of the laminate. |
| US07867601B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape which comprises a resin film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one side of the film, and which has a concave-convex form containing plural grooves arranged at given intervals in a face of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that is to be stuck onto an adherend, and has a region where the interval of the arrangement of the grooves is 400 μm or more, the tensile modulus of the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape in the temperature range of 23 to 80° C. being in the range of 30 to 600 MPa. This tape has such an excellent workability that when the tape is stuck onto an adherend, air bubbles escape easily therefrom so as to prevent the generation of defects based on the entrainment of the air bubbles. |
| US07867599B1 |
Floor mat assembly
A floor mat assembly includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, and a perimeter edge extending between the top and bottom sides. The panel is flexible to allow the panel to be rolled up during storage. A perimeter wall is attached to the top side. The perimeter wall abuts and is coextensive with the perimeter edge. A depression is defined within an area bounded by the perimeter wall. A cushioning material is positioned in the depression and covering the top side of the panel. The cushioning material is comprised of a resiliently compressible material. The perimeter wall has a plurality of tool receiving wells therein that extends into an upper surface of the perimeter wall. |
| US07867594B2 |
Endless belt for use in digital imaging systems
An endless belt for use in digital imaging systems is provided having edge to edge uniform flatness, and precise circumferential and edge to edge thickness. The layers comprising the belt may be tailored as desired for use in either image recording, image transfer or sheet transport operations. In one embodiment, the belt includes an elastomeric base layer, a reinforcing support layer, and an elastomeric surface ply. The belt is preferably manufactured by building the layers on a workpiece and then curing the layers. |
| US07867593B2 |
Tape for tape printer
A roll sheet has a release paper as a base sheet. A recording paper is attached to the release paper via an adhesive layer so that the recording paper can be peeled off from the release paper. First and second peel-away areas are formed on both side edges of the roll sheet in the widthwise direction thereof by peeling off both widthwise edges of the recording paper from the release paper to allow the release paper to be exposed at the both side edges of the roll sheet. Sensor marks are printed on the release paper as being entirely shifted from the peel-away areas. This ensures that the roll sheet has a uniform thickness over the entire area of each sensor mark, thereby ensuring that each sensor mark has uniformities in its reflectivity and transmittance with respect to incident light. |
| US07867592B2 |
Methods, compositions and devices, including electroosmotic pumps, comprising coated porous surfaces
Methods are disclosed for modifying at least a portion of a porous polymeric surface. Such methods include contacting the porous polymeric surface with at least one polyelectrolyte, resulting in the physical adsorption of at least one polyelectrolyte onto the porous polymeric surface to form a charge modified surface. Such coated surfaces may be part of a device or apparatus, including electroosmotic pumps. |
| US07867589B2 |
Hybrid cryogenic tank construction and method of manufacture therefor
A lightweight, high-pressure cryogenic tank construction includes an inner layer comprising a matrix of fiber and resin suitable for cryogenic use. An outer layer in intimate contact with the inner layer provides support of the inner layer, and is made of resin composite. The tank is made by placing a fiber preform on a mandrel and infusing the preform with the resin. The infused preform is then encapsulated within the outer layer. |
| US07867588B2 |
Polyethylene melt blends for high density polyethylene applications
A polyethylene composition is provided that has a density of about 0.945 to about 0.960 g/cm3 and a melt flow index of about 0.1 to about 0.4. The composition is a melt blend of a linear low density polyethylene resin and/or a linear medium low density polyethylene resin, and a high density polyethylene resin. A feature of the composition is that the resins can independently be virgin, recycled, scrap and/or wide specification resins, and mixtures of these. Methods of producing the compositions and extruded, molded and formed plastic articles manufactured from the compositions are presented. |
| US07867586B2 |
Article having microporous body part, production method of ink medium, diffusion method of sulfur-containing organic acid into microporous layer, production method of article having meicroporous body part, and inkjet recording medium produced therefrom
Provided is an inkjet recording medium in which hydrated alumina and a sulfinic acid compound or thiosulfonic acid compound coexist in a pigment in an ink receiving layer, and which can prevent white-background yellowing during storage in a resin file holder or the like and ensure printing quality at the same time. The ink receiving layer of the inkjet recording medium contains the sulfinic acid compound or thiosulfonic acid compound, which functions to prevent yellowing, in a salt form or in a free form so as to be diffusible. |
| US07867585B2 |
Support for image recording material and image recording material
A support for image recording material, comprising a base paper and thermoplastic resin layers formed on both faces of the base paper, wherein: a formation index of the base paper is 60 or more; a surface of the base paper, at least on a side where an image recording layer is formed, has a center surface average roughness SRa of 0.70 μm or less when measured with a cut-off condition of within the range of 0.05 to 0.5 mm, and a center surface average roughness SRa of 0.80 μm or less when measured with a cut-off condition of within the range of 1 to 3 mm; and the thickness of the thermoplastic resin layer, at least on the side where the image recording layer is formed, is 35 to 60 μm. |
| US07867584B2 |
Ink-jet recording medium for dye- or pigment-based ink-jet inks
The present invention is drawn to a media sheet for ink-jet printing and can comprise a media substrate and a coating composition applied to the media substrate to form an ink-receiving layer. The ink-receiving layer can include semi-metal oxide or metal oxide particulates, at least 5 wt % of a water soluble coating formulation additive, and a binder. The media sheet can also have a wash conductivity less than about 80 microsiemens/cm, said wash conductivity determined by measuring the conductivity of a 50 mL bath of deionized water after placing a 100 cm2 sample of the media sheet in the deionized water for 45 seconds at room temperature under agitation. |
| US07867582B2 |
Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display having same
A liquid crystal composition and a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal composition that includes a first class containing a fluorine-containing liquid crystal compound represented by Formula I (n=1, 2, or 3), and a second class containing at least one neutral liquid crystal compound represented by Formulae III, IV, and V. In Formula I, W1 and W2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of —F, —CF3, —CF2H, —OCF3, and —OCF2H, the liquid crystal compounds represented by Formulae I, III, IV, and V have R1, R2, and R5 to R10 that are any one of a hydrogen atom, and an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, and an alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms as terminal groups, and a first sub-class has a content of 6 wt % or less based on a total content of the first class and the second class, with the proviso that a liquid crystal compound of the first class having n=1 is the first sub-class and a liquid crystal compound of the first class having n=2 or 3 is a second sub-class. |
| US07867579B2 |
Method for forming carbon protective film and method for producing magnetic recording medium, magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
The present invention provides a method for forming a carbon protective film and a method for producing a magnetic recording medium, that decreases the generation of particles in a plasma CVD apparatus thereby improving flatness of the surface of a carbon protective film, and also can manufacture a magnetic recording medium having high recording density and excellent recording/reproducing characteristics; a magnetic recording medium; and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus using the magnetic recording medium. |
| US07867578B2 |
Method for depositing an amorphous carbon film with improved density and step coverage
A method for depositing an amorphous carbon layer on a substrate includes the steps of positioning a substrate in a chamber, introducing a hydrocarbon source into the processing chamber, introducing a heavy noble gas into the processing chamber, and generating a plasma in the processing chamber. The heavy noble gas is selected from the group consisting of argon, krypton, xenon, and combinations thereof and the molar flow rate of the noble gas is greater than the molar flow rate of the hydrocarbon source. A post-deposition termination step may be included, wherein the flow of the hydrocarbon source and the noble gas is stopped and a plasma is maintained in the chamber for a period of time to remove particles therefrom. |
| US07867577B2 |
Sulfur modified silanes for the elaboration of high refractive index materials
A composition having a polythiol reactant and an alkenyl silane reactant which are combined to form a polysulfide polysilane. In the process, the reactants are combined in a thiol-ene addition process driven by UV radiation. The polysulfide polysilane is then hydrolyzed and may be combined with other hydrolyzed compounds. For coatings, the polysulfide polysilane is hydrolyzed and may optionally be combined with nanoparticles. For bulk materials, the polysulfide polysilane is hydrolyzed, concentrated and heated to form a high refractive index material which can be used to form lenses. |
| US07867575B2 |
Sintering resistant, low conductivity, high stability thermal barrier coating/environmental barrier coating system for a ceramic-matrix composite (CMC) article to improve high temperature capability
A method for producing a thermal barrier coating/environmental barrier coating system on a silicon containing material substrate includes applying an environmental barrier coating (EBC) over the silicon containing material substrate; and applying a thermal barrier coating (TBC) over the EBC. The thermal barrier coating includes a compound having a primary constituent portion and a stabilizer portion stabilizing said primary constituent. The primary constituent portion of the thermal barrier coating includes hafnia present in an amount of at least about 5 mol % of the primary constituent and the stabilizer portion of said thermal barrier coating includes at least one metal oxide comprised of cations with a +2 or +3 valence present in the amount of about 10 to about 40 mol % of the thermal barrier coating. |
| US07867574B2 |
Multi-functional cyclic silicate compound, siloxane-based polymer prepared from the compound and process of producing insulating film using the polymer
A multi-functional cyclic silicate compound, a siloxane-based polymer prepared from the silicate compound and a process of producing an insulating film using the siloxane-based polymer. The silicate compound of the present invention is highly compatible with conventional pore-generating substances and hardly hygroscopic, so it is useful for the preparation of a siloxane-based polymer suitable to a SOG process. Furthermore, a film produced by the use of such siloxane-based polymer is excellent in mechanical properties, thermal stability and crack resistance and enhanced in insulating properties by virtue of its low hygroscopicity. Therefore, in the field of semiconductor production, this film is of great use as an insulating film. |
| US07867569B2 |
Method of forming multi-layer coating on automobile bodies without a primer bake
This invention relates to a method for forming a multi-layer coating on a vehicle body, comprised of applying primer coating, base coating, and clear coat layers in a wet-on-wet-on-wet manner, and simultaneously curing the applied three layers together in a single baking step. The primer layer comprises a film-forming binder comprising two acrylic polymers, the first being a caprolactone-modified branched acrylic polymer and the second being a caprolactone-modified linear acrylic polymer; and a crosslinking agent selected from aminoplast resin, blocked polyisocyanates, or mixtures thereof, wherein the composition is, essentially free of crosslinked nonaqueous dispersion resin particles or crosslinked microgel resin particles or both. The resulting multi-layered coating has excellent aesthetic appearance, strike-in resistance, chipping resistance, sag resistance, and film build even when formed in a three wet layered application method. |
| US07867568B2 |
Continuous pultrusion process for producing high performance structural profiles
The invention provides a continuous pultrusion process for producing structural profiles wherein a) one or more textile sheets are impregnated with a resin composition comprising a combination of (i) at least one epoxy resin which is a tri- or tetrafunctional epoxy resin and (ii) a curing agent system comprising at least two types of reactive groups of different reactivity b) the impregnated textile sheets are subjected to heat to cause a partial reaction between the at least one epoxy resin and the curing agent system, so that the viscosity of the resin composition is increased, and c) the partially reacted impregnated resin composition is gelled using heat and/or pressure. |
| US07867565B2 |
Method for coating substrates
A method for depositing a coating layer on at least a part of a surface of a substrate is described. The method includes supplying a coating substance to at least part of a surface of a substrate. The substrate is subjected to a relative movement with respect to a source of the coating substance. The surface tension of the coating substance is modified, at least locally, at least part of the time while the at least part of the substrate is subjected to the movement. A thickness of the coating layer is influenced by modifying the surface tension of the coating substance. |
| US07867563B2 |
Component mounting method
The present invention is a method of mounting a plurality of components on a substrate. This component mounting method comprises the steps of (a) to (f): (a) preparing the substrate; (b) preparing a first liquid; (c) preparing a component-containing liquid containing the components and a second liquid, wherein the first liquid is insoluble in the second liquid and has a higher wettability than the second liquid with respect to the surfaces of the components, first regions, and a line having a shorter width than a minimum length of each of the components; (d) disposing the first liquid in the first regions and the line; (e) moving a squeegee for supplying a component-containing liquid to the substrate, relative to the substrate over the line from one edge to the other edge of the substrate to bring the component-containing liquid into contact with the first liquid disposed in the first regions; and (f) removing the first liquid and the second liquid from the substrate to dispose the components in the first regions. |
| US07867560B2 |
Method for performing a vapor deposition process
A method for performing a vapor deposition process is described. The vapor deposition process involves the deposition of a thin film, such as a ruthenium (Ru), rhenium (Re) or rhodium (Rh) film, on a substrate using a solid-phase or liquid-phase precursor. The method facilitates the initiation of gas lines to supply dilution gas(es), carrier gas(es) and precursor vapor to the deposition system, the pre-heating and heating of the substrate, the pre-conditioning of the film precursor vaporization system, and the flow stabilization of the carrier gas(es) and the precursor vapor, for example. |
| US07867558B1 |
Apparatus and method for lining large diameter pipes with an environmentally compatible impervious membrane
A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely and robotically installing an organic, monolithic, structural and non structural, circumferential and partial radius membranes in conduits, pipelines or passageways. The included apparatus has the mechanical function to manually or automatically center the liner dissipation device in any geometrical shape. The included apparatus possesses the remote controlled capability to manipulate centrifugal dissipation of the liner to afford consistent thickness on any shaped profile or flat surface of the pipe wall surface. The apparatus includes a manual or automatic mechanical scissoring device for elevation changes and a manual or automatic rotational table for shaft alignment. The apparatus includes a means of automated self alignment by way of proximity sensors. The pendulum oscillation bracketing incorporates a fluid driven motor assembly communicating with a bored shaft and integrates as many as two offset dissipation devices. The included apparatus has both fluid and electrical rotary unions to transmit fluids and current from fixed ports to a rotating shaft assembly. The included apparatus has a mechanical function facilitating cutting and retrieval of cured spray build up on the spray orifice. This method and apparatus will allow for continuous lining applications of any thickness in one pass, in conduits and passageways employing multi component liquid polymers with rapid mechanical properties formation. |
| US07867557B2 |
Nanoparticles
Method for producing a nanoparticle comprised of core, first shell and second shell semiconductor materials. Effecting conversion of a core precursor composition comprising separate first and second precursor species to the core material and then depositing said first and second shells. The conversion is effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticle core. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least two of the core, first shell and second shell materials incorporate ions from groups 12 and 15, 14 and 16, or 11, 13 and 16 of the periodic table. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which the second shell material incorporates at least two different group 12 ions and group 16 ions. Core/multishell nanoparticles in which at least one of the core, first and second semiconductor materials incorporates group 11, 13 and 16 ions and the other semiconductor material does not incorporate group 11, 13 and 16 ions. |
| US07867552B2 |
Methods for use of a sensitive layer for hydrogen sulphide detection with SAW/BAW devices
Methods can be adapted for design of a sensitive monolayer for detection of hydrogen sulphide at room temperature with SAW/BAW devices. The sensitive monolayer can be synthesized based on chemical compounds, which belongs to a class of thiacalix[n]arenas, mercapto halides, mercapto alcohols and chloromethylated thiacalix[n]arenas. The sensitive monolayer can be directly immobilized or anchored at the surface of a piezoelectric quartz substrate in a covalently bonded manner by means of direct printing process. The piezoelectric quartz substrate can be activated in basic medium or in acid medium before the immobilization of the sensitive monolayer in order to increase the population of OH groups. Thus, the synthesized sensitive monolayer exhibits a high site density, fast response and long-term stability for H2S sensing. |
| US07867549B2 |
Method of manufacturing a stent coating
A method of manufacturing a drug-delivery coating for a stent is disclosed. The method comprises covering the outer surface of the stent; applying a first composition to the inner surface of the stent to form a first coating; covering the first coating on the inner surface of the stent; and applying a second composition to the outer surface of the stent to form a second coating. |
| US07867548B2 |
Thermal ejection of solution having solute onto device medium
A solution is provided that includes a non-aqueous organic solvent within which a solute has been dissolved. A thermal-fluid ejection mechanism is provided that has fluid-ejection nozzles and that is capable of thermally ejecting the solution. A device medium is provided that has a three-dimensional surface on which the solution is to be ejected. The fluid-ejection nozzles of the thermal fluid-ejection mechanism are controlled to eject the solution onto the three-dimensional surface of the device medium in accordance with a desired pattern. |
| US07867544B2 |
Food compositions and related methods
An amorphous sugar-free sweetening composition acts as a sugar substitute in the production of a chocolate confection. Maltitol syrup may be employed in a chocolate confection mixture with a dry milk substitute composition to form a chocolate confection with improved taste and texture characteristics as compared to other sugar-free chocolate confection compositions. Other amorphous sweetening compositions may be used in the production of chocolate compositions. Methods of making chocolate compositions are also disclosed. |
| US07867543B2 |
Rice bran flour and method of making thereof
This invention discloses a method for making rice bran flour by treating rice bran under high pressure and high temperature for a long period of time in two separate steps, the method comprising: husking and grinding the rice, then collecting the rice bran; inactivating the lipase of the rice bran; treating the rice bran under high pressure and high temperature; drying and screening the rice bran; treating the rice bran flour so obtained under high pressure and high temperature again; and cooling the rice bran. Said rice bran flour made from said method is effective in lowering glycosylated hemoglobin and increasing insulin of diabetes mellitus patients. |
| US07867542B2 |
Non-flammable release composition
An aqueous non-flammable release composition for use in food preparation comprising water; de-oiled, powdered lecithin; and less than about 10% oil. The de-oiled, powdered lecithin is water miscible which facilitates the use of less or no oil in a release composition, and allows the use of a non-flammable propellant. The non-flammable release composition may be applied to cooking utensils, such as baking and frying pans, and especially grills and the like, in order to prevent or inhibit food from sticking during cooking and to facilitate cleaning; which may be safely applied while a utensil, pan, or grill is hot; near an open flame or heating element; or while food is being cooked. |
| US07867541B2 |
Compositions and methods of formulation for enteral formulas containing sialic acid
A nutritionally complete infant formula containing sialic acid derived from one or a number of nutritionally appropriate sources is described. |
| US07867540B2 |
Aroma composition and method
An aroma composition comprising a first component selected from the group consisting of 4-hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)furanone, 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, 2-ethyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)furanone, 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)furanone, a sulfur-containing analogue of any of the foregoing, and any combination, thereof; a second component selected from the group consisting of 2-furanmethanethiol, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 5-methyl-2-furanmethanthiol, and any combination, thereof; and a third component selected from the group consisting of 2-(1-mercaptoethyl)furan, 2-furanethanethiol, bis-(2-furfuryl) disulfide, a furanthiol disulfide, and any combination, thereof. The aroma composition can further include at least one alkylamine or benzylamine and/or a compound selected from the group consisting of hexenol, 1,5-octadien-3-one, methylthiopropionaldehyde, 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyrazine, (E)-2-nonenal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, butanoic acid, 2 and 3-methyl butanoic acid, 2-methyl-3-(methyldithio)furan, dimethyltetrasulfide, 4-hydroxy-2-ethyl-5-methyl-3-(2H)furanone, m-cresol, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-2-(5H)furanone, and any combination thereof. |
| US07867536B2 |
Method for producing an edible sausage-like food product
A method for producing an edible product in the form of an elongated sausage having first and second ends. The methodology involves: removing an inner core from the elongated sausage such that, after the inner core is removed therefrom, the sausage defines a blind bore extending along a major length of the sausage, with the blind bore having one end opening to an exterior of the elongated sausage. The process further involves: inserting a specialty filling into the open end of the blind bore until the specialty filling substantially fills the length of the blind bore and such that the filled meat sausage offers multistaged flavor along the length thereof and then, closing the open end of the blind bore with a lengthwise portion of the inner core removed from the sausage or from an inner core of a previously cored sausage. |
| US07867534B2 |
Cooking appliance with steam generator
An apparatus and method for cooking with steam in a cooking appliance by forming the steam from atomized particles of water. |
| US07867532B2 |
System and method for flaking grains
A system and method are provided for flaking grains. The system and method provide for an automated system to minimize manual intervention, yet optimize a steam flaking process. A calibration technique may be included to assist in automatic adjustment of system parameters to account for less than optimal operating conditions. Control of the system may occur from a remote location wherein a user is provided an interface, and a user's computer communicates with an industrial controller such as a PLC, through the Internet or a private network. The PLC is typically located at the site where the grain is to be processed. The PLC may receive various system inputs and generate system control outputs in accordance with programs installed on the PLC, or through some selected manual intervention as controlled by the user at the remote location. |
| US07867527B2 |
Skin lightening compositions comprising Goya (Momordica charantia) and pine extract
A skin lightening composition comprising Goya or an extract thereof, and pine bark extract. |
| US07867520B2 |
Flavor improving agent
A taste improving agent containing as an active ingredient a whey mineral satisfying all the criteria (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) below: (a) an ash content in an solid portion of the whey mineral is 25 to 75% by mass; (b) a calcium content in a solid portion of the whey mineral is less than 2% by mass; (c) a calcium content in an ash portion of the whey mineral is less than 5% by mass; (d) a lactic acid content in a solid portion of the whey mineral is 1.0% by mass or more; and (e) a pH of an aqueous solution containing 0.1% by mass of a solid portion of the whey mineral is 6.0 to 7.5. |
| US07867518B2 |
Controlled release compositions for interferon based on PEGT/PBT block copolymers and method for preparation thereof
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition for the controlled release of relatively toxic active compounds, in particular for bioactive proteins from the class of interferons. The composition comprises a biodegradable block copolymer constructed from poly(ethylene glycol) terephthalate (PEGT) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT). The composition is provided in the form of injectable microparticles, of an injectable liquid which may have self-gelling properties, or of a solid implant. The invention further provides a pharmaceutical kit comprising the composition, methods for preparing the composition, and the pharmaceutical uses relating thereto. |
| US07867511B2 |
Abuse potential reduction in abusable substance dosage form
The potential for substance abuse involving residual amounts of abusable substances remaining in used skin-worn patches is reduced by the provision of a system and method for combining the abusable substance with a separate anti-abuse substance agent as part of a removal or disposal procedure. |
| US07867499B2 |
Methods of treating dementia by administering virus-like particles coupled to Aβ
The present invention relates to novel uses of a construct consisting of virus-like particle (VLP) structure chemically coupled to a fragment of the Aβ-1-42 peptide and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts (hereinafter CONSTRUCT), in particular to dosage regimens, modes of and dosage forms for the administration of a CONSTRUCT for the treatment of patients suffering from dementia, in particular dementia of the Alzheimer's type. |
| US07867485B2 |
Method for preventing or treating the development of respiratory allergies
The present invention is directed to a novel method for preventing or treating the development of respiratory allergies. The method comprises prenatal and/or postnatal administration of a therapeutically effective amount of LGG. |
| US07867483B2 |
Use of MVA to treat prostate cancer
The invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for cancer prophylaxis and therapy using recombinant MVA viruses encoding tumor-associated antigens, such as PSA and PAP. The recombinant MVA viruses can induce B- and T-cell responses. The recombinant MVA viruses can be administered prior to, at the same time as, or after a taxane. |
| US07867482B2 |
Recombinant human interferon-like proteins
This application relates to recombinant human interferon-like proteins. In one embodiment a recombinant protein created by gene shuffling technology is described having enhanced anti-viral and anti-proliferative activities in comparison to naturally occurring human interferon alpha 2b (HuIFN-α2b). The invention encompasses a polynucleotide encoding the protein and recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide. Preferably the polynucleotide is selected from the group of polynucleotides each having a sequence at least 93% identical to SEQ ID: No. 1 and the protein is selected from the group of proteins each having an amino acid sequence at least 85% identical to SEQ ID No: 2. The proteins and compositions comprising the proteins can be used for treatment of conditions responsive to interferon therapy, such as viral diseases and cancer. |
| US07867481B2 |
Method of treating anemia by administering IL-1ra
The invention relates to methods of treating a blood disorder in a mammal with an interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor. The invention also relates to methods of treating a blood disorder in a mammal with an IL-1 inhibitor, a TNF inhibitor and an erythropoietin (EPO) receptor agonist. The invention also relates to compositions of an IL-1 inhibitor and compositions of an IL-1 inhibitor, a TNF inhibitor and an EPO receptor agonist. |
| US07867478B2 |
Reducing composition for permanently reshaping or straightening the hair, containing a certain amount of mesomorphic phase, process for preparing it and process for permanently reshaping or straightening the hair
The present disclosure relates to reducing compositions comprising, in an aqueous medium, at least one compound for reducing keratin, ammonia, and at least one mesomorphic phase present in an amount of at least 10% by weight, relative to the weight of the composition. The mesomorphic phase generally comprises nonionic surfactants with an HLB value of less than or equal to 10. The present disclosure also relates to the process for preparing the compositions, and to a process for permanently reshaping or straightening the hair using the reducing compositions, as well as multi-compartment kits for permanently reshaping or straightening the hair, wherein at least one compartment contains the reducing composition. |
| US07867475B2 |
Immune regulation based on the depletion of CD69+ cells
Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having disorders or conditions characterized by an unwanted immune response including administering an effective amount of an early activation molecule agonist, antagonist or depletor, to the subject. Human monoclonal antibodies specific to the early activation molecules, and methods of use, are also disclosed. |
| US07867473B2 |
Process for preparation of a MEL-structural-type zeolite
A process for preparation of a MEL-structural-type zeolite that comprises at least the following stages: i) the mixture, in aqueous medium, of at least one source of at least one tetravalent element and at least one nitrogen-containing organic radical of the formula: in which n represents the methylene group number (CH2) and is equal to 6 or 7, and R1 and R2 represent alkyl groups that have 2 to 7 carbon atoms, ii) the hydrothermal treatment of said mixture until said MEL-structural-type zeolite is formed, is described. |
| US07867470B1 |
On-site manufacture of sulfuric acid
A method and system for on-site production of solutions is described according to embodiments. In an embodiment, the solution is sulfuric acid. |
| US07867469B2 |
Complexes of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes with molecular-clips and use thereof
Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates. |
| US07867464B2 |
Process for the storage of hydrogen using a system that strikes a balance between an alloy of alkaline metal and silicon and the corresponding hydride
A process for the reversible storage of hydrogen, comprising bringing an alloy of alkaline metal and silicon into contact with gaseous hydrogen leading to the formation of the hydride or corresponding hydrides, comprises the use of at least one balanced system that corresponds to the formula: MXMSi MXMSiHn where M is selected from among Li, Na, or K and in which atomic ratios XM take on the following values: XLi=1 1≦XNa≦3 1≦XK≦2 n is the number of hydrogen atoms corresponding to the stoichiometry of the hydride or formed hydrides. or to the formula MSiXSi MSiXSiH2XSi+1 where M is selected from among Li, Na, or K and in which the atomic ratio XSi=Si/M takes on a value of 1 to 4. |
| US07867463B2 |
Process for producing cerium oxide nanocrystals
The present invention provides a new method for the production of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocrystals having various sizes and various shapes via hydrolytic sol-gel reactions or non-hydrolytic sol-gel reactions. More specifically, the method synthesizing cerium oxide nanocrystals comprises; i) preparing a cerium-surfactant complex by reacting a cerium precursor and a surfactant in a organic solvent; and ii) aging said cerium-surfactant complex in an ether at a temperature of 100° C.-360° C. |
| US07867458B2 |
Device and method for pressure and flow control in parallel reactors
The present invention relates to a method and a device for the parallel study of chemical reactions in at least two spatially separated reaction spaces. In particular, the invention is suitable for reactions which are not constant volume reactions and/or for reactions in which fluid flows through at least two spatially separated reaction spaces are intended to be controlled together for all the reaction spaces, or for related subsets of them, in the most straightforward way possible.According to one embodiment, the device according to the invention for the parallel study of chemical reactions comprises at least the following components: (a) at least two spatially separated reaction spaces; (b) on the reaction space input side, at least one common educt feed for the reaction spaces according to (a); (d) on the reaction space output side, at least one connection per reaction space to at least one holding gas feed common to all the reaction spaces, or subsets of them; (e) on the reaction space output side, and downstream of the connection to the holding gas feed according to (d) in the product flow direction, at least one restrictor per reaction space. |
| US07867451B2 |
Sample suction apparatus
A sample suction apparatus includes: first through third members; a drive source; and a suction needle provided on the third member. The drive source reduces a distance between the first member and the third member to perform: a first action of shifting the first member toward the third member to contact the first member with a portion of a specimen vessel; a second action of shifting the second member together with the third member toward the first member to contact the second member with another portion of the specimen vessel so that the specimen vessel is sandwiched between the first and second members; and a third action of shifting the third member toward the first member to bring the third member close to the second member so that the suction needle is inserted in the specimen vessel. |
| US07867449B2 |
Pipette tip, liquid receiving structure, liquid supply device
A pipette tip includes a cylindrical distal end portion in which an opening that dispenses or draws in liquid is formed and a body portion that has a cylindrical shape whose outer periphery has a larger diameter than that of the distal end portion and which configures an outer peripheral step portion between itself and the distal end portion. |
| US07867447B2 |
Method for enumeration of mammalian micronucleated erythrocyte populations, while distinguishing platelets and/or platelet-associated aggregates
A method for the enumeration of micronucleated erythrocyte populations while distinguishing platelet and platelet-associated aggregates involves the use of a first fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for reticulocytes, a second fluorescent labeled antibody having binding specificity for a surface marker for platelets, and a nucleic acid staining dye that stains DNA (micronuclei) in erythrocyte populations. Because the fluorescent emission spectra of the first and second fluorescent labeled antibodies do not substantially overlap with one another or with the emission spectra of the nucleic acid staining dye, upon excitation of the labels and dye it is possible to detect the fluorescent emission and light scatter produced by the erythrocyte populations and platelets, and count the number of cells from one or more erythrocyte populations in said sample. In particular, the use of the second antibody prevents interference by platelet-associated aggregates in the scoring procedures. |
| US07867445B1 |
Explosives tester
An explosives tester that can be used anywhere as a screening tool by non-technical personnel to determine whether a surface contains explosives. First and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers are provided. A heater is provided for receiving the first and second explosives detecting reagent holders and dispensers. |
| US07867443B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated pre-treatment and processing of biological samples
The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic staining or other processing of a biological sample on a slide, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system. Further provided is a method of antigen retrieval, the method comprising contacting, within a heated processing tank of an automated staining apparatus, at least one biological sample with at least one composition for antigen retrieval comprising at least one chelating agent, at least one detergent and at least 50% by volume of at least one liquid that facilitates antigen retrieval. |
| US07867442B2 |
System and method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes and specimen slides
A system (100) and a method for the unequivocal allocation of histological cassettes (30) and specimen slides (60) is described. The system encompasses a microtome (1) and at least one reading unit (80). The data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) of the at least one specimen slide (60) are read by means of the reading unit (80). The reading unit (80) is provided with at least one indicating element (83) that outputs a signal in accordance with the degree of correspondence between the data (33) of the histological cassette (30) and the data (33) on the specimen slide (60). |
| US07867436B2 |
Process and apparatus for use in recycling composite materials
A process for recycling composite materials includes the steps of feeding a quantity of composite material composed of at least one polymer and aluminum into at least one first reactor; heating the composite material in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the at least one polymer and form a hydrocarbon by-product and aluminum in the at least one first reactor; feeding the aluminum free of the at least one polymer into a second reactor; and heating the aluminum in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to melt the aluminum in the second reactor. |
| US07867432B2 |
Load bearing insulation and method of manufacture and use
A building material which comprises cement, cellulose fibers and admixtures is used in the fabrication of bricks, panels or other building products. The manufacture of this building material is accomplished by adding water, paper, a water repellant composed of calcium stearate, and a sodium silicate to act as a fire retardant material. The mixture is then thickened with cement and a second batch of concrete admixtures including a superplasticizer composed of a polyester polyacrylic polyol and an air entraining resin or surfactant to create an air entrained, viscous material for inserting in a mold or extruding through a press to form load bearing and insulating building materials. The resulting product can be formed into blocks or panels and the panels can be coated with polyurethane/polyurea coating to be bullet and blast resistant. |
| US07867431B2 |
Method of and apparatus for making a three-dimensional object
Prior to molding, an initial position of at least one movable reference mark, provided in the vicinity of an object of manufacture, is measured by a first position measuring means, and the initial position of the movable reference mark is measured by a second position measuring means provided in a processing means. During the course of molding, measurement of a position of the movable reference mark is carried out by the first position measuring means and the second position measuring means. Then, based on the initial position of the movable reference mark prior to molding and the position of the movable reference mark measured by the first and second position measuring means during the course of molding, an optical beam irradiating position of an optical beam and a processing position of the processing means are corrected. |
| US07867428B2 |
Method of making a composite racquet
A composite sports racquet frame including a frame made of composite material, the frame including a head portion configured to receive and surround a string bed with a plurality of string segments, and a handle portion. The head portion includes a tip section on an opposite end of the frame from the handle portion, and the tip section includes a solid cross-section substantially throughout and the remainder of the head portion includes a hollow cross-section substantially throughout. |
| US07867426B2 |
Method of forming a temporary implant
A mold assembly and method of forming a surgical implant from bone cement. The method has the steps of connecting a plurality of mold segments to approximate the size of a patient implant. Each mold segment has an open channel. The method may further include aligning the channels of connected mold segments, positioning a centralizing holder on a reinforcement member, mixing bone cement, pouring at least some bone cement through the channels and into connected mold segments, fitting the reinforcement member into the mold segments, curing the bone cement; and removing the cured surgical implant. |
| US07867425B2 |
Closure with liner seal vents
A plastic closure includes a shell having a base wall with a skirt for securement to a container finish and a lip that extends radially inwardly from the skirt at a position adjacent to and spaced from the base wall. A liner is compression molded in situ against the base wall, and between the base wall and the lip. The lip has a plurality of circumferentially spaced passages that extend through the lip for venting air during compression molding of the liner. |
| US07867418B2 |
Tool and apparatus for forming a moldable material
The present invention is directed to a tool and apparatus for forming a moldable material into a formed product having a desired shape, and optionally having a pouch for inserting pills, vitamins, and the like. The tool comprises a sleeve with a concentric insert, with a gap between the two for directing compressed air to eject the formed product from the tool. Exemplary apparatus using the tool and an associated method are also provided. |
| US07867416B2 |
Thermoplastic elastomer composition for core-back system foam injection molding and foam injection molding method using the same
The thermoplastic elastomer composition of the present invention comprises a thermoplastic elastomer which includes an ethylene•α-olefin copolymer and a crystalline polyethylene resin, wherein the crystalline polyethylene resin constitutes a three-dimensional network structure in a matrix formed by the ethylene•α-olefin copolymer, an organic or inorganic blowing agent and a nucleating agent, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer has a melt flow rate of 5 g/10 min or more at a temperature of 230° C. and a load of 10 kg, and a melt tension of 3.0 gf or more at a temperature of 210° C. and a pulling rate of 2 m/min. Also the foam injection molding method of the present invention is a method including injecting the above-mentioned composition into a cavity space of a metal mold and then expanding the cavity space to foam by opening the metal mold at a mold opening rate of 0.05 to 0.4 mm/sec. |
| US07867414B2 |
Method of manufacturing a birefringent film, optical film using the same, liquid crystal panel, liquid crystal display device and imaged display device
A method of manufacturing a birefringent film includes stretching a polymer film in a widthwise direction while at the same time shrinking the same in a lengthwise direction so as to satisfy the relational expression: (1/STD)1/2≦SMD<1, in which the length in the widthwise direction and the length in the lengthwise direction, of the polymer film before being stretched are respectively designated as 1, and STD represents a change ratio of the length in the widthwise direction of the polymer film due to stretching and SMD represents a change ratio of the length in the lengthwise direction of the polymer film due to shrinking, and make the stretched polymer film have an Nz coefficient of 0.9-1.1. This method achieves manufacturing of a birefringent film with a high production efficiency, while omitting the bowing phenomenon when manufacturing a birefringent film by stretching a polymer film in the widthwise direction, thereby limiting unevenness in birefringence, retardation and orientation angle and hence producing excellent optical characteristics, as well as achieving successive lamination when laminating with a polarizing film. |
| US07867413B2 |
Ink for ink jet printing and method for preparing metal nanoparticles used therein
Disclosed is ink for ink jet printing, which comprises: metal nanoparticles comprising a surfactant attached to surfaces thereof; and a first solvent, wherein the metal nanoparticles are present in an amount of 50˜70 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the ink, and the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.5˜5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles used in the ink and a method for preparing the metal nanoparticles are also disclosed. The method for preparing metal nanoparticles for use in ink for ink jet printing comprises a step of washing surplus surfactant with at least one solvent. By doing so, the surplus surfactant remaining on the surfaces of the metal nanoparticles can be minimized, resulting in a drop in viscosity of ink comprising the metal nanoparticles. Therefore, even if the ink has a metal nanoparticle content of 50 wt % or more, the ink can satisfy a viscosity condition required for ink jet printing, and thus can form an electrode pattern with high conductivity. |
| US07867411B2 |
Method for producing synthesis gas and apparatus for producing synthesis gas
A method for producing a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen from a source gas containing light hydrocarbons, includes the steps of: performing low temperature steam reforming by adding steam to the source gas and converting hydrocarbons of carbon numbers of 2 or higher in the source gas to methane; and performing a catalytic partial oxidation by adding oxygen after the low temperature steam reforming. |
| US07867404B2 |
Method for converting electrical components
A method for removing an undesirable material from an electronic or electrical component and introducing a desirable material in place of the undesirable material. The method can include the replacement of a leaded material found on the component with a no-lead material to meet governmental directives including those of the European Union. |
| US07867403B2 |
Temperature control method for photolithographic substrate
The present invention provides a method for processing a photolithographic substrate, comprising the placement of the photolithographic substrate on a support member in a chamber wherein the photolithographic substrate has an initial temperature of about zero degrees Celsius to about fifty degrees Celsius. A heat transfer fluid is introduced into the chamber to cool the photolithographic substrate to a target temperature of less than about zero degrees Celsius to less than about minus forty degrees Celsius. The cooled photolithographic substrate is subjected to a plasma process before the temperature of the cooled photolithographic substrate reaches the initial temperature. |
| US07867402B2 |
Method for realizing a multispacer structure, use of said structure as a mold and circuital architectures obtained from said mold
A method realizes a multispacer structure including an array of spacers having same height. The method includes realizing, on a substrate, a sacrificial layer of a first material; b) realizing, on the sacrificial layer, a sequence of mask spacers obtained by SnPT, which are alternately obtained in at least two different materials; c) chemically etching one of the two different materials with selective removal of the mask spacers of this etched material and partial exposure of the sacrificial layer; d) chemically and/or anisotropically etching the first material with selective removal of the exposed portions of the sacrificial layer; e) chemically etching the other one of the two different materials with selective removal of the mask spacers of this etched material and obtainment of the multispacer structure. |
| US07867401B2 |
Water treatment control systems and methods of use
The control systems and technique can regulate or control operations of a water treatment system in a primary control mode and, when appropriate, in a secondary or an alternate control mode. The primary control can represent a normal control mode during which the water treatment system is intended to operate. The alternate control mode can represent a second control or mode of operation. The systems can be operated to control or facilitate regulation, monitoring, and performance of one or more operating parameters of one or more water systems between, or to and from, a first mode, a second or alternate mode, and, in some cases, a third or even a fourth control mode. The change in control mode can be triggered by identifying one or more predetermined, pre-selected, and/or programmed conditions. |
| US07867400B2 |
Production of a fermentation product
A process of separating suspended solids from a fermentation liquor by subjecting the liquor to a solids-liquid separation stage, wherein the fermentation liquor is produced in a fermentation process for the production of a fermentation product, and which liquor comprises lignin, wherein the solids-liquid separation stage is assisted by a treatment system, characterised in that the treatment system comprises an anionic polymer, with the proviso that the treatment system and does not include a cationic polymer having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 4 dl/g. |
| US07867399B2 |
Method for treating waste drilling mud
A method is provided of recycling and decontaminating oil-based waste drilling mud and cuttings contaminated with oil-based waste drilling mud. A facility for performing the method is also provided. The method includes removing the coarse solids from the mud, breaking the emulsion, and separating the hydrophobic phase from the water phase and the solid phase. The solids may then be treated by either or both of two approaches. One approach involves vaporizing all residual oil and water from the solids, and burning off the vaporized oil. Another approach involves at least partially vaporizing the residual oil from the solids and recondensing the oil. The method produces a solid “soil” product that is free from oil contamination (or is sufficiently decontaminated to allow reuse), an oil product that is fit for reuse, and clean air emissions. A thermal desorber or a soil dryer can be used to efficiently vaporize the oil at low temperature. Optionally the water fraction of the mud can be vaporized, solutes and salts can be captured as evaporite and then be mixed with the soil product. The method has the unique advantage of producing no persistent hazardous waste. The method has the further advantage of requiring no external input of energy if the reclaimed oil is used to provide energy for the process. The method has the further advantage of recycling portions of the drilling mud that would otherwise be subject to disposal. |
| US07867394B2 |
Membrane element sealing material holding member and membrane element
A membrane element sealing material holding member comprising a central opening for insertion of a center tube of spiral membrane element, peripheral orifice for flowing of a raw liquid into a membrane end portion of membrane element and outer circumferential part for holding of circular sealing material, wherein the central opening has inner circumferential surface of cylindrical form with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inserted center tube, and wherein at three or more positions on the inner circumferential surface, there is provided projection that has sloping face on its side of center tube insertion and is deformable at the time of insertion of center tube with an outer diameter larger than that of incircle. |
| US07867392B2 |
Magnetic carrier and membrane bioreactor comprising enzyme for inhibiting biofilm formation
A technique for inhibiting biofouling caused by biofilms grown on a material surface of a water system where microorganisms exist such as the membrane surface of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for advanced wastewater treatment is disclosed. Specifically, a magnetic carrier comprising an enzyme for quenching quorum sensing that inhibits biofilm formation, a membrane bioreactor system that can be stably operated without inactivation and loss of enzymes and a method for inhibiting biofilm formation are described. |
| US07867391B2 |
Cucurbituril derivative-bonded solid substrate and biochip using the same
The present disclosure provides a cucurbituril derivative-bonded solid substrate in which cucurbituril derivatives of Formula 1 are covalently bonded to a modified solid substrate of Formula 2. The cucurbituril derivative provides functional groups which can be used to link biomaterials to the substrate. Protein chips, gene chips, and sensors for biomaterial assays having the cucurbituril derivative-bonded solid substrate are also provided. |
| US07867389B2 |
Pool cleaning vehicle having an advanced drain system
Disclosed herein is a pool cleaning an electric pool cleaning vehicle having a drive assembly and including an advanced system for draining water from the vehicle as the vehicle is removed from a pool of water. The vehicle includes a housing defining a body shell and the body shell having an interior cavity and an electrical power cord to supply power to the vehicle having a connection point on the vehicle. A filtering system is located within the body cavity. The vehicle includes a drain door assembly and the drain door assembly has an inlet connected to the filtering system. A handle is located adjacent the electrical cord connection point, sized and shaped to easily lift the vehicle filled with water out of a pool and the drain door assembly being on an opposed portion of the vehicle from the handle. |
| US07867369B2 |
Biosensor with multiple electrical functionalities
A biosensor having multiple electrical functionalities located both within and outside of the measurement zone in which a fluid sample is interrogated. Incredibly small and complex electrical patterns with high quality edges provide electrical functionalities in the biosensor and also provide the electrical wiring for the various other electrical devices provided in the inventive biosensor. In addition to a measurement zone with multiple and various electrical functionalities, biosensors of the present invention may be provided with a user interface zone, a digital device zone and/or a power generation zone. The inventive biosensors offer improved ease of use and performance, and decrease the computational burden and associated cost of the instruments that read the biosensors by adding accurate yet cost-effective functionalities to the biosensors themselves. |
| US07867368B2 |
Plating apparatus
A plating apparatus has a tubular electrode (16) placed in a hollow section (12) of work (11). The tubular electrode (16) has a through-hole (16a) formed in the longitudinal direction. A circular tube-like gap (S1) in which a plating liquid (17) flows is formed between the tubular electrode placed in the hollow section and an inner peripheral wall (14) of the hollow section. The plating liquid flows spirally from the lower end of the gap to the upper end by action of a vortex producing flow path (29) communicating to the lower end of the gap. The plating liquid having reached the upper end circulates through the through-hole of the tubular electrode. |
| US07867364B2 |
Doctor blade holder permitting efficient assembly of doctor assemblies and replacement of doctor blades
A doctor assembly is disclosed for use in a paper-making machine. The doctor assembly includes a doctor blade holder into which a doctor blade may be inserted and the doctor blade holder includes a pressure plate, pressure adjustment system, a support tray, and a bracket in accordance with an embodiment. The pressure plate is for supporting and aligning the doctor blade in a cross machine direction for application to a machine roll. The pressure adjustment system is for adjusting the pressure applied to the machine roll by the doctor blade, said pressure adjustment means including at least one fluid reservoir having a wall that contacts the pressure plate. The support tray for supporting the at least one fluid reservoir, and the support tray includes at least one bracket alignment feature. The bracket is attached to the support tray for pivotal attachment to the pressure plate. The bracket includes at least one tray alignment feature that is coupled to the bracket alignment feature of the support tray to provide proper alignment of the bracket with respect to the support tray. |
| US07867362B2 |
Textured cellulosic wet wipes
Wet wipes are made from a highly-textured basesheet of cellulose papermaking fibers bonded together with a permanent wet strength agent. The resulting wet wipes can have high wet bulk, good wet strength and can be easily dispensed and fully-opened with one hand. |
| US07867357B2 |
Polymer composition for peroxide bleaching of cellulosic fibre material and processes for peroxide bleaching
The present invention relates to a polymer composition for peroxide bleaching of a cellulosic fiber material, said composition being in the form of a stable aqueous polymer solution obtained by bringing in an aqueous medium a first polymer (A) comprising a partly or totally acidic homopolymer of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or maleic acid, or a copolymer of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, into contact with a second polymer (B) comprising a polylactone of a poly-alfa-hydroxyacrylic acid in solid form or as a moist powder or as a slurry, said polymer solution having a pH of at most 5. The invention also relates to peroxide bleaching processes. |
| US07867356B2 |
Apparatus for reducing polymer deposition on a substrate and substrate support
An adjustable RF coupling ring is capable of reducing a vertical gap between a substrate and a hot edge ring in a vacuum processing chamber. The reduction of the gap reduces polymer deposits on the substrate and electrostatic chuck and improves wafer processing. |
| US07867355B2 |
Adjustable height PIF probe
A plasma probe assembly for use in a plasma processing chamber is provided. A semiconductor probe element with a probe surface at a first end of the semiconductor probe element is provided. An electrical connector is electrically connected to the semiconductor probe element. An electrically insulating sleeve surrounds at least part of the probe element. An adjustment device is connected to the semiconductor probe so that the probe surface is coplanar with an interior chamber surface of the plasma processing chamber. |
| US07867354B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing combined optical film, combined optical film, image display, and methods for producing liquid crystal panel and laminated optical film
It is an object of the invention to provide a method for producing a combined optical film that includes opposing the end faces of a plurality of optical films to one another and can narrow the gap between the opposed end faces. A method for producing a combined optical film comprising a plurality of optical films each having at least one end face at which the optical films are opposed to one another, comprising the steps of: (1) opposing the end faces of the optical films to one another with a gap provided therebetween; (2) bonding a first seal material to the opposed portions of the optical films on a first side of each optical film to join the optical films; (3) bending the joined opposed portions of the optical films such that the joined opposed portions become concave on a second side of each optical film where the first seal material is not bonded and such that the gap is narrowed on the second side; (4) bonding a second seal material to the opposed portions on the second side, while the joined optical films are bent such that the gap is narrowed on the second side; and (5) cancelling the bending of the joined optical films to make them flat. |
| US07867353B2 |
Thermally and electrically conductive interface
A thermally and electrically conductive material is provided as a mixture of a dimethylpolysiloxane, metal (or one metal coated with another metal) flakes and/or granules, a peroxide-based and/or a dimethyl hexane based catalyst, PTFE powder and a platinum based fire retardant. The thermally and electrically conductive material may be pre-formed into a film or pad and each side of the film protected with removable release layers. The thermally and electrically conductive material may alternatively be produced in a screen-printable paste. As such, a layer of the thermally and electrically conductive paste may be screen-printed on the metal surface in a complete sheet form or as a patterned film by using a stencil patterned screen mesh. Processes for manufacturing high- and low-frequency circuits that include the interface material are also provided. |
| US07867346B2 |
Junction substrate and method of bonding substrates together
A junction substrate includes a first substrate, a buffer film formed on one surface of the first substrate, a metal containing film formed on the buffer film and having a lower resistance than the buffer film, and a second substrate bonded to the other surface of the first substrate. |
| US07867344B2 |
Hot pressing method for high strength member using steel sheet and hot pressed parts
A method is proved for hot pressing hot rolled steel sheet, cold rolled steel sheet, Al-based plated steel sheet or Zn-based plated steel sheet, where the hot pressed sheet can exhibit a strength of at least about 1200 Mpa, and my be prevented from exhibiting hydrogen embrittlement. The steel sheet may include between about 0.05 to 0.5 wt % C, and/or it may be plated with an Al-based or Zn-based plating material. The steel sheet may be heating to a temperature greater than an Ac3 temperature and not more than about 1100° C. before pressing. An atmosphere can be provided during heating which contains not more than about 6 vol % of hydrogen and a dew point of not more than about 10° C. The exemplary methods may be used to form high strength parts which may be used, e.g., in automobiles. |
| US07867343B2 |
Rare earth magnet and method for production thereof
In a rare earth magnet, an added heavy rare earth element RH such as Dy is effectively used without any waste, so as to effectively improve the coercive force. First, a molten alloy of a material alloy for an R-T-Q rare earth magnet (R is a rare earth element, T is a transition metal element, and Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, C, N, Al, Si, and P), the rare earth element R containing at least one kind of element RL selected from the group consisting of Nd and Pr and at least one kind of element RH selected from the group consisting of Dy Tb, and Ho is prepared. The molten alloy is quenched, so as to produce a solidified alloy. Thereafter, a thermal treatment in which the rapidly solidified alloy is held in a temperature range of 400° C. or higher and lower than 800° C. for a period of not shorter than 5 minutes nor longer than 12 hours is performed. By the thermal treatment, the element RH can be moved from the grain boundary phase to the main phase, so that the coercive force is increased. |
| US07867330B2 |
Method for composing a nano-particle metal treatment composition for creating a ceramic-metal layer
The present invention relates to a metal treatment composition including Tin (II) Chloride and processed montmorillonite clay. The addition of Tin (II) Chloride to the composition provides Tin for forming a ceramic-metal layer on the surfaces of the friction pair. Tin (II) Chloride provides Chlorine ions for forming Chloric films for protecting juvenile surfaces which form in the friction zone. The clay is heated and pulverized to produce a powder comprising both particles having crystalline layer structure and salts and oxides. The layered crystalline structure of the clay contains slip planes that transversely shift when tangential pressure from the friction pair is applied thereby lubricating the friction pair. The salts and oxides contribute to the formation of the ceramic-metal layer. |
| US07867323B2 |
Apparatus for on-site cleaning of landscape rock
Methods and apparatus are disclosed that pick up and clean landscape rock using air under vacuum pressure. This apparatus provides a means for cleaning and reusing rock that has become aesthetically unattractive instead of removing the old landscape rock and replacing it with new rock. The invention also includes a device for separating debris from the vacuum airstream. This device may be used in combination with the device for picking up and cleaning landscape rock or may be used independently. |
| US07867321B2 |
Process for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in FCC processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels
An improved cyclone system for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes with reduced coke formation in disengager vessels, without favoring release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages, said system comprising legless cyclones 42 fitted with external collector pipes 43, is described. The collector pipes 43 optimize the purge of gases coming from the disengager vessel 49, reducing the time the hydrocarbons remain inside the disengager vessel 49, thus preventing overcracking and subsequent coke formation. Positioning of the external collector pipes 43 prevents release of the disengaged catalyst into cyclones in subsequent stages. The present invention also relates to a process and device for disengaging solid and gaseous particles in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes, reducing coke formation in disengager vessels and minimizing the release of catalyst into consecutive stages, said process and device being part of the system of the present invention. |
| US07867318B2 |
Filter powder recycling process
Process of treating filter dust (3) of the type produced in aluminium recycling processes in a recycling system for recycling the metal (1) of salt slag recycling (2), including at least a pyrolysis step (31) in which the filter dust (30) enter a rotating auger where it is heated to a temperature of not less than 500° C. and not more than 600° C.; and in which the organic and toxic substances breakdown in this heating and part of the carbon and other combustibles burn in the controlled presence of air, this air being mixed with the dust by the movement of the rotating auger (310); in which organic materials are oxidized due to the oxygen provided; and in which the solid result of the pyrolysis step (31) is added to the general salt slag recycling process (2). |
| US07867315B2 |
Hard-particle powder for sintered body and sintered body
The invention provides a hard-particle powder for sintered body, which contains, by mass %, 2% to 3.5% of Si, 6% to 10% of Cr, 20% to 35% of Mo, 0.01% to 0.5% of REM, and the remainder being Co and unavoidable impurities. The invention further provides a sintered body obtained through a mixing step of mixing the above-mentioned hard-particle powder for sintered body with a pure iron powder and a graphite powder to obtain a powder mixture, a forming step of compacting the powder mixture to obtain a compact, and a sintering step of sintering the compact. The hard-particle powder according to the invention has the effect of giving a sintered body having improved wear resistance without substantially impairing powder characteristics and sintering characteristics. Additionally, the sintered body according to the invention has the effect of having excellent wear resistance. |
| US07867314B2 |
Iron-based powder for powder metallurgy
Flowability-improving particles containing 50 to 100% by mass of carbon black are adhered to surfaces of iron powder through a binder to provide an iron-based powder for powder metallurgy which has excellent flowability and which is capable of uniformly filling a thin-walled cavity, compaction with high ejection force, and maintaining sufficient strength of a sintered body in subsequent sintering. |
| US07867313B2 |
Porous β-SiC-containing ceramic molded article comprising an aluminum oxide coating, and method for the production thereof
The invention concerns a process for the production of a porous β-SiC-bearing ceramic molded body that includes an aluminum oxide layer at the surface of the pores and passages of the porous β-SiC-bearing ceramic molded body. The invention further concerns a porous β-SiC-bearing ceramic molded body which has pores of a mean pore size in the range of between 0.1 urn and 50 μm and an aluminum oxide layer at the surface of the open pores and passages. |
| US07867312B2 |
Trap device
A trap device (18) for removing species from a gas stream drawn from an enclosure by a vacuum pump is described, the device (18) comprising a casing having an inlet (16) for receiving the gas stream, an outlet (20) for exhausting the gas stream from the casing, and first and second chambers (136, 138) each for receiving the gas stream from the inlet and conveying the gas stream to the outlet; means (170, 174) for selectively diverting the gas stream from the inlet to a selected one of the chambers; a first plurality of cartridges (32) each being removably insertable into the casing to provide a plurality of flow passages for gas passing through the first chamber; and a second plurality of cartridges (132) each being removably insertable into the casing to provide a plurality of flow passages for gas passing through the second chamber, each flow passage extending between an inlet and an outlet of a respective cartridge, each cartridge housing means for removing species from the gas passing therethrough as solid material collecting within the cartridge. |
| US07867309B2 |
Steam-water separator
In a steam-water separator, horizontal slits are formed on the outer side of the curving direction of the curved part and at a location between the curved part of the riser and the swirl vane. |
| US07867305B2 |
Bag-filter type small deodorizing and dust collecting apparatus
The bag-filter type small deodorizing and dust collecting apparatus including a feed pipe feeding deodorizing powder, a rotary valve discharging the deodorizing powder by a fixed amount, and a reflux pipe for refluxing the deodorizing powder from the rotary valve A blower is provided for refluxing the deodorizing powder. Furthermore a switchover gate is mounted on a discharge side of the rotary valve. Branch pipes are connected to the switchover gate, such that one branch pipe is connected to a discharging chamber and the other branch pipe is connected to the reflux pipe. Dust is collected while enabling deodorization, or in particular, enabling local deodorization of a foundry or the like, mainly, without a need for a large-scaled apparatus for circulation, supply and discharge of the activated carbon or the like used therein. |
| US07867302B2 |
Rapid tooling system and methods for manufacturing abrasive articles
A method of facilitating abrasive article manufacturing includes providing a rapid tooling system to a consumer and providing a cartridge to the consumer. The cartridge has a cartridge body, a first binder and first abrasive particles. The cartridge is configured to operate as part of the rapid tooling system and is operable to deposit the first binder and the first abrasive particles in successive patterned layers to form an abrasive structure. |
| US07867297B2 |
Reactor, fuel cell system and electronic equipment
A reactor comprising, a low-temperature reaction part which causes reaction of a reactant, a high-temperature reaction part which causes reaction of the reactant at higher temperature than that of the low-temperature reaction part, a high-temperature reaction part heating element which heats high-temperature reaction part, and a wire which is connected to the high-temperature reaction part heating element and is wired to the low-temperature reaction part. |
| US07867289B2 |
Cold wax depilatory composition and related process
A method of preparing a depilatory composition includes placing a quantity of sucrose into a heating vessel. Vinegar and citric acid are added into the heating vessel in the respective amounts of about 30 to 35% and 2.0 to 2.5% of the quantity of sucrose. The sucrose, vinegar and citric acid are stirred to create a mixture. The mixture is heated to about 230 degrees Fahrenheit. The mixture is diluted with water in an amount of 2.0 to 2.5% of the quantity of sucrose. The diluted mixture is cooled to form a soft was a room temperature once the temperature of the diluted mixture reaches about 230 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| US07867288B2 |
Cleaning system utilizing an organic cleaning solvent and a pressurized fluid solvent
A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum. Finally, the drum is de-pressurized to atmospheric pressure to evaporate any remaining pressurized fluid solvent, yielding clean, solvent free textiles. The organic solvent is preferably selected from terpenes, halohydrocarbons, certain glycol ethers, polyols, ethers, esters of glycol ethers, esters of fatty acids and other long chain carboxylic acids, fatty alcohols and other long-chain alcohols, short-chain alcohols, polar aprotic solvents, siloxanes, hydrofluoroethers, dibasic esters, and aliphatic hydrocarbons solvents or similar solvents or mixtures of such solvents and the pressurized fluid solvent is preferably densified carbon dioxide. |
| US07867285B2 |
Sensing systems and methods for monitoring gait dynamics
Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual. |
| US07867284B2 |
Control device and system for controlling an actuated prosthesis
A method and a control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. The method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for an actuated, above-knee leg prosthesis. |
| US07867283B2 |
Anti-obesity diverter structure
The anti-obesity diverter structure includes a laminate structure having papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied surfaces. The laminate structure is sized to fit longitudinally within a duodenum such that a transverse clearance is provided between the papilla-supplied surface and papilla of Vater. The laminate structure is secured within the duodenum to define papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied lumens therein. The papilla-supplied lumen receives the digestive fluid from the papilla of Vater, and provides a conduit for the digestive fluid therein. The pylorus-supplied lumen receives the chyme from the pylorus and provides a conduit for the chyme therein. The laminate structure is impervious or semi-permeable to the chyme and digestive fluid. |
| US07867277B1 |
Spinal fusion implant and related methods
A spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction to be introduced into any variety of spinal target sites. The spinal fusion implant of the present invention includes a top surface, a bottom surface, first and second lateral sides, a proximal (posterior) end and a distal (anterior) end. The spinal fusion implant of the present invention may be used to provide temporary or permanent fixation within an orthopedic target site. To do so, the spinal fusion implant may be introduced into a disc space while locked to a surgical insertion instrument and thereafter employed in the proper orientation and released. Once deposited in the disc space, the spinal fusion implant of the present invention effects spinal fusion over time as the natural healing process integrates and binds the implant. |
| US07867271B2 |
Rapid-exchange delivery systems for self-expanding stents
A catheter assembly is provided having an inner member and an outer member extending along a longitudinal axis, the inner member and the outer member having a coaxial configuration and dimensioned for relative axial movement. The outer member may include an anti rotation member adapted to engage with a longitudinal slot formed on the inner member so as to maintain rotational alignment between inner member and outer member. The inner member can be made with a proximal portion made from a tubing such as hypotubing or a coil tubing. The inner member also may be made with a proximal portion made with a support mandrel. A coil tubing can be utilized to form the guide wire receiving member which is attached to the inner member. |
| US07867264B2 |
Apparatus and method for attaching soft tissue to bone
Apparatuses for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an expandable body defining a bore, an expander pin having a shaft sized to be received in the bore of the expandable body, and an insertion shaft slidingly disposed in the bore of the expandable body and in a bore of the expander pin. The body is configured to expand laterally into and attach to bone when the expander pin is driven into the expandable body. The body includes a proximal main member having a distally extending threaded projection and a harder, distal tip member having a threaded recess in a proximal surface thereof such that the projection is threadedly interengageable with the recess. The expansion of the body by way of the expander pin can occur when the proximal main member and distal tip member are threadedly engaged. The insertion shaft is releasably secured to the expandable body and extends distally beyond the expandable body. |
| US07867260B2 |
Plate used to stabilise distal radius fractures
A plate for stabilizing distal radius fractures, comprising a longitudinal shaft with an adjacent distal, anatomically preformed plate part, with the envelope of the plate part having an essentially triangular shape, and threaded bores with longitudinal axes arranged in both the shaft and the distal plate part and being cone-like at least at the distal plate end, which extend in a predominately non-parallel manner in the distal plate part, and wherein a bend is formed between the shaft and the plate part. |
| US07867257B2 |
Poly-axial bone screw mating seat
The present invention is directed a poly-axial bone securing system including a bone securing member and a coupling element. The coupling element includes an opening to permit the bone securing member to pass therethrough and a seat for contacting a head portion of the bone securing member. The opening including a discrete number of contact surfaces or points for engaging the head portion of the bone securing member so that discrete frictional or gripping forces may be generated at interface points of each contact surface or point. |
| US07867251B2 |
Reattachment of tissue to base tissue
An anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within base tissue. The anchor body includes a unidirectional mechanism to selectively restrict passage of a flexible member through the anchor. The flexible member includes a loop to enable attachment of candidate tissue to base tissue without the use of knots. |
| US07867248B2 |
Support frame for an embolic protection device
An embolic protection device comprises a collapsible filter element for delivery through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element comprising a collapsible filter body and a filter support frame contacting the filter body. The collapsible filter body has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the filter body having one or more inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material to enter the filter body, the outlet end of the filter body having a plurality of outlet openings sized to allow through passage of blood but to retain undesired embolic material within the filter body. The filter support frame is movable between a collapsed position for movement through the vascular system and an extended outwardly projecting position to support the filter body in the expanded position. The frame has a plurality of engagement segments which are spaced-apart longitudinally and transversely when the filter body is in the deployed expanded configuration to urge the filter body into opposition with the vessel wall. The engagement segments define at least partially a substantially helical engagement track. |
| US07867246B2 |
Self-flushing medical apparatus
An apparatus for use in a therapeutic medical procedure that may include an elongate sheath having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate sheath having a first lumen having a first cross-sectional area running from an first opening at the distal end to a first point proximal the distal end and a second lumen fluidly connected to the first lumen, the second lumen having a distal end at or proximal the first point and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, the second lumen having a portion running generally along the elongate axis; and an elongate member having a first portion having a third cross-sectional area, a proximal end and a distal end and having a therapeutic device disposed on the elongate member proximate the distal end, the therapeutic device having a first configuration having a fourth cross-sectional area, wherein the elongate member is disposed in the first and second lumens and the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen, wherein when the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen, the elongate sheath has a second opening proximate and proximal the distal protection device and a third opening proximal the second opening in which the elongate member is partially disposed, and wherein the second opening is in fluid communication with the third opening when the distal protection device is disposed in the first lumen. |
| US07867241B2 |
Flexible instrument
A medical instrument assembly and robotic medical system are provided. The medical instrument comprises an outer probe having an elongated shaft, an inner probe having an elongated shaft coaxially disposed within the outer probe shaft, and actuating elements. The robotic medical system comprises the medical instrument assembly, a support on which the medical instrument assembly is slidably disposed, a user interface configured for generating at least one command, a drive unit coupled to the actuating elements, and an electric controller configured, in response to the command(s), for directing the drive unit to drive the actuating elements to independently effect movement of the outer and inner probes within at least one degree-of-freedom, and to linearly translate the medical instrument assembly along the support. |
| US07867240B2 |
Devices and methods for storing, loading, and delivering an intraocular lens
A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion. |
| US07867235B2 |
System and method for joint restoration by extracapsular means
A system and method for joint restoration by extracapsular means includes an actuator operable to apply a force to a portion of a bone to effect a change in the joint space geometry. One embodiment of the system includes an actuator operable to apply a cyclic loading to subchondral bone of a femur, wherein loads of a predetermined magnitude are alternately applied and released. Between periods of cyclic loading, rest periods are provided where no load is applied. Over time, the femoral joint surface is remodeled in accordance with the location, direction, magnitude, and frequency of the loading. |
| US07867234B2 |
Reamer bushing
A kit including tools or instruments for reaming a series of progressively larger bores in a work piece has as least two reamers of different reamers. Each of the reamers has a plurality of cutting flutes extending radially from a central shaft of the reamer. The flutes of each of the at least two reamers extend at a different radial distance from the shaft with the inner shaft of each reamer having the same diameter. A rotatable guide bushing has a recess for receiving each of the flutes of the at least two reamers with the recesses open to a central bore in the bushing. The central bore has a diameter equal to or greater than the shaft diameters of the reamers and acts as a guide to keep the rotational axis of each reamer aligned with the central axis of the bushing bore. A holder is provided to fix the bushing with respect to the bore in the work piece. |
| US07867221B2 |
Infusion device and overfill protection mechanism for use with same
A medical device and displacement-based over-pressurization mechanism (OPM) for use with the same. The OPM may be positioned in or along a refill passageway of the device. It may include a valve plunger having a portion in biased, abutting contact with a reservoir surface that moves as the reservoir volume changes. The reservoir surface may move between a full position and a refill position. The OPM is preferably configured to close and occlude the refill passageway when the reservoir and reservoir surface reach the full position, e.g., before reaching an overfill position. A sensor may also be provided to detect a position of the valve plunger. |
| US07867219B2 |
Catheter with flexible tip and shape retention
An improved apparatus and method to catheterize passages is disclosed. The present invention provides a catheter having a soft flexible pre-formed distal tip, that when used in combination with commercially available guidewires of variable stiffness, results in the ability to control the direction and angle of wire advancement allowing cannulation of body passages, including those that arise at acute angles. The catheter can have a longitudinal axis, a proximal section and a distal section having a soft flexible pre-formed tip having a curvature of ninety degrees or greater and shape retention. The catheter can have an inner wall that defines a lumen that runs along said longitudinal axis forming a single continuous tube, a reinforcement braid disposed over the inner wall, and an outside covering disposed over the reinforcement braid. A spacer can be added between said wall liner and said reinforcement braid in the proximal end. |
| US07867214B2 |
Systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis
In a peritoneal dialysis embodiment of the present invention, spent dialysate from the patient's peritoneal cavity passes, along a patient loop, through a dialyzer having a membrane that separates waste components from the spent dialysate, wherein the patient loop returns fresh dialysate to the patient's peritoneal cavity. The waste components are carried away in a second regeneration loop to a regeneration unit or sorbent cartridge, which absorbs the waste components. The regeneration unit removes undesirable components in the dialysate that were removed from the patient loop by the dialyzer, for example, excess water (ultrafiltrate or UF), toxins and metabolic wastes. Desirable components can be added to the dialysate by the system, such as glucose and electrolytes. The additives assist in maintaining the proper osmotic gradients in the patient to perform dialysis and provide the necessary compounds to the patient. |
| US07867208B2 |
Absorbent article having disposal fastening means
An absorbent article (10) includes an absorbent core (12) disposed between an inner coversheet (14) and an outer coversheet (16). The article further includes at least one disposal fastener (18) which is directly or indirectly joined to the outer coversheet (16). The disposal fastener (18) includes a fastening element (20) which allows the article to be secured in a configuration that provides a convenient disposal after the article has been used. The disposal fastener (18) is covered by a material layer (22) having a surface area such that it extends beyond the disposal fastener (18). The material layer (22) is attached to or forms an integral part of the outer coversheet (16) so as to keep the disposal fastener (18) hidden when not in use. The material layer (22) is releasable from the outer coversheet (16) so as to expose the disposal fastener (18) for use. |
| US07867205B2 |
Method of delivering an implant for treating an ocular disorder
Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating ocular disorders are disclosed. Some methods relate to delivering an implant within an eye, and involve providing an elongate guide device, such as, a flexible guide member or a guide wire. A distal end of the guide device can be advanced into an anterior chamber of an eye, or through at least a portion of a site of resistance along a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, or from an anterior chamber of the eye to a location proximate a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye. The implant is advanced along the guide device toward the guide device distal end, and is positioned to conduct aqueous humor between the anterior chamber and the physiologic outflow pathway. |
| US07867203B2 |
Implantable pump with adjustable flow rate
A valve that is adapted to control the flow rate of fluid flow from an implantable pump or other fluid delivery device is provided. In general, the valve includes a multi-lumen member that is adapted to receive fluid-flow therethrough, and a restrictor member that is coupled to the multi-lumen member such that the restrictor member is effective to selectively restrict at least a portion of one or more lumens in the multi-lumen member to thereby adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing through the multi-lumen member. The valve can be built into an implantable drug pump to control fluid flow exiting the pump, or alternatively the valve can disposed within a catheter or otherwise coupled to an outlet port in an implantable drug pump to control the flow rate of fluid exiting the drug pump. |
| US07867201B2 |
Anti-stick device for bent injection needle
The invention concerns an anti-stick device for a bent injection needle.The device is composed of a wall formed by articulated panels (1, 2, 3) including a base panel (1), a needle-holding panel (2), and a covering panel (3). The base panel (1) has two opposite lateral branches (1b, 1d) which are pre-curved to facilitate their application on the skin, and two other opposite lateral branches (1c, 1e) capable of being bent at will for pressing them onto the skin. The two other panels have curvatures to match the curvature of the pre-curved branches when they are folded down onto the base panel.Application to feeding an implanted chamber. |
| US07867199B2 |
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 and a carrier body, and a cannula housing. The cannula housing and the needle hub are releasably connected and when they are connected, the insertion needle is placed inside the cannula. 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 to an advanced position where the needle and cannula are placed subcutaneously. One 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. |
| US07867196B1 |
Pump and method having reduced pressure and friction for providing fluid, especially for surgical procedures
A pump includes a pumping chamber having an inlet, an assembly of a rotating hub and blades disposed in the pumping chamber, a connection to a fluid source and a connection to an air source. According to one embodiment, at least one conduit relieves pressure on the assembly by conducting fluid. According to another embodiment, the blades each have a radially outer edge with a shape minimizing friction between the radially outer edge and an inner surface of the pumping chamber. Methods for providing fluid are also provided. |
| US07867193B2 |
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, which includes a hollow member that defines at least one lumen for facilitating a unidirectional recirculating flow of a therapeutic fluid through the lumen. The fluid can contain a bodily fluid, such as, for example, perilymph, and a drug. The apparatus also includes a pump, for example a single unidirectional pump, to control the flow rate of the therapeutic fluid through the hollow member, and an interface member in communication with at least one lumen of the hollow member. The device thus 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. |
| US07867191B2 |
Irrigation/aspiration apparatus
To provide an irrigation/aspiration apparatus by which a trouble for an operator is reduced and handling is facilitated and which is capable of preventing a sharp decrease of pressure of an anterior chamber with a simple constitution.The apparatus has a chamber storing an irrigation liquid, a vent tube for making the liquid flow into an aspiration tube, a leading vent leading the liquid into the chamber from an irrigation tube, an outflow pipe extended in an up-and-down direction, an opening formed on a wall of the outflow pipe, of which a width is narrow and set such that an opening is closed by the liquid under surface tension when a liquid level of the liquid inside the chamber rises, an outflow vent to which the irrigation tube or a vent tube is connected, and an air chamber which is a space provided above an inflow hole of the outflow pipe. |
| US07867184B2 |
System and method for correcting clubfoot problems in children
A system and method for comfortably restraining a child's feet undergoing the Ponseti method for treatment of clubfeet, using a foot and ankle abduction orthosis, where the improvement includes a shoe with a single piece sole and quick release slot with an adjustable hinged heel support member, as well as having a soft pliable area around the feet and ankle support with lateral support bands to limit foot plantar flexion. |
| US07867176B2 |
Variable stiffness guidewire
A guidewire navigable through body vessels of a human subject for delivery of a catheter or the like is provided. The guidewire has a tube which receives a corewire that protrudes beyond a distal portion of the tube. The protruding portion of the corewire is surrounded by a spring and shapeable into a curve or arc. The cross-sectional shape of the spring may be varied in order to promote bending flexibility and curvature or to favor curvature of a chosen type. The corewire is axially movable with respect to the tube, which compresses or stretches the spring to change the stiffness of the spring. The tube has a proximal portion comprised of a relatively rigid material, such as stainless steel, while a distal portion is comprised of a more flexible material, such as a nitinol. |
| US07867172B1 |
Combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system
A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter. |
| US07867170B2 |
Method and apparatus for non-invasively measuring hemodynamic parameters using parametrics
An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed. |
| US07867165B2 |
System and method for monitoring a physiological condition
Method for treating a medical condition in a human patient comprising choosing a psychological strategy for treating the medical condition, encoding electronic instructions for an interactive video game in such a way that the interactive video game implements the psychological strategy, loading the electronic instructions into a microprocessor-based unit equipped with a display for displaying the interactive video game and with an patient input device for receiving responses to the interactive video game from the human patient, and instructing the human patient how and when to use the microprocessor-based unit to play the interactive video game. The interactive video game contains instructions for a scoring procedure for quantitatively analyzing the medical condition of the human patient, and/or counseling instructions or self-care instructions. The video game can be used in conjunction with a physical parameter measuring device connected to the microprocessor-based unit. |
| US07867164B2 |
Wound retractor system
A wound retractor system comprises a retractor having a distal ring 91 and a retracting sleeve 4 extending from the ring. An insertion tool 120 has a distal groove 122 to hold the ring for insertion of the ring through a small incision 90 in the abdominal wall 97. The retractor may be used for retracting an incision to receive an instrument therethrough. A seal or valve may be mounted to the retractor through which an instrument can pass. |
| US07867163B2 |
Instrument and method for remotely manipulating a tissue structure
A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a dissection cradle that is resiliently supported along an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle, in operation, is extended to cradle the target vessel, and the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate a side branch for exposure to a surgical tool. The retractor includes a hollow support and a spray nozzle disposed in the distal end of the retractor to form an irrigation system and lens washer that can be selectively positioned to direct the spray of irrigation fluid at a remote surgical site or at an endoscopic lens. |
| US07867160B2 |
Systems and methods for photo-mechanical hearing transduction
Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound. |
| US07867156B2 |
Spout applicator
An apparatus for attaching a spout having a flange to a preformed hole in an open-ended container. The apparatus comprises of an applicator system and a mandrel. The applicator system is able to translate a linear motion to an arc motion. The mandrel is attached to the applicator system. The mandrel is adapted to releasably engage the spout. |
| US07867155B2 |
Expander roller
A roller for a web-processing machine, the roller having a support core, which is braced in the region of both its ends via a respective bearing arrangement, and an outer covering, which in its axially central region is mounted in a radially fixed manner in relation to the support core and in the region of its two ends is braced in a radially displaceable manner in relation to the support core by a respective additional bearing arrangement, whereby the outer covering is displaceable in the region of its two ends respectively by an actuator arranged within the outer covering, the actuator being adjustable and including two inter-mounted eccentrics to which is assigned respectively one pivoting device, whereby the two pivoting devices are controllable such that the size of the resulting eccentricity and the position of the resulting eccentricity are adjustable preferably separately from each other. |
| US07867151B2 |
Dual variable resistance control apparatus and system for exercise equipment
An apparatus and control system for establishing and maintaining a user selected magnitude and direction of pneumatic resistance provided by exercise equipment includes at least one electrically controlled regulator for admitting air to and releasing air from the pneumatic system, transducer for measuring air pressure within the system and providing a corresponding signal, potentiometer for setting and monitoring system pressure in response to signal input from the transducer, air accumulator tank, and pneumatic piston cylinder assembly. The apparatus may also include at least one user controlled electrically switchable four way valve for providing bi-directional resistance. The apparatus is adaptable for providing unilateral or bilateral exercise movements, with or without bi-directional resistance, and can be used to provide range of motion exercise without resistance. |
| US07867146B2 |
Horse-riding simulating physical fitness device
A horse-riding simulating physical fitness device includes a bottom rack and a movable frame. The bottom rack includes a base positionable on ground and forms a front support that is rotatably coupled to a movable frame with a connection link and a rear support that is rotatably coupled to two crank arms extending in the same direction. The two crank arms are rotatably coupled to the movable frame with two rocker arms. The movable frame includes a seat bar and a head bar respectively supporting a seat cushion and a handlebar. When a user rides on the movable frame, using feet to tread the crank arms, the movable frame is caused to swing frontward and rearward along a predetermined motion trace to generate a horse riding like motion. Thus, a new style of exercise is provided, which offers versatile effects of training. |
| US07867139B2 |
Ski exercising and training apparatus
A control system for an exercise apparatus has an input mechanism for setting a goal for exercise in measurable units, a display for displaying the goal in the measurable units, and an initiation mechanism. Upon setting the goal, the goal in measurable units is displayed in the display, upon activating the initiation mechanism the display begins to decrement in the measurable units, and upon reaching zero, the original goal is displayed and then increments in the measurable units. |
| US07867135B2 |
Electro-mechanical transmission control system
A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults. |
| US07867131B2 |
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 first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake. |
| US07867128B2 |
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. |
| US07867126B2 |
Differential case for vehicle and differential device for vehicle
A differential case for a vehicle and a differential device for a vehicle supplying sufficiently lubrication oil to a gear peripheral portion as a supported portion of a pinion gear in order to prevent a bonding of the gear peripheral portion of the pinion gear. The differential case or the differential device for the vehicle comprises a pair of pinion gear supporting portions (10, 11) supporting slidably a pair of pinion gears (3, 4), and a lubrication oil introducing portion (7, 8) provided around a peripheral portion of the pair of pinion gears (3, 4) to introduce lubrication oil into a clearance between sliding faces of the pair of pinion gears (3, 4) and pinion gear supporting faces (10a, 11a, 10b, 11b) of the pair of pinion gear supporting portions (10, 11). |
| US07867125B2 |
Rear wheel drive apparatus for four wheel drive (4WD) hybrid electric vehicle
In one aspect, a real wheel drive apparatus is provided for a four wheel drive hybrid electric vehicle includes: a motor generator for driving rear wheels; a reduction gear set for reducing an output speed of the motor generator and transmitting the reduced output speed; a differential gear set interposed between the reduction gear set and right and left wheel shafts of the rear wheels and a clutch unit interposed between the differential gear set and the wheel shaft to perform a differential limiting. |
| US07867124B2 |
Output split electrically-variable transmission with electric propulsion using one or two motors
An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and a final drive gearset. Two or three torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish at least one forward electric-only operating mode including a series mode, an output split mode, and at least one neutral mode including a purely neutral mode and a neutral battery charge mode. The transmission optionally includes a one-way clutch selected from the group of friction clutch and dog clutch, or is a lockable one-way clutch, for enabling low loss forward operation, regenerative braking functionality, and/or reverse vehicle operation. |
| US07867121B2 |
Metal V-belt
A metal V-belt includes a plurality of metal elements supported by a metal ring. The metal ring includes front and rear main surfaces, a pair of left and right slots that receive the metal ring therein, the slots being defined between a saddle surface and an ear-part bottom surface. A protrusion is provided on one of the front and rear main surfaces, and a concavity is provided in the other of the front and rear main surfaces. A clearance defined between an outermost peripheral surface of the metal ring and the ear-part bottom surface of the metal element is set to a value that at an exit of a driven pulley, contact of the innermost peripheral surface of the metal ring with the saddle surface of the metal element, and contact of the protrusion of a succeeding metal element and the concavity of a preceding metal element is avoided. |
| US07867119B2 |
Transmission system combining an internal combustion engine and an alternator-starter
The invention relates to a transmission system in which the crankshaft (V) of a combustion engine (M) is coupled via a transmission device using flexible links, particularly of the belt type, to a shaft (1) of an alternator-starter (ATD), characterized in that it has a two-state coupling device, the states being a first state corresponding to a phase for starting the engine, in which the shaft (1) of the alternator-starter (ATD) drives the crankshaft (V) of the engine (M) with a first transmission ratio, and a second state in which the crankshaft (V) of the engine (M) drives the shaft (1) of the alternator-starter (ATD) with a second transmission ratio, and in that the first transmission ratio is higher than the second transmission ratio. |
| US07867118B2 |
Bicycle front derailleur
A bicycle front derailleur includes a fixed member, a chain guide and a linkage assembly. The fixed member includes a fixing body and a projection part fixedly coupled together. The fixing body includes a fastening portion with a seat tube reference plane that aligns with a longitudinal center axis of a seat tube when coupled thereto. The projection part has a projecting surface offset axially from the fixing body toward a smallest front chain ring of a bicycle front crankset. The projecting surface has an overall vertical height lying substantially in a single plane measured in a direction parallel to the seat tube reference plane that is greater than 10 millimeters in an area between the seat tube reference plane and 23 millimeters measured perpendicularly and forwardly from the seat tube reference plane. |
| US07867114B2 |
Multi-walled tubular baseball bats with barrel inserts of variable geometry
A multi-walled, tubular baseball bat has a barrel portion with a mid-section wherein the radial stiffness of the overall barrel wall varies along the barrel length to provide an enlarged sweetspot, improved soft feel and performance, plus unique sounds upon impact. The bat has a frame with a barrel portion of consistent diameter. A secondary member, or members, of tubular form extend internally along the barrel. The secondary member provides the required radial stiffness variation by: 1) variations in the thickness of the wall of the secondary member or by, 2) secondary members with unique geometric external surface profiles or by, 3) the presence of functional air cavities, with or without closed ends, between the main bat frame and the secondary member or members or by, 4) the presence of numerous annular secondary members located side by side less than one-half the length of the barrel portion. |
| US07867112B1 |
Athletic training apparatus
An athletic training apparatus for improving the stick and ball handling ability of an athlete and particularly an ice hockey player. The athletic training apparatus generally includes a body member having an upper surface, a flat bottom surface, and a generally circular side wall, wherein the body member is comprised of a cylindrical shape and at least one elongated attachment member extending below the bottom surface of the body member to affix the body member to an athletic training surface, such as a sheet of ice for ice hockey training. Pads may also be secured to the attachment member below the bottom surface of the body member for providing a gripping structure to secure the body member to a surface, such as a roller hockey playing surface. Alternate uses may be employed, such as use upon a court to improve ball handling skills and various other playing surfaces. |
| US07867111B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball. |
| US07867109B2 |
Golf ball with dimples having constant depth
A golf ball having an improved dimple pattern is disclosed. The dimples may have a regular or irregular polygonal perimeter, an undimpled land surface and a depression therein. The perimeter may alternatively comprise a number of linear sides and at least one curved side. At least a portion of the bottom of the depression is convex such that its curvature is substantially identical to the curvature of the land surface making the depth of that portion constant along its surface relative to the land surface. The depression may further comprise a sub-depression. Alternatively, the depression may further comprise a projection. Additionally, the depression may have a polygonal or circular perimeter. |
| US07867107B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer. |
| US07867105B2 |
Forged iron head and golf club having the same
A forged iron head for a golf club has a face for hitting a golf ball, a top and a sole extending to upper and lower parts of a rear side of the face, a heel and a toe disposed between the sole and the top, a cavity disposed in the rear side of the face and surrounded by the sole, the top, the heel and the toe and a hosel coupled with a shaft extending from a first side of the face and having a handle part to be gripped by a player. The head comprises a hollow part with an opening formed from the sole toward a first side of the cavity, and a sole cover which closes the opening. The formation of the hollow part lowers the centroid of the iron head, thereby improving flight distances and direction of a golf ball. |
| US07867103B2 |
Systems and devices for controlled putting
A putting system with a putter substrate and modules that detachably couple to the putter substrate to form a putter head is disclosed. The modules detect, determine, measure and/or monitor alignment and/or tempo of the putter head. Modules include displays and/or audio outputs that provide visual and/or audio representations of the alignment and/or the tempo of the putter head. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the system includes a target module for generating alignment signals that are received by a positioning module with a built-in receiver unit. Preferably, the transmitter unit includes an array of infrared transmitters and the receiver unit includes an array of infrared detectors. In operation the positioning module is configured to detect, determine, measure and/or monitor angular alignment of the putter head with respect to the target module based on intensities of the alignment signals received at each of the infrared detectors. In accordance with further embodiments of the invention the system includes weight modules with a range of weights and weight balances. |
| US07867100B2 |
Rodeo or riding device
A riding device includes one or more cranks rotatably attached to a base, and a rider support supported on a carrier and movable relative to the base for supporting a rider, the carrier has a front portion for swinging relative to the base and a rear portion pivotally coupled to the cranks for moving cyclically relative to the base and for allowing the carrier to be moved in an elliptical and reciprocating action relative to the base by the crank device, and the rider support is supported on the carrier and moved in concert with the rider support for supporting the rider, and the carrier and the rider support may be moved relative to the base in an elliptical and reciprocating action by the rider. |
| US07867093B2 |
Video game with simulated evolution
A video game that provides a player game play experience that simulates an evolution process is disclosed. In each stage of the evolution process, the player can create game content that is uploaded to a server. Other players' game content can also be downloaded into the player's game. In an embodiment of the present invention, the player-defined content can be automatically uploaded to a server, where it can be automatically downloaded to players' games in accordance with criteria such as heuristics that are relevant to the game, player preferences, rankings, community preferences and combinations thereof. |
| US07867092B2 |
Gaming apparatus with an optical wireless system
A casino gaming unit may include a display unit that is capable of generating video images, a value input device, a gaming unit controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device, an optical communication transceiver capable of wireless data transmission and reception, and an optical communication controller coupled to the optical communication transceiver and the gaming unit controller. The gaming unit controller may comprise a processor and a memory and may allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on the display unit, to determine an outcome of the game, and a value payout associated with the outcome of the game. The optical communication controller may facilitate wireless data communication with an optical communication transceivers of one or more devices at locations remote from the gaming unit. |
| US07867091B2 |
Multiplayer gaming system and method of operation thereof
A multiplayer gaming system that is usable by a number of participating players to play a multiplayer game, comprises a plurality of player stations, each player station enabling a respective participating player to place a wager on an outcome of the multiplayer game and to play a separate instance of a same single-player game having a plurality of possible results, and an application web server communicable with each one of the plurality of player stations.The application web server is operable to determine an outcome of the multiplayer game as a function of the combined results of the separate instances of the single-player game played at the plurality of player stations. The outcome of the multiplayer game is either a favourable outcome if one or more participating players are determined by the application web server as being a winner of the multiplayer game, or an unfavourable outcome in which none of the participating players is determined as being a winner.A single turn of the multiplayer game includes at least one turn of an instance of the single-player game at each one of the plurality of player stations in use by a participating player. The application web server determines an outcome of a turn of the multiplayer game only after completion of at least one turn of an instance of the single-player game for each participating player, respectively, and awards a prize to the winning player when the outcome of the turn of the multiplayer game is a favourable outcome. |
| US07867089B2 |
Expanding operating device and operating system
An expanding operating device has a first connector, a second connector and a sensor. The first connector has a first shape physically and electrically connectable with a connector provided with an operating device. Thus, by connecting the first connector to the connector of the operating device, the expanding operating device can be used with the operating device as a single unit, which eventually adds the sensor to the operating device. On the other hand, the second connector has a second shape connectable with a connector with the first shape. This allows a connector conventionally connected to the connector of another operating device to be also connected with the second connector. Accordingly, if the connector of another device is connected the second connector in a state that the first connector is connected to the connector of the operating device, the another device is eventually connected to the operating device via the expanding operating device. |
| US07867087B2 |
Game program, game device, and game method
With a game implemented by the present game program, characters will be selected when a command means is placed into contact with a character. In addition, the movement direction of the command means will be identified when moved on the monitor. Then, the characters selected by the selection means will be moved in the movement direction of the command means. When this occurs, the movement state of the characters will be displayed on a monitor. |
| US07867085B2 |
Gaming machine environment having controlled audio and visual media presentation
A gaming machine system comprises a plurality of multimedia output devices, including audio, visual, and/or tactile devices strategically mounted around a casino. The multimedia devices may be used to present celebratory sights, sounds, and/or other sensations throughout the casino when a player achieves a winning outcome. The celebratory sights, sounds, and/or other sensations increase the overall level of stimuli in the casino, thereby helping to create a celebratory atmosphere. In some embodiments, the celebratory multimedia stimuli are communicated to certain gaming machines in the casino based on a triggering event that occurred at a remote gaming machine. The gaming machines may be the same type and/or brand, or they may be different types and/or brands such that the same celebratory stimuli are used to promote multiple types and/or brands of gaming machines. The celebratory stimuli may also be customized specifically for a gaming machine, a player(s), or a casino. |
| US07867082B2 |
Game and prizing method
A game and prize method includes a prize awarded to a winner of a game, and the prize must be spent by the winner within a certain set time limit. However, in order to obtain the prize a player must participate in a game, preferably a tournament style game, with other people, and win the prize. The game may be against the other contestants in a knock-out style game, or may alternatively be against a computer, with a selection of one of the contestants being made based on random or deterministic criteria. However the winner is determined, the winner receives a money prize which must then be spent by the winner within a set time limit. |
| US07867076B2 |
Systems and methods for allocating an outcome amount among a total number of events
Systems and methods are provided for operating a gaming system. In one embodiment, an outcome amount associated with a total number of events is determined. For example, a total payout amount associated with a number of instant lottery tickets may be determined. Based on a parameter associated with a player, the outcome amount is allocated among the total number of events. The outcome amount may be allocated, for example, based on a total number of events selected by the player. |
| US07867075B2 |
Game apparatus
Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display. |
| US07867072B2 |
Rotor tine and rotary element configuration for crop residue treatment systems
A rotor tine construction for a rotary element of a crop residue treatment system for effecting improved transport of crop residue along a material flow path and, if a counter knife assembly is spaced from the rotary element across the material flow path, for also effecting improved shear cutting of such crop residue by the knife elements of the counter knife assembly and more efficient operation of the crop residue treatment system, which rotor tine construction includes a base portion generally mountable to the rotary member of the rotary element, at least one rotor tine extending outwardly from such base portion and including three distinct blade edges, one of which forms a trailing edge and the other two of which are upper and lower edge portions forming a leading edge, with the lower and upper edge portions configured and intersecting with one another to form a notch-like indentation along the leading edge at an intersection point P defined to be the point of cut contact position, such that, as the rotary member rotates forwardly the rotor tine is rotated through the material flow path to engage and concentrate engaged lengths of crop residue near intersection point P for an improved cut as such material is moved past the knife elements of the counter knife assembly. |
| US07867070B2 |
Data center cooling
A system includes a substantially sealed, substantially airtight cabinet sized for housing a vertical array of heat-producing units, the cabinet having an exterior shell and the system including an interior divider wall disposed inside the cabinet, the shell and divider wall providing an equipment chamber adapted to support the array such that the array cooperates with the shell and divider wall in use to define a first plenum, the first plenum having a first inlet defined by the divider wall for receiving a flow of cooling gas and having a first outlet defined by a plurality of openings through the array whereby the first plenum communicates with the openings in use to exhaust substantially all of the flow of cooling fluid through the openings and hence through the array, wherein the divider wall is configured to allow the first inlet to admit the gas to the first plenum in a substantially horizontal direction. |
| US07867068B2 |
Kits with pivot heads for producing encased products
Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof; (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns. |
| US07867066B2 |
Polishing pad
A polishing pad having a novel structure, which is applicable to highly accurate various polishing process, such as a CMP process, is provided. An annular rear plane groove (22) extending in a circumferential direction is formed on a rear plane (20) of the polishing pad. |
| US07867064B2 |
Drywall sander
A drywall sander includes a replaceable sanding pad having a layer of resilient material, and an abrasive surface. The sanding pad includes one or more edge portions that project beyond the edges of a sander head. The edges of the sanding pad can be deformed during use when the sander is used in a corner or the like to thereby prevent scuffing or other damage to adjacent orthogonal surfaces. |
| US07867059B2 |
Semiconductor wafer, apparatus and process for producing the semiconductor wafer
The invention relates to a process for producing a semiconductor wafer by double-side grinding of the semiconductor wafer, in which the semiconductor wafer is simultaneously ground on both sides, first by rough-grinding and then by finish-grinding, using a grinding tool. The semiconductor wafer, between the rough-grinding and the finish-grinding, remains positioned in the grinding machine, and the grinding tool continues to apply a substantially constant load during the transition from rough-grinding to finish-grinding. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process and to a semiconductor wafer having a local flatness value on a front surface of less than 16 nm in a measurement window of 2 mm×2 mm area and of less than 40 nm in a measurement window of 10 mm×10 mm area. |
| US07867058B2 |
Sports bra
A sports bra having an integral storage integral pouch disposed within the cleavage portion is disclosed. The integral integral pouch is formed by a top opening between two ply of the multi-ply material that the sports bra is comprised of and first and second edges that are formed within the multi-ply material. The multi-ply material is laminated together and has universal elasticity to provide support for the wearer as well as the necessary tension to hold an object stored in the integral pouch in place. The first and second edges are formed by sewing and the distance between the first and second edges is selected to be slightly less than the width of an object to be stored within the integral pouch. In addition, the top opening may be such that the length of the top opening is slightly less than the distance between the first and second edges. |
| US07867054B2 |
Flat panel display and method of fabricating the same
A flat panel display and method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The flat panel display includes a first substrate having a pixel region; a light-emitting element located on the pixel region; a second substrate located opposite the first substrate; and a sealant located between the first and second substrates to cover the light-emitting element. At least one of the first and second substrates includes a groove formed around at least a portion of the circumference surrounding the pixel region. When the first and second substrates are pressed together with the sealant between them, the sealant spreads, covering the light-emitting element, and at least partially filling the groove. |
| US07867051B2 |
Method of fabricating an organic light emitting display device
An organic light emitting display device and a method of fabricating the same. A dummy pattern is formed in an emission region to increase the step height of the emission region by an electrode material while a thin film transistor is fabricated, so that a distance between a pixel electrode and a donor film is decreased during fabrication of an organic layer. This reduced distance reduces laser energy for transfer using laser-induced thermal imaging, thus improving life span and efficiency of the device. Further, the pixel electrode can extend into a thin film transistor region and a capacitor region, thus enhancing an aperture ratio. |
| US07867050B2 |
Paddle assist to pop-up device
A device for attachment to the deck of a surfboard or paddleboard for making paddling a surfboard or paddleboard more comfortable and easier to paddle. On a surfboard the device can also assist in attaining proper speed and so that a surfer can more easily “pop-up.” The pop-up assist generally comprises a main body having a generally wedge shape attached to the deck of the surfboard generally where the lower chest or abdomen of the surfer, makes contact with the board. The pop-up assist generally creates a wedge between the body of the surfer or paddler and the deck of the surfboard, lifting the user's upper chest, neck and, head up from the deck of the board. The pop-up assist can also be collapsible, so that the obstruction of the wedge on the board is removed once the user “pops-up.” |
| US07867047B2 |
Outboard motor intake port system
An outboard motor intake port system includes an internal cover mounted, from the inside, on an engine cover to form an intake chamber between the internal cover and the engine cover. The internal cover is integrally provided with a bottom plate portion facing the inner face of an upper part of the engine cover, a front wall portion extending upward from a front edge of the bottom plate portion and connected to the inner face of the upper part of the engine cover, and a pair of tubular portions extending upward from the bottom plate portion. The pair of tubular portions are arranged side by side so water that has entered the intake chamber via an intake port passes through the tubular portions. A pair of drain holes for discharging water are formed in the engine cover and communicate with the left and right front parts of the intake chamber. |
| US07867046B1 |
Torsion-bearing break-away mount for a marine drive
A marine drive has a break-away mount provided by hollowed-out threaded fasteners mounting first and second sections of the drive and breaking away in response to a given underwater impact against the second section to protect the first section and the vessel. |
| US07867044B2 |
Multiple ground terminal assembly for vehicles
Disclosed herein is a multiple ground terminal assembly for vehicles. The multiple ground terminal assembly includes a multiple ground terminal unit 100 and a ground bolt 200, and can be formed by layering multiple ground terminals 110 to be in surface contact with each other. |
| US07867043B2 |
Electrical contact with stopper and electrical connector having the same
An electrical contact (20) for using in a CPU (central processing unit) socket, includes a planar base portion (201), a pair of flexible arms (203) extending from the planar base portion, a pair of contact portions (204) being orthogonal to the flexible arms, a pair of stopper portions (205) coplanarly formed on the flexible arms and a solder portion (206) being orthogonal to the planar base portion and extending parallel to the contact portions. |
| US07867040B2 |
Cable assembly with retainer for holding connector
A cable assembly comprises an insulative housing defining a first receiving room extending rearwardly from a front surface of the insulative housing. A first electrical connector is received into the first receiving room. A first cable is electrically connected with the first electrical connector and extends rearwardly out of the insulative housing. And a retainer is received into the first receiving room and engaged with the insulative housing, the first electrical connector is held by the retainer. |
| US07867038B2 |
Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector is provided comprising a female member and a male member configured such that the female member is inhibited from being electrically coupled to the male member if the electrical coupling would reverse the polarity of the electrical connector. The female member may comprise a first and second chamber. The male member may comprise a first and second extension. The first and second chambers may be configured to insertably accommodate the first and second extensions. The female member may comprise one or more resilient members providing a pressing force to bias at least a portion of a male electrode against at least a portion of a corresponding female electrode. Alternatively, the cover of the male electrode in the first and second extensions may comprise a resilient member. |
| US07867037B2 |
Electrical connector with terminals retained on external faces of the housing
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts exposed and retained to external faces of the housing. The housing defines a front face (11), a receiving cavity (10) opening through the front face for receiving a mating connector and a plurality of retaining holes disposed on external faces thereof. Each of the contacts defines a base portion (211), a contacting portion (2121) extending from one edge of the base portion and projecting into the receiving cavity, at least one retaining portion (213) extending from the base portion and a soldering portion (214). The plurality of contacts are retained to the housing by the at least one retaining portion interfering with the corresponding retaining holes, and all the base portions abut against external faces of the housing. |
| US07867036B2 |
Plug converter for changing the electrical pin configuration of an appliance plug
A plug converter for changing the electrical pin configuration of an appliance plug has an enclosure with a base and a cover. On the base are connector pins having a first electrical pin configuration for connecting the enclosure to an electrical outlet. Within the enclosure are electrical connectors for connection with an appliance plug having a second electrical pin configuration. The electrical connectors are electrically connected to the connector pins. A support structure is provided adjacent an opening in the enclosure for supporting an appliance plug connected with the electrical connectors. |
| US07867032B2 |
Connector assembly having signal and coaxial contacts
A connector assembly includes a housing and contacts. The housing is configured to mate with a mating connector. The contacts are in the housing and configured to electrically connect the connector assembly with the mating connector. The contacts are arranged in a coaxial signal contact pattern. The coaxial signal contact pattern includes a center signal contact surrounded by contacts electrically connected to an electrical ground in a manner to emulate a coaxial connection with the mating connector. |
| US07867024B2 |
Device for fixing at least one coupling to a carrier part
For fastening a coupling (1) formed from one plug-in part (2) and one sliding part (4) to a carrier part, a retaining arrangement (9) constructed of at least one side part (10, 11) from each opposite side is proposed. Each of the side parts (10, 11) has a spring arm (20) to which a bracket (23) is attached that grips the shaped collar (6) of the plug-in part (2) from behind in such a way that the collar (6), after pushing in the plug-in part (2) from the entry side (14), is in contact with a termination rib (24). Thus the plug-in part (2) is left fixed on the carrier part without both parts (2, 4) of the coupling (1) having to be plugged together when the sliding part (4) is slid. |
| US07867020B2 |
Fixture
A fixture includes a base seat, a resist mechanism, a drive mechanism and an adjust mechanism. The resist mechanism is fixed to the base seat and includes a connector. The drive mechanism is fixed to the base seat. The adjust mechanism is fixed to the base seat and includes a connecting board. The connecting board has a power module attached thereto. The adjust mechanism can adjust the power module relative to the connector. The drive mechanism can drive the connector to move towards the power module. |
| US07867010B1 |
Electrical connector having latchs for locking with a complementary connector
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) with an engaging portion (1b), a plurality of contacts (2) received in the inslulitive housing (1) with a contacting portion (22) disposed in the engaging portion (1b) and at least one latch (4) received in the insulative housing (1) with a locking portion (42a) exposed at outside of the insulative housing (1). The latch (4) has a retaining portion (41) hold in the insulative housing (1) and a locking arm (42) unitarily connecting with the retaining portion (41) obliquely. |
| US07866996B2 |
Internal UFD
The present invention discloses a system including: (a) a host device including: (i) a cavity; and (ii) a socket, recessed in the cavity; and (b) a UFD configured to be reversibly operationally connected to the host device via the socket, wherein the UFD is configured to physically reside substantially in the cavity when the UFD is operationally connected to the socket. Also disclosed is a UFD system including: (a) a first part having components of a UFD, wherein the components include a primary connector and an electronics assembly; and (b) a second art having a UFD holder and a secondary connector, wherein the UFD holder is configured to reversibly accommodate the first part, wherein a dimension of the first part parallel to an insertion direction of the primary connector is shorter than a dimension of the second part parallel to an insertion direction of the secondary connector. In another embodiment, a UFD may be inserted into a UFD slot in an edge of a host panel. |
| US07866990B2 |
Socket assembly with pick-up cap serving as stand-off
An socket assembly mounted on a printed circuit board for receiving a IC package, comprises an insulative housing defining a plurality of passageways, a plurality of contacts received in the passageways and a pick-up cap covering the insulative housing. The insulative housing has four sidewalls surrounding the passageways. The pick-up cap has three steps, a first step covering the passageways of the housing, a second step seated on top faces of the sidewalls, and a third step set against the printed circuit board. The three steps of the pick-up cap can efficiently protect the insulative housing and the contacts. |
| US07866986B2 |
Conductive contact unit and conductive contact
A conductive contact unit includes plate-like conductive contacts for electrically connecting different circuitries. Each conductive contact includes a first contacting element to be brought in physical contact with one circuitry, a second contacting element to be brought in physical contact with another circuitry, an elastic element, between the first contacting element and the second contacting element, a first connecting element that connects the elastic element and the first contacting element, and a second connecting element that connects the elastic element and the second contacting element and that has an opening. The conductive contact unit also includes a conductive contact holder including first guiding grooves and second guiding grooves facing the first guiding grooves. The conductive contact holder holds the conductive contacts with both longitudinal outside ends of each conductive contact being slidably engaged with the first and the second guiding grooves. |
| US07866982B1 |
Aircraft crosswind landing simulator
An aircraft crosswind training simulator has a fixed-pitch cockpit rotatably mounted atop a platform. Rotation of the cockpit is controlled by motor controllers that are responsive to movement of the cockpit's steering control. A rotation sensor detects rotation of the cockpit and communicates with a motor controller that controls the direction and speed of a motor mounted to the platform. The motor is engaged with a drive wheel that drives the platform laterally across the floor in response to rotation of the cockpit that is detected by the rotation sensor. An instructor input switch manipulates the motor controllers to introduce additional forces to the rotation of the cockpit and/or additional forces to the lateral movement of the platform, simulating external forces present during crosswind conditions. |
| US07866976B2 |
Mold clamping mechanism of an injection molding machine
Mold clamping mechanism of an injection molding machine with a movable platen (10), a fixed platen (12) and a support section (9) connected to the movable platen (10) through connecting links, wherein, when clamping force is applied via the connecting links, a force is transmitted to the front face (9A) of the support section (9), wherein at least one recess (25) is arranged between the front face (9A) and the back face (9B) of the support section (9), which is formed in such a manner that those regions of the front face (9A) of the support section (9) to which the force (FH) is transferred are evenly deformed when force is applied. |
| US07866974B2 |
Melt distribution apparatus for use in a hot runner
Disclosed, amongst other things, is a melt distribution apparatus of a hot runner and a related method for balancing melt flow to a plurality of drops. The melt distribution apparatus includes a plurality of chokes with each choke of the plurality of chokes being associated with a corresponding one of a drop of a plurality of drops. Each choke of the plurality of chokes being configured to contribute, during an injection of a molding material therethrough, a choke melt-pressure loss such that the plurality of chokes contribute an aggregate choke melt-pressure loss that is generally between 10% and 75% of an aggregate hot runner melt-pressure loss. |
| US07866972B2 |
Replaceable double-plate-injection mold
A replaceable double-plate-injection mold comprises a movable side mold plate having one side formed with a male mold core; a movable side assembly plate being connected to another side of the movable side mold plate; a fixed side mold plate having one side being formed with a female mold core; and a fixed side assembly plate having one side installed with a plurality of track supporting rods for passing through the fixed side mold plate, the movable side mold plate, and the movable side assembly plate. One side of the fixed side assembly plate is recessed for assembling a supporting plate of the male mold core; and another side thereof is corresponding to the fixed side assembly plate. A center of the movable side mold plate is formed with a receiving portion. |
| US07866970B2 |
Hydraulic drive device for injection molding machine
In a hydraulic drive device (1) for an injection molding machine (M) that has a pressure control valve (Vs) incorporating a pressure sensor (2) for detecting a hydraulic pressure and a feedback control circuit (Cs) for controlling the hydraulic pressure by feedback based on a pressure detection value (Spd) obtained from the pressure sensor (2) and a pressure instruction value (Spc) fed from a molding machine controller (3), the molding machine controller (3) includes a second feedback control circuit (Cm) for correcting the pressure instruction value (Spc) that is fed to the pressure control valve (Vs) based on the pressure detection value (Spd) fed from the pressure control valve (Vs) and the pressure instruction value (Spci) obtained from the interior of the molding machine controller (3). |
| US07866968B2 |
Reusable inversion sleeve assembly for inversion of cured in place liners
Installation of a flexible cured in place liner by inverting the liner utilizing an inversion sleeve assembly with an installation apparatus having at least one selectively operable rigid gland. The sleeve assembly includes a sleeve portion of an absorbable material secured in an apparatus with an inversion boot fitted at the distal end with an inlet port for inversion and/or curing fluid. The sleeve assembly and apparatus are particularly well suited for inverting with air and curing the liner with steam introduced through a perforated lay flat hose using an apparatus with two glands. The installation sleeve is the same dimension as the liner to be installed and is reusable thereby substantially reducing the set up time to install using the dual gland apparatus. Preferably, the flexible sleeve is a length of dry cured in place liner inverted on to itself to expose two impregnable surfaces. The sleeve may have a built in fluid inlet port for use with a dual gland apparatus. |
| US07866967B2 |
Pump having an intermediate element with a pivot bearing within a rotor for connecting the rotor with a coupling device
A pump, in particular a vacuum pump for motor vehicles, wherein a rotor with at least one vane is mounted inside a pump housing, the rotor being rotatably driven by the combustion engine of the motor vehicle via a coupling device. An intermediate element is arranged between the rotor and the coupling device so as to captively retain the rotor and coupling device and protect them against wear. |
| US07866965B2 |
Inner gear being biased to pump cover due to meshing of inner and outer gears
A gear pump has a pump housing formed with a gear receiving recess, a pump cover coupled with the pump housing to cover the gear receiving recess, a hydraulic passage that uses the gear receiving recess as a passage part thereof, and annular inner and outer gears operatively installed in the gear receiving recess. The inner and outer gears are of a bevel type and meshed with each other in such a manner as to bias the inner gear in a direction to reduce the thickness of the passage part when the inner gear is rotated while turning the outer gear therearound. |
| US07866962B2 |
Two-stage rotary compressor
A two-stage rotary compressor having a compression mechanism including a single muffler housing member. The single muffler housing member at least partially defines an intermediate pressure discharge cavity and a discharge pressure discharge cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, the compression mechanism includes a cylinder block having a plurality of vanes positioned within slots formed in an inner cylindrical surface of the cylinder block. The slots are in fluid communication with the discharge pressure discharge cavity and receive discharge pressure working fluid to bias the vanes radially inwardly. In another exemplary embodiment, the cylinder block includes a plurality of passages for the delivery of working fluid to and from the cylinder block. |
| US07866960B2 |
Peristaltic pump
A hose compressed peristaltic pump is provided. The pump includes a base, a sidewall structure mounted on the base, and forming a containing space therein, a rotor having a center in the space and further having plural integral protrusions, and a hose disposed between the protrusions and the sidewall structure. |
| US07866959B2 |
Fan clutch for an electronics cooling fan
An electronic system, an apparatus for cooling an electronic system, an electronics cooling apparatus, and associated method use a clutch to operate a cooling fan. An electronics cooling fan for usage in cooling an electronic system comprises a clutch that disengages upon failure wherein the electronics cooling fan is configured to freewheel upon disengagement of the clutch. |
| US07866958B2 |
Solar powered fan
A solar powered personal fan with a much broader spectrum of both portable and fixed operating applications whereas prior art is application specific. This device also provides a plurality of fixed and portable power supplies. A solar panel, rechargeable battery pack or home charger can all be used as a power supply to operate the present invention. |
| US07866956B2 |
Oil pump for motorcycle
An oil pump system is provided for a motorcycle, and includes at least one oil pump, a water pump, a drive shaft, a support frame, a drive gear, and an oil collector lid. The oil pump is supported by a crankshaft case and is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft has an end section on which the drive gear is mounted. The drive gear is coupled to a crankshaft of an engine by a chain. The oil collector lid is arranged outside the drive gear. The water pump is coupled to the end of the drive shaft. Mechanical power is transmitted from the crankshaft, through the chain, to drive the drive gear and the drive shaft to also drive the water pump. The support frame is provided to rotatably support the drive shaft at a location spaced from the oil pump so as to form an enhanced support to the drive shaft and improve stability of operation and durability of the drive shaft. |
| US07866955B2 |
Suction muffler for a reciprocating hermetic compressor
A suction muffler for a small refrigeration system, the muffler including an enclosed equalizing chamber acting upon a tubular connector and a fluid communication between the equalizing chamber and an acoustic chamber. The assembly simultaneously minimizes the noises of gas pulses inside the suction muffler and the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the tubular connector. |
| US07866954B2 |
Valve and micro fluid pump having the same
Disclosed herein are a valve and a micro fluid pump having the same. The valve is mounted in a micro fluid pump having a capillary tube, to which a gas supply unit and a fluid transfer pipe are connected, for controlling the introduction and the discharge of fluid. The valve includes a discharge pipe filled with liquid such that the discharge pipe has a predetermined resistance pressure and constructed in a structure in which one end of the discharge pipe is connected to the capillary tube such that the discharge pipe communicates with the interior of the capillary tube, and the other end of the discharge pipe is open, thereby allowing gas out of the capillary tube through the discharge pipe when a gas pressure in the capillary tube exceeds the resistance pressure of the discharge pipe. |
| US07866952B2 |
Fan with improved heat dissipation
A fan includes a rotatable center member that is centered relative to an axis of rotation of the fan. The fan includes a number of blades radially extending from the rotatable center member. Each blade may have one or more ribs extending therefrom non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan. Each blade may be may be flat in shape, except for the ribs extending therefrom, or it may have a cycloidal curvature that curves away from the direction in which the rotatable center member rotates. In addition to or in lieu of the ribs, each blade may have a side profile that is non-linear. The side profile may be a zigzag or a curvy shape. The side profile may have one or more notches pointed in a direction opposite that in which the rotatable center member rotates, or may have one or more holes extending through the blade. |
| US07866951B2 |
Wind turbine blades with cross webs
A blade for a wind turbine includes a spar having a shear web, and at least one cross web extending from the spar. |
| US07866948B1 |
Turbine airfoil with near-wall impingement and vortex cooling
A turbine airfoil includes a plurality of cooling modules formed on the outer surface of the airfoil wall and spaced along the pressure side and the suction side of the airfoil. Each cooling module includes a first diffusion cavity connected to the cooling supply cavity by a first metering hole to provide impingement cooling in the first diffusion cavity. On the sides of the first diffusion cavity are second and third vortex chambers connected to the first diffusion cavity by second and third metering holes. The first diffusion cavity and the two vortex chambers each include film cooling holes to provide film cooling to the airfoil wall. The cooling circuit provides an impingement cooling in series with vortex cooling in order to provide a more efficient cooling of the airfoil wall. |
| US07866945B2 |
Axial flow fan
The present invention provides an axial flow fan capable of increasing an air volume and static pressure more than conventional axial flow fans. A plurality of rotary blades 5 are disposed in a circumferential direction of a rotary shaft 8 at equidistant intervals. A plurality of stationary blades 11 are disposed in the vicinity of a discharge opening 16 of an air channel portion 19 of a housing 3. The stationary blades are disposed in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 8 at equidistant intervals. The number of the rotary blades is seven (7) and the number of the stationary blades 11 is eight (8). |
| US07866944B2 |
Compact low noise efficient blower for CPAP devices
A blower for providing a supply of air at positive pressure in the range of approximately 2 cm H2O to 30 cm H2O includes a motor, at least one impeller, and a stationary component. The stationary component includes an inlet and an outlet. The motor, the impeller, the inlet and outlet are co-axial. |
| US07866943B2 |
Device for attaching ring sectors to a turbine casing of a turbomachine
Device for attaching ring sectors (20) to a turbine casing (16) in a turbomachine, comprising, at the upstream ends of the ring sectors (20), circumferential coupling means (70, 72) engaged on a casing rail (50) and clamped axially onto the casing rail by a C-section annular locking member (80) engaged axially on the casing rail and on the ring sector coupling means. |
| US07866940B2 |
Vacuum pump
A differentially pumped mass spectrometer system comprises a mass spectrometer having a plurality of pressure chambers; a vacuum pump attached thereto and comprising at least three pump inlets, a first pumping section, a second pumping section downstream from the first pumping section, and a third pumping section downstream from the second pumping section, an outlet from a first, relatively low, pressure chamber being connected to a first pump inlet through which fluid can enter the pump from the first chamber and pass through the first, second and third pumping sections towards a pump outlet, an outlet for a second, medium pressure chamber of the spectrometer being connected to a second pump inlet through which fluid can enter the pump and pass through, of said sections, only the second and third pumping sections towards the pump outlet, and an outlet for a third, highest pressure chamber of the spectrometer being connected to a third pump inlet through which fluid can enter the pump and pass through, of said sections, only at least part of the third pumping section towards the pump outlet; and a backing pump connected to the pump outlet such that, in use, at least 99% of the fluid mass pumped from the spectrometer passes through both the vacuum pump and the backing pump. |
| US07866933B2 |
Container trailer
A trailer includes a coupling to attach the trailer to a tractor, and a frame attached to the coupling. The frame is positionable as a single unit about a container such that the frame can be attached to the container in four regions of the container to lift the container. The trailer has road wheels for long-haul transportation over road systems. The trailer frame can be positioned about the container by laterally expanding and retracting, pivoting about a horizontal axis, and pivoting about a vertical axis. |
| US07866932B1 |
Container loader with container wall protector and method for loading a container
A container loader includes a loading ram and a side wall protector device for protecting side walls of a container, such as a trailer or a shipping container. The side wall protector device includes a pair of spaced-apart movable side plates with at least one actuator connected to the side plates. The side plates are selectively extendable into spaces adjacent the container side walls by the actuator and are retractable therefrom, such that the side wall protector device substantially contains a loading pressure within the container and substantially prevents the pressure from exerting force upon the container side walls. |
| US07866931B2 |
Preset depth adapter and finger guard for screws and nails when installing sheetrock
An apparatus for a present depth adapter (10) having a flared body that is narrow at the bottom (68) with a wider top portion (46) and a central recess or throughbore (50) extending therethrough. The present invention (10) comes in a variety of sizes wherein the depth from top to bottom is slightly less than the thickness of common sheetrock (18) used in the industry. The shaft of the screw or nail is inserted through the top of the recess (50) until the head rests thereagainst. The screw or nail is installed and cannot be driven any further once the bottom (68) of the preset depth adapter makes contact with the stud (16) regardless of whether the stud is wood or steel. This results in each screw or nail being countersunk to the proper depth and prevents the hardware from being driven too far into the sheetrock (18) and compromising the fastening integrity thereof. The flared shape of the present invention (10) forms a plug that assures an absolute bond to the sheetrock (18). |
| US07866929B2 |
Functional element for the attachment to a sheet metal part, component assembly manufactured from this and also a method for the attachment of a functional element to sheet metal part
The invention relates to a functional element for attaching to a sheet metal part, such as for example a nut element or a bolt element comprising a body section or head section, which has a requisite cylindrical part on one axial end and runs into a cylindrical rivet section on its other axial end. Said element is characterised in that the body section is provided with an essentially cone-shaped region between the first axial end or a cylindrical section that may be provided there and the rivet section, said region forming a bearing surface for a corresponding cone-shaped region of a sheet metal part and that the cylindrical part, if present, has a diameter at the border with the cone-shaped region that is no greater than the maximum diameter of said cone-shaped region. When the functional element is attached to the sheet metal part, the narrow end of the cone-shaped region of said metal part is clamped in an annular protrusion, formed by the rivet section. The invention also relates to and discloses a composite component and to a method for attaching a functional element. |
| US07866928B2 |
Plug and method for fixing at least two devices
A plug and a method for fixing at least two devices, includes a tension element, a pin, a lever element and a compression element. In one example, the tension element includes a tension stamp on a first end and a coupling member on a second end and a lever element includes a first sliding and a coupling element, with the pin coupling the lever element with the tension element. A compression element having an area-shaped contact that is capable of sliding onto the tension element until the area-shaped contact contacts the tension stamp. When the lever element is coupled to the tension element by a pin and is engaged by using a lever movement, a compression element is compressed by shortening a distance between the tension stamp and the lever element. |
| US07866927B1 |
Pole installation system
A pole installation system includes a pole base and pole member releasably connected to the pole base. A mobile pole caddy is employable to transport the pole member to and from the pole base and to raise or lower the pole member while it is pivotally connected to the pole base to install or disintall the pole member. |
| US07866922B2 |
Equipment and method for constructing micropiles in soil, in particular for the anchorage of active anchors
An equipment for constructing micropiles in soil, includes a drilling rod with a bit with at least one nozzle jetting fluid forward, and at least one nozzle jetting fluid substantially orthogonal; an element pulling a protective tube, not adhering to the rod. A corresponding method includes drilling with a drilling rod jetting liquid in front of the bit until reaching stable soil strata; drilling and injecting high-pressure grout with one or more lateral nozzles, while the drilling rod rotates; pulling the protective tube, the tube being inserted to the area of grout injection; when the required depth is reached, the proximal end of the drilling rod is anchored to a plate; when the grout is consolidated, traction is applied to the drilling rod if necessary. Grout is injected into the protective tube. |
| US07866921B2 |
Tool and method for extracting landfill gas
An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside PVC, HDPE, or plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing methane gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. Apertures in methane well risers allow methane gas, LFG derived from the decomposition of waste, to enter the existing riser and extraction system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to retrieve methane gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing LFG and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere. |
| US07866920B2 |
Methods and systems for remediating contaminated soil
A system and method for remediation of contaminated soil are provided. The system comprises a soil remediation cell of contaminated soil and a plurality of multi-functional conduits located within the contaminated soil. Each multi-functional conduit defines a reaction housing. The multi-functional conduits includes heating elements for introducing heat into the contaminated soil for volatilizing the contaminants located within the contaminated soil, without utilizing mechanically driven forced air. This produces a contaminated vapor. The system and allows for re-circulation of vapors generated during breakdown of contaminants allowing for use of the re-circulated vapor for heat production and energy use. The system may be utilized for remote access and portability to disparate locations whereby the system does not require use of a container or receptacle. A substantial portion of the contaminants in the contaminated vapor are destroyed in the reaction housing. A substantially non-contaminated vapor is produced in which at least about 80% by weight of the contaminants have been destroyed. |
| US07866919B2 |
System and method for controlling water flow between multiple reservoirs of a renewable water and energy system
A high altitude pumped-storage system for selectively integrating, storing, and distributing water and energy to increase the regional productivity of existing and future water and energy resources throughout multiple river basins is disclosed. This system addresses in part the increased requirement of supplying energy demands from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or water generated power. The system includes at least one primary reservoir connected to multiple secondary reservoirs by conduits. The system allows for selectively distributing water and energy between secondary reservoirs and at least one primary reservoir. The system may comprise one or more hydroelectric power generation facilities. A method for increasing the regional efficiency of existing and future systems for producing, storing, and delivering energy from sources such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power from the water collected by the system described herein is also disclosed. |
| US07866907B2 |
Medical skin applicator apparatus
A medical skin applicator apparatus includes a fluid housing having a fluid chamber for storing a medical agent and an applicator coupled to the housing. The fluid housing has a penetrable wall to permit access to the fluid chamber and release of the medical agent therefrom. The applicator includes an applicator surface for applying the medical agent to a patient. The applicator has a penetrating member adapted to penetrate the penetrable wall of the fluid housing upon achieving a predetermined coupled relation of the fluid housing and the applicator, to thereby permit the medical agent to be dispensed from the fluid chamber and applied to the patient with the applicator surface. |
| US07866905B2 |
Thrust-out type container for a rod-shaped article such as a lipstick
A thrust-out type container for a rod-like article such as a lipstick comprises, in the order from the outside to the inside as viewed in a diametric direction of the container, an outer cylinder, an inner cylinder and a carrier. The carrier serves to support the rod-like article attached thereto. A control cylinder integrated with the inner cylinder lies outside the outer cylinder. An intermediate cylinder is interposed between the outer cylinder and the control cylinder. The intermediate cylinder comprises an upper portion extending upward beyond an upper end of the control cylinder and a lower portion extending into the control cylinder. A coupling member serving to couple the inner cylinder and the intermediate cylinder to each other is snap-engaged with the lower portion of the intermediate cylinder. |
| US07866904B2 |
Desktop card printer with indent printing apparatus and method of printing
An indent printing apparatus that is capable of indent printing on both sides of a document. A desktop card printer that uses the indent printing apparatus, a method of personalizing a document in the printer, and a ribbon cartridge used with the indent printing apparatus are also disclosed. The indent printing apparatus has first and second indenting mechanisms and uses first and second indent printing ribbon cartridges to enable indent printing on both side surfaces of the document. |
| US07866902B2 |
Light controlling apparatus and optical apparatus
A small-size light controlling apparatus in which, it is not necessary to draw a wire for a diaphragm control, from a diaphragm mechanism, and an optical apparatus in which the light controlling apparatus is used, are provided. The light controlling apparatus includes a substrate having an optical aperture which is fixed, a diaphragm blade which is displaceable, a first magnet which is fixed to the diaphragm blade, and a coil which is disposed around the substrate. An external magnetic field which acts on the first magnet is changed according to an electric power supply to the coil, and the diaphragm blade is displaced by displacing the first magnet according to the change in the external magnetic field. |
| US07866899B2 |
Enhanced camera transport system and method
An enhanced camera transport system and method includes a strap and coupler. The coupler is configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera otherwise reserved by engagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like. Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found on the bottom of the camera. In some implementations, the coupler is slideably attached to the strap to assist with repositioning of the camera from a transport position to a picture taking position. Other implementations include an enclosure for storage of the camera while not being used. |
| US07866893B2 |
Bearing apparatus for a wheel of vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member (10), an inner member (1) and double row rolling elements (6, 6) freely rollably arranged between the outer and inner raceway surfaces (10a, 10a; 2a, 3a), respectively, of the outer and inner members (10 and 1), via cages (7). An annular projection (12) is formed on the outer circumferential surface at an inboard side end of the cylindrical portion (2b) of the wheel hub (2). An annular recess (13) is formed on the inner circumferential surface at the inboard side end of the inner ring (3). The annular recess (13) corresponds to the annular projection (12) and has a difference in height slightly larger than that of the annular projection (12). The inner ring (3) is press fit onto the cylindrical portion (2b) of the wheel hub (2) with the recess (13) engaged by the projection (12). |
| US07866892B2 |
Rotator for a head tube of a bicycle
A rotator for a head tube of a bicycle has a mounting bracket, a rotating collar and a holding ring. The mounting bracket is mounted around the head tube and has a mounting ring and two legs. The mounting ring is mounted around the head tube and has a mounting channel, a kerf, an annular flange and a holding groove. The legs are oppositely mounted on the mounting ring. The rotating collar is rotatably mounted around the mounting bracket and has a chamber, an upper through hole, a lower through hole, a mounting channel and multiple balls. The holding ring is mounted in the mounting ring of the mounting bracket and has an engaging groove. The engaging groove engages the annular flange on the mounting ring. |
| US07866886B2 |
Packaging bag with self-closeable outflow port, and method of manufacturing the packaging bag
In the pouch of the present invention in which a pouring spout is formed by means of a heat-sealed part and a non-heat-sealed part by heat sealing plastic films, the inside surfaces of the films that form the portion of the boundary area between the heat-sealed part and non-heat-sealed part of the pouring spout passage on the side of the non-heat-sealed part contact each other so that no gaps are left in a closed state. Accordingly, even if the pouch is suspended with the pouring spout down following the opening of the pouring spout, the leakage of the contents such as a liquid or the like accommodated in the interior of the pouch from the pouring spout a small amount at a time can be securely prevented. |
| US07866885B2 |
Film bag
A film bag that forms a sealed film package, with bag surfaces made of an at least two-layered composite film that has a heat-sealable polyolefin inner layer and a non-sealable outer layer. There is at least one carrying handle made of a heat-sealable film. The bag surfaces have window-like openings spaced away from the edges of the film bag, which are covered by film tabs on the inside of the bag. The film tabs are sealed by a heat-sealable first side to the layer of the bag surfaces on the inside of the bag, and each is joined to it by a sealing seam that surrounds the associated opening as an air-tight closure. Each of the ends of the at least one carrying handle is sealed in the region of the openings to the heat-sealable first side of the film tabs covering the openings. |
| US07866883B2 |
Radiographic film positioning device and a process for obtaining radiographic images
One describes a radiographic film positioning device, particularly de-signed for use in dentistry, provided with a first assembly for positioning at least one radiographic film that comprises at least one association means for association with a radiographic support, positionable substantially perpendicular to a bone portion of the patient. |
| US07866880B1 |
Hopper with measuring guide
A hopper for measuring a predetermined amount of aggregate. The hopper has a body having an open top and plurality of walls, at least one guide extending between at least two of the plurality of walls, and an indicator to provide indication that the hopper contains a first and a second predetermined volume of aggregate. |
| US07866874B2 |
Backlight module having replaceable light apparatus
The present invention discloses a backlight module having replaceable light apparatus. The backlight module includes the replaceable light apparatus, a back plate and a frame body. The replaceable light apparatus includes a light control circuit, a securing device and conducting wires. The light control circuit is adapted to a frame body and a back plate of the backlight module. Additionally, the light control circuit has a plurality of light sources, a first end portion and a second end portion. The securing device has a supporting housing which has a position protrusion and a clamping portion for supporting the first end portion of the light control circuit along a first direction (X) and a third direction (Z). The clamping portion clamps the first end portion of the light control circuit along a second direction (Y) and the third direction (Z). |
| US07866869B2 |
Laser illuminated backlight for flat panel displays
Laser lit flat panel displays are disclosed including edge-lit and direct lit backlights. In certain embodiments, laser assemblies are selected to obtain bandwidth distributions to reduce speckle. |
| US07866868B2 |
Optical film and backlight module using the same
An optical film has a light incident side and a light emitting side above the light incident side. V shape protrusions disposed side by side are disposed at the light incident side. Collimating units disposed side by side are disposed at the light emitting side. Each of the V shape protrusions and each of the collimating units extend along a predetermined direction. The collimating units are respectively corresponded to the V shape protrusions. Two inclined surfaces of each of the V shape protrusions are respectively a light incident surface and a reflection surface. In each corresponding pair of the V shape protrusion and the collimating unit, a central axis of the collimating unit parallel to the predetermined direction is right above the reflection surface of the V shape protrusion. A backlight module using the optical film is provided to provide a plane light source having high luminance. |
| US07866864B2 |
Motor and guiding structure thereof
A guiding structure includes a base and a guiding unit. The base has an opening, and an inner wall of the base, facing the opening, is formed with at least one first guiding element and at least one first restricting element disposed adjacent to the first guiding element. The guiding unit is inserted into the opening and has at least one second guiding element and at least one second restricting element. The second guiding element is correspondingly coupled to or separated from the first restricting element by deforming, bending, rotating or displacing. The first guiding element is disposed corresponding to the second guiding element. |
| US07866861B2 |
Laminated device for selective presentations from the exterior of a mobile vehicle and method of use thereof
A mobile vehicle information device that is laminated to the glass surface of or laminated between glass pieces of a windshield or window is provided. The information device has illuminating and radiating properties that are operated by power consoles to permit selected illumination of the information for viewing external to the vehicle. |
| US07866858B2 |
Assembly for the illuminated display of a logo
An assembly for the illuminated display of a logo (12) in a motor vehicle includes a support (14) and at least one light source (24) which is arranged behind or adjacent to the support (14). The logo (12) can be represented by means of an emblem (10), particularly an opaque emblem. |
| US07866857B2 |
Display device
A display device having an illumination device is provided. The display device includes a display, a body, and an illumination device. The display and the illumination device are mounted on the front surface of the body. A receiving space is defined in the front surface of the body and below the display. The illumination device is received in the receiving space and is pivotally connected to the body. |
| US07866856B2 |
Lamp housing, particularly spotlight housing
A lamp housing which contains an accommodating apparatus for a burner or a lamp with a glass vessel, a lamp base and contact pins for supplying current, and a lampholder with sockets for connection to the contact pins, is provided. The accommodating apparatus containing clamping jaws, which can be connected to the lamp base in a force-fitting and/or interlocking manner, engage at least partially around the lamp base, are articulated, via lever arms, on the lamp housing or a lampholder mount, which is fixed to the housing and is connected to the lamp housing, and can be adjusted by means of an adjusting device, which has at least one adjusting element, which is arranged between the lever arms and pushes the lever arms apart from one another for opening the clamping jaws into an opening position, in which the lamp base is released, and brings the lever arms together for closing the clamping jaws into a locking position, in which the lamp base is fixed. |
| US07866852B2 |
Heat sinks for cooling LEDs in projectors
According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for cooling light emitting diodes (LEDs) in projectors includes one or more first LEDs, one or more first heat sinks, one or more second LEDs, and one or more second heat sinks. The first LEDs are configured to generate light, and each first LED has a first desired junction temperature. The first heat sinks are configured to dissipate heat generated by the first LEDs. The second LEDs are configured to generate light, and each second LED has a second desired junction temperature that is higher than the first desired junction temperature. The second heat sinks are configured to dissipate heat generated by the one or more second LEDs. A cooling fan directs air flow over the first heat sinks and the second heat sinks, and an exhaust vent enables the air flow over the first heat sinks and the second heat sinks. |
| US07866845B2 |
Optical device for mixing and redirecting light
The present invention provides an optical device configured for the creation of an asymmetric illumination beam pattern while additionally mixing the light created by two or more light-emitting elements. The optical device comprises a reflector body which extends between an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, wherein the two or more light emitting elements are positioned relative to the entrance aperture and light is reflected within the reflector body exiting at the exit aperture. The reflector body includes a first pair of walls including symmetric reflective elements and a second pair of walls orthogonal to the first pair of walls, wherein the second pair of walls includes asymmetric reflective elements. The first pair of walls provides a means for mixing the light generated by the two of more light-emitting elements and generating a symmetric beam pattern about a first axis. Along a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis, the second pair of walls provides a means for mixing the light generated by the two or more light-emitting elements and generating an asymmetric beam pattern. |
| US07866843B2 |
Corner mounted light fixture
A corner mounted lighting fixture having alignment features on its fixture base and on its diffuser for maintaining alignment with the corner during assembly and installation. The diffuser is positioned at an incline within the corner for improved light distribution. Attachment is along the axis of the corner for ease of installation. |
| US07866839B2 |
Hand tool with illuminating device
A hand tool with illuminating device includes a hollow handle with a battery unit and an illuminating unit received therein. A transparent seat is fixedly connected to a first end of the handle and includes a ratchet mechanism received therein and a tubular member is fixed to the transparent seat. A driver bit is removably inserted in the tubular member. A switch unit is connected to the second end of the handle and includes a switch member and an end cap is connected to the handle to avoid the switch member from dropping from the handle. A control device is located between the switch member and the end cap so as to control the operation of the illuminating unit. |
| US07866837B2 |
Skew light illumination lens device
A skew light illumination lens body mainly directs the light from a illuminant device to diffuse to a predetermined direction. The lens body includes a base with a receiving slot having a downwards opening for receiving the illuminant device. A top side of the receiving slot is covered by a concaved arc as a light incident side. An convex curved surface is formed deviated from the center axis on the top of the base with a predetermined angle. The dense light of the illuminant device will be refracted and gathered by the concaved arc to the highest point of the convex curved surface and being projected. |
| US07866836B2 |
Fresnel solar concentrator array with centered universal pivots
This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the optical elements (mirrors and lenses) of a Fresnel solar concentrator tracking array which approximately eliminates gravitational torque by use of a central universal pivot or gimbals. Linkage torque is produced by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion that is enhanced by the presence of highly polarizable material. This system is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical linkages, the instant invention is applicable for fabrication from the mini- to the nano-technology realm. The elimination of gravitational torque by balancing the optical elements on a universal pivot or gimbals greatly reduces the power required for the optical elements to track the sun and focus sunlight onto a receiver. |
| US07866833B2 |
Apparatus and method for projecting image considering screen condition
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for projecting images to prevent the distortion of images when images are projected on a colored projection screen. The apparatus includes a device characteristic storage unit storing criterion projection characteristic information obtained when white light, black light and colored light are projected onto a criterion projection screen, a first image converter to convert received images into processed images by reflecting criterion projection characteristic information to received images, an image characteristic obtaining unit to obtain object projection characteristic information by projecting white light and black light onto an object projection screen, an image improvement unit to convert processed images into improved images by reflecting object projection characteristic information to processed images, and a second image converter to convert improved images into output images by reflecting criterion projection characteristic information and object projection characteristic information to improved images. |
| US07866827B2 |
Optical device and optical apparatus
An optical device according to an aspect of the invention includes: a plurality of optical elements; a base which supports the plurality of optical elements; and a plurality of element holders which holds the plurality of optical elements and each includes a holder side flow passage for cooling liquid to flow therein, the plurality of element holders holding the plurality of optical elements to connect the plurality of optical elements and the cooling liquid flowing in the holder side flow passage in a heat transferable manner. The base includes a plurality of plate members which are layered on each other to form at least one base side flow passage for the cooling liquid to flow therein. The plurality of element holders and the base can be connected to each other, so that the holder side flow passage and the at least one base side flow passage communicate with each other. |
| US07866826B2 |
Image projector and method and program for controlling the operation of the projector
An image projector apparatus comprising a cooler (24) having a variable capability to cool a light source (18), commanding means (29) which gives a command to terminate a lightening operation of the light source, selecting means (29) responsive to the command given by the projection light processor for selecting a cooling capability of the cooler, and control means (29) for causing the cooler to cool the light source with the cooling capability selected by the selecting means. |
| US07866821B2 |
Hybrid spectral domain optical coherence tomography line scanning laser ophthalmoscope
An apparatus for imaging an eye includes a housing and a system of optical components disposed in the housing. The apparatus is capable of operating in a line scanning laser opthalmoscope (LSLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components can include a first source to provide a first beam of light for the OCT mode and a second source to provide a second beam of light for the LSLO mode. In the OCT mode, a first optic is used that (i) scans, using a first surface of the first optic, the first beam of light along a retina of an eye in a first dimension, and (ii) descans, using the first surface, a first light returning from the eye in the first dimension to a detection system in the OCT mode. In the LSLO mode, the first optic is used where the second beam of light passes through a second surface of the first optic. |
| US07866820B2 |
Corneo-scleral topography system
An advanced rasterstereography-based corneo-scleral topography (RCT) device includes an LED-based grid projection/illumination assembly, a grid image viewing assembly, and an optionally integratable front view camera assembly. The assemblies each include telephoto optical systems that provide a compact structure, an increased depth of field, and an increased field of view that allow sufficient acquisition of data in a single acquired image to provide the desired corneo-scleral topography analysis. The device utilizes a novel image processing algorithm. The device and method provide the capability to map a feature from a raw grid image onto a topography map of the corneo-scleral region, and to simultaneously display the images if selected by the user. The hardware, software, mechanical, electrical, and optical design considerations and integration provide advantages and benefits over prior RCT-type, Placido-based, and other conventional corneal topographers. |
| US07866818B2 |
Portable modular video oculography system and video occulography system with head position sensor and video occulography system with animated eye display
A goggle based light-weight VOG system includes at least one digital camera connected to and powered by a laptop computer through a firewire connection and allows for region of interest image processing. The VOG system is a modular design whereby the same goggle frame or base is used to build a variety of digital camera VOG systems. The VOG system may track and record head position and goggle slippage. An animated eye display may provide data in a more meaningful fashion. An EOG system may be incorporated directly into a goggle base. The digital camera may digitally center the pupil in both the X and Y directions. A calibration mechanism may be incorporated onto the goggle base. The VOG system may be a modular design whereby the same goggle frame or base is used to build a variety of digital camera VOG systems. |
| US07866816B2 |
Variable focus spectacles
Variable focus spectacles which comprise i) a focus module that includes two variable focus lens sections, said sections each including a first fixed plastic lens and an adjustable focus liquid lens, and ii) a second fixed plastic lens that preferably includes most or all of the optical power needed by the intended wearer to correct his/her distance vision. The second fixed plastic lens is preferably attached to the focus module by magnetic attraction. |
| US07866814B2 |
Toric lens design
This invention is related to contact lenses. In particular, the present invention is related to a toric contact lens design with thickness zones in the carrier portion of the lens for increased rotational stability. |
| US07866813B2 |
Eyeglass holders for hats and visors
A pair of eyeglass holders is designed to engage over the lower rims of respective opposite side portions of a hat, visor, or other headwear. Each eyeglass holder has a spring clip for gripping the respective hat side portion and a retainer or gripper secured to an outer leg of the spring clip. The grippers are designed to engage and releasably retain the respective arms of a pair of glasses with the glasses in an inverted orientation. Each gripper is secured to the outer leg of the associated clip to extend upwardly from a location closer to the lower end than the upper end of the clip so as to hold the respective arm of the glasses at a location relatively close to the lower rim of the hat. |
| US07866810B2 |
Ink jet printer
An improved large-format inkjet printer that is capable of providing more efficient and higher quality printing on a variety of print media, including for example, paper, fabric, corrugated media, and plywood. The improved printer provides improvements to the platen assembly, rail assembly, service station assembly, printhead assembly and vacuum assembly to provide improved printing capability. In addition the printer provides a table assembly that can be integrated into the platen assembly to provide a secure and flush surface for supporting various types of print media. |
| US07866809B2 |
Mailing ink, and ink tank for mailing, ink jet recording method for mailing and ink jet recording apparatus for mailing using the same
A mailing ink, an ink tank for mailing, an ink jet recording method for mailing and an ink jet recording apparatus for mailing that can reconcile preferable tint and visibility as indicia with readability by a 2-D bar code reader. The ink is a mailing ink used in ink jet recording. In the mailing ink, the ink tank, the ink jet recording method, and the ink jet recording apparatus, the ink provides an ‘a*’ of from −10 to 15 and a ‘b*’ of from −50 to −15 according to the CIE L*a*b* color system in a printed portion obtained by applying the ink to a recording medium so as to give an application amount of ink of 4.5 mg per square inch, and provides an integrated value of reflection spectrum of 90 or lower in a wavelength region of from 380 nm to 730 nm in the printed portion. |
| US07866806B2 |
Liquid-composition set, and liquid-applying method and liquid-applying apparatus employing the set
A novel liquid composition set is provided for forming an image or pattern by functional substances such as a colorant without causing blurring. Each of the liquid compositions of the set includes a functional substance, an amphiphilic block copolyrner or graft copolymer having an organic acid group, and a liquid medium, wherein the organic acid groups of the copolymers are different in pKa, and the amphiphilic polymer contained in the first liquid composition becomes viscous by pH change on contact with the second liquid composition different in pH from the first liquid composition. |
| US07866803B2 |
Replaceable printer component with electronic tag
A replaceable printer component including an electronic tag and an angled protective ramp. The electronic tag is attached to a surface of the replaceable printer component. The angled protective ramp extends from the surface of the replaceable printer component adjacent the electronic tag. The angled protective ramp has a height that is greater than a height of the electronic tag. |
| US07866802B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a sub-tank which stores a certain volume of liquid; a liquid ejecting head which ejects the liquid supplied from the sub-tank; a sheet feeding drum which feeds an ejection target medium to be ejected with the liquid by rotation; a liquid container which stores the liquid to be supplied to the sub-tank; and a supply passage which connects the sub-tank to the liquid container so that the liquid is supplied from the liquid container to the sub-tank. The sheet feeding drum includes a liquid container receiving chamber receiving the liquid container and the liquid container receiving chamber communicates with the supply passage. |
| US07866797B2 |
Inkjet printhead integrated circuit
An inkjet printhead integrated circuit includes a substrate. A drive circuitry layer is positioned on the substrate, the substrate and the drive circuitry layer defining a plurality of ink inlet channels. Nozzle chamber walls and roofs spanning the nozzle chamber walls are positioned on the substrate to define nozzle chambers in fluid communication with respective ink inlet channels, the roofs defining respective ink ejection ports. Ink ejection members are positioned in respective nozzle chambers and are displaceable with respect to the roofs to eject ink from the ink ejection ports. Fulcrum formations are fast with the substrate and each fulcrum formation has an effort formation arranged on one side and a load formation on an opposite side. Each ink ejection member is fast with a respective load formation. Thermal actuators are outside of and associated with respective nozzle chambers and are connected to the drive circuitry layer to move with respect to the substrate on receipt of electrical signals from the drive circuitry layer. Each effort formation is fast with a respective thermal actuator such that reciprocal movement generated by the thermal actuators results in reciprocal movement of the ink ejection members and subsequent ink drop ejection from the ink ejection ports. |
| US07866795B2 |
Method of forming connection between electrode and actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly
A method of forming an electrical connection between an electrode and an actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a substrate having a layer of drive circuitry, the drive circuitry including the electrode for connection to the actuator; (b) forming a wall of insulating material over the electrode; (c) defining a via in the wall, the via revealing the electrode; (d) filling the via with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide a connector post; (e) forming at least part of the actuator over the connector post, thereby providing electrical connection between the actuator and the electrode. |
| US07866792B2 |
Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer with a transportation device which transports a print medium along a first direction, first and second ink jet heads, and a head moving device. The first ink jet head has a first nozzle line with a plurality of nozzles aligned along a direction intersecting with the first direction. The second ink jet head has a second nozzle line with a plurality of nozzles aligned along a direction intersecting with the first direction. The head moving device moves the first ink jet head with respect to the second ink jet head along a direction intersecting with the first direction, between a first positional relationship, where the first and second nozzle lines overlap each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second positional relationship, where the first nozzle line and the second nozzle line do not overlap each other along the second direction. |
| US07866791B2 |
Printhead having mirrored rows of print nozzles
A printhead is provided having at least first and second rows of print nozzles. Each nozzle has first circuitry of a first type arranged on an opposite side of the nozzle as second circuitry of a second type. The respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the first row are rotated 180 degrees relative to the respective positions of the first and second circuitry of each nozzle of the second row. |
| US07866789B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and method of controlling an ink suction pump motor
In order to stabilize a performance of a pump employed for processing in an inkjet printing apparatus such as sucking ink from a printing head with a low cost configuration and without the need of using any specific detecting unit, the following configuration is employed. Namely, a tube pump having a member with a curved surface aligned with a flexible tube for supporting the tube and a roller which moves while pressing (squeezing) the flexible tube is driven with a DC motor. To keep revolutions always constant, a current PWM control is employed for changing a power applied to the motor according to load fluctuations, and a phase of the roller is determined based on the current PWM value to manage a pressure generated by the pump and a discharge rate. |
| US07866785B2 |
Droplet-ejection detecting device and recording apparatus
A droplet-ejection detecting device for detecting ejection of droplets from a plurality of nozzle orifices, includes: a beam scanning mechanism which scans a plurality of droplet ejection lines along which droplets ejected from the nozzle orifices fly, by emitting a beam to intersect the droplet ejection lines, thereby subjecting the droplets to irradiation with the beam; a light receiving unit which receives light obtained as a result of the irradiation; and an ejection determining mechanism which determines safe ejections of the droplets from the nozzle orifices based on a received-light signal output from the light receiving unit. |
| US07866781B2 |
Method and apparatus to check piezoelectric inkjet head
A method and apparatus to check an operation of a piezoelectric inkjet head includes a first current detection unit to detect a first current output from a piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric inkjet head when a predetermined voltage is applied, a second current detection unit to detect a second current from a capacitor having a capacitance with the same magnitude as a capacitor component of the piezoelectric element when the voltage is applied to the capacitor, and a third current detection unit to detect a third current corresponding to a difference between the first current and the second current, as the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric element according to the application of the voltage. |
| US07866778B2 |
Printhead module having nozzle redundancy for faulty nozzle tolerance
A printhead module comprising a plurality of rows, each of the rows comprising a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink, wherein the printhead module includes at least first and second rows configured to print ink of a similar type or color, and being configured such that, in the event a nozzle in the first row is faulty, a corresponding nozzle in the second row prints an ink dot at a position on print media at or adjacent a position where the faulty nozzle would otherwise have printed it. |
| US07866774B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is provided with a recording device for printing a recording medium, a conveyance unit arranged below the recording device to face the recording device and adapted to convey the recording medium, and an elevator for moving the conveyance unit upward and downward. The elevator includes an eccentric cam having an eccentrically located rotation axis line. The conveyance unit has a contact surface to be held in contact with the circumferential surface of the eccentric cam and is moved upward and downward by the rotation of the eccentric cam. |
| US07866768B2 |
Modular storage assembly
A storage assembly of a type including at least two modules which can be solidly connected to one another. Each of said modules is equipped with structure for accessing at least one storage space, a closure mechanism and a mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another. The at least one module includes structure for locking the mechanism for solidly connecting the modules to one another and the closure mechanism for closing off access to at least one module. |
| US07866767B2 |
Traction band
A traction band substantially made from elastomeric material is disclosed. The traction band comprises a main band body divided into a plurality of sections connected together along laterally extending pitch lines. The band body has an interior wheel-engaging surface, adapted to cooperate with the various wheels of a track system, and an exterior ground-engaging surface adapted to engage the ground. The wheel-engaging surface comprises one or more rows of longitudinally spaced-apart drive lugs and/or guide lugs typically disposed on each of the band sections. The ground-engaging surface comprises traction lugs extending longitudinally across more than one band section, these traction lugs comprising laterally extending bending regions where the traction lugs are thinner. These bending regions are substantially aligned with regions on the interior surface which are devoid of drive lugs and guide lugs. |
| US07866761B2 |
Braking system for vehicles, in particular utility vehicles, comprising at least two separate electronic braking control circuits
A braking system for vehicles, including at least one first brake circuit, and at least one second brake circuit, in which the at least one first brake circuit and the at least one second brake circuit each have an electrical control circuit, which respectively has an electronic control unit and its own power supply device, and brake actuating devices which are activatable by the electronic control units, at least one of the brake actuating devices being activatable by more than one of the electronic control units, in which the brake circuits are electrically activatable via a foot brake valve, and the foot brake valve has two electrical braking transmitter devices which are each connected to the electronic control units so that they are DC-isolated. |
| US07866757B2 |
Brush stuffing machine
A brush stuffing machine comprising a bristle magazine and a stuffing tool which is movable between a bundle take-over position and a stuffing position, the stuffing tool is pivotally mounted about an axis for movement on a circular arc between the take-over position and the stuffing position. |
| US07866756B2 |
Side dump body having an increased carrying capacity
A wall extension apparatus is movably positioned on the upper end of a side dump body to increase the carrying capacity thereof. The extension apparatus may be pivotally moved from a transport position to either a first side dumping position to a second side dumping position. When in its transport position, the extension apparatus extends upwardly from the upper ends of the side dump body. Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed. |
| US07866755B2 |
Ottoman for vehicle seats
An ottoman apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a driving shaft with an end which is tiltably connected to a front end of the seat, and includes a supporting frame connected to the driving shaft so as to be linearly movable over the driving shaft. The supporting frame is movable between a stowage position below the front end of the seat and a foot resting position in front of the seat. The supporting frame and the driving shaft are approximately vertically arranged when the supporting frame is stopped at the stowage position below the front end of the seat. The driving shaft is tilted to a substantially horizontal position by linearly moving the supporting frame over the driving shaft according to the movement of the supporting frame to the foot resting position in front of the seat. |
| US07866751B2 |
Apparatus and methods to integrally form lever operated cables with vehicle seats
Apparatus and methods to integrally form lever operated cables with vehicle seats are described. An example apparatus includes a channel integrally formed in a portion of a vehicle seat and a seat position control integrally coupled to the vehicle seat. A cable assembly slidably movable within the channel and has a first end operatively coupled to a seat position adjustment mechanism and a second end operatively coupled to the seat position control. |
| US07866750B2 |
Permanent contact mechanism
A permanent-contact mechanism for an office chair or the like is formed as a comparatively flat permanent-contact mechanism with a seat frame, which can be positioned on a chair upright, with a backrest support, which is arranged on the seat frame such that it can be pivoted about a transverse axis, and with at least one spring-activated or inherently resilient lever element, which interacts with the backrest support such that the backrest support is always pivoted counter to a spring force. The position of the point of rotation of the lever element differs from the position of the transverse axis. |
| US07866743B1 |
Temperature adjustable chair
A temperature adjustable chair includes a seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. The seat portion is superimposed on a plurality of support legs that suspend the chair above an underlying surface. Adjacent each of two sides of the seat portion is an armrest. Imbedded within both the backrest portion and the seat portion is a thermoelectric cooler for selectively generating or removing heat. The cooler is regulated with a control panel positioned on one of the armrests. |
| US07866741B2 |
Deflector of sliding roof
The present invention provides a deflector including a blade along a front edge of an opening of a fixed roof, movable upward and downward when the opening is opened and closed; a deflector arm whose one end is coupled to a frame on a vehicle body and whose other end is rotatably coupled to the blade via a first coupling shaft; a link arm whose one end is coupled to the frame on the vehicle body and whose other end is rotatably coupled to the blade via a second coupling shaft; and urging means for permanently urging a force to displace the blade upward. A cam member including first and second cam slots is provided on the frame on the vehicle body, a middle portion of the link arm is slidably engaged via a first pin with the first cam slot and one end of the link arm is slidably engaged via a second pin with the second cam slot, and the blade is housed in a laid down state with its upper portion displaced backward, and gradually stands up as displaced upward from a position where the blade is housed. |
| US07866739B2 |
Motor vehicle having a sunroof system with a contoured draintube
A sunroof system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The sunroof system includes a draintube for expelling fluid that enters the sunroof system from an exterior of the motor vehicle. A section of the draintube may have a one-piece configuration that includes a first portion and a second portion with different cross-sectional shapes. In some configurations, the second portion may have a lesser thickness than the first portion, and the second portion may be located within a pillar of the motor vehicle. In further configurations, the second portion may be located within a pillar of the motor vehicle and adjacent to an airbag component of the motor vehicle. In manufacturing the draintube, a portion of the tube may be heated and compressed to convert a circular cross-section to a non-circular cross-section. |
| US07866737B2 |
Active material actuated louver system
An active material actuated louver system having an actuator mechanism operable to selectively place a louver or louver system in an open or closed state of operation. The actuator mechanism includes a cable or wire formed from an active material, such as a shape memory alloy. |
| US07866736B2 |
Utility vehicle with hinged cover element
The invention relates to a utility vehicle (1) with a hinged cover element (12) which covers a fuel tank (15) and at least part (24) of an ascent region when the cover element is in a covering position. The cover element (12) can be pivoted from the covering position to an open position. A safeguarding element (11) is non-rotatably coupled to the cover element (12), so that the cover element (12) and the safeguarding element (11) have the same pivot axis and are both moved to the open position simultaneously. |
| US07866735B2 |
Curbside loader and unloader
A bed has been provided for use with a vehicle in which the bed has a side loading apparatus and an opposite opening side wall through which material can be dumped from the bed. |
| US07866733B2 |
Vehicle cargo bed tent camper second tier floor
This is a one piece molded raised second tier floor with lockable horizontal doors made for a pickup truck cargo bed. In particular, it is a one piece molded insert that increases the storage area of a crowded pickup truck cargo bed camper. It also, gives the user 100% access to the storage area below while increasing the sleeping area above. |
| US07866727B2 |
Sealing strip for side windows on motor vehicles
A sealing strip for side windows on motor vehicles, which is arranged between a retractable, frameless, front side window and a retractable, frameless, rear side window. The sealing strip reaches from the door line as far as a roof frame of the motor vehicle. A movable locking member is fitted to the sealing strip and, in a closed state, engages with a locking counterpart arranged on the roof frame. |
| US07866726B2 |
Convertible top having movable outboard panels
A convertible top assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear panel, a front panel and a pair of outer side panels. The front panel is movably coupled to the rear panel and movable relative to the rear panel between an extended position extending between the rear panel and a windshield header of the vehicle and a retracted position stacked with the rear panel. The outer side panels are movably coupled to the rear panel for movement between a use position extending outwardly from opposite sides of the rear panel and a stowed position disposed inwardly from the use position. The convertible top assembly further includes a linkage operatively connecting the front panel and outer side panels so as to cause movement of the outer side panels between the use position and the stowed position in response to movement of the front panel between the extended position and the retracted position, respectively. |
| US07866723B2 |
Vehicular seat for handicapped and elderly passengers
A seat for a vehicle having an interior portion and a rear portion comprising a first position substantially within a vehicle and a second position substantially outside the vehicle. A transfer coupling element is operatively coupled to a structure in the interior portion of the vehicle, wherein said seat has a substantially constant orientation during a motion between first and second positions. |
| US07866718B2 |
Lifting device for stripping and blanking operations
A paperboard lifting device can be mounted to a plate, support form, work surface or other member of a material conveyance system. When a sheet or web of material travels over the paperboard lifting device, it can provide a margin of elevation or lift to the sheet or web. The sheet or web can therefore be elevated above edges, holes, or other obstructions in the pathway that could jam or snag the delivery of the material. |
| US07866716B2 |
Energy absorber for vehicle
An energy absorber for a vehicle bumper system includes a plurality of crush boxes that are configured to absorb impact energy. Each of the plurality of crush boxes are generally hollow and have a front wall and a plurality of side walls integrally formed with and extending from the front wall to a rear of the energy absorber. A first crush box is separated from a second crush box by a distance such that an open space is defined between a side wall of the first crush box and a side wall of the second crush box. At least one rib extends between the side wall of the first crush box and the side wall of the second crush box in the open space to couple the first crush box to the second crush box. The at least one rib is integrally formed with the first crush box and the second crush box, and extends at least partially between the rear of the energy absorber and the front walls of the first and second crush boxes. |
| US07866713B2 |
Locker structure
A locker structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a housing, latch, bolt, sliding member triggering rod, positioned within the housing, wherein the sliding member has a bottom edge provided with a slot holding a spring and a steel bead such that the sliding member moves to urge at the bolt or disconnected from the bolt form a locking state and the handle cannot be opened, or open the locker via an external handle, the sliding member is provided with a securing hole to lock with a body plate having a vertical long slot, and a spring and steel beads are provided between the plate body and the sliding member such that the plate body can be triggered to slide up and down by means of the long hole so as to change the urging position of the triggering rod and the triangular latch can change into different position adaptable to door opening at the left and right side. |
| US07866712B2 |
Free egress window
A fast operating, free egress latch system is provided with a cam having three distinct surfaces. One of these surfaces has a concave inner cam region for receiving a window latch pin. Another of these surfaces serves to prevent inadvertent relocking of a window, skylight, door, etc. once it has been opened. |
| US07866711B2 |
Quick connector with conductive path
A quick connector coupling assembly comprising a conductive connector body, a tubular male member with an upset, and a primary retainer. The primary retainer releasably secures the male member within the connector body. The primary retainer body includes a pair of spaced legs connected by a cross member. The retainer body includes a conductive insert with contact surfaces exposed at the retainer legs to contact the male member and at the cross member to contact the connector body. |
| US07866706B2 |
Threaded joint for steel pipe
A threaded joint for a steel pipe comprises a pin and a box with a contact surface having a threaded part and a unthreaded metal contact part, wherein a solid lubricating film containing one or more kinds of lubricating powders selected from graphite, mica, calcium carbonate and kaolin, a copper powder, and a binder is formed on at least one contact surface of the pin and the box. An object of the present invention is to provide a threaded joint for a steel pipe which allows for repeated fastening and loosening of a threaded joint without adversely influencing on a human body and environment, and is excellent in galling resistance, rust preventing property and gas tightness. |
| US07866705B2 |
Ice skate blade guard
A blade guard for a runner blade of an ice skate. The blade guard includes a channel extending a distance between first and second ends. The channel has an open top and a bottom surface and first and second opposing side surfaces extending from the bottom surface to the open top. The blade guard also includes at least one recess disposed below the channel and extending a distance transverse to the distance of the channel. The at least one recess includes first and second countersink portions at opposite ends of the distance and a center portion. A first shoulder is defined between the first countersink portion and the center portion and a second shoulder is defined between the second countersink portion and the center portion. |
| US07866704B2 |
Seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus
A seat belt retractor includes at least one frame having a back board and side walls extending from side rims of the back board, a spool supported by the at least one frame configured to wind up a seat belt, a motor configured to rotate the spool, and an electronic control unit mounted to the frame for controlling the driving of the motor. The electronic control unit includes a base, an electronic control unit board fixed to the base, and a cover attached to the base to cover the electronic control unit board. The electronic control unit includes an opening at a lower end that opens an interior of the electronic control unit to an exterior. |
| US07866703B2 |
Re-settable vehicle seat belt buckle pre-tensioner presenter system and method of operation
A re-settable vehicle seat belt pre-tensioner apparatus is disclosed having a first member engagable with a second member that is moveable relative to the first member, and re-settable in response to various sensed driving conditions to pretension the seat belt around the operator and return to a non pre-tensioned status when the driving conditions have passed. The apparatus may be operated by positioning the belt for use; determining whether the seat belt buckle is in use; locking the pre-tensioner and lowering the seat belt buckle below the seat occupation plane; determining whether a threshold vehicle seat belt pre-tension load has been met; raising the belt buckle to a design position, unlocking the retractor; determining whether a threat event is imminent and locking the retractor; lowering the vehicle seat buckle relative to the plane of occupation, determining whether a crash event is occurring, and if yes, deploying a pyrotechnic deployment to secure the occupant in the seat. |
| US07866702B2 |
Energy absorbing seat anchor restraint system for child safety seats
An energy absorbing anchor for securing a child safety seat to a mounting portion of a vehicle and coupling to a tether of the child safety seat is provided. The energy absorbing anchor comprises a bracket including a first end having a tether coupling portion, and a tapered hole having a wide portion adjacent to the first end and a narrow portion opposite to the first end; and a protrusion extending through the tapered hole to secure the bracket to the mounting portion of the vehicle wherein the protrusion is positioned to be adjacent to the wide portion of the tapered hole and wherein the narrow portion of the tapered hole is narrower than a width of the protrusion; wherein, when the bracket is pulled in tension, the protrusion is drawn along a length of the tapered hole towards the narrower portion, thereby deforming a portion of walls of the tapered hole to widen the tapered hole, the walls of tapered hole being configured to increasingly absorb energy as a width of the tapered hole decreases. |
| US07866701B2 |
Sliding carriage for a height adjuster of a safety belt system
A sliding carriage for a height adjuster of a safety belt system has a carrier plate and an attachment structure for a deflector fitting, the attachment structure being made in one piece with the carrier plate. The carrier plate includes a bending portion in which the carrier plate becomes bent when a predetermined force acting on the deflector fitting is exceeded. |
| US07866700B2 |
Machine frame
A frame for a machine may include a load transfer member attached to a load support member and to a first plate member and a second plate member. Additionally, the first and second plate members may each include an aperture shaped to receive a trunnion. The load transfer member may be disposed proximate to the apertures. |
| US07866696B2 |
Vehicle seat assembly
A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a lower seat portion and a seatback portion. The seatback portion is selectively movable to vary the reclination angle of the seatback portion. The seat assembly is configured so that a first part of the lower seat portion rises relative to a second part of the lower seat portion so that the lower seat portion acts as an occupant restraint when a predetermined condition exists. Exemplary predetermined conditions include the reclination angle changing, the reclination angle exceeding a predetermined amount, and conditions indicative of an elevated risk of vehicle impact. |
| US07866695B2 |
Energy absorbing device
An energy absorbing device for the interior of a motor vehicle of the specification is described. The device includes two elements which are arranged movably relative to one another, having at least one actuator which is arranged between these elements and at least one receiving apparatus on the elements for fastening the actuator. The energy absorbing device is simple to manufacture and takes up a small amount of installation space, it uses a receiving apparatus shaped as a recess which is made in the elements and encloses the actuator at least partially. |
| US07866688B2 |
Airbag module for a motor vehicle
An airbag module for a motor vehicle, the modeling including an airbag, that may be inflated with gas to protect a person, and a protective envelope enclosing the airbag in a gas-tight manner. The protective envelope is formed at least partially from a flexible protective film. The protective film comprises a gas-tight weakened region, along which the protective film tears open when the airbag presses against the protective film during inflation. The weakened region is configured to be bag-shaped in cross section by stretching the protective film. |
| US07866687B2 |
Vehicular airbag device
A vehicular airbag device is disclosed as having a mounting bracket supported on a steering member via a fixing portion and extending upward, and an airbag module mounted on the mounting bracket at an upper area thereof. The mounting bracket has connecting portions, provided with front and rear slits, whereby when the airbag module encounters a load directed downward, the connecting portions are subjected to plastic deformation to rotate in a vehicle width direction to absorb energy of the resulting load. |
| US07866684B2 |
Ski with improved edging characteristics
A ski or ski-like device with an improved edging feature to assist skiers in edging during icy conditions. The edging feature includes a structure and method that provides a lateral edge on the inside of the ski that can extend into the snow surface beneath the bottom surface of the ski. When the ski is turned (i.e., rotated about its longitudinal axis) the extended inside edge of the downhill ski digs into the snow surface to provide improved gripping and control. The edge adapted to extend beneath the bottom surface of the ski is provided either by attaching an edge that extends below the bottom surface of the ski, or by providing a bottom surface of the ski in the region adjacent to the extended edge that is arranged to yield under pressure, to expose the extended edge when vertical force is applied to the bottom surface of the ski during a turn. |
| US07866683B2 |
Gangway bellows
A gangway bellows for lining an intercommunicating gangway between a front car and a rear car which is connected in an articulated fashion to the front car, has a gangway bellows floor that is releasably attached to a gangway bellows body. Two drill holes extend through a first strip which is connected to the gangway bellows floor and through a second strip which is connected to the gangway bellows body. A first bolt and a second bolt are introduced into the drill holes. A securing element which is rigidly connected to the first bolt is provided for the second bolt and has two securing faces which are configured to bear against the end faces of the second bolt in order to hold the first bolt and the second bolt in the drill holes. |
| US07866681B1 |
Self-guided air spring assembly
An air spring assembly includes a pedestal that has one end fixed to a suspension arm and includes a second end with a platform that supports an air spring assembly. An air spring piston is fixed to the platform. A lower portion of a flexible bellows is fixed to the air spring piston and an upper portion of the flexible bellows is mounted to a vehicle frame structure. A linear moveable member has one end fixed to the upper portion of said flexible bellows and an opposite end slidingly received within an internal cavity of the pedestal such that the upper and lower portions of the flexible bellows articulate linearly with respect to each other. |
| US07866675B2 |
Composite ice blade
A composite ice blade may have a metal ice edge bonded to a metal foil. The metal foil may be bonded to a plastic core to form a composite sandwich having a center plastic core and metal sides. The ice edge may be bonded to the foil by welding or brazing, then formed into shape to accept the plastic core. The plastic core may be injection molded directly into the formed metal structure, or bonded to the metal components in a secondary operation. |
| US07866673B2 |
Heating arrangement for ice skate blades
An ice skate assembly for attachment to a boot has a skate blade and a blade heating arrangement mounted within a blade support. The blade is heated by a row of field-effect transistors carried on a circuit board or another type of heating element encapsulated on the top edge of the blade in an over-molded plastic strip which engages into a slot in the support as a wedged fit. The blade is attached by an inclined wedge member a screw for pulling the blade longitudinally of the blade and to draw the inclined wedge member into its receptacle. The battery pack is carried in the rear tower which is sealed against moisture penetration and includes two proximity switches for actuation. |
| US07866666B2 |
Processing device, control method for a processing device, program, processing system and control method for a processing system
A hybrid processing system improves the reliability of multifeed detection even when plural different types of media are processed together without increasing the cost or size of the hybrid processing device due to increased performance, and without incurring a drop in throughput. In addition to image data captured from the processed media by an internal image reader, the hybrid processing device 1 also sends data for confirming multifeeding to the host computer 30. This multifeed confirmation data includes the result from a first multifeed detection process, the result from a second multifeed detection process, the paper length data detected by a paper length detection means 9, and the paper thickness data detected by a paper thickness detection means 65. The host computer 30 uses the image data and the multifeed confirmation data received from the hybrid processing device 1 to independently detect multifeeding, and thereby enables more reliable multifeed detection. |
| US07866664B2 |
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. |
| US07866660B2 |
Sheet storing device and image forming apparatus provided therewith
A sheet storing device capable of storing a plurality of sheets, which feeds a sheet of the stored sheets, includes: a side regulating member which regulates a side portion of the stored sheets that is in parallel with a feeding direction of the sheets; and a side regulating member adjusting unit in which one end side of the side regulating member in the feeding direction serves as a fulcrum, and the other end side of the side regulating member in the feeding direction is capable of being rotated, and an angle of the side regulating member with respect to the feeding direction is capable of being adjusted. |
| US07866657B2 |
Paper-feeding roller
A paper-feeding roller including a rubber composition containing short fibers in which the short fibers has an average fiber diameter not less than 10 μm nor more than 100 μm and an average fiber length not less than 0.01 mm nor more than 4 mm. At least one part of all of the short fibers is radially oriented at an angle not less than 10 degrees nor more than 90 degrees with respect to a plane which contacts a surface of the paper-feeding roller, with one end of each of the radially oriented short fibers disposed exposably on the surface of the paper-feeding roller. |
| US07866656B2 |
Method and apparatus for separating media combinations from a media stack
The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack. The image recordable materials removed from the stack are subsequently imaged and optionally additionally processed. The slip-sheets removed from the stack are stored in a slip-sheet holder. |
| US07866654B2 |
Sheet conveying apparatus
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a first storing unit in which a sheet bundle is stacked, a second storing unit that is provided near the first storing unit and in which the sheet bundle is stacked, a transfer tray that is provided in the second storing unit and transfers the sheet bundle from the second storing unit to the first storing unit, and a stopper that regulates, when the transfer tray transfers the stacked sheet bundle from the second storing unit to the first storing unit and moves from the first storing unit to the second storing unit, movement of the sheet bundle on the transfer tray. |
| US07866648B2 |
Multiple stapling apparatus
Disclosed is a multiple stapling apparatus that can staple at least two or more parts of a sheet by exactly supporting the sheet a stapling position of a sheet finisher which finishes the sheet ejected from a digital output device. The multiple stapling apparatus includes a clamp shaft (65) parallel to a moving direction of the stapler, a first guide (50) having a first base wall (51) axially rotated around the clamp shaft (65) at a predetermined angle on the clamp shaft, supporting the sheet stacked on the compile tray, and second guides (60a and 60b) having second base walls (61a and 61b) slid along the clamp shaft along with the stapler, supporting the sheet on the compile tray when the first base wall is opened, wherein the first guide is axially rotated at a predetermined angle around the clamp shaft to open the first base wall when the stapler moves at a predetermined distance along the clamp shaft from a hole position (94). In case that the sheet is supported by the first base wall, the edge of the sheet can be stapled by rotation of the stapler. In case that the sheet is supported by the second base wall, two or more parts of the sheet can be stapled while the stapler is moved along the supported sheet. |
| US07866645B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A bookbinding apparatus comprises, a stacking unit on which sheets are stacked; a folding portion which folds the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; a humidifying unit which humidifies portions of the sheets to be fold lines of a booklet before folding by the folding portion; and a controller which controls a humidifying condition at the time of the humidifying by the humidifying unit, wherein the humidifying condition is variable according to the sheets composing the booklet. |
| US07866642B2 |
Modular universal holding fixture
A modular universal holding fixture and corresponding methods, accommodating a wide range of workpiece contours, geometries, sizes, and configurations. The fixture may include a fiducial base, a registration frame, and a bridge module. Fixable to a fiducial (reference) location, the fiducial base may be attached in alignment to the registration frame. The bridge module may have a central cavity and guide tracks on top, exterior, and interior support surfaces. The bridge module transversely engages the registration frame for longitudinal movement to a registration position, and supports a tooling for transverse movement. The bridge module may repositionably constrain the tooling at an indexed position. The bridge module may be configured to engage multiple types of tooling and additional tooling headers, supports, and side actuators. A tooling may be passive linear actuators positioned by a N/C operated gantry engaged with the registration frame. |
| US07866641B1 |
Machining center adaptor having a fluid-emitting orifice arrangement for cleaning work piece chucks
An adaptor and its method of use for cleaning the work piece chuck clamping surfaces of a turning center (lathe). An adaptor of the present invention includes a number of orifices that are arranged and oriented to direct pressurized fluid (e.g., air and/or another fluid) against the clamping surfaces of the work pieces chucks when a work piece is not present. The pressurized fluid impinges on the work piece chuck clamping surfaces, thereby removing chips and/or other debris therefrom. |
| US07866638B2 |
Gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a gas liquid contactor module including a liquid inlet and outlet and a gas inlet and outlet. An array of nozzles is in communication with the liquid inlet and the gas inlet. The array of nozzles is configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas flow and maximize gas flow and liquid flow interactions while rapidly replenishing the liquid. |
| US07866637B2 |
Humidifying apparatus, lithographic apparatus and humidifying method
A humidifying apparatus is disclosed in which gas is provided to a first side of a membrane and liquid to a second side of the same membrane. The membrane is non-porous to the liquid but porous to vapor of the liquid and is liquidphilic to said liquid. |
| US07866635B2 |
Fence system
A fence system, and method for making same, includes at least one support member, and at least one infill material having an edge. At least one union strip is coupled to the at least one support member, the at least one union strip including at least one channel configured for receiving the edge of the at least one infill material. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one channel is U-shaped, and the edge is configured in a U-shape for matingly engaging the at least one U-shaped channel. |
| US07866632B2 |
Multi-compartmental winch device
An apparatus positions a boat having a clip attached to a bow onto a boat trailer. The apparatus is used with a winch and two guides mounted on the boat trailer. The two guides are positioned a selected distance from the winch toward the rear of the boat trailer and spaced apart from each other. The apparatus includes three line sections windable about a reel of the winch with two of the line sections being windable about the reel in one direction and the third line being wound in an opposite direction. The two lines that are wound on the reel in the same direction extend around the guides while the third line extends between the guides and all of the lines being connected to each other at their distal ends. Forward movement of the boat engages the clip with the lines such that the boat can be winched onto the trailer. |
| US07866630B2 |
Winding mechanism with tension control function and trawling apparatus
To provide a winding mechanism and a trawling apparatus capable of eliminating an excessive tension or slack generated in a wire wound around a drum and keeping the tension or wire length of the wire constant.A winding mechanism with tension control function includes a reversibly rotatable liquid-pressure motor rotating a drum having a wire wound therearound, a liquid-pressure pump coupled directly with the liquid-pressure motor and supplying hydraulic oil, and an electric motor rotating to drive the liquid-pressure pump. The winding mechanism further includes a control unit controlling a torque of the electric motor based on a variation in load current of the electric motor and winding off or winding up the wire to keep the tension of the wire at a set value. |
| US07866627B2 |
Normally-closed electromagnetic valve and manufacturing method for the same
A normally-closed electromagnetic valve has a body member having a receiving space, a fixed core, a valve seat, a moving core, a resilient member urging the moving core toward the valve seat, a valve element and a coil exciting the fixed core to produce an attracting force between the fixed core and the moving core, wherein the moving core has a through hole, the valve element is inserted into the through hole from the valve seat-side, at least a part of the resilient member is inserted into the through hole from the fixed core-side and the resilient member is compressed between a moving core-side end of the fixed core and a fixed core-side end of the valve seat. |
| US07866623B2 |
Computer retail display stand
A computer retail display stand includes a base with an adjustable rear locking bracket assembly that can be engaged with an in-store locking bar, adjusted as necessary for the particular configuration of the in-store locking bar. A support platen on which a computer can be disposed for display is rotatingly coupled to the base. Informational material can be supported on a brochure tray that slides into and out of the base at the front of the stand. |
| US07866622B2 |
In-wall mount
An in-wall mount for supporting an electronic display from a wall. The in-wall mount includes a wall interface structure, a display interface structure, and an extensible arm assembly. The display interface structure is selectively outwardly shiftable relative to the wall interface structure between a first position wherein the display interface structure is proximate the wall interface structure and a second position wherein the display interface structure is spaced apart from the wall interface structure, the display interface structure rising vertically relative to the wall interface structure as the display interface structure is shifted from the first position to the second position. |
| US07866621B1 |
Pull-out swivel mount
A system for mounting a flat panel television or display to a surface such as a wall. A base plate is configured to operatively connect to a surface, while an adapter plate is configured to operatively connect to a display device. A plurality of connecting arms are used to operatively connect the base plate to the adapter plate. Each of the plurality of connecting arms includes a base plate engagement portion slidably engageable with slots in the base plate and an adapter plate engagement portion operatively connected to the adapter plate. Movement of the base plate engagement portions within the base plate's slots results in a translational movement of the adapter plate relative to the base plate. |
| US07866615B2 |
Display support device
A display support device includes a connecting member and a lower tube. The connecting member is adapted to be mounted on a rear surface of a flat display, and includes an upper tube. The lower tube is disposed below the upper tube. One of the upper and lower tubes has an internally threaded portion, and the other of the upper and lower tubes has an externally threaded portion engaging the internally threaded portion to allow for rotation and therefore movement of the lower tube relative to the upper tube, which results in a change to the total length of the upper and lower tubes. |
| US07866606B2 |
Aircraft crashworthy energy absorber system
An energy absorber system for aircraft survivability. The energy absorber system includes energy absorbers providing energy absorption in a plurality of occupant weight ranges, said system providing a controlled range of dynamic response index (DRI) and of lumbar load level in one of said occupant weight ranges and greater energy absorption stroke distance in one of said occupant weight ranges as the occupant weight increases toward its maximum value for the weight range. |
| US07866602B2 |
Sensing load relief by a secondary path of a flight control actuator
Device for sensing load relief by a secondary path of a flight control actuator having a primary path and a secondary path capable of relieving the load of the primary path in the event of a breakdown thereof, the primary path comprising a screw, the screw terminating in a fastener of the primary path, the secondary path comprising an emergency load relief rod passing through the screw, this rod terminating in a male shape which, when the primary path is carrying the load, is accommodated inside of a female shape of a fastener of the secondary path, characterized in that at least one sensing element is disposed on the male shape terminating the rod, on the female shape or between both of these two shapes, this sensing element being designed to wear down due to the friction between the male shape and the female shape, when the secondary path is loaded and is relieving the load, this sensing element being connected or capable of being connected to means capable of sensing wear on this sensing element and of triggering an alarm when such wear is sensed. |
| US07866601B2 |
Lenticular airship
An airship may include a hull substantially shaped as an oblate spheroid, one or more frame members defining a support structure, wherein the support structure forms at least a partial support for the hull, at least one horizontal stabilizing member operably coupled to a lower surface of the airship, and at least one horizontal stabilizing member having a first end and a second end. The at least one horizontal stabilizing member may define an anhedral configuration. The airship may also include a vertical stabilizing member having a first end pivotally coupled to the airship and a second end oriented to remain below an upper surface of the airship. The vertical stabilizing member may be configured to pivot within a vertical plane, and the first end of the vertical stabilizing member and the first end of the at least one horizontal stabilizing member may be operably coupled to one another. |
| US07866600B2 |
Integrated engine air particle filter assembly
An engine air particle filter system configured to selectively receive one of at least a first tray which supports a first filter media and a second tray which supports a second filter media different than the first filter media. |
| US07866598B2 |
Rotorcraft engine and rotor speed synchronization
Systems and methods are provided in which an electrical control system independently effects acceleration of both driven and driving elements of a clutch to engage each other. In preferred embodiments the clutch is not a friction clutch, but a dog clutch, and forms part of a drive drain of a rotorcraft. A second clutch can be used, along with a mechanical interlock to prevent simultaneous engagement of the clutches. Speeds of the driven and driving elements can be sensed, and altered using at least one of a rotor, a brake, a generator, an electric motor, and a combustion motor. In rotorcraft embodiments, the gearbox can have a neutral condition in which no power is transmitted from the engine to the rotor |
| US07866591B2 |
Winding machine for winding thread-shaped winding material
A winding machine for winding thread-shaped winding material has a winding motor, a positioning drive and a control device. The winding motor has a motor housing and a motor shaft, wherein the motor shaft can rotate about a rotation axis. The motor shaft is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to a spool holder, on which at least one reel is arranged. The winding machine has at least one thread-feeding means per reel, by means of which thread-feeding means the thread-shaped winding material can be fed to the respective reel. During the rotation of the motor shaft about its shaft axis, the spool holder can be position axially along the shaft axis relative to the motor housing by means of the positioning drive. The winding motor and the positioning drive can be actuated in a coordinated manner by means of the control device. |
| US07866587B2 |
Drag adjusting mechanism for dual-bearing reel
A drag adjusting mechanism for a dual-bearing reel comprises a drag adjusting lever, a cam mechanism, and a rotation restricting portion. The drag adjusting lever rotates about a spool shaft between a drag release position and a maximum drag position. The cam mechanism has a cam surface that converts rotation of the drag adjusting lever into axial movement of the drag mechanism along the axial direction of the spool shaft. The rotation restricting member is provided on the cam surface and regulates rotation of the drag adjusting lever to the drag release position. The rotation restricting member has a protrusion with an apex, a first slanted surface extending from the apex toward a first position corresponding to a drag release position, and a second slanted surface extending from the apex in the direction opposite to the drag release position. The angle of the first slanted surface is smaller than the angle of the second slanted surface. |
| US07866584B2 |
Vertical mill
The invention relates to a vertical mill comprising a grinding track (1) and at least one grinding roller (2). The grinding track (1) is provided with a central zone (Ia) made of a harder material and two laterally adjacent edge zones (Ib, Ic) made of a softer material. The width (a) of the central zone (Ia) is smaller than or equal to the width of the grinding roller (2). |
| US07866583B2 |
Food waste reduction mechanism for disposer
Various mechanisms for reducing food waste in a food waste disposer are disclosed. In each of the reduction mechanisms, structures are provided for shearing food waste as it passes through or past a rotating shredder plate of the disposer. Each of the reduction mechanism has a rotatable plate having a plurality of lugs positioned for rotation relative to an inner wall of a stationary ring. In one embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a horizontal toothed ledge positioned above the stationary ring is used to enhance grinding the food waste. In another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a vertical rasping surface positioned above the stationary ring. In yet another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes serrated edges added to the vertical leading edges of the teeth on the stationary ring. |
| US07866576B1 |
Filtered shower arm
A combination shower arm and water filter having an integrated design for attachment between a water pipe behind a shower wall and a showerhead. The combination shower arm and water filter including a body having a first hollow arm and a second hollow arm connected to a central cartridge holding portion. The filter holding portion has a central opening with a filter cartridge or element removably held in a hollow chamber formed above the filter holding portion by means of a cap that is removably secured to the an upwardly extending annular portion formed on the filter holding portion. Water entering the combined shower arm and filter assembly through the first hollow arm is directed into the hollow chamber for passage through filter media in the filter cartridge or element before it exits through the second hollow arm and out a showerhead. |
| US07866575B2 |
Pressure actuated fuel injector
An engine assembly may include a fuel injector having a housing, an actuation mechanism, and a valve member. The housing may define a high pressure region, a low pressure region, a longitudinal bore, and a valve seat having an aperture extending therethrough. The actuation member may be disposed within the longitudinal bore and may include a first axial end surface. The valve mechanism may include a second axial end surface abutting the first axial end surface. The first and second axial end surfaces define an outer contact perimeter and a chamber within the outer contact perimeter. A radial surface area defined by the chamber formed by the first and second axial end surfaces may be at least 25 percent of a radial surface area defined within the outer contact perimeter. |
| US07866571B2 |
Portable spraying device
A portable spraying device has an internal combustion engine and a blower driven by the internal combustion engine. A blower tube is connected to the blower and conveys a blowing air stream generated in the blower. A spraying agent reservoir is provided and a spraying agent line is connect to the reservoir and conveys a spraying agent stream from the reservoir into the blowing air stream. A control valve is arranged in the spraying agent line. A throttle control acts on the internal combustion engine for controlling an engine output. A stop switch acts on the internal combustion engine for interrupting ignition. An actuating element acts on the control valve for actuating the control valve to control the spraying agent stream. A handle with a handle head is provided and the throttle control, the stop switch, and the actuating element are arranged in the handle head. |
| US07866570B2 |
Stand for oscillating wave-type sprinkler
A sprinkler stand for holding an oscillating sprinkler in an elevated and generally vertical orientation to provide a desired sprinkler coverage pattern, wherein a sprinkler holder holds a sprinkler, a frame elevates and supports the sprinkler holder, and a base supports the frame. Preferably, the sprinkler holder includes two tracks for engaging base members of a sprinkler, wherein the tracks allow for the repositioning of the sprinkler so as to vary the sprinkler elevation, the height of the sprinkler holder is adjustable by moving the holder along the frame, or by adding a frame extender to the frame, and the sprinkler holder may be rotated, or the frame rotatably or angularly adjusted to achieve a desired sprinkler orientation. |
| US07866561B2 |
Label producing apparatus
A label producing apparatus includes a pressure bonding roller configured to produce a printed tag label tape by bonding a print-receiving tape paid out from a print-receiving tape roll to a base tape having a plurality of RFID circuit elements and paid out from a cover tape roll, a signal processing circuit configured to create RFID control information to be written to IC circuit parts and a transmitting portion of a radio frequency circuit, an antenna configured to write the thus created RFID control information disposed upstream of the pressure bonding roller in the transport direction of the base tape, and a print head configured to carry out print to the RFID circuit elements disposed upstream of the pressure bonding roller in the transport direction of the print-receiving tape 103. Accordingly, the RFID circuit elements are disposed on the tape at close intervals, and read/write processing can be carried out effectively and continuously. |
| US07866557B2 |
Imaging-based bar code reader utilizing modified rolling shutter operation
An imaging system for use in an bar code reader for imaging a target bar code. The imaging system includes a 2D sensor array generating a series of image frames and The sensor array can be selectively operated in a rolling shutter mode of operation or a pseudo global shutter mode of operation. The imaging system further includes an imaging lens assembly to focus light from the field of view onto the sensor array and an image analysis system for analyzing the series of image frames generated by the sensor array for image brightness and, based on image brightness, operating the sensor array in a selected one of the rolling shutter mode of operation and the pseudo-global shutter mode of operation. |
| US07866555B2 |
Transport monitoring system
A transport monitoring system is provided for transporting goods that are provided with identification tags. The identification tags store identification data used to identify the goods. The transport device includes a closeable transport unit, at least one reader unit, an evaluation unit and activation unit. The closeable transport unit receives goods that are provided with identification tags. The at least one reader unit emits an inquiry signal to the transport unit in order to read the identification tags when an activation signal for activating the reader unit is received. The at least one reader unit also receives the identification data signals emitted by the identification tags. The evaluation unit is used to evaluate the identification data signals received by the reader unit. The activation unit produces the activating signal for activating the reader unit once the transport unit is closed. |
| US07866551B2 |
Dynamic payment device characteristics
A payment device is disclosed. It includes a memory including payment data; and a display coupled to the memory. A processor is configured to execute one or more instructions for displaying the payment data on the display. The payment device is in the form of a card. |
| US07866549B2 |
Identification data decoder
The invention is a system component which may be installed in systems used to, in an automated fashion, acquire and process identification data from sources such as drivers licenses. The novel component is typically installed between the reader and the processing unit of such systems. Preferably the novel component replaces the cabling between the reader and processing unit. In this configuration, the component adds an electronic module placed serially in the cable. The electronics module accepts raw data from the reader in a variety of formats, and decodes and re-formats the data in a pre-determined format understood by the processing unit. Thus the novel component allows the system to accept multiple data formats without extensive re-programming of the processing unit. |
| US07866548B2 |
Account control method and system that allows only eligible and authorized items to be purchased using the account
The present invention relates to a real time account control method and system that allows only eligible and authorized items to be purchased using the account. The present invention relates particularly to healthcare spending accounts such as flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements. The method can comprise the steps of: establishing at least one account, each account having an account holder; identifying at least on item eligible for purchase using one of the accounts; identifying at least one item authorized for purchase using one of the accounts; and, upon request to purchase an item using one of the accounts, authorizing the purchase for an amount not to exceed an available balance in that account only if the item is both an item identified as eligible for purchase and an item authorized for purchase. |
| US07866544B1 |
Card reading automated banking machine authorization based on user location verification
An ATM transaction request is authorized based on the determined location of an authorized user relative to the ATM. Identification of an authorized ATM user is linked to a remotely locatable item (e.g., a cell phone) of the authorized user. An ATM receiving the identification causes the location of the cell phone to be determined. A comparison is then made of the cell phone location and the ATM location. If the locations correspond, then the current ATM user is recognized as the authorized user and ATM transactions are permitted. If the locations do not correspond, then the current ATM user is denied ATM transactions. The security arrangement can prevent an unauthorized ATM user from using a fraudulent ATM card to access a financial account. |
| US07866542B2 |
System and method for resolving identities that are indefinitely resolvable
A system and method for resolving identities that are indefinitely resolvable is presented. A resolution manager retrieves an account and resolves the account to existing entities. When the account is resolved into an existing entity, the resolution manager proceeds through a sequence of steps to ensure a load order independent resolution outcome by unresolving the entity, and possibly related entities, if resolution ambiguity arises. When the account does not resolve to an existing entity, the resolution manager creates a new entity with the account, and checks whether the new entity has relationships with other entities. If so, the resolution manager proceeds through the sequence of steps to ensure a load order independent resolution outcome as discussed above. |
| US07866535B2 |
Preform for forming complex contour structural assemblies
A preform for forming a structural assembly that defines a complex contour is provided. The preform and, hence, the structural assembly includes first and second skin members and a cellular core member between the first and second skin members. The skin members and/or the core member can be formed to a shape that corresponds to the desired contour of the structural member before the preform is assembled, e.g., by superplastic forming. That is, the first skin member can be disposed against a contour surface of a die to restrain the preform to the contour defined by the surface. A pressurized fluid is provided against the second skin member to urge the preform against the contour surface. A pressurized fluid is also injected in the first chamber to support the cellular core member. The preform is heated to a bonding temperature before or after being disposed against the contour surface so that the core and skin members are bonded to form the structural assembly. |
| US07866533B2 |
Conductive ball removing method, conductive ball mounting method, conductive ball removing apparatus, and conductive ball mounting apparatus
In a method of removing conductive balls that are left on a mask provided on a substrate having pads thereon, the method includes: (a) making a sheet member close to the mask using a contacting mechanism such that a gap between the sheet member and the mask is set small than a diameter of the conductive balls. The conductive balls are removed in such a manner that the conductive balls are adhered onto the sheet member. |
| US07866530B1 |
Clean tip soldering station
A design and method to keep the iron tip clean by submerging in molten solder with no oxidation and dross is described. Wool submerged in the molten solder and by cone-hole reservoir provide extra protection of the tip. Molten solder has protected from the oxidation by the antioxidant applied over the molten solder and by keeping the solder temperature close to the crystallization temperature and by having the crystallized solder layer above the molten solder. Further improving the tip surface is made possible by the electrolyses provided by current running through the molten solder and the iron tip. Iron battery charging circuit through the molten solder and magnetic connector-holder is described. |
| US07866529B2 |
Solder ball loading method and solder ball loading unit
A solder ball loading unit for loading a solder balls to be turned to a solder bumps on a connection pad of a printed wiring board, including a ball arranging mask having a plurality of openings corresponding to the connection pad of the printed wiring board, a cylinder member located above the ball arranging mask for gathering the solder balls just below the opening portion by sucking air from the opening portion, and a moving mechanism for moving the cylinder member in the horizontal direction, the moving mechanism moving the solder balls gathered on the ball arranging mask by moving the cylinder member and dropping the solder balls onto the connection pads of the printed wiring board through the opening in the ball arranging mask. |
| US07866525B2 |
Surgical instrument having a plastic surface
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. |
| US07866524B2 |
Stapler powered auxiliary device for injecting material between stapler jaws
There is disclosed an auxiliary device for injecting material between the jaws of a surgical stapler. The auxiliary device includes a nozzle assembly having a discharge port and a compression assembly having at least one compression roller for forcing material out of the discharge port. The disclosed compression rollers may be formed of an incompressible or compressible material. The auxiliary device also includes a drive mechanism for moving the compression assembly within a nozzle body of the nozzle assembly. There is also disclosed a rupturable capsule for retaining material to be dispensed. |
| US07866521B2 |
Magazine for wired-collated fasteners with automatic loading
A fastening tool includes a housing assembly having a nosepiece and a magazine assembly that is coupled to the housing assembly. The magazine assembly includes a canister, a door structure, a feed pawl and a follower structure. The canister is configured to hold a plurality of collated fasteners and has a first canister portion and a second canister portion that is movable relative to the first canister portion between a closed position and an open position. The fastening tool further includes a coil feeder assembly having an indexing pawl. The indexing pawl advances a fastener into operative engagement with the feed pawl upon movement of the second canister portion from the open position to the closed position. The movement of the indexing pawl may be effectuated by an electric actuator. |
| US07866520B2 |
Staple gun with a safety device and its safety device
A staple gun with a safety device and its safety device are disclosed. The staple gun with a safety device comprises a safety device and a staple-floating unit that are installed in a housing of the staple gun. The safety device includes a safety push sheet and a switch. In a middle portion of the safety push sheet is defined an engaging slot along a staple-discharging direction, and the safety push sheet is further provided with a triggering sheet extending from an upper end thereof. The staple-floating unit is movably connected to the safety device and includes a guide sheet, a control knob, and a positioning pin. The positioning pin can be used to drive the safety push sheet and the guide sheet to move downwards to make the safety push sheet and the guide sheet to protrude out of the staple exit synchronously for facilitating exerting the staple-floating function. |
| US07866517B2 |
Vehicle-mounted equipment carrier
An equipment carrier for mounting onto a rear component of a vehicle structure, such as a vehicle trunk lid or door, comprises a frame having lower engagement elements engageable with a lower area of the vehicle component, a structure connected to the frame for carrying one or more items of equipment, at least one vehicle engaging member, connected to the frame, for engaging the vehicle component at a position above said lower area, a strap member having upper engagement elements for engagement with an upper area of the vehicle component, and at least one support connected to the frame, provided with a strap engaging and tensioning mechanism, which is engaged by the strap member and can be controlled for tensioning the strap member in order to tighten the upper and lower engagement elements onto the upper and lower areas of the vehicle component. |
| US07866512B2 |
Container system
The invention relates to a container system comprising a container with an integrated pump mechanism of a submersible pump, particularly a drum pump or a container pump with a pump lance. This pump lance can be inserted into the container via a bunghole, and a rotor shaft, which has a pump rotor mounted thereon in a rotationally fixed manner and which is actively connected to a drive motor, extends through the pump lance. By virtue of the fact that the submersible pump has a pump head and a pump mechanism, which are designed so that they can be separated from one another, and a withdrawal connection is assigned to the pump head that can be removed from the pump mechanism, the invention ensures that the container, which is advantageously provided with a bunghole that is drawn deeper or is otherwise situated lower, forms, together with the pump mechanism integrated in the container, a stackable and transportable unit that can be sealed tightly. The invention is for use in SCR technology or AdBlue® technology. |
| US07866506B2 |
Devices useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions
An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals, particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation. |
| US07866505B2 |
Portable and lockable storage container
A portable and lockable storage container includes a lid, a base, a locking mechanism, and a securing cable. The lid defines a lid aperture therein proximate a front edge portion of the lid. The base is hingedly connected to the lid along at least part of rear edge portions of the base and the lid. The lid and the base define a chamber when the lid is closed. The locking mechanism is connected to the base proximate a front edge portion of the base. The front edge portion of the base substantially aligns with the front edge portion of the lid when the lid is closed. The securing cable is designed to allow at least part of a first end portion of the securing cable to pass through the lid aperture and cooperate with the locking mechanism to retain the lid in a closed position. |
| US07866503B2 |
Steam-table pan
The invention is a steam-table pan formed of drawn metal sheet, the pan having a pinch-gripping bead including a gripping-skirt which is configured and vertically dimensioned for pinch-gripping of the bead with an adult's fingers to raise the pan from the steam table. The configuration of the steam-table pan provides substantially enhanced deformation resistance without a corresponding increase in thickness of the metal sheet. |
| US07866502B2 |
Venting container
A venting container including a lid and base having an inner cavity and a side wall that terminates in a rim, the lid including a central panel and a peripheral sealing lip that surrounds the panel, the peripheral sealing lip having a generally inverted U-shaped cross section that defines a lid channel into which the container rim fits, the sealing lip including at least one venting feature in the form of a flexible venting button that is adapted to transition from a first position to a second position upon application of an actuation force, the venting button being further adapted and positioned whereby when the container rim is positioned in the lid channel and the venting button is in the first position, sealed engagement of the lid to the container is effectuated and when the venting button is in the second position a venting air passage is provided from the container cavity to the container surroundings. In a second embodiment, the venting feature is in the form of a downwardly protruding venting boss provided to the lid closure and a boss seat formed in the base closure whereby the venting boss is received with the boss seat when the lid is oriented in a first non venting attachment position and the venting boss abuts against a surface of the base closure to provide a vent passage between the lid and base upon removal and repositioning of the lid to a second venting attachment position. |
| US07866498B2 |
Container for liquids
A liquid container (1) comprises a container body (2) with an outlet sleeve (3) having a free end (3a) defining an outlet opening, a drainage device (10) having a flange (11), and electrically conductive means (20) for discharging electrostatic charges from the container (1). The drainage device (10) comprises a tubular member (12) at least partly inserted into the outlet sleeve (3), and the electrically conductive means (20) comprise a first portion (21) interposed between the tubular member (12) of the drainage device (10) and the outlet sleeve (3) of the container body (2) and a second portion (22) connected to the first portion (21), disposed between the flange (11) and the free end (3a) of the outlet sleeve (3). The second portion (22) projects out of the drainage device (10). Particularly, the electrically conductive means are made of an electrically conductive plastic material. |
| US07866493B1 |
Storage apparatus for use in a hospital environment and associated method
A portable storage apparatus for holding hospital supplies includes a planar back wall extending along an entire longitudinal length of the storage apparatus and a plurality of storage compartments directly affixed to an anterior surface of the back wall and protruding forwardly therefrom. The apparatus further includes at least one flexible protective shield anchored to the back wall and selectively adapted between raised and lowered positions such that the compartments are exposed and isolated from an ambient region surrounding the storage apparatus. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for hanging the storage apparatus on the door such that the back wall contiguously lays against a planar side of the door and a mechanism for biasing the protective shield to a locked position. |
| US07866492B2 |
Device for suspending articles or for holding a shelf, and structure provided therewith
A suspension device includes a holder (3) for fixing to a carrier structure (7) and a plug-in socket (1) for inserting into the holder (3). A carrier (4) includes a plug-in element (400) that can be inserted into the plug-in socket (1) in a lockable manner. A flange (30) on the holder (3) is used to fix the holder to the carrier structure (7). A housing is connected to the flange (30). The holder (3) has a fixing mechanism for the fixed but detachable anchoring of the plug-in socket (1) inserted into the receiving region. A shaft is connected to the flange (10). The socket shaft includes a locking element (17) for the detachable engagement of the plug-in element (400) introduced into the socket shaft. A counter-element (403) on the plug-in element (400) cooperates with the locking element (17). |
| US07866483B2 |
Apparatus for discriminating sheet material
The present invention provides an apparatus for discriminating the kind of a sheet material, comprising: a substrate having a recessed portion; a press member situated so that a sheet material can be deflected using the recessed portion; a support member that is deformed as the sheet material situated to cover the recessed portion is pressed by the press member and thereby deflected; and a sensor for detecting the deformation amount of the support member, wherein the kind of the sheet material is discriminated on the basis of detecting the deformation amount of the support member by the sensor. |
| US07866481B2 |
Container for holding an article
A container for holding an article includes a deformable sleeve and an inner tray. In one embodiment, the inner tray is adapted to hold the article in the container in an orientation within the deformable sleeve with a portion of the article extending from the inner tray and at a position adjacent an opening in the deformable sleeve through which the article may be removed. In another embodiment, the inner tray includes at least one button adapted to be received in a corresponding aperture in the deformable sleeve. The at least one button and aperture cooperate to resist disengagement between the inner tray and the deformable sleeve by stress placed on the sleeve, and the inner tray is adapted to hold the article in the container in an orientation within the deformable sleeve. |
| US07866476B2 |
Multi-dose blister card pillbook
A product package includes a spine, a plurality of blister cards, and a coupler mechanism. Each blister card includes a plurality of individual cells. Each individual cell includes a blister for containing at least one product. The coupler mechanism is attached to the spine and re-attachably couples the plurality of blister cards within the product package. |
| US07866474B2 |
Film container
A film container (FIG. 4) comprises two rectangular films (5) joined together at their periphery to form a receiving chamber (6) for a filling (7), particularly a pharmaceutical formulation of an active substance, at least one of said films (5) being provided, for the purpose of tearing it open, with a marking (13) formed within the connecting region, which is exposed after the films (5) have been bent. The marking (13) extends centrally between two opposing outer edges (11) of the film container (1). |
| US07866469B2 |
Storage device
A storage device including a cap, an outer container, an inner container, a storage structure and a theft prevention mechanism associated with the outer and inner containers. The outer container includes an outer sidewall and a top, the inner container includes an inner sidewall and a bottom. The storage structure includes an upper structure, a lower structure and an inner sidewall structure corresponding to said top, bottom and inner sidewall respectively which is generally adapted to receive valuables. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for storing valuables including providing an inner and outer container configured to simulate a vehicle accessory, positioning the theft prevention mechanism between said inner and outer containers, biasing said theft prevention mechanism in an unlatched condition, opening said containers, storing valuables within said inner container, closing said containers and latching said inner and outer containers by operating said theft prevention mechanism. |
| US07866468B2 |
Medical instrument sterilization pouch
A medical instrument sterilization pouch for efficiently bagging hinged instruments. The medical instrument sterilization pouch generally includes a pouch including a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and/or the second layer are comprised of a gas permeable material and wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer via an outer seal substantially surrounding an outer perimeter of the first layer and the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are further impermeable to micro-organisms or toxins. The pouch includes a first lower portion and a second lower portion, wherein the first lower portion is separated from the second lower portion and wherein the first lower portion and the second lower portion form a recessed portion between thereof. The pouch preferably receives a medical instrument (i.e. surgical pliers), wherein the medical instrument is sterilized within the pouch and is then positioned upon a respective tool rack (i.e. pliers rack). |
| US07866462B2 |
Belt type conveyor apparatus with adjustable tail pulley
A conveyor apparatus for use with a conveyor belt includes an elongate conveyor support frame and a plurality of conveyor support devices mounted on this frame. These devices include a tail pulley mechanism having two tail pulley sections mounted on a pulley support for rotation about a common central axis of rotation. The pulley support includes a central support portion located at inner ends of the pulley sections and extending radially outwardly from these inner ends to a vertically extending pivot axis. An interconnecting support arrangement mounts the pulley support on the conveyor support frame and includes a pivot connector connecting the central support portion for pivotable movement about the pivot axis. An actuator can pivot the pulley support about the pivot axis to maintain the conveyor belt within a central region of the tail pulley. |
| US07866459B2 |
Sanitary slide gate incorporating permanent magnet apparatus and method
The present disclosure provides a slide gate 201 for use in conveyor systems that include permanent magnets 221 to hold slide gate components in place relative to a conveyor trough 202, while allowing the slide gate 201 to slide between open and closed positions relative to an opening or cutout 219 formed in the conveyor floor. The slide gate 201 is controllably opened and closed by an actuator system and can be magnetically attached to the actuator system 215 such that the slide gate 201 is attached to the conveyor system entirely through magnetic force. Magnetic attachment of the slide gate 201 provides improved performance, ease of cleaning, and safety compared to known slide gate systems. |
| US07866450B2 |
Brake device
A brake disc guard is provided inside of a rim of a front wheel and mounted on a knuckle. A caliper is located in a cutout portion formed at a front portion of the brake disc guard. The caliper is supported through a caliper bracket to the knuckle. A large-diameter portion is formed at an upper front end portion of the brake disc guard. The large-diameter portion extends so as to cover the upper side of the caliper bracket and the caliper. A scraper is formed at the front end of the large-diameter portion so as to be bent radially outwardly. The spacing a between the rim and the scraper is set to be the smallest. The dirt deposited on the rim is scraped off by the scraper, so that the dirt separated from the rim is prevented from falling onto the caliper. |
| US07866448B2 |
Aircraft brake particularly adapted for mounting on a conical axle
The invention relates to an aircraft brake for braking a wheel received on an axle presenting in succession a large-diameter cylindrical upstream portion, a conical portion, and a smaller-diameter cylindrical downstream portion suitable for receiving the wheel, the brake comprising: a stack of disks; a structural engaged on the axle and having the disks mounted thereon, the structural part comprising a support member for receiving braking actuators and including a centering portion for centering the structural part on the upstream cylindrical portion of the axle; and a torsion tube receiving the disks, the torsion tube being made integrally with the support member and the centering bearing surface and extending substantially to extend the centering bearing surface in register with the conical portion of the axle; and a braking force takeup member separably fitted on a free end of the torsion tube remote from the centering bearing surface. |
| US07866447B2 |
Disk brake, especially with an electromotive adjusting device, and method for controlling said type of disk brake
An electro mechanical or pneumatically actuated disk brake, in particular for a utility vehicle, includes a brake caliper or saddle and a brake disk. The brake saddle overlaps the brake disk at least in sections of the outer periphery thereof. The disk brake also includes a tensioning device which is entirely or partially inserted into the brake saddle. The tensioning device is used to produce a tensioning movement between the brake linings and the brake disk. The disk brake further includes at least one and preferably several adjusting devices. The brake disk and/or the brake saddle are arranged on a step with elastic pre-tension when the brake is in the release state. |
| US07866441B2 |
Noise level reduction of sparger assemblies
A method results in a system configuration wherein positioning a plurality of spargers reduces noise levels caused by fluid passing through the plurality of spargers. The method includes providing the plurality of spargers, each sparger having a center line access and an outer diameter measurement. Each of the plurality of spargers is positioned in a manner such that a ratio of the distance between the center line access of each sparger to the outer diameter measurement of each sparger is greater than a pre-determined ratio value. A greater ratio results in a reduction of noise emitted. |
| US07866440B2 |
System for joining acoustic cellular panel sections in edge-to-edge relation
The invention includes a joint assembly for connecting first and second longitudinal edges of portions of an acoustic barrel or panel having an open cell core, a perforated inner skin, and an outer skin. The joint assembly includes at least one strip covering a plurality of openings in walls of cells along the first and second longitudinal edges. The strip is separate from the inner and outer skins. A plate includes a first portion connected to the outer skin proximate to the first longitudinal edge, and a second portion connected to the outer skin proximate to the second longitudinal edge. |
| US07866435B2 |
Electric power steering rotation isolator
A steering column assembly includes a column jacket extending along a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft rotatably supported by the column jacket. A power assist module includes a housing coupled to the column jacket and a motor. The motor applies a torque to the steering shaft. An isolator connection interconnects the housing and the column jacket to permit rotational flexure of the power assist module relative to the column jacket, i.e., the power assist module may rotate relative to the column jacket, thereby preventing undesirable rotation of a lever mounted to the column jacket in response to the motor applying the torque to the steering shaft. |
| US07866433B2 |
Carrier assembly
A carrier assembly has a unique architecture which allows the carrier assembly to be defined by a very small packaging envelope. The carrier includes a main carrier housing with an internal cavity for receiving a differential and a carrier cover that closes the internal cavity once the differential has been installed. Examples of architectural features include a differential lock actuator that is mounted to the carrier cover, dowel pins that accommodate differential leg thrust loads and align the carrier cover relative to the main carrier housing, and bolt-in differential leg structures to facilitate pinion installation. Further, the carrier assembly can be utilized with an independent suspension to provide a increased jounce travel range. |
| US07866432B2 |
Chassis for electric vehicles
The present invention discloses an electric vehicle chassis applicable to the field of the electric vehicle technology. The object is to provide an electric vehicle with light weight and good driving stability. The electric vehicle chassis according the present invention comprises a frame and a power real axle, wherein the left and right rear wheels connected to the rear axle are driven by left and right motors, respectively, and a pendulum shaft is provided between the real axle and the frame for the swinging of the rear axle. Meanwhile, the rear wheels on both sides of the rear axle can also be directly driven by the respective full gear reduction motors, and the rear axle can be provided with a limiting swinging device thereon. The present invention includes characteristics such as light weight, low center of gravity, impossibility of turning over sideward during full speed steering, flexibility and automatic restoration, and is suitable for sports and recreation. |
| US07866431B2 |
Rider seat for motorcycle
To ensure that a fuel supply port or hydrogen gas charge port located on the lower side of a seat for a rider in a motorcycle can be opened and closed with less burden. A crosswise groove is provided between a driver's seat and a pillion of the seat for a rider. The pillion is provided with a longitudinal groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. A charge port is located on the lower side of the crosswise groove. A pad to be fitted in the crosswise groove covers the charge port. An arm as a support member of the pad is contained in the longitudinal groove. In the condition where the arm is set upright and the pad is set upright, the pad is inverted and a cushion part thereof faces forward, thereby providing a backrest for the passenger at the pillion. |
| US07866426B2 |
Radiator support structure
A riding type mower comprises: a plurality of wheels; a vehicle body supported by the plurality of wheels; a water-cooled engine located in a rear region of the vehicle body; a hood for covering the engine; a driver's seat located forwardly of the hood; a rollover protection frame located between the driver's seat and the water-cooled engine, the rollover protection frame having a pair of right and left support columns spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction; a radiator for the water-cooled engine located between the pair of the support columns of the rollover protection frame. |
| US07866424B2 |
Hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle with an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor has a tank ventilation system that includes a fuel tank and a suction pipe leading from a filtering device, which can be regenerated, to the intake path of the internal-combustion engine. A control device is configured to actuate different valve devices for flushing the filtering device, so that ambient air can be fed to the internal-combustion engine through the filtering device and the suction pipe. In addition, the control device is configured such that, during purely electric operation of the hybrid vehicle, it connects the internal-combustion engine as a function of the loading condition of the filtering device or of the flushing gas concentration. |
| US07866419B2 |
Diamond impregnated bits using a novel cutting structure
An insert for a drill bit that includes a plurality of encapsulated particles dispersed in a first matrix material, where the encapsulated particles include a coarse particle encapsulated within a shell, and wherein the shell comprises abrasive particles dispersed in a second matrix material is disclosed. |
| US07866417B2 |
Self sharpening steel tooth cutting structure
An earth boring drill bit comprising a milled cutter having rows of teeth hardfacing guides on the cutter. Hardfacing is applied between adjacent teeth hardfacing guides to form a cutting element. The hardfacing may include an annular body with ridges that outwardly project from the body. |
| US07866415B2 |
Steering device for downhole tools
An exemplary device carried on a rotating drill string includes an actuator that moves force application members and an associated controller. The force application members are actuated by an eccentricity between a force application members housing and the actuator. The controller synchronizes the extension of the force application members with the rotation of the drill string such that a steering force applied by the force application members is applied in the same azimuthal direction. The controller may also control magnitude of the steering force by adjusting the eccentricity. Another exemplary device maintains a wellbore device, such as a sensor, in a substantially non-rotating condition relative to a reference frame. The device includes a sensor conveyed by a rotating wellbore tubular, a drive configured to rotate the sensor; and a processor that controls the drive to maintain the sensor in a substantially non-rotating condition relative to the reference frame. |
| US07866414B2 |
Active integrated well completion method and system
A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided. |
| US07866413B2 |
Methods for designing and fabricating earth-boring rotary drill bits having predictable walk characteristics and drill bits configured to exhibit predicted walk characteristics
Walk characteristics of an earth-boring rotary drill bit may be predicted by measuring locations and orientations of cutting elements thereof and calculating the magnitude and direction of an imbalance force of the drill bit using the measurements obtained. The calculated imbalance force may be compared to the imbalance force of at least one other drill bit having a calculated imbalance force and observed walk characteristics. An earth-boring rotary drill bit may be designed by constructing a database including the magnitude and direction of a calculated imbalance force and observed walk characteristics for a number of drill bits. Desired walk characteristics are selected, the database is referenced, and the bit may be configured to exhibit an imbalance force selected to impart desired walk characteristics to the drill bit. Drill bits are configured to exhibit an imbalance force oriented in a predetermined direction relative to a blade of the drill bit. A system may be employed to monitor the imbalance force of an operating drill bit and to provide or implement desirable operational parameters to compensate for same. |
| US07866412B2 |
Vibration attenuated power tool
A vibration attenuated power drill. The drill includes a housing incorporating a motor for driving an output shaft. A drill bit is driven by the output shaft by means of cooperating ratchet plates contained in a gearbox. The motor has a stator and a rotor, and is provided with leaf springs which attenuate vibrations transmitted from the motor to the housing along the axis of rotation of the rotor relative to the stator. |
| US07866411B2 |
Vibration dampened hand-held power tool
A hand-held power tool, e.g. a high speed file or polisher has a single rotary drive shaft (8) to which there is locked a first eccentric member (1) in which a second eccentric member (2) can be rotated and locked forming a first assembly (10). The second eccentric member has an eccentrically placed crank pin in the form of a hollow needle bearing ring (2a) through which the drive shaft passes. The outer ring (7) of the needle bearing reciprocally drives a connecting rod (1.2) to a tool holder (9). The drive shaft also passes through an identical assembly (10f) of first and second eccentric members (1′, 2′) disposed upside down on the first assembly (10) and reciprocally driving, in the opposite direction and in counterphase, a counterweight, to cancel the reactive oscillating forces from the tool holder during operation, which would otherwise have to be absorbed by the hand and aim of the operator. Relative rotational adjustment of the first (1, 1′) and second (2, 2′) eccentric members simply changes the length of stroke of the tool holder and the counterweight, respectively, |
| US07866410B2 |
Precision hoe opener with swing link between cylinder and shank
A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation. |
| US07866409B2 |
Tilling machine transport and storage apparatuses and methods
Apparatuses and methods are provided to facilitate the transport and storage of tilling machines and specifically mini-tillers. A wheel apparatus can attach to a tilling machine, such as by attachment to a drag bar, in a transport position or a storage position. In the transport position, the wheel apparatus can maintain tiller tines of the tilling machine above the ground surface with the weight of the tilling machine supported on the wheel apparatus, thereby allowing the tilling machine to be rolled for transport. In the storage position, the wheel apparatus can be attached to the drag bar, whereby both the tiller tines and the wheel apparatus rest on the ground surface to provide stability to the tilling machine. During operation the wheel apparatus can be removed from the tilling machine. |
| US07866408B2 |
Well tool including swellable material and integrated fluid for initiating swelling
A well tool including swellable material and integrated fluid for initiating swelling. A well tool includes a swellable material and a reservoir for containing a fluid of a type which causes the swellable material to swell. A method of swelling a swellable material included in a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well; and then activating a fluid to cause swelling of the swellable material. A method of swelling a swellable material includes the steps of: providing the swellable material which is capable of swelling when contacted by a fluid; positioning the swellable material in an environment in which the swellable material is contacted by another fluid which does not cause the material to swell; and swelling the swellable material by contacting the swellable material with the first fluid while the swellable material remains in contact with the other fluid. |
| US07866406B2 |
System and method for plugging a downhole wellbore
A method for plugging a downhole wellbore including, running an anchor and swellable seal disposed at a mandrel within the downhole wellbore, setting the anchor within the downhole wellbore, releasing the anchor and the swellable seal, and swelling the swellable seal into contact with another downhole structure. |
| US07866405B2 |
Securement of lines to well sand control screens
Systems and methods for securing lines to well sand control screens. A method of securing at least one line to a tubular string includes connecting together longitudinal ends of longitudinal sections of the tubular string; then wrapping a shroud circumferentially about the connected tubular string sections; and securing the line to the shroud. A well screen assembly includes a generally tubular filter portion, a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the filter portion, and a retainer which connects opposite circumferential ends of the shroud to each other without being welded to at least one of the shroud ends, with the retainer being positioned on an interior of the shroud. Another well screen assembly includes multiple longitudinal sections of a tubular string, at least one of the longitudinal sections comprising a well screen, and a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the tubular string sections and rotationally secured to the tubular string. |
| US07866404B2 |
Tubular member connection
An apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may operate to couple, in a substantially fluid-tight manner, a first tubular member (140′) carrying a first set of tubular member conductors (124′) to a hollow cylinder (104). The hollow cylinder may include two or more sets of insulators having an equal number of insulating elements (120, 12S) located on the outer surface of the hollow cylinder, and two or more sets of conductors (110, 116) having an equal number of conducting elements defining pairs of conducting elements located on the outer surface. Each of the pairs of conducting elements may be insulated from the other pairs of conducting elements by the sets of insulators. The apparatus and system, as well as the method and article, may also operate to couple, in a substantially fluid-tight manner, a second tubular member (140″) carrying a second set of tubular member conductors to the hollow cylinder. |
| US07866403B1 |
Work string controller
Well bore servicing equipment is provided. The well bore servicing equipment comprises a first manipulator to grip a well bore work string, to raise the work string, and to lower the work string. The well bore servicing equipment further comprises a controller to receive a work string trajectory input and to automatically control the first manipulator to raise and lower the work string substantially in conformance with the work string trajectory input. |
| US07866399B2 |
Apparatus and method for managed pressure drilling
A drilling system employing a main tubular having a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet conduits positioned thereon and a concentric inner tubular having a plurality seals for sealing the annular space between the concentric inner and main tubulars. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits work in cooperation with the annular seals to selectively open and close for effective management of pressure within the tubulars. |
| US07866395B2 |
Hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation control in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments
A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A foam fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid form to that of a stable foam fracturing fluid during the fracturing process. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation. |
| US07866391B2 |
Shoe for wellbore lining tubing
This invention relates to a shoe for wellbore lining tubing and to a method of locating wellbore lining tubing in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a shoe (30) is disclosed which includes a tubular outer body (32) that is coupled to a wellbore lining tubing (28), and a tubular inner body (36) located within the outer body and coupled to fluid supply tubing (38). A generally annular flow area (44) is defined between the bodies which is in selective fluid communication with the well-bore (10), for the return flow of fluid from the wellbore through a flow port (62) in the outer body, along the shoe and into an annulus (46) defined between the wellbore lining tubing and the fluid supply tubing. A valve assembly (40) of the shoe has an actuating member (92) located within the inner body, and a flow controller (96) for selectively closing the flow port. A ball (98) is used to prevent further fluid flow through the inner body into the wellbore. Exposure of the actuating member to fluid at a first fluid pressure then causes the actuating member to move to an actuating position where the flow controller closes the flow port. Exposure to fluid at a second fluid pressure higher than said first pressure reopens fluid flow from the inner body into the wellbore. |
| US07866389B2 |
Process and apparatus for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery
A method for recovering hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes separating air into a nitrogen-rich gas and an oxygen-rich gas, oxidizing a hydrocarbon fuel with at least part of the oxygen-rich gas to produce steam and a CO2-rich gas, injecting at least part of the steam through an injection well into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons, purging the injection well with at least part of the nitrogen-rich gas, and injecting at least part of the CO2-rich gas into the reservoir containing the heated hydrocarbons. |
| US07866385B2 |
Power systems utilizing the heat of produced formation fluid
Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method includes treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method may include providing heat to the formation; producing heated fluid from the formation; and generating electricity from at least a portion of the heated fluid using a Kalina cycle. |
| US07866383B2 |
Sand control screen assembly and method for use of same
A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (50). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having a plurality of openings (46) in a sidewall portion thereof and an internal flow path (44). A plurality of radially extendable filter members (52) are each operably associated with at least one of the openings (46) of the base pipe (42). The radially extendable filter members (52) have a circumferential dimension that is less than a longitudinal dimension thereof. The radially extendable filter members (52) have a radially retracted running configuration and a radially extended operating configuration, in which, the radially extendable filter members (52) preferably contact the wellbore (50). |
| US07866381B2 |
Arrangement used in oil field wells for lifting hydrocarbons
The present invention relates to an arrangement for the lifting of hydrocarbons in oil field wells, comprising a lifting assembly formed by a fluid collecting hose and a fluid suction tube being lowered, filled and raised within a well casing. |
| US07866380B2 |
System and method for producing hot water without a flame
The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output. |
| US07866378B2 |
Double-wall pipe, method of manufacturing the same and refrigerant cycle device provided with the same
A double-wall pipe includes an outer pipe, and an inner pipe disposed inside the outer pipe. An outer wall of the inner pipe has thereon a ridge portion, which defines a groove portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the inner pipe. The outer pipe and the inner pipe are bent to have a straight portion extending straightly, and a bend portion bent from the straight portion. In the straight portion, the outer pipe has an inside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of an imaginary cylinder defined by an outer surface of the ridge portion of the inner pipe. Furthermore, the ridge portion of the inner pipe contacts an inside surface of the outer pipe to be readially squeezed and held by the outer pipe, in the bend portion. The double-wall pipe can be suitably used for a refrigerant cycle device. |
| US07866376B2 |
Heat dissipation device with U-shaped and S-shaped heat pipes
A heat dissipation device includes a base for contacting an electronic device, a fin set thermally contacting the base, a first heat pipe and a second heat pipe connecting the base and the fin set. The fin set has a bottom larger than the base and an upper portion apart from the bottom thereof. The first heat pipe has a flat top face thermally contacting the bottom of the fin set, including a first transferring portion thermally engaging with the base and a second transferring portion extending from the first transferring portion and projecting beyond the base. The second heat pipe includes an evaporation portion thermally engaging with the base and a condensation portion extending from the evaporation portion and engaging with the upper portion of the fin set. |
| US07866375B2 |
Heat dissipation device with heat pipes
A heat dissipation device includes a base (10), a plurality of fins (20), first and second heat pipes (30), (40), a fan holder (50) and a fan (60) secured to the fan holder. The first heat pipe includes a heat-receiving section (32) and two heat-discharging sections (34). The second heat pipe includes an evaporating portion (42) and two condensing portions (44). The condensing portions of the second heat pipe extend into the fins and are disposed adjacent to opposite ends of each of the fins. One heat-discharging section extends in the fins and is disposed between the condensing portions, thus allowing heat absorbed from the base to be evenly distributed throughout the fins by the heat-discharging sections and the condensing portions. |