Document Document Title
US07649146B2 Circuit board via arrangement for differential signal connector
Stacked receptacles in a connector that each provide side-by-side differential signal contacts, are attached to a circuit board without additional width to accommodate multiple layers of differential signals by using connector wafer inserts that rotate the side-by-side positioned differential signal contacts to front-to-back contacts.
US07649144B2 Connection structure between wired circuit boards
The connection structure between wired circuit boards connects a first wired circuit board and a second wired circuit board. The first wired circuit board includes a metal supporting layer, a first insulating layer formed on the metal supporting layer, and a first conductive pattern formed on the first insulating layer and having a first terminal portion. The metal supporting layer is arranged so as not to be opposed to the first terminal portion in a thickness direction. The first terminal portion and the first insulating layer opposed to the first terminal portion in a thickness direction are folded back into a curved shape. The second wired circuit board includes a second insulating layer, and a second conductive pattern formed on the second insulating layer and having a second terminal portion. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are electrically connected to each other.
US07649143B2 Wired-circuit-board assembly sheet
A wired-circuit-board assembly sheet is provided having removable portions that are easily removable without any generation of metal powder. The wired-circuit-board assembly sheet comprises a plurality of suspension boards with circuits, distinguishing marks for distinguishing defectiveness of the suspension boards with circuits, and a supporting sheet for supporting the suspension boards with circuits and the distinguishing marks, wherein openings are formed in the supporting sheet, and removable portions which are to be removed when the suspension boards with circuits are judged defective are located in the openings and also supported by the supporting sheet via joint portions formed of resin.
US07649141B2 Emitter wrap-through back contact solar cells on thin silicon wafers
A thin emitter wrap-through solar cell and method for making a thin emitter wrap-through solar cell. The cell preferably includes a silicon wafer substrate having a thickness of less than 280 microns. The p-type area on the back side of the cell is minimized, which maximizes the collector area and reduces or eliminates stress due to passivation of the p-type area, which is required for conventional solar cells. The efficiency of the cell of the present invention peaks for a much smaller thickness than that for conventional cells. Thus thin wafers of inexpensive, lower quality silicon may be used without a significant efficiency penalty, providing a large cost advantage over other solar cell configurations. Vias through the substrate, which connect emitter layers on the front and back surfaces of the substrate, may consist of holes which are doped, or alternatively may be solid doped channels formed by migration of a solvent, which preferably contains a dopant, caused by a gradient-driven process.
US07649140B2 Photovoltaic module with full utilization of surface area
A photovoltaic module comprising: (i) three or more substrates (1, 2, 3) arranged in a closed-spaced parallel relationship to one another, the substrates comprising: a center substrate (2) having first and second faces; a first outer substrate (1) having an inner and outer face, wherein the inner face and the first face of the center substrate are juxtaposed; and a second outer substrate (3) having an inner and outer face, wherein the inner face and the second face of the center substrate are juxtaposed, (ii) front photovoltaic devices (A, B, C) are formed between the first outer substrate (1) and the first face of the center substrate (2), (iii) connecting and/or dividing method (11) are placed between at least one pair of the front devices, and (iv) rear photovoltaic devices (D, E) are formed between the second outer substrate (3) and the second face of the center substrate (2), characterized by: (v) the front and rear photovoltaic devices are offset in such a way that connecting and dividing methods (11) of the front devices (A, B, C) oppose the active photovoltaic regions of the rear devices (D, E).
US07649139B2 Thermoelectric conversion element and thermoelectric conversion module
The present invention provides a thermoelectric element in which a thin film of p-type thermoelectric material and a thin film of n-type thermoelectric material, which are formed on an electrically insulating substrate, are electrically connected, in which the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are selected from specific complex oxides with a positive Seebeck coefficient and specific complex oxides with a negative Seebeck coefficient, respectively. The present invention also provides a thermoelectric module using the thermoelectric element(s) and a thermoelectric conversion method. In the thermoelectric element of the present invention, since a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are formed into a thin film on an electrically insulating substrate, the thermoelectric element of the invention can be formed on substrates having various shapes, thereby providing thermoelectric elements having various shapes.
US07649135B2 Sound synthesis
A device for synthesizing sound having sinusoidal components includes a selector for selecting a limited number of the sinusoidal components from each of a number of frequency bands using a perceptual relevance value. The device further includes a synthesizer for synthesizing the selected sinusoidal components only. The frequency bands may be ERB based. The perceptual relevance value may involve the amplitude of the respective sinusoidal component, and/or the envelope of the respective channel.
US07649131B1 Wind instrument stand
A wind instrument stand includes a base and a holding unit. The base includes a front support frame and a rear support frame. The holding unit includes a support rod rotatably mounted on the front support frame, two holding members pivotally mounted on the support rod respectively, and two torsion springs each biased between the support rod and the respective holding member. Thus, when the neck of the saxophone is placed between the holding members, the holding members are pivoted and moved toward each other by the weight of the saxophone to clamp the neck of the saxophone, so that the neck of the saxophone is clamped between the holding members exactly and stably to prevent the saxophone from being detached from the holding members due to an accidental vibration or hit.
US07649130B2 Integrated circuit
An integrated circuit produced from non-monocrystalline semiconductors, including a plurality of transistors, all of the transistors being of the same type, and at least two timer signal inputs, wherein the timer signals fed to the different inputs are temporally non-overlapping signals.
US07649126B2 Soybean cultivar 6111333
A soybean cultivar designated 6111333 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6111333, to the plants of soybean 6111333, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6111333 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6111333 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6111333, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6111333 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6111333 with another soybean cultivar.
US07649125B2 Method of detecting the presence of an insult in an absorbent article and device for detecting the same
A method of detecting the presence of an insult in an absorbent article. An electrical property of the article is measured and either a proportional difference or a rate of change of the electrical property is determined. The proportional difference or the rate of change is compared to a difference indicator value and a rate indicator value, respectively, to determine the presence of an insult in the article.
US07649123B2 Propylene oligomerization process
A process for the oligomerization of propylene is disclosed wherein a tungstated zirconia catalyst prepared as a distillation structure is used in a reaction distillation zone under conditions of temperature and pressure to concurrently react the propylene to produce oligomers thereof and separate the oligomer products from unreacted propylene by fractional distillation in a distillation column reactor. Compared to the prior art tubular or plug flow reactors, lower temperatures and pressures are used to produce higher conversions and selectivities to preferred isomeric forms useful for preparing neo acids.
US07649122B2 Alkylaromatics production
A process for alkylation of an alkylatable aromatic compound to produce a monoalkylated aromatic compound, comprising the steps of (a) contacting at least one the alkylatable aromatic compound and at least one the alkylating agent with at least one molecular sieve catalyst under suitable alkylation or transalkylation conditions in at least one reaction zone, to produce at least one effluent which comprises the monoalkylated aromatic compound, wherein the suitable alkylation or transalkylation conditions comprise a water content being in a range from about 1 wppm to about 10 wt. % based on the combined weight of the alkylatable aromatic compound and the alkylating agent; and (b) maintaining the water content in the reaction zone; wherein the cycle length of the molecular sieve catalyst operated inside the range of the water content is greater than the cycle length of the molecular sieve catalyst operated outside the range of the water content.
US07649121B2 Processes for producing halogenated hydrocarbon compounds using inorganic fluoride
Methods and systems for producing halogenated hydrocarbon compounds with an inorganic fluoride (e.g., germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4)) are disclosed herein.
US07649118B2 Process for preparing fluorine-containing norbornene derivative
There are provided a novel norbornene derivative which is a material for a chemically amplifying type photoresist for F2 laser, possesses excellent transparency and improved dry etching resistivity and has a fluorine-containing ketone unit or fluorine-containing tertiary alcohol unit directly bonded to the norbornene backbone; a fluorine-containing polymer obtained by using the norbornene derivative as a copolymerizable monomer; and a chemically amplifying type photoresist composition comprising the fluorine-containing polymer, a photoacid generator and a solvent.
US07649115B2 MAO-B inhibitors useful for treating obesity
The invention provides novel compounds of formulae I and II: that are monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors, which can be useful in treating obesity, diabetes, and/or cardiometabolic disorders (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemias, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance).
US07649109B2 Polyester production system employing recirculation of hot alcohol to esterification zone
A polyester production process employing an esterification system that uses a distillation column to recover alcohol produced from an esterification zone and then recirculates the recovered alcohol back to the esterification zone without substantially cooling the recovered alcohol.
US07649106B2 Diol (meth) acrylate compound having urethane bond, method for producing the same, and polymer thereof
The present invention provides compounds having in their molecule a structure contributing to high hydrophilicity, and having high photopolymerizability, as well as polymers of such compounds, and a method for producing the compound. The compounds are diol (meth)acrylate having a urethane bond represented by the formula (1), and cyclic ketal (meth)acrylate having a urethane bond represented by the formula (2): (R1: H, —CH3; R2: —(CH2)n-; R3: —(CH2)m-; n: 1-4; m: 1-8; (AO): C2-C4 oxyalkylene group; x: 0-1000; R4, R5: H, —CH3, —C2H5).
US07649104B2 Process for producing acrylonitrile compound
There is provided a process for stereoselectively producing E-form of 3-acyloxyacrylonitrile compound (3) or Z-form which comprises reacting 3-oxopropionitrile compound (1) with an acid chloride (2), characterized in that the reaction is conducted with removal of hydrogen chloride, or by using an organic base or an inorganic base, to thereby regulate the stereostructure of the product; a process for producing the compound (1) characterized by reacting acetonitrile compound (5) with an aromatic ester compound (6) by use of an alkali metal alkoxide in a hydrocarbon solvent while removing alcohol formed as a by-product by azeotropic distillation in a separating tank; and a process for isomerizing E-form of 3-acyloxyacrylonitrile compound to Z-form thereof by use of an organic base.
US07649102B2 Propylene oxide process
A process for making propylene oxide from propylene is disclosed. Propylene, hydrogen, and oxygen are reacted in a slurry comprising a catalyst and a solvent to produce a gaseous product stream and a liquid product stream. The gaseous product stream is contacted with an absorbent to produce a gas effluent and a liquid effluent. The gas effluent is recycled to the reaction step.
US07649100B1 Oxidation process in the presence of carbon dioxide
The selectivity of an olefin epoxidation process catalyzed by a heterogeneous catalyst for example titanium silicalite is improved by performing the epoxidation in the presence of carbon dioxide. The catalysts used do not require regeneration on each recycle.
US07649098B2 Imidazole-based compounds, compositions comprising them and methods of their use
Imidazole-based compounds, compositions comprising them, and methods of their use for the treatment, prevention and management of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and disorders are disclosed. Particular compounds are of formula I:
US07649096B2 Process for the preparation of a crystalline form of (S)-N [[3-(3-fluoro-4(4-morpholinyl) phenyl]-2-oxo-5-oxazolidinyl] methyl] acetamide
A process for preparing a crystalline form of linezolid is provided comprising (a) providing a solution comprising linezolid in an organic solvent having a boiling point of less than or equal to about 150° C.; (b) adding an anti-solvent having a boiling point greater than or equal to about 50° C. to the solution; and (c) recovering the crystalline form of linezolid.
US07649091B2 Orally bioavailable low molecular weight metalloporphyrins as antioxidants
The invention relates to compounds which are orally bioavailable water soluble metalloporphyrins. These compounds, e.g. represented by Structural Formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, halogen substituted alkyl or substituted or unsubstituted phenyl groups, are synthetic catalytic scavengers of reactive oxygen chemical species. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of use of these compounds for preventing or arresting free radical associated diseases or conditions.
US07649085B2 Saquinavir conjugates and antibodies useful in immunoassay
Activated haptens useful for generating immunogens to HIV protease inhibitors, immunogens useful for producing antibodies to HIV protease inhibitors, and antibodies and labeled conjugates useful in immunoassays for the HIV protease inhibitor saquinavir. The novel haptens feature an activated functionality at the central, non-terminal hydroxyl group. Also described are monoclonal antibodies specific for saquinavir having less than 10% cross-reactivity with lopinavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, and indinavir, and a murine hybridoma producing said antibodies.
US07649083B2 Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binding antibody
The present invention provides a family of binding proteins that bind and neutralize the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in particular human HGF. The binding proteins can be used as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. With regard to their therapeutic activity, the binding proteins can be used to treat certain HGF responsive disorders, for example, certain HGF responsive tumors.
US07649081B2 Diagnostic method for diseases by screening for hepcidin in human or animal tissues, blood or body fluids and therapeutic uses therefor
The present invention concerns methods and kits for diagnosing a disease condition characterized by non-physiological levels of hepcidin protein, including prohepcidin and fragments thereof, comprising obtaining a tissue or fluid sample from a subject; contacting the sample with an antibody or fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide corresponding to the amino acid sequence between and including amino acids 25 and 49 of a hepcidin precursor protein, and quantifying the hepcidin precursor level using an assay based on binding of the antibody and the polypeptide; wherein the non-physiological level of prohepcidin is indicative of the disease condition. The present invention also concerns diagnostic methods and kits for applications in genetic technological approaches, such as for overexpressing or downregulating hepcidin.
US07649080B2 Cross-linked glycopeptide-cephalosporin antibiotics
This invention provides cross-linked glycopeptide-cephalosporin compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are useful as antibiotics. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds; methods for treating bacterial infections in a mammal using such compounds; and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US07649079B2 Method for removing metal and method for producing polymer
A method for easily and efficiently removing ruthenium complexes, which are generally difficult to remove, from a polymer, as well as a method for purifying a polymer that uses such a removal method are provided. A method for removing a metal, wherein a compound is added that is capable of coordination via a substitution of a ligand of a ruthenium complex, thereby precipitating another ruthenium complex, as well as a method for purifying a polymer that uses such a method.
US07649077B2 Polymers for use in optical devices
The present invention relates to polymers comprising diazine, especially pyrimidine, containing repeating units. Optical devices, comprising the polymers of the present invention, can show significant advantages in color purity, device efficiency and/or operational lifetime. In addition, the polymers can have good solubility characteristics and relatively high glass transition temperatures, which facilitates their fabrication into coatings and films that are relatively thin, thermally stable, and relatively free of defects.
US07649074B2 High-functionality highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonates and their preparation and use
A high-functionality, highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate that has a weight average molecular weight of between 3,300 and 150,000, a degree of crosslinking of less than 15%, and a degree of branching ranging from 10% to 99.9%; the polycarbonate being made by a process comprising preparing one or more condensation products (K), and intermolecularly reacting the one or more condensation products (K) to form the polycarbonate.
US07649069B2 Free radical living polymerization initiator attached nanoclusters and nanocomposites therefrom
Free radical living polymerization attached nanocluster (metal oxide, e.g., gamma-Fe2O3 or FeO nanocluster or quantum dot (e.g., CdSe) nanocluster, are used for polymerization of polymer or copolymer to provide nanocomposite polymers or copolymer arms around nanoclusters.
US07649068B2 Polymer particles and encapsulated compositions using organoborane amine complexes
A polymerized product is obtained from a mixture containing (i) a free radical polymerizable monomer, oligomer or polymer; (ii) an organoborane amine complex, (iii) a poor or non-solvent for the polymerized product of (i); and (iv) an amine reactive compound. The mixture may include (v) an active ingredient to be encapsulated by the polymerized product, and (vi) an optional component(s). Polymer particles are obtained by (A) forming a composition containing components (i)-(iv); (B) agitating components (i)-(iv) in the presence of oxygen to initiate polymerization, at a rate and for a time sufficient to provide a uniform dispersion and reaction of the components; (C) allowing the reaction to proceed to completion at room temperature; and (D) recovering the polymer particles by removing component (iii). The composition may include (v) the active ingredient to be encapsulated by the polymer particles.
US07649067B2 Process of making a vinyl ester based polymer latex composition
The present invention relates to a vinyl ester based polymer latex composition obtainable by free radical emulsion polymerization in substantial absence of a protective colloid and in the presence of no or small amounts of a surfactant, and to a process of making the same. The invention further pertains to a dispersion incorporating said vinyl ester based polymer latex composition, products comprising said dispersion, and various uses of the dispersion.
US07649065B2 Fluoroadamantane derivative, fluorine-containing polymer and production method
To provide a novel fluoroadamantane derivative, a novel polymerizable fluoroadamantane derivative and a novel fluoropolymer, and processes for production thereof. To provide the following compound (3), the following compound (4), a polymer obtained by polymerizing the compound (4) and processes for production thereof: provided that Q represents —CHF— or —CF2— (provided that six Qs may be the same or different), Z represents —H, —F or —CH2OH (provided that three Zs may be the same or different), W represents —H or a C1-10 hydrocarbon group, R represents —H, —F, —CH3 or —CF3, and J represents —H, —F, —CHWOH or —CHWOCOCR═CH2 (provided that three Js may be the same or different).
US07649060B2 Curable compositions
The present invention relates to curable compositions of benzoxazines, a combination of adducts one of which is prepared from hydroxy-containing compounds, isocyanate-containing compounds and phenolic compounds and the second of which is prepared from the first adduct and epoxy-containing compounds and phenolic compounds, epoxy resins and optionally tougheners.
US07649057B2 Thermoplastic polycarbonate compositions with low gloss, articles made therefrom and method of manufacture
A thermoplastic composition comprising a polycarbonate, an impact modifier, an aromatic vinyl copolymer, and a polyorganosiloxane has excellent mechanical properties, in addition to suitable low gloss performance. An article may be formed by molding, extruding, shaping or forming such a composition to form the article.
US07649052B2 Impact resistant polyolefin compositions
A heterophasic polyolefin composition comprising: (A) 50-0% of a crystalline propylene polymer; (B) 5-20% of a first elastomeric copolymer of ethylene with at least a C3-C8 α-olefin comonomer; and (C) 10-45% of a second elastomeric copolymer of ethylene with at least a C3-C8 α-olefin comonomer; wherein the ratio between the ethylene content of the fraction insoluble in xylene at room temperature (C2xif) multiplied by the weight percentage of the fraction insoluble in xylene at room temperature (% XIF) and the ethylene content of the fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature (C2xsf) multiplied by the weight percentage of fraction soluble in xylene at room temperature (% SXF) satisfies the following relation (I): C 2 ⁢ xif × % ⁢ XIF C 2 ⁢ xsf × % ⁢ SXF > 0.01 ⁢ x + 0.261 , wherein x is the total amount of ethylene.
US07649050B2 Two package type clear coating composition and method for making multilayer coating film
A two package type clear coating composition which can form cured coating film excelling in all aspects of scratch resistance, acid resistance, stain resistance and finished appearance such as coated surface smoothness, comprising a hydroxyl-containing acrylic resin (A) having a hydroxyl value of 100-200 mgKOH/g and a number-average molecular weight of 5,000-10,000, which is obtained by copolymerization of a monomeric mixture comprising an aromatic vinyl monomer and a monomer having cyclohexyl ring; a trifunctional HMDI isocyanurate compound (B); and a polyester polyol (C) having a hydroxyl value of 250-350 mgKOH/g and a number-average molecular weight of 350-550, which is obtained by esterification reaction of C3-6 diol with dicarboxylic acid having cyclohexyl ring.
US07649043B2 Barrier layer for elastomeric articles
A composition well suited to forming gas barrier layers in elastomeric articles is described. The barrier layer may be incorporated into, for instance, inflatable articles that are intended to contain a gas, such as air, under pressure. For example, in one embodiment, the barrier layer may be incorporated into a tire for preventing oxygen or other gaseous components from migrating through the tire. In general, the barrier layer is made from an elastomer that is combined with permeability reducing particles, such as a silicate, and a terpene hydrocarbon resin having a relatively high glass transition temperature. The terpene hydrocarbon resin can improve the processability of the composition and, in one embodiment, can even serve to improve the permeability characteristics of the barrier layer.
US07649039B2 Ionizing radiation stable thermoplastic composition, method of making, and articles formed therefrom
A thermoplastic composition comprising a polycarbonate, and an aromatic sulfonate compound of formula: Ar1—S(O)2—O—L—O—S(O)2—Ar1 wherein each Ar1 is each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C6-20 aryl group, and L is a branched, substituted or unsubstituted divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon, wherein a molded article having a thickness of 3.2±0.12 millimeters and consisting of the polycarbonate, the aromatic sulfonate compound, and an effective amount of each of an aliphatic diol, a mold release agent, and an antioxidant has, after exposure to a total gamma radiation dose of 83 kGy and when measured according to ASTM D1925-70, an increase in yellowness index (dYI) of less than or equal to 45, when compared to the unexposed molded article. Methods of making the thermoplastic composition, and articles prepared therefrom, are also disclosed.
US07649038B2 Polyphosphate derivative of a 1,3,5-triazine compound, method for producing the same and its use
Phosphate derivatives of a 1,3,5-triazine compound, preferably melamine polyphosphate, which are heat-resistant at the processing temperature, are selected which have an average condensation coefficient n (number average)>20, a pH-value of a 10% slurry of the polyphosphate derivative in water at 25° C. of 5 or higher, a molar ratio of 1,3,5-triazine compound to phosphorus (M/P)<1.1 and a decomposition temperature>320° C. They can be produced by heat treatment of an orthophosphate or condensed phosphate with an average condensation coefficient n (number average) below 20 in an ammonia atmosphere at a temperature in the range of 300 to 400° C. until the average condensation coefficient is above 20 and the molar ratio of 1,3,5-triazine compound to phosphorus (M/P) is below 1.1. The polyphosphates of the invention can be represented in simplified form by the following general formula: wherein M denotes a 1,3,5-triazine compound and n denotes the average condensation coefficient. For high and medium condensation coefficients n the sum formula can be reduced to (MHPO3)n. Therein M once again denotes the 1,3,5-triazine compound and n denotes the average condensation coefficient. These polyphosphate derivatives can be used as flame-retardant agents in any plastic materials, preferably thermoplastic materials and thermosetting materials, in particular also in glass fibre-reinforced polyamides and polyesters which are processed at high temperatures.
US07649035B2 Thermoplastic composite material and optical element
A thermoplastic composite material comprising: (i) a thermoplastic resin comprising an organic polymer; and (ii) particles having an average diameter of 1-30 nm dispersed in the thermoplastic resin, wherein the particles contain two or more kinds of inorganic particles having different refractive indexes.
US07649032B2 Highly ductile polycarbonate composition having a metallic-flake appearance
A polycarbonate composition comprising a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer resin and a glass flake additive wherein the polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer resin has a silicone content in the range of from 3.5 weight % to 7 weight % based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition and wherein the polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer has a haze of less than 10% and wherein the glass flake additive is present in the range of 0.025 weight % to 0.70 weight % based on the total weight of the polycarbonate composition.
US07649031B2 Modified pigments having improved dispersion properties
Various modified pigment products are described which are preferably capable of being dispersed in a variety of materials such as coatings, inks, toners, films, plastics, polymers, elastomers, and the like. The modified pigments are pigments having attached groups, such as polymeric groups, onto the pigment by means other than adsorption. A modified pigment product is described comprising a pigment having attached at least one group comprising the formula: —X-[NIon]pR wherein X comprises an aromatic group or an alkyl group, NIon comprises at least one type of non-ionic group, R represents hydrogen or comprises an aromatic group or an alkyl group, and p represents an integer of from 1 to 500. Modified pigment products are also described comprising a pigment having attached at least one alkylene oxide group or at least one polymeric group. In addition, other types of modified pigment products are described as well as their incorporation into inks, coatings, toners, films, plastics, polymers, elastomers, and the like. Methods of making the modified pigment products are also described.
US07649029B2 Dental compositions containing nanozirconia fillers
The present invention features ionomer compositions containing nanozirconia fillers. The compositions can be used in a variety of dental and orthodontic applications, for example, as adhesives, cements, restoratives, coatings and sealants.
US07649027B2 Polymer and process for producing polymer
A process for producing a polymer, characterized in that a polymer having juts is produced by carrying out photopolymerization of at least one photopolymerizable polymerization precursor containing a photocurable compound having two or more unsaturated bonds by irradiation with active energy ray, optionally in the presence of at least one additive component for adding a polymer function, in a supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid; and a polymer having juts of 10 nm or more height, which height is 0.1-fold or more of the diameter of the juts, produced by the above process.
US07649026B2 Radiation curable compositions containing nanosized particles of monoazo laked pigment
Radiation curable compositions, such as UV curable ink compositions, contain a polymeric dispersant, a curable material, and a nanoscale pigment particle composition including an organic monoazo laked pigment including at least one functional moiety, and a sterically bulky stabilizer compound including at least one functional group, wherein the functional moiety of the pigment associates non-covalently with the functional group of the stabilizer; and the presence of the associated stabilizer limits the extent of particle growth and aggregation, to afford nanoscale-sized pigment particles.
US07649025B2 Composite ion-exchange membrane
A composite ion exchange membrane having a high swelling resistance and being superior in mechanical strength and ion conductivity can be provided by means of an composite ion exchange membrane including an ion exchange resin composition and a support membrane having a continuous pore penetrating the support membrane, wherein the support membrane is one which accepts the ion exchange resin composition within the pore, and wherein the ion exchange resin composition is one which contains an ion exchange resin containing, as a main component, an aromatic polyether and/or its derivative, the aromatic polyether being obtained by mixing a compound having a specific structure, an aromatic dihalogenated compound and a bisphenol compound with a carbonate and/or a bicarbonate of an alkali metal and polymerizing the mixture in an organic solvent.
US07649021B2 Prostaglandin analog compositions to treat epithelial-related conditions
The present invention relates to the formulation and delivery of prostaglandin analogs to treat epithelial-related condition. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention are used to stimulate hair growth. In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention are used to restore hair color to depigmented hair.
US07649020B2 Modafinil polymorphic forms
Polymorphic forms of modafinil racemate, methods of preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of therapeutic treatment involving modafinil polymorphic forms.
US07649018B2 Mono- and di-phosphates of 3-(3-fluoro-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-7-hydroxy-naphthalene-1-carbonitrile
Compounds of formula II wherein each R1 and R2 is independently selected from H and —P(O)(R3)(R4), provided that at least one of R1 and R2 is —P(O)(R3)(R4); each R3 and R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, —OH, C1-C6 alkyl, and C1-C6 alkoxy; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula II, and methods of administering such compounds and compositions.
US07649015B2 Cellular accumulation of phosphonate analogs of HIV protease inhibitor compounds
Phosphonate substituted compounds with HIV protease inhibitory properties having use as therapeutics and for other industrial purposes are disclosed. The compositions inhibit HIV protease activity and/or are useful therapeutically for the treatment of AIDS and other antiviral infections, as well as in assays for the detection of HIV protease.
US07649014B2 Genipin derivatives and uses thereof
Genipin derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that inhibit the activity of uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) and are useful in treating deficient first-phase insulin secretion, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and ischemia in a mammal are disclosed.
US07649013B2 Methods of protecting against radiation injury
Administration of a modulator of cell cycle checkpoint activation, which is preferably β-lapachone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, metabolite, analog or derivative thereof, protects normal cells against radiation injury. The invention includes methods of preventing radiation damage. The invention also provides methods for treating conditions such as cancer with radiotherapy, by administering a modulator of cell cycle checkpoint activation to a subject, prior to administration of radiotherapy.
US07649012B2 Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, and methods of use for same
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical diluent and a compound of formula IV wherein R21=H, C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, —CH2OR25, —C(O)R25, —CO(O)R25, —C(O)NR25R26, —CH2C(O)R25, or —CH2C(O)NHR25, where R25 and R26 are each independently H, C1-C10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, optionally containing one or more halogen atoms. R22=—OH, —OR27, —OCH2C(O)R27, —OCH2C(O)NHR27, —OC(O)R27, —OC(O)OR27, —OC(O)NHNH—R5, or —OC(O)NR27R28, where R27 and R28 are each independently H, C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl, and where R27 and R28 can each optionally contain halogen atoms; R23 and R24, the same or different from each other, are C1-C20 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl. Methods of using such formulations for the treatment of cancer, to effect weight loss, to treat microbially-based infections, to inhibit neuropeptide-Y and/or fatty acid synthase, and to stimulate CPT-1.
US07649010B2 Carvedilol hydrobromide
The present invention relates to a salt of carvedilol, corresponding compositions containing such a carvedilol salt or corresponding solvates thereof, and/or methods of using the aforementioned compound(s) in the treatment of certain disease states in mammals, in particular man. The present invention further relates to a novel crystalline form of carvedilol hydrobromide, which is the hydrobromide salt of 1-(carbazol-4-yloxy-3-[[2-(o-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl]amino]-2-propanol, and/or other carvedilol solvates thereof, compositions containing salts or solvates of carvedilol hydrobromide, and methods of using the aforementioned compound(s) to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina, etc.
US07649005B2 Substituted benzylaminoalkylene heterocycles
This invention is related to compounds of general formula (I) wherein X is oxygen or sulphur or a NR7 group; R1 is C3-C8 alkyl, or C1-C8 alkyl substituted by phenoxy or phenyl, both phenoxy or phenyl being optionally substituted by one or more fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl, C1-C6 alkyl, hydroxyl, C1-C6 alkoxy; R2, R3 are independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy or C1-C6 alkoxy; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl; R5, R6 are independently hydrogen, C1-C3 alkyl, optionally substituted by hydroxy or phenyl; R7 is hydrogen or straight or branched C1-C3 alkyl; Het is a five to seven membered, saturated or unsaturated heteromonocyclic or an eight to ten membered, saturated or unsaturated heterobicyclic group, containing one or more heteroatoms chosen independently from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, said mono- or bicyclic groups being optionally substituted by C1-C6alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl or C1-C6 alkoxy; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts or prodrug thereof, that are active as sodium and/or calcium channel modulators and/or as selective MAO-B inhibitors and therefore useful in preventing, alleviating and curing a wide range of pathologies, including, but not limited to, neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, inflammatory, ophthalmic, urologic, metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases, where the above mechanisms have been described as playing a pathological role.
US07649002B2 (3,5-dimethylpiperidin-1yl)(4-phenylpyrrolidin-3-yl)methanone derivatives as MCR4 agonists
The present invention relates to a class of melanocortin MCR4 agonists of general formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined herein and especially to selective MCR4 agonist compounds, to their use in medicine, to compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation and to intermediates used in such processes.
US07648997B2 Hydroxylamine substituted imidazoquinolines
Imidazo-containing compounds (e.g., imidazoquinolines, imidazonaphthyridines, imidazopyridines) with a hydrox-ylamine substituent at the 1-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US07648993B2 Methods of treating disorders with Group I mGluR antagonists
mGluR5 antagonists are used for the treatment and prevention of disorders, including Fragile X, autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia and Down's Syndrome. The methods of the invention can be used to treat epilepsy and anxiety in a human having Fragile X syndrome, autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia and Down's Syndrome.
US07648992B2 Hydantoin derivatives for the treatment of obstructive airway diseases
The invention provides compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification; processes for their preparation; pharmaceutical compositions containing them; a process for preparing the pharmaceutical compositions; and their use in therapy.
US07648990B2 Chemical compounds
The present invention provides a method for the treatment of emesis in a mammal being treated with an opiod analgesic.
US07648986B2 Substituted thieno[3,2-D]pyrimidines as Rho kinase inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds and derivatives thereof their synthesis, and their use as Rho-kinase inhibitors. These compounds of the present invention are useful for inhibiting tumor growth, treating erectile dysfunction, and treating other indications mediated by Rho-kinase, e.g., coronary heart disease.
US07648984B2 Antibacterial agents
Naphthalene, quinoline, quinoxaline and naphthyridine derivatives useful in the treatment of bacterial infections in mammals, particularly humans, are disclosed herein.
US07648980B2 Antibacterial agents
Naphthyridine and related derivatives useful in the treatment of bacterial infections in mammals, particularly humans, are disclosed herein.
US07648977B2 Pharmaceutical composition having a ruthenium oxalato compound and method of using the same
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of the following ruthenium oxalato compounds I, II, III and IV as an active ingredient. The pharmaceutical composition can be used for the treatment of viral-infected patients or prophylactic treatment of patients at risk from viral infection.
US07648974B1 19-nor-vitamin D analogs with 3,2-dihydrofuran ring
19-nor-vitamin D analogs having an additional dihydrofuran ring connecting the 3β-oxygen and carbon-2 of the A-ring of the analog, and pharmaceutical uses therefore, are described. These compounds exhibit selective in vitro and in vivo activities, making them therapeutic agents for the treatment or prophylaxis of autoimmune diseases, some types of cancers, metabolic bone diseases, osteomalacia, osteopenia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, psoriasis, or other skin diseases.
US07648972B2 2-methylene-1α-hydroxy-19,21-dinorvitamin D3 analogs and uses thereof
Compounds of formula I are provided where X1 and X2 are independently selected from H or hydroxy protecting groups. Such compounds are used in preparing pharmaceutical compositions and are useful in treating a variety of biological conditions.
US07648971B2 Thrombopoietin mimetics
Invented are non-peptide TPO mimetics. Also invented are novel processes and intermediates used in the preparation of the presently invented compounds. Also invented is a method of treating thrombocytopenia, in a mammal, including a human, in need thereof which comprises administering to such mammal an effective amount of a selected hydroxy-1-azobenzene derivative.
US07648959B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases of the eye
Methods and compositions for prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases of the eye of a patient resulting angiogenesis in the eye using antagonists of the integrin receptors αv β3 and/or αv β5. The compositions can be nanoparticles and are administered to the eye by injection into the sclera of the eye.
US07648953B2 Eco-friendly laundry detergent compositions comprising natural essence
A unique eco-friendly liquid laundry detergent enhanced with natural essence and further comprising non-petroleum source anionic and nonionic surfactants, naturally occurring builders, and optional enzymes, to yield remarkably effective yet environmentally responsible detergents.
US07648951B2 Dishwashing method
A pouch, and a process for making thereof, comprising the steps of: pre-sealing a compartment comprising a pouch material, the compartment containing an anhydrous composition to form a pre-sealed compartment; fitting a first piece of the pouch material into a mould, pouring a particulate dishwashing product into the mould; placing the pre-sealed compartment over the mould; sealing the pre-sealed compartment and said first piece of pouch material together to form the multi-compartment pouch.
US07648950B2 Use of a polyalkylmethacrylate polymer
The present invention relates to the use of a polyalkylmethacrylate polymer to improve the air release of a functional fluid.
US07648949B2 Low phosphorus cobalt complex-containing engine oil lubricant
Organo-Cobalt complexes having long chain saturated and unsaturated alkyl functionality as multifunctional additives in crankcase oils and the method of preparation thereof.
US07648948B2 Additive system for lubricants
The invention relates to compositions suitable as additive packages for lubricants and other functional fluids, the composition comprising sulfur-containing extreme pressure components, phosphorus-containing anti-wear additives, a triazole-containing species. A preferred use is in industrial gear oils. In embodiments, enhance protection in the areas of bearing wear and micropitting are obtained.
US07648946B2 Methods of degrading filter cakes in subterranean formations
Methods of degrading filter cakes in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation, the filter cake comprising an inorganic portion and an organic portion, and having been established in the formation by a well drill-in and servicing fluid that comprises a delayed-release acid component. An example of a composition is a well drill-in and servicing fluid.
US07648943B2 Azo dye, ink jet recording ink, heat sensitive recording material, color toner, color filter, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge and ink jet printer
An azo dye represented by formula (II) as defined in the specification, a process of producing the same and a coloring composition containing the azo dye.
US07648942B2 Process for preparing metal or metal alloy nanoparticles dispersed on a substrate by chemical vapour deposition
Process of depositing nanoparticles of a metal or of an alloy of said metal, said metal being chosen from the metals from columns VIIIB and IB of the Periodic Table, dispersed on a substrate by chemical vapour deposition (CVD), from one or more precursors, in which the deposition is carried out in the presence of a gas comprising more than 50 vol % of a reactive oxidizing gas.Substrate comprising at least one surface, dispersed on which are nanoparticles made of a metal or of an alloy of metals, for example made of silver or a silver alloy.Use of the substrate to catalyse a chemical reaction, for example an NOx elimination reaction.
US07648939B2 Hydrocracking catalyst composition
The invention provides an unsupported catalyst composition which comprises one or more Group VIb metals, one or more Group VIII metals, one or more zeolites, and, optionally, a refractory oxide material. A (co)precipitation preparation process is described and also use of the composition in hydrocracking.
US07648936B2 Spray-dried transition metal zeolite and its use
A catalyst comprising a spray-dried transition metal zeolite and a noble metal is disclosed. The spray-dried transition metal zeolite comprises a transition metal zeolite and a binder. At least 50 wt. % of the binder is titania. The catalyst is used in a process to produce an epoxide by reacting an olefin, hydrogen, and oxygen. The catalyst is easy to filter from a slurry and produces a reduced level of hydrogenation products.
US07648928B2 Composition and method for enhancing stain resistance and product of enhanced stain resistance therefrom
A fibrous polyamide or wool substrate having resistance to staining by acid colorants comprises, a fibrous polyamide or wool substrate having applied thereto a sulfonated aromatic condensation resin, said resin being a condensation product of a sulfonated dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, a dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, a sulfonated naphthalene and an aldehyde; or a sulfonated dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, a sulfonated naphthalene and an aldehyde; optionally a methacrylic acid polymer is also applied thereto as well as a fluorochemical; an aqueous formulation of the resin is also provided which formulation may include the methacrylic acid polymer as well as the fluorochemical Additionally there may be employed a salt to enhance exhaustion of components onto the substrate; a method of treating a fibrous polyamide or wool substrate employing the formulation is also provided.
US07648922B2 Fluorocarbon film and method for forming same
The major objective is to provide a fluorocarbon film wherein fine voids are formed by a step (SA1) for introducing a mixed gas containing a first carbon fluoride gas and a second carbon fluoride gas on a substrate placed inside a chamber, and depositing a fluorocarbon film on the substrate; and a step (SA2) for forming voids in the fluorocarbon film by selectively removing volatile components contained in the fluorocarbon film are included and especially in the step (SA2) for forming voids, it is preferable to include a step for cleaning the fluorocarbon film with a supercritical fluid.
US07648919B2 Integrated circuit fabrication
A method for defining patterns in an integrated circuit comprises defining a plurality of features in a first photoresist layer using photolithography over a first region of a substrate. The method further comprises using pitch multiplication to produce at least two features in a lower masking layer for each feature in the photoresist layer. The features in the lower masking layer include looped ends. The method further comprises covering with a second photoresist layer a second region of the substrate including the looped ends in the lower masking layer. The method further comprises etching a pattern of trenches in the substrate through the features in the lower masking layer without etching in the second region. The trenches have a trench width.
US07648918B2 Method of pattern formation in semiconductor fabrication
Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a photo acid generator (PAG) layer on the substrate, exposing the PAG layer to radiation, and forming a photoresist layer on the exposed PAG layer. The exposed PAG layer generates an acid. The acid decomposes a portion of the formed photoresist layer. In one embodiment, the PAG layer includes organic BARC. The decomposed portion of the photoresist layer may be used as a masking element.
US07648913B2 Method of electroless deposition of thin metal and dielectric films with temperature controlled stages of film growth
A film formation method is provided which includes positioning an object within an electroless deposition apparatus having means for instantaneous temperature control of the object and electrolessly depositing a material upon the object. More specifically, the method includes instantaneously changing the temperature of the object by the means of instantaneous control at one or more predetermined times during the step of electrolessly depositing the material, wherein the predetermined times correspond to different film-growth stages of the material.
US07648911B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming embedded passive circuit elements interconnected to through hole vias
A semiconductor die has a first insulating material disposed around a periphery of the die. A portion of the first insulating material is removed to form a through hole via (THV). Conductive material is deposited in the THV. A second insulating layer is formed over an active surface of the die. A first passive circuit element is formed over the second insulating layer. A first passive via is formed over the THV. The first passive via is electrically connected to the conductive material in the THV. The first passive circuit element is electrically connected to the first passive via. A third insulating layer is formed over the first passive circuit element. A second passive circuit element is formed over the third insulating layer. A fourth insulating layer is formed over the second passive circuit element. A plurality of semiconductor die is stacked and electrically interconnected by the conductive via.
US07648908B2 Method for forming inlaid interconnect
After a groove is formed in an insulating layer formed on a semiconductor substrate, a barrier metal layer is formed on the insulating layer by an ALD process so as to cover the side walls and bottom of the groove, and an impurity layer is formed in or on the surface of the barrier metal layer by an ion implantation process or by an ALD process. Thereafter, the barrier metal layer and the impurity layer are alloyed, and then an inlaid interconnect layer, which is composed of a Cu seed layer and a Cu plating layer, is formed in the groove. Then, an impurity element in the alloyed barrier metal layer is thermally diffused into the inlaid interconnect layer.
US07648905B2 Flash memory device and a method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a flash memory device and a method of forming the same. The method includes: forming an isolation layer and a plurality of gate lines on a semiconductor substrate; forming a source/drain region by ion-implanting impurities into the semiconductor substrate using the gate lines as a mask; forming a side oxide layer on sidewalls and surfaces of the gate lines; forming a side nitride layer on the side oxide layer; forming an insulation layer on the semiconductor substrate and the side nitride layer; forming a photosensitive layer pattern on the insulation layer; exposing the source region between the gate lines by etching the insulation layer using the photosensitive layer pattern as a mask; forming a polysilicon layer on the exposed source region and the insulation layer; and forming a source line by etching the polysilicon layer.
US07648898B2 Method to fabricate gate electrodes
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises depositing a first layer of oxide on at least a portion of a channel of a transistor. The method further comprises depositing a layer of nitride on the first layer of oxide and etching at least a portion of the layer of nitride to the first layer of oxide. The method further comprises depositing a second layer of oxide and planarizing the oxide to expose at least a portion of the layer of nitride. The method further comprises stripping at least a portion of the layer of nitride to create one or more notches and removing at least a portion of the first layer of oxide. The method further comprises depositing a layer of polysilicon, wherein at least a portion of the layer of polysilicon is deposited into at least one of the one or more notches.
US07648896B2 Deposited semiconductor structure to minimize n-type dopant diffusion and method of making
In deposited silicon, n-type dopants such as phosphorus and arsenic tend to seek the surface of the silicon, rising as the layer is deposited. When a second undoped or p-doped silicon layer is deposited on n-doped silicon with no n-type dopant provided, a first thickness of this second silicon layer nonetheless tends to include unwanted n-type dopant which has diffused up from lower levels. This surface-seeking behavior diminishes when germanium is alloyed with the silicon. In some devices, it may not be advantageous for the second layer to have significant germanium content. In the present invention, a first heavily n-doped semiconductor layer (preferably at least 10 at % germanium) is deposited, followed by a silicon-germanium capping layer with little or no n-type dopant, followed by a layer with little or no n-type dopant and less than 10 at % germanium. The germanium in the first layer and the capping layer minimizes diffusion of n-type dopant into the germanium-poor layer above.
US07648889B2 Production method for device
A production method for devices includes: a bonding process for placing circuit surfaces of other divided plural semiconductor chips onto circuit surfaces of semiconductor chips of a wafer and bonding the other semiconductor chips to the semiconductor chips of the wafer; and a semiconductor chip grinding process for grinding rear surfaces of the other semiconductor chips by a grinding apparatus while the wafer is held such that the rear surface of the wafer faces a chuck table of the grinding apparatus. The production method further includes a resin filling process for filling a resin on the surface of the wafer so that a surface of the resin corresponds with the rear surfaces of the other semiconductor chips; and a wafer grinding process for grinding the rear surface of the wafer by a grinding apparatus while the wafer is held such that the surface of the wafer on which the resin is filled faces a chuck table of the grinding apparatus. The production method further includes a wafer supporting process for supporting one of the surface and the rear surface of the wafer by a supporting member; and a dividing process for dividing the wafer along predetermined division lines while the wafer is supported by the support member, thereby obtaining devices having the semiconductor chips and the other semiconductor chips bonded on the semiconductor chips.
US07648888B2 Apparatus and method for splitting substrates
The invention relates to a method of splitting apart a substrate of two adjoining wafers defining between them a cleavage plane, by bringing each substrate into a substrate-receiving space; and clamping first and second jaw portions onto each substrate in such a manner as to hold each substrate and urge apart the two wafers of each substrate by co-operation between the shapes of housings in first and second portions of the two jaws, respectively. The invention also relates to a splitting method that includes bringing each substrate into a substrate-reception space; clamping together separator portions onto each substrate so as to split apart the two wafers of each substrate; and clamping the split-apart substrate wafers so as to hold the wafers together. An automated system for processing multiple substrates is also provided.
US07648886B2 Shallow trench isolation process
A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (IC) utilizes a shallow trench isolation (STI) technique. The shallow trench isolation technique is used in strained silicon (SMOS) process. The liner for the trench is formed to in a low temperature process which reduces germanium outgassing. The low temperature process can be a UVO, ALD, CVD, PECVD, or HDP process.
US07648885B2 Method for forming misalignment inspection mark and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for forming a misalignment inspection mark is disclosed. The formation method includes forming a reference layer device pattern and a first mark in a reference layer and forming an overlying layer device pattern and a second mark in a layer over the reference layer, the overlying layer device pattern corresponding to the reference layer. The second mark is formed by forming a second mark area adjacent to the first mark, the second mark area including an arrangement of a plurality of patterns having a line width, a pitch, and a pattern density at least one of which is equivalent to that of the overlying layer device pattern, and removing those of the plurality of patterns which are arranged at boundaries of the second mark area.
US07648882B2 SONOS flash memory and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) flash memory includes preparing a silicon substrate including a silicon oxide-silicon nitride-silicon oxide (ONO) layer, a first polysilicon layer and a first etch stop layer in sequence; etching the first etch stop layer along a direction of bit line; selectively etching the first polysilicon layer with the first etch stop layer as a mask, till the silicon oxide-silicon nitride-silicon oxide (ONO) layer is exposed, the etched first polysilicon layer having an inverse trapezia section along a direction of word line; and filling a dielectic layer between portions of the first polysilicon layer, the dielectric layer having a trapezia section along the direction of word line. After the above steps, it becomes easier to remove the portion of the first polysilicon layer on a sidewall of the dielectric layer by vertical etching. Thus, no polysilicon residue will be formed on the sidewall of the dielectric layer, and the short circuit between different memory cells may be avoided.
US07648880B2 Nitride-encapsulated FET (NNCFET)
A double-gate field effect transistor (DGFET) structure and method of forming such a structure in which the parasitic capacitance under the source/drain regions is substantially reduced are provided. In the present invention, self-aligned isolation regions are provided to reduce the parasitic capacitance in the DGFET structure. Additionally, the present invention encapsulates the silicon-containing channel layer to enable the back-gate to be oxidized to a greater extent thereby reducing the parasitic capacitance of the structure even further.
US07648878B2 Method for fabricating semiconductor device with recess gate
A pad oxide layer is formed on a substrate. A pad nitride layer is formed on the pad oxide layer. The pad nitride layer and the pad oxide layer are patterned. Predetermined portions of the substrate are etched using the pad nitride layer as an etch barrier to thereby form trenches used as device isolation regions. The trenches are filled with an insulation layer to thereby form device isolation regions. The pad nitride layer is removed. Recesses are formed by etching predetermined portions of the pad oxide layer and the substrate. The pad oxide layer is removed. A gate oxide layer is formed on the recesses and on the substrate. Gate structures of which bottom portions are buried in the recesses on the gate oxide layer are formed.
US07648877B2 Structure and method for forming laterally extending dielectric layer in a trench-gate FET
A field effect transistor (FET) is formed as follows. A trench is formed in a silicon region. An oxidation barrier layer is formed over a surface of the silicon region adjacent the trench and along the trench sidewalls and bottom. A protective layer is formed over the oxidation barrier layer inside and outside the trench. The protective layer is partially removed such that a portion of the oxidation barrier layer extending at least along the trench bottom becomes exposed and portions of the oxidation barrier layer extending over the surface of the silicon region adjacent the trench remain covered by remaining portions of the protective layer.
US07648876B2 Flash memory device
Embodiments relate to a flash memory device and a method of manufacturing a flash memory device that may improve a reliability of process by obtaining a Depth of Focus (DOF) in an exposure process. In embodiments, a method may include sequentially stacking an oxide film, a floating gate poly film, an ONO film, a control gate poly film, and a BARC (Bottom AntiReflect Coating) on a semiconductor substrate, forming a photoresist pattern for a stack gate on the BARC, and etching the BARC, the control gate poly film, the ONO film and the floating gate poly film at once by using the photoresist pattern until the oxide film is exposed.
US07648873B2 Methods of forming capacitors
A method of forming a capacitor includes forming a first capacitor electrode over a semiconductor substrate. A capacitor dielectric region is formed onto the first capacitor electrode. The capacitor dielectric region has an exposed oxide containing surface. The exposed oxide containing surface of the capacitor dielectric region is treated with at least one of a borane or a silane. A second capacitor electrode is deposited over the treated oxide containing surface. The second capacitor electrode has an inner metal surface contacting against the treated oxide containing surface. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US07648870B2 Method of forming fuse region in semiconductor damascene process
A method of forming a fuse region in a semiconductor damascene process in which a specific layer is formed to prevent corrosion and re-connection of a severed part of the fuse region to prevent malfunction. A first conductive layer is formed over a substrate and an interlayer dielectric layer is deposited over the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is buried in the interlayer dielectric layer by a dual damascene process to simultaneously form an interconnection and a fuse. The resultant structure is coated with a passivation layer. The fuse is cut to form a severed portion. A selective metal layer is deposited over the severed portion.
US07648868B2 Metal-gated MOSFET devices having scaled gate stack thickness
Metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) devices having metal gate stacks and techniques for improving performance thereof are provided. In one aspect, a metal-oxide semiconductor device is provided comprising a substrate having a buried oxide layer at least a portion of which is configured to serve as a primary background oxygen getterer of the device; and a gate stack separated from the substrate by an interfacial oxide layer. The gate stack comprises a high-K layer over the interfacial oxide layer; and a metal gate layer over the high-K layer.
US07648866B2 Method of manufacturing driving-device for unit pixel of organic light emitting display
Provided is a method of manufacturing a driving-device for a unit pixel of an organic light emitting display having an improved manufacturing process in which the driving device can be manufactured with a smaller number of processes and in simpler processes. The method includes: forming an amorphous silicon layer including a first amorphous region and a second amorphous region disposed on the same plane of a substrate; forming an SAM (self-assembled monolayer) having a hydrophobic property on the first amorphous region; coating an aqueous solution in which nickel particles are dispersed, on the second amorphous region and the SAM, wherein a larger amount of nickel particles than on the SAM are dispersed on the second amorphous region using a hydrophilicity difference between the second amorphous region and the SAM; vaporizing the SAM through an annealing process and simultaneously performing metal induced crystallization in which the nanoparticles are used as a medium, to crystallize the first and second amorphous regions and to form first and second crystallization regions; patterning the first and second crystallization regions to form first and second channel regions; and forming first and second electrodes on the first and second channel regions.
US07648860B2 Self-aligned thin-film transistor and method of forming same
A method of manufacturing a thin-film transistor or like structure provides conductive “tails” below an overhang region formed by a top gate structure. The tails increase in thickness as they extend outward from a point under the overhang to the source and drain contacts. The tails provide a low resistance conduction path between the source and drain regions and the channel, with low parasitic capacitance. The thickness profile of the tails is controlled by the deposition of material over and on the lateral side surfaces of the gate structure.
US07648856B2 Methods for attaching microfeature dies to external devices
Methods for attaching microfeature dies to external devices are disclosed. The external devices can include other microfeature dies, support members or other suitable devices. A particular method includes attaching the solder to the at least one of the microfeature die in the support member by changing a phase of the solder. The method can further include contacting the solder with the other of the microfeature die and the support member and urging the microfeature die and the support member toward each other to provide a first bond between the die and the support member via the solder. The method can still further include changing a phase of the solder to provide a second bond between the microfeature die and the support member, with the second bond being stronger than the first bond.
US07648855B2 Device comprising an encapsulated microsystem and production method thereof
A process for manufacturing a device including a packaged microsystem. The manufactured device is in a form of a plane wafer, the microsystem being buried in the wafer. Therefore, the process is used to make a compound that may be used as a basis for other micro technology processes. Moreover, the process co-integrates electronic compounds when the device is being manufactured. The device is particularly suitable for MEMS, and particularly radiofrequency resonators.
US07648849B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting diode having mesh DBR reflecting layer
A flip chip-type nitride semiconductor light emitting diode includes a light transmittance substrate, an n-type nitride semiconductor layer, an active layer, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer and a mesh-type DBR reflecting layer. The mesh-type DBR reflecting layer has a plurality of open regions. The mesh-type DBR reflecting layer is composed of first and second nitride layers having different Al content. The first and second nitride layers are alternately stacked several times to form the mesh-type DBR reflecting layer. An ohmic contact layer is formed on the mesh-type DBR reflecting layer and on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer.
US07648848B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit production method and device including preparing a plurality of SOI substrates, grouping SOI substrates having mutual similarities and adjusting their layer thicknesses simultaneously
A semiconductor integrated circuit production method prepares an SOI layer thickness database that correlates measurement data of each SOI layer thickness with each SOI substrate identification data. The production method extracts the measurement data for each SOI substrate from the SOI layer thickness database, and carries out layer thickness adjustment surface treatment for the SOI substrates based on these data. A semiconductor integrated circuit production device includes an SOI layer thickness database storage unit for storing the SOI layer thickness database, and a layer thickness adjustment conditions control unit for extracting the measurement data for each SOI substrate from the SOI layer thickness database and deciding conditions for the layer thickness adjustment surface treatment based on these data. The semiconductor integrated circuit production device also includes a surface treatment unit that adjusts SOI layer thickness by carrying out the surface treatment on the SOI layers in accordance with the decided conditions.
US07648845B2 Porous materials embedded with nanospecies, methods of fabrication thereof, and methods of use thereof
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include structures, methods of forming the structures, and methods of using the structures. One exemplary structure, among others, includes a nanospecies and a porous material. The nanospecies has a first characteristic and a second detectable characteristic. In addition, a second detectable energy is produced corresponding to the second detectable characteristic upon exposure to a first energy. The porous material has the first characteristic and a plurality of pores. The first characteristic causes the nanospecies to interact with the porous material and become disposed in the pores of the porous material.
US07648840B2 Diagnosis of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability
The invention features methods and compositions for diagnosis, including prognosis, of conditions associated with decreased arginine bioavailability (which can result from dysregulated arginine metabolism, e.g., due to increased arginase activity) by assessing in a sample from a subject the ratio of arginine to one or more, usually two or more, modulators of arginine bioavailability. In one embodiment, the ratio of arginine to (ornithine+citrulline) is assessed to aid in diagnosis.
US07648835B2 System and method for heating, cooling and heat cycling on microfluidic device
An integrated heat exchange system on a microfluidic card. According to one aspect of the invention, the portable microfluidic card has a heating, cooling and heat cycling system on-board such that the card can be used portably. The microfluidic card includes one or more reservoirs containing exothermic or endothermic material. Once the chemical process of the reservoir material is activated, the reservoir provides heat or cooling to specific locations of the microfluidic card. Multiple reservoirs may be included on a single card to provide varying temperatures. The assay chemicals can be moved to the various reservoirs to create a thermal cycle useful in many biological reactions, for example, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or rtPCR. According to another aspect of the invention, the integrated heat exchanger is an adjacent microfluidic circuit containing fluid that is either independently heated or cooled, or is an exothermic or endothermic material, such that the fluid in the adjacent circuit imparts a change in temperature to the assay fluid in an independent circuit. According to yet another aspect of the invention, a thermal electric cooler (TEC) is used for thermocycling the amplification chamber of a disposable microfluidic card.
US07648832B2 Methods for lyophilizing competent cells
This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.
US07648826B1 Detecting CYP24 expression level as a marker for predisposition to cancer
This invention pertains to the discovery that an amplification of the CYP24 gene or an increase in CYP24 activity is a marker for the presence of, progression of, or predisposition to, a cancer (e.g., breast cancer). Using this information, this invention provides methods of detecting a predisposition to cancer in an animal. The methods involve (i) providing a biological sample from an animal (e.g. a human patient); (ii) detecting the level of CYP24 within the biological sample; and (iii) comparing the level of CYP24 with a level of CYP24 in a control sample taken from a normal, cancer-free tissue where an increased level of CYP24 in the biological sample compared to the level of CYP24 in the control sample indicates the presence of said cancer in said animal.
US07648821B2 Method of forming flexible electronic circuits
A multiple layer photosensitive element having at least three differently sensitised photosensitive layers on one side of a support, such as a, transparent flexible support, is imagewise exposed according to a desired circuit pattern and developed to form two layers of conductive track patterns from each photosensitive layer, which may then be connected together by forming vias by drilling or in situ generation. The resulting multiple layer conductive element has application in the field of printed circuit board manufacture or as the backplane electronic element of a flexible display device.
US07648820B2 Antireflective hardmask and uses thereof
Antireflective hardmask compositions and techniques for the use of antireflective hardmask compositions for processing of semiconductor devices are provided. In one aspect of the invention, an antireflective hardmask layer for lithography is provided. The antireflective hardmask layer comprises a carbosilane polymer backbone comprising at least one chromophore moiety and at least one transparent moiety; and a crosslinking component. In another aspect of the invention, a method for processing a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a material layer on a substrate; forming an antireflective hardmask layer over the material layer. The antireflective hardmask layer comprises a carbosilane polymer backbone comprising at least one chromophore moiety and at least one transparent moiety; and a crosslinking component.
US07648817B2 Positive working resist composition and pattern forming method
A positive working resist composition comprises a specific resin. The specific resin comprises: a repeating unit having a first specific group; and a repeating unit having a second specific group, the first specific group being different from the second specific group; and a specific structure in an end terminal of the resin. The specific resin decomposes by action of an acid to increase its solubility in an alkaline developer.
US07648812B2 Toner, developer, and image forming apparatus
A toner is provided including a binder resin; a release agent; a colorant; and a fatty acid amide compound, wherein the binder resin includes: an amorphous polyester (A) having a softening point of from 70 to 140° C.; an amorphous polyester (B) having a softening point of from 120 to 190° C.; and a crystalline polyester (C), and wherein the following relationship is satisfied: TmC
US07648808B2 Patterned coated dichroic filter
A combination patterned reflective dichroic filter and optical coating, and method of making the same, is disclosed by starting with a filter substrate, laying down a pattern of dichroic filter material, but stopping short of completing the layers required for the spectral characteristics of the filter. The spectral characteristics are completed by adding a blanket coating of a material such as an anti-reflective material. In an alternative embodiment the blanket coating can be applied prior to addition of the dichroic filter material.
US07648807B2 Mask blank substrate manufacturing method, mask blank manufacturing method, mask manufacturing method, and mask blank substrate
An object of this invention is to properly identify or manage mask blank substrates, mask blanks, and so on. A manufacturing method of a mask blank substrate (10) includes a substrate preparing step of preparing a plate-like substrate with a square main surface (102), and a marker forming step of forming a marker (106a to 106d) for identifying or managing the substrate on each of at least a plurality of end faces among four end faces (104a to 104d) of the substrate. The four end faces are continuous with sides of the main surface, respectively.
US07648806B2 Phase shift mask with two-phase clear feature
Systems and methods are provided for use in photolithography. In one embodiment, a reticle is provided that comprises a phase shift and transmission control layer, wherein a gap in the phase shift and transmission control layer defines a line. Adjacent to the phase shift and transmission control layer is an optically transparent material, comprising a groove located within the line, wherein the groove comprises a region of reduced thickness in the optically transparent material. The region of reduced thickness serves to shift the phase of light passing through the groove, as compared to light passing through other regions of the optically transparent material. Thus, the reticle has a clear feature comprising light of two different phases.
US07648802B2 Phase shifting test mask patterns for characterizing illumination and mask quality in image forming optical systems
The present invention presents three new classes of phase-shifting mask patterns. In optical image forming systems, a mask with phase shifted regions can act as a precision instrument for characterizing imaging. Three new classes of phase-shifting mask patterns have been invented to characterize projection printing tool illumination and phase-shifting mask (PSM) performance. The linear phase grating (LPG) and linear phase ring (LPR) both serve to characterize illumination angular distribution and uniformity. A third new class, the interferometric-probe monitor for phase-shifting masks (IPM-PSM), measures the effective phase, transmittance and edge effects of various phase-shifted mask features. All three patterns allow performance comparison across the field, tool-to-tool, over time, or to intended design.
US07648799B2 Multi-layer positive electrode structures having a silver-containing layer for miniature cells
A silver-containing alkaline electrochemical cell and methods for producing the cell, wherein the cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator disposed between the electrodes, and an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode is formed as a multi-layer composite including a silver-containing oxide layer and a barrier layer, initially free of silver-containing material, disposed between the silver-containing oxide layer and the separator for substantially reducing migration of silver ions to the separator and negative electrode.
US07648794B2 Lithium secondary battery and a cap assembly therefor
A cap assembly and a lithium secondary battery with the same, in which a shape of a safety vent of a cap plate is such that the safety vent is easily fracturable under low pressure even if the safety vent has a relatively large thickness, thereby improving reliability and safety of the lithium secondary battery. The cap assembly cap plate has a safety vent including at least one first directional weak component and at least one second directional weak component which is connected to the first directional weak component.
US07648786B2 System for generating electricity from a chemical hydride
A system is disclosed to generate electric power from a chemical hydride. A fuel cartridge produces hydrogen by reacting a liquid with a chemical hydride. A fuel cell stack generates electric power using an oxygen source and the produced hydrogen. An electric power storage device is coupled with the fuel cell stack. The electric power storage device stores and supplies electric power. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the fuel cartridge at a variable rate. A controller calculates a liquid injection rate for the one or more liquid sources based on power demands of an electric load.
US07648784B2 Method and apparatus for controlling a fuel cell system having a variable number of parallel-connected modules
A fuel cell APU system comprising a plurality of fuel cell modules connected in parallel. Each module includes a local controller connected to a master controller that coordinates the modules to achieve a desired power output at any given time. Each module is operated within an output range to maximize efficiency of the system. When load demand on a first module exceeds the desired output range of the module, an additional module is brought online in parallel with the first. As the load increases further, additional modules are brought online in cascade fashion to permit all modules to be operated efficiently. If a module is disabled, it is automatically switched out of service and replaced by a standby module. The master controller keeps track of the total operating time of each module and varies the sequence in which different modules are brought into service to balance deterioration among the modules.
US07648782B2 Ceramic coating member for semiconductor processing apparatus
Improving the resistance of members and parts disposed inside of vessels such as semiconductor processing devices for conducting plasma etching treatment in a strong corrosive environment. A ceramic coating member for a semiconductor processing apparatus comprises a porous layer made of an oxide of an element in Group IIIb of the Periodic Table coated directed or through an undercoat on the surface of the substrate of a metal or non-metal and a secondary recrystallized layer of the oxide formed on the porous layer through an irradiation treatment of a high energy such as electron beam and laser beam.
US07648780B2 Electroluminescent devices with low work function anode
Disclosed are organic electroluminescent devices employing materials of a low reduction potential in a layer functioning hole-injection. The organic electroluminescent devices may employ an anode material having a relatively low work function. Aluminum may be used in anode. During the operation, the organic electroluminescent devices may form a virtual electrode in their internal area, which enhances injection of carriers from a nearby electrode. Use of aluminum in the anode helps construction of cathode-emission organic electroluminescent devices.
US07648778B2 Organic electroluminescent element
An organic electroluminescent element comprises: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic compound layer between the pair of electrodes, said at least one organic compound layer comprising a light-emitting layer, wherein the organic luminescent element comprises at least one complex represented by formula (1): wherein M11 represents a hexacoordinate transition metal ion, Y11 represents a nitrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted carbon atom, L11 represents a ligand, Q11 and Q12 each represents an atomic group for forming a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring, n11 represents an integer of 1 to 3, n12 represents an integer of 0 to 4, X11 represents a counter ion, and n13 represents an integer of 0 to 3.
US07648773B2 Thermal spray membrane contact material, contact member and contact part, and apparatuses to which they are applied
To provide a thermal spray membrane contact material, contact member and contact part and an apparatus to which they are applied, showing excellent seizure resistance and wear resistance even under high surface pressure/low speed sliding, high speed/high temperature sliding, or high surface pressure/high speed sliding. In a bucket connecting apparatus connecting an arm and a bucket by a work implement connecting pin, the above-mentioned work implement connecting pin comprises a base material made of steel having an axis function and a contact surface formed of a thermal spray membrane contact material film-formed on the base material, said contact surface being placed at least on a supported surface site of the work implement connecting pin relative to a bracket and on a slipping contact surface with a work implement bushing, further, said thermal spray membrane contact material being composed of a Mo metal phase, or 10 vol % or more of a Mo metal phase and a metal phase and/or alloy phase containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Cu and Zn.
US07648772B2 Moisture resistant container
A sheet of cellulose based material having enhanced strength, particularly the dry strength, substantially unaffected repulpability is disclosed. The sheet of cellulose based materials generally includes a first cellulose based material connected with a second cellulose base material element. The first cellulose based material is formed by separating a portion of the fiber from a furnish, treating the separated portion with a cationic wet strength resin which is allowed to bond to the fiber. The treated fiber is them mixed with the untreated balance of the fiber at some point before the paper machine. The fiber that is separated may be secondary fiber, virgin fiber or combinations thereof. The second cellulose base material element is substantially free from any treatment. The second cellulose base material element may be include substantially all untreated fibers.
US07648770B2 Primer, conductor foil with resin, laminated sheet and method of manufacturing laminated sheet
The invention aims to provide a resin primer which can stick an insulator layer to a conductor foil whereof the surface is not much roughened with sufficient adhesive force, a conductor foil with resin, a laminated sheet and a method of manufacturing same. The resin primer of the invention comprises a resin having film-forming ability and a breaking energy of 0.15 J or more. The conductor foil with resin of the invention comprises a resin layer comprising a conductor foil and the aforesaid resin primer. Further, the laminated sheet of the invention comprises the conductor foil, an insulating layer disposed facing the conductor foil, and a resin layer comprising the aforesaid resin primer disposed between the conductor foil and insulating layer so that it is in contact therewith. This laminated sheet can be manufactured by heating and pressurizing a laminate comprising the aforesaid conductor foil with resin, and a prepreg laminated on this resin layer.
US07648766B2 Composite silicone rubber powder coated with inorganic microfines and an organic silicon compound, method of its manufacture, and use thereof
A composite silicone rubber powder comprising: (A) a silicone rubber powder having an average particle size within the range of 0.1 to 500 μm and hardness of at least 15 by type A durometer according to JIS K 6253, wherein the surface of said silicone rubber powder is coated with (B) a microfine inorganic powder having the BET specific surface area of at least 10 m2/g, said composite silicone rubber powder being characterized by the fact that the surface thereof is treated with (C) an organic silicon compound having a silicon-bonded hydrolyzable group, or with a product of partial hydrolysis of said compound, is characterized by excellent dispersibility in coating and cosmetic materials and having the possibility of improving matting properties of coating materials, and feel of use of cosmetic materials.
US07648764B2 Two-piece container seal and method of manufacture
An improved two-piece container seal suitable for sealing a container having a removable closure and for lining the closure comprises a flexible sealant sheet and a flexible liner sheet bonded thereto. The sealant sheet and liner sheet are of the same size and shape. The sealant sheet has a sealing surface and a first thermoplastic surface, and the liner sheet has an outer surface and a second thermoplastic surface. The first and second thermoplastic surfaces are in opposed, congruent contact with each other, and the first thermoplastic surface is ultrasonically welded to the second thermoplastic surface by an array of spaced, frangible ultrasonic welds, forming an adhesive-free interface therebetween. A method of manufacturing a two-piece container seal and a sealed container comprising a two-piece container seal are also described.
US07648762B2 Antibacterial and anti-static multifunctional hard coating composition
A hard coating composition that can be coated on a transparent plastic substrate is disclosed. The hard coating composition includes (a) a silver nanoparticle sol, (b) a conductive filler, (c) a photocurable resin, (d) a photopolymerization initiator, and (e) an organic solvent. The composition has a viscosity of about 5 to 100 cps. The silver nanoparticle sol includes a plurality of silver nanoparticles. The plurality of silver nanoparticles has a diameter between about 1 nm and about 10 nm.
US07648757B2 Penetration resistant composite
A penetration resistant composite comprises a substrate material comprising woven, layered or intertwined polarized strands of glass, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite fibers, a salt, oxide, hydroxide or hydride of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, double metal salts and/or mixtures of two or more thereof or a metal hydride polar bonded on the surface of said fibers and/or strands of fibers at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a substantially water impermeable coating thereon.
US07648756B2 Coating for enhancing low temperature heat sealability and high hot tack to polymeric substrates
A coating is provided for enhancing low temperature heat sealability and providing high hot tack to polymeric substrates. The coating is water-based and includes a dispersion of a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic or methacrylic acid, and a compatible adhesion enhancer which is an aliphatic polyurethane emulsion. The coating may also include additives such as wetting agents, matting agents, antiblocking agents, and tackifying resins. The coating may be applied to a variety of polymeric substrates and may be heat sealed to itself, or to polymeric substrates, cellulosic substrates, and metal substrates.
US07648755B2 Non-white construction surface
Provides a non-white construction surface comprising a substrate, a first reflective coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the substrate, the coated substrate exhibiting a minimum direct solar reflectance value of at least about 25%, and a second reflective coating on at least a portion of the first reflective coating, wherein the combination of the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating provide the substrate with at least one of (i) a reflectivity of at least about 20% at substantially all points in the wavelength range between 770 and 2500 nm, and (ii) a summed reflectance value of at least 7000 as measured in the range between 770 and 2500 nm inclusive. Also provided are various substrates having the coatings described as well as methods of providing the described construction surfaces.
US07648751B2 Touch fastener products
Touch fasteners for use as mold inserts in molding seat foam buns include a sheet-form base a magnetically attractable material disposed on the upper face of the sheet-form base, and a film cover covering the magnetically attractable material wherein maximum slope angle of the film cover, is less than about 75° as measured from the upper surface of the sheet form base to the outside surface of the cover. The magnetically attractable material is a strand of frangible composite constructed to be readily segmented with the seat foam bun during recycling.
US07648749B1 Anti-slosh devices for damping oscillation of liquids in tanks
An anti-slosh device for attenuating oscillations of liquids in tanks caused by movement of vehicles in which the tank is located comprises an elongated flat, rectangularly, shaped, uniform thickness strip of a liquid impervious material such as polyethylene or polycarbonate which is formed into a string of arcuately curved loops. One embodiment of the device has located at opposite ends thereof spirally-shaped, quasi-helical end loops which form a figure-8 shape, and a center loop disposed obliquely between the end loops. A two-loop version of the device has two end loops but no center loop. The anti-slosh device is used to reduce the duration of undesirable oscillations induced in a liquid in a tank by placing a plurality of the devices in the interior of a tank, as by inserting a plurality of the devices through a fill tube or other access port of the tank. Non-parallel surfaces of the device function as baffles, converting large scale linear motions of liquid in a tank to small scale, energy-dissipating vortices, thus reducing the duration and amplitude of oscillations of liquid in the tank.
US07648748B2 Liquid crystalline resin composition for blow molding
The present invention provides a liquid crystalline resin composition capable of readily blow-molding a molded article having uniform thickness, with the addition of good blow-moldability owing to the improved drawdown-resistant property, the improved melt-tension increase rate, and other properties without deteriorating the low gas-permeability which is a characteristic of liquid crystalline resin. Specifically, it provides a liquid crystalline resin composition for blow molding, obtainable by melt-kneading: (A) 100 parts by weight of a melt-processable aromatic polyester and/or polyester amide, which can form an anisotropic molten phase; (B) 10 to 25 parts by weight of a styrene-based copolymer composed of 40 to 97% by weight of a styrene group, 60 to 3% by weight of a specific glycidyl ester of α,β-unsaturated acid and 0 to 50% by weight of other vinyl-based monomer, wherein the styrene-based copolymer has epoxy equivalents ranging from 300 to 3000 g/eq, and weight average molecular weights of 30000 or more; and (C) 0 to 100 parts by weight of one or more of fibrous filler, powdery or granular filler, and plate-like filler.
US07648747B2 Lawn accessory
The present invention is a lawn accessory comprising a structural shell. The shell is constructed to have a wall containing both inner and outer surfaces, and a bottom member which together form an inner volume. An adhesive layer surrounds the outer wall surface of the shell and is comprised of a mortar. A decorative layer comprised of a plurality of synthetic stones is attached to the adhesive layer and spaces between the stones are filled with mortar to complete the lawn accessory.
US07648746B2 Ink jet recording paper
An ink jet recording paper capable of compatible with high speed ink jet printers is provided. By using, as a fiber material, mercerized pulp obtained by applying an alkali treatment to pulp, an ink jet recording paper of high ink absorption speed and high ink coloring density is formed. Since the paper itself has excellent ink absorption speed, there is no requirement for applying coating for improving the ink absorption and it can be used as non-coated type ink jet recording paper.
US07648742B2 Difluorosubstituted heterocyclic compounds and the use thereof in the form of components in liquid crystalline media
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein a, b, c, d, e, R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, Y1, Y2, Y3, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4 and are such as defined in claim 1, to a method for the production thereof, intermediates for the production and the thereof in the form of components in liquid crystalline media and to electrooptic display elements containing said liquid crystalline media.
US07648739B2 Switchable surfaces
A substrate having a surface with reversibly switchable properties. The surface comprises a nanolayer of a material that switches from a first conformation state to a second conformation state when an external stimulus is applied. When the nanolayer is in the first conformation state, the surface is characterized by a first property, and when the nanolayer is in the second conformation state, the surface is characterized by a second property.
US07648737B2 Stretched laminate film and method of producing the same
The present invention provides a stretched laminate film with oxygen-gas barrier properties which includes a layer (a) formed from a composition of a polycarboxylate-based polymer (A) and a plasticizer (B), a layer (c) containing a multivalent metal compound (C) and a layer (b) formed from a thermoplastic resin, which film includes at least one layer forming unit where the layer (a) and the layer (c) are adjacent to each other, and in which film at least the layer (a) and the layer (b) are stretched with a surface stretch ratio of 1.1 to 100. By means of carrying out an applying step and a stretching step according to a production method of the present invention, the layer formed from the polycarboxylate-based polymer including the plasticizer can be made thinner, although making the layer thinner has been difficult to achieve as long as only the application is carried out.
US07648736B2 Coated cutting tool for turning of steel
A cutting tool insert includes a cemented carbide substrate and a coating. The cemented carbide substrate comprises WC, 4-7 wt % cobalt, 6-9 wt % cubic carbide forming metals from the groups IVB and VB, preferably titanium, tantalum and niobium, with a binder phase enriched surface zone with a thickness of >20 μm, preferably between 21 and 50 μm. The coating comprises a first layer adjacent the cemented carbide substrate of Ti(C,N) having a thickness of from about 3 to about 15 μm, an alumina layer adjacent said first layer having a thickness of from about 3 to about 15 μm, said alumina layer being composed of α-Al2O3, a further layer adjacent the alumina layer of a Ti(C,N) or Ti(C,O,N) having a thickness of from about 1 to 10 μm. The total thickness of the coating being less than 30 μm, preferably less than 20 μm. Inserts according to the invention exhibit favourable wear resistance and edge strength when turning steel.
US07648732B2 Coated metal elements for producing glass
The coated noble metal element used in glass manufacture, such as a noble metal pipe, has an uncoated side that contacts a glass melt and an H2-impervious layer or an H2-impervious and O2-impervious layer, which is provided on a side opposite from the uncoated side. The H2-impervious layer or H2-impervious and O2-impervious layer is heat-resistant and is liquid or solid. In one process for providing the layer on the noble metal element an empty space between the noble metal element and a ceramic insulating jacket is filled with a coating material, and then the coating material is melted so that it wets a surface of the noble metal element. The coating material can include glass cullet, crushed glass or glass powder or is a mixture of crushed glass and ground ceramic material.
US07648728B2 Method for producing bone filter of calcium phosphate
A method for producing a calcium phosphate bone filler by preparing a mixed liquid comprising a calcium solution and a phosphoric acid solution in such a manner that a substrate of calcium phosphate exists in the mixed liquid, thereby precipitating calcium phosphate on the substrate to form a coating layer, and heat-treating the resultant composite comprising the substrate and the coating layer.
US07648714B2 Food for skin moisture retention
This invention relates to a food containing a glycosylated ceramide and diacylglycerol. This food is capable of improving and enhancing the barrier function of skin and increasing water holding capacity of the skin.
US07648706B2 West nile DNA vaccine
The present invention provides a safe and effective vaccine composition against West Nile virus disease. An immunogenically active component of West Nile virus or plasmid DNA, an adjuvant such as a metabolizable oil, and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier are formulated into an immunizing vaccine. The invention also provides a method for the prevention or amelioration of West Nile disease, such as encephalitis, in equidae by administering the vaccine composition herein set forth.
US07648703B2 Combination of anti-EP-CAM antibody with a chemotherapeutic agent
A combination of an anti-Ep-CAM antibody with a chemotherapeutic agent that is capable of arresting Ep-CAM antigen expressing cells in S or G2/M.
US07648697B2 Compounds derived from polyanhydride resins with film-forming, UV-absorbing, and photostabilizing properties, compositions containing same, and methods of using the same
Polymers containing one or more of a photostabilizing moiety attached to the polymer backbone, sunscreen compositions including a mixture of a photoactive compound and a polymer containing one or more of a photostabilizing moiety attached to the polymer backbone are described herein. Also disclosed are methods for stabilizing a sunscreen composition and methods of filtering out ultra-violet light from a substrate by the addition of one or more of the foregoing polymers, and methods of waterproofing and forming a film with one or more of the foregoing polymer are described herein.
US07648689B2 Process for the production of InP fine particles and InP fine particle dispersion obtained by the process
The invention is to provide a process for industrially advantageously producing InP fine particles having a nano-meter size efficiently in a short period of time and an InP fine particle dispersion, and there are provided a process for the production of InP fine particles by reacting an In raw material containing two or more In compounds with a P raw material containing at least one P compound in a solvent wherein the process uses, as said two or more In compounds, at least one first In compound having a group that reacts with a functional group of P compound having a P atom adjacent to an In atom to be eliminated with the functional group in the formation of an In-P bond and at least one second In compound having a lower electron density of In atom in the compound than said first In compound and Lewis base solvent as said solvent, and InP fine particles obtained by the process.
US07648685B2 Hydroprocessing process
A process for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed with a known flow rate of hydrogen-containing gas and a volume of catalyst, includes the steps of providing a hydrocarbon feed having an initial characteristic; feeding the hydrocarbon feed and a first portion of the hydrogen-containing gas cocurrently to a first hydroprocessing zone containing a first portion of the catalyst so as to provide a first hydrocarbon product; providing an additional hydroprocessing zone containing a remainder of the catalyst; feeding the first hydrocarbon product cocurrently with a remainder of the hydrogen-containing gas to the additional hydroprocessing zone so as to provide a final hydrocarbon product having a final characteristic which is improved as compared to the initial characteristic, wherein the first portion of the hydrogen-containing gas is between about 30 and about 80% vol. of the known flow rate of the hydrogen-containing gas, and the first portion of the catalyst is between about 30 and about 70% wt. of the volume of catalyst.
US07648684B2 Pre-chamber reactor
The invention relates to a device for disinfecting liquids by means of ultraviolet radiation in a continuous flow method, with a reactor chamber through which flow can take place and in which a number of UV radiator units is arranged, the reactor chamber being provided with a wall, which is open at two end sides, and locally surrounded by at least one pre-chamber. Advantageous flow conditions are achieved if the at least one pre-chamber is welded to the wall at a distance from the end side so that an annular intermediate space with an internal width (r) is formed between a side of the per-chamber and the wall, and an essentially axisymmetric annular gap (d) is formed between the end side and the pre-chamber.
US07648681B2 Specimen collection system
A system for collecting, transporting and preparing a fecal specimen for examination includes a container, a closure selectively secured over an open end of the container, and a sample collection member coupled to the closure and extending into the container when the closure is secured thereto. In one embodiment, the closure includes a base and a cap that are hingedly coupled together. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position that seals an aperture in the base, and an open position wherein the aperture is exposed to permit expelling contents of the container through the aperture. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a base having a spout and an aperture, and a cap coupled to the base for axial movement along the spout between open and closed positions. The system may further include a deodorant to mask or absorb odors.
US07648679B2 Electric pipette
The invention relates to an electric pipette (1) comprising a body (2), a tip part (4), a hook part (5), a push-button part (6) and a display part (7), said body (1) having a vertical axis (3) and at least one of the parts selected from the group consisting of the hook part (5), the push-button part (6) and the display part (7) is rotatable about the vertical axis (3) of the electric pipette (1) correspondingly by an angle φ1, φ2 or φ3.
US07648678B2 Method and system for pretreatment of tissue slides
The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatic staining of at least one tissue sample accommodated on a slide by applying reagents. The system may include at least one slide provided in a slide rack, a fluid containment element, a slide holder, a vertical slide positioner to pivot the slides to a vertical position, and a slide immerser element to immerse the vertical slide into a fluid containment element or even a dip tank. By pivoting the slides from a horizontal to a vertical position, an automated method and apparatus for carrying out a pretreatment in an automated staining apparatus may be provided. The pivoting of slides may ensure an appropriate orientation of the slides for both the pretreatment and the staining processes.
US07648675B2 Reaction sintered zirconium carbide/tungsten composite bodies and a method for producing the same
A method of sintering a composite body characterized by a transition metal carbide phase (such as a ZrC phase) substantially evenly distributed in a second, typically refractory, transition metal (such as W) matrix at ambient pressures, including blending a first predetermined amount of first transition metal oxide powder (such as ZrO2) with a second predetermined amount of second transition metal carbide powder (such as WC powder). Next the blended powders are mixed to yield a substantially homogeneous powder mixture and a portion of the substantially homogeneous powder mixture is formed into a green body. The body is fired to a first temperature, wherein the first transition metal oxide is substantially reduced and the simultaneously generated CO and gas are evolved from the body to substantially eliminate oxides from the green body, and the body is heated to a second temperature and sintered to yield a composite body of about 99 percent theoretical density and characterized by a first transition metal carbide phase distributed substantially evenly in a second transition metal matrix.
US07648673B2 Process for denoxification of off-gases from annealing and pickling lines, and an annealing and pickling line, especially for stainless steel hot or cold strip
A process for denoxification of off-gases from annealing and pickling lines, providing for the off-gases from the pickling section to be heated and denoxified by selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In order to secure the meeting of lowest NOx values in the off-gas with the lowest possible expenditure, heat is supplied from the off-gases from the annealing furnace (1) to the off-gases from the pickling section (3) before the selective catalytic reduction (9).
US07648667B2 High speed golf ball core molding
A method of molding a golf ball core utilizing a single cavity mold that moves on a continuous conveyor system wherein heated preps are automatically and individually taken directly from the extruder and robotically placed into a bottom mold half that is integral with and moves along a conveyor at a speed consistent with the output from the extruder. This eliminates the prep's inefficient loss of heat during storage that is associated with the batch process. The method provides preheating each top and bottom mold half in separate conveyor ovens to about 350° F. prior to the prep being loaded into the bottom mold half. After the prep is loaded, the top and bottom mold halves are assembled to create the single cavity mold. The single cavity mold compresses the prep into a spherical core shape by utilizing spring force and retainer plates to exert about 384 lbs of force. The core is then moved by conveyor into a convection oven wherein the core is cured to a temperature of about 350° F. The cores are then robotically removed from the mold and transferred to a site wherein an intermediate or cover layer is placed over it.
US07648666B2 Method of forming building blocks using block press equipment having translating fluid injection apparatus
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for depositing a quantity of article-forming media within a media receiving cavity of article forming equipment. After depositing at least a portion of the article-forming media within the media receiving cavity, an operation performed for depositing a volume of a prescribed fluid into the media receiving cavity. Depositing the prescribed fluid includes moving a first fluid delivery device through the quantity of the article-forming media while injecting the prescribed fluid through the first fluid delivery device into the quantity of the article-forming media.
US07648664B2 Clamped quantized feed system for solid freeform fabrication
A material feed system for solid freeform fabrication. The build material is delivered in discrete or quantized amounts by a clamp feed system in a non-flowable state to the dispensing device and the material is then changed to a flowable state prior to being dispensed. The feed system can be used to build three-dimensional objects in color, if desired. The clamped feed system is integrated with a waste removal system.
US07648663B2 Method for the production of plates made of plastic material with parts overmoulded by injection compression
A method for the production of plates of material with overmoulded parts made of plastic material of different dimensions, of shapes and colors, by means of a first injection for the formation of the plate and a subsequent injection compression for overmoulding said parts on the plate. Each injection can conveniently be performed with sequentially controlled injection spots.
US07648661B2 Rapid reconfigurable fuselage mandrel
A system and method for making and using a reconfigurable composite part mandrel operable in the manufacture of composite parts. The system may comprise an assembly fixture, a generic mandrel, a reconfigurable simulated skin, a reconfigurable frame portion, and state-changing material operable to harden into a desired configuration for forming a particular composite part. The method of forming and using the reconfigurable composite part mandrel may comprise: inserting the simulated skin within the assembly fixture, inserting or assembling the frame portion within the assembly fixture; inserting the generic mandrel into the assembly fixture; filling a cavity between the generic mandrel and the assembly fixture with the state-changing mixture to encapsulate the frame portion; hardening the state-changing mixture; and removing the assembly fixture and the simulated skin.
US07648658B2 Alternate polymer extrusion method with reduced drool
An alternate polymer extrusion method and system reduces “drool” effects that detract from precise control over the content of two or more materials in an extrudate along its length. In the system, two or more extruders direct melt to two or more gear pumps. Control of the speed of the gear pumps controls the amount of each material emergent from the pumps, proceeding to a convergence in the paths from the pumps and thence to a die. Melt in each path between each pump and the convergence tends to expand and drool into the convergence as its associated pump is slowed and stopped. To prevent this, in the die, a constriction in each path just upstream of the convergence greatly reduces drool past that point by requiring a much greater pressure to force the melt past the constriction. The increased pressure required increases compression and expansion of the melt between the pump and the construction as a pump starts or increases in speed, on one hand, and stop or decreases in speed, on the other hand. Compensatory pump speed changes are made to counter this effect.
US07648655B2 Conductive composition for black bus electrode, and front panel of plasma display panel
The black bus electrode of plasma display panel is formed from a conductive composition comprising a conductive powder, glass powder, organic binder, organic solvent, and black pigment, wherein the conductive powder is coated with metal selected from the group of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt and Au.
US07648654B2 Nonaqueous conductive nanoink composition
The present invention relates to a non-aqueous conductive nanoink composition including 20 to 85 parts by weight of metal nanoparticles which is chosen from silver, copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, and gold; 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a polymer having an anhydride group; 15 to 80 parts by weight of a non-aqueous organic solvent.The non-aqueous conductive nanoink composition of the present invention prevents cracks during the drying process, increases the adhesion between wiring and substrate, and allows forming conductive wirings and films without cracks and delamination on the substrate such as polymer including polyimide and glass or silicon wafer.
US07648651B2 Solvent composition
A solvent composition contains a tetralin compound (a) represented by the formula (I) and a polyether compound (b) represented by the formula (II). The solvent composition is excellent in safety and almost odorless, having a high capability of dissolving various organic materials, and also excellent in affinity to various substrates. The solvent composition is suitably used for various applications including various kinds of paints, adhesives, coating materials, detergents, and the like. wherein x is an integer of 0 to 4; y is an integer of 0 to 8; R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl or alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or an alkenyl or alkenyloxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms; these groups may be substituted by a halogen atom; and when a plurality of R1 or R2 exists, R1 and R2 each may be the same or different, wherein m is 1 to 10; p is 0, 1, 2, or 3; Prop represents 1,2-propylene group; R3 and R4 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and when m is 2 or more, a methyl substituent in the 1,2-propylene group represented by Prop may be randomly positioned.
US07648649B2 Red line emitting phosphors for use in led applications
Light emitting devices including backlights having a light source and a phosphor material including a complex fluoride phosphor activated with Mn4+ which may include at least one of (A) A2[MF5]:Mn4+; where A is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4, and combinations thereof; and where M is selected from Al, Ga, In, or combinations thereof; (B) A3[MF6]:Mn4+, where A is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4, and combinations thereof; and where M is selected from Al, Ga, In, or combinations thereof; (C) Zn2[MF7]:Mn4+, where M is selected from Al, Ga, In, or combinations thereof; and (D) A[In2F7]:Mn4+ where A is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, NH4, or combinations thereof.
US07648639B2 Method for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least two components
A method for separating a volume of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component is performed in a centrifuge cooperating with a separation bag containing the volume of composite liquid. The separation bag is connected to at least a first component bag and a second component bag. The separation bag is spun so as to centrifuge the volume of composite liquid and cause the sedimentation of the at least first and second components. When the at least first and second components have sedimented, the first component is transferred at least one first transfer flow rate into the first component bag. When the first component has been transferred into the first component bag, the second component is transferred into the intermediate component bag at least one second transfer flow rate that is different from the at least one first transfer flow rate.
US07648638B2 Method for treating wastewater
A method and apparatus for treating wastewater. The apparatus comprises a reactor having a flow channel generally centrally located in a reactor and immersed in the water or wastewater in the reactor. An agitator is disposed within the flow channel and induces water or wastewater to enter the open upper end thereof and to move downwardly through the flow channel where the water or wastewater is discharged via a flow divider. A reagent is injected into the water or wastewater and the agitator within the flow channel serves to mix the reagent with the water or wastewater passing therethrough and in the process causes at least a slightly turbulent and downward axial flow through the flow channel.
US07648634B2 Method for wastewater treatment
A system and method for treating wastewater includes a treatment container for receiving and treating wastewater and a mixing/aeration system disposed in the treatment container. Wastewater is pumped under pressure from the treatment container through a solids/liquid separation system, preferably comprising multiple parallel membrane bioreactors, to separate the solids and liquids in the wastewater. Liquid retentate from the solids/liquid separation system is cycled back to the treatment container via the mixing/aeration system. The closed-loop system and method for solids/liquid separation and aeration/mixing provides for reduced equipment requirements and energy usage during operation.
US07648628B2 Water treatment for an aircraft
Water represents an important resource in an aircraft. In modern aircraft, sufficient water reserves are carried along in designated tanks that are regularly refilled by ground personnel. One embodiment relates to a water treatment system for aircraft that may make it possible to treat a gray water/black water mixture accumulated on board of an aircraft during its operation in sufficient quantity and quality for use in a downstream reformer. This means that the water circuit within the aircraft is closed and costly water tanks are eliminated.
US07648622B2 System and method for electrochemical mechanical polishing
A method and apparatus for electropolishing a conductive surface of a semiconductor wafer. The apparatus includes a polisher having at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode separated from one another by an isolation region. A moving mechanism rotates the wafer while the conductive surface of the wafer is moved linearly and parallel to a first direction, which varies an exposure of the relative surface areas of the conductive surface to the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode.
US07648621B2 Copper electroplating method, pure copper anode for copper electroplating, and semiconductor wafer plated thereby with little particle adhesion
The present invention pertains to an electrolytic copper plating method characterized in employing pure copper as the anode upon performing electrolytic copper plating, and performing electrolytic copper plating with the pure copper anode having a crystal grain diameter of 10 μm or less or 60 μm or more or a non-recrystallized anode. Provided are an electrolytic copper plating method and a pure copper anode for electrolytic copper plating used in such electrolytic copper plating method capable of suppressing the generation of particles such as sludge produced on the anode side within the plating bath upon performing electrolytic copper plating, and capable of preventing the adhesion to a semiconductor wafer, as well as a semiconductor wafer plated with the foregoing method and anode having low particle adhesion.
US07648617B2 Biosensor
In a biosensor for measuring a specific substance in a liquid sample, one or a combination of sugar alcohol, metallic salt, organic acid or organic acid salt which has at least one carboxyl group in a molecule, and organic acid or organic acid salt which has at least one carboxyl group and one amino group in a molecule, is included in a reagent layer provided on electrodes, thereby providing a highly-accurate biosensor which is excellent in stability and has high response (sensitivity, linearity) of the sensor to the substrate concentration.
US07648614B2 Method and apparatus for controlling cross-machine direction (CD) controller settings to improve CD control performance in a web making machine
A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.
US07648612B2 Papermaking machine for forming tissue employing an air press
A web of tissue is formed in a twin wire former, followed by an air press for water removal in the pressing section, passing onto a Yankee dryer. A headbox injects stock between upper and lower dryer fabrics brought together on a breast roll. The fabrics moves over vacuum boxes, and the web is heated with steam and passed between an upper pressure box and a lower vacuum box forming an air press which dewaters the web. A sheet transfer pickup vacuum box holds the sheet to the upper fabric as the lower fabric diverges from the upper fabric. A pressure roller transfers the web onto a Yankee dryer. The fabrics are cleaned on vertical runs before returning to the breast roll. A final forming fabric is arranged to operated at a lower speed than the penultimate forming fabric so that a rush transfer and creping like action takes place.
US07648610B2 Baffle plate, apparatus for producing the same, method of producing the same, and gas processing apparatus containing baffle plate
The present invention provides a gas process apparatus that realizes uniform exhaust without depending on process conditions, a gas process chamber that constitutes the gas process apparatus, a baffle plate mounted on the gas process chamber, a method of producing the baffle plate, and an apparatus for producing the baffle plate. The baffle plate of the present invention serves as a partition between a process space in which a chemical process is carried out with a supplied gas, and a duct that is adjacent to the process space and functions to discharge exhaust gas generated as a result of the chemical process. In accordance with the difference between the pressures on both sides of the baffle plate, which difference varies depending on the location on the baffle plate, the baffle holes are disposed on a plurality of locations on the baffle plate.
US07648608B2 Method for producing a multilayer coextrudate and a film structure produced by this method
The invention relates to a method for producing a multilayer coextrudate, comprising a plastic layer that has release properties vis-vis adhesives, the release-property producing materials being disposed in the plastic layer. When the coextrudate is produced, a first web(support web I) is provided on the one side of which an adhesive layer is disposed, followed by the plastic layer having the release properties, which in turn is linked with a second web (support web II). The release layer does not show substantial migration with respect to the adhesive and the release effect does not substantially change afterwards, especially during storage.
US07648607B2 Methods of forming composite materials including high modulus polyolefin fibers
Disclosed are composite laminates that can exhibit high strength and/or low dielectric loss and can also be lightweight. The laminates include layers formed of high modulus polyolefin fiber. The fibers can be woven or knit to form a fabric or can be included in a nonwoven fabric that can be one or more layers of the composite structures. The layers including the high modulus polyolefin fibers can include other fibers, such as fiberglass. The composites can also include layers of other materials, for instance layers formed of polyaramids, fiberglass, or carbon fiber wovens or nonwovens. The composites can advantageously be utilized in low loss dielectric applications, such as in forming circuit board substrates, or in applications beneficially combining strength with low weight, such as automobile and boat materials.
US07648605B2 Process for applying a thermal barrier coating to a ceramic matrix composite
A method of bonding an insulation layer (26) to a CMC layer (22) by applying a compliant joining layer (24) between them in a series of steps (52-70) effective to bond the layers (22, 24, 26) with reduced differential shrinkage stresses during firing and reduced residual stresses. The CMC layer (22) and the compliant layer (24) may each be fired to an intermediate stage prior to applying the next layer (24 and 26 respectively), such that the compliant layer (24) has a remaining amount of curing shrinkage between that of the CMC layer (22) and the insulating layer (26) during a final firing stage. The insulation layer (26) may be a friable graded insulation (26F) cast as a composite of hollow ceramic spheres (26S) in a ceramic matrix (26M). The compliant layer (24) may form a checkerboard of cracks (72) oriented generally perpendicular to the layer surface that function to relax stress. The cracks define columns (74) of material that form a bond at opposed ends to the CMC layer and to the insulation respectively.
US07648604B2 Labelling machine with ultrasound welding device for making a tubular label made of heat-shrinking film and welding process
The invention refers to the field of labelling machines that use tubular labels, and in particular it refers to ultrasound welding apparata for making a tubular label made of a heat-shrinking film, precut from a coil.The apparatus provides for the label welding for the whole length of the surmount (5), the apparatus being able to translate on at least two Cartesian axes; moreover, it guarantees one or more welding beads due to the presence, on the sonotrode, of a plurality of ribs (6): the formation of one or more beads will have to be attributed to the more or less correct position of the precut label and the errors caused during its transfer. The presence of many beads is an improving condition of the resistance to tensile stress of the welded label.
US07648595B2 Methods of making nanoprisms
The invention is a novel photo-induced method for converting large quantities of silver nanospheres into nanoprisms, the nanoprisms formed by this method and applications in which the nanoprisms are useful. Significantly, this light driven process results in a colloid with a unique set of optical properties that directly relate to the nanoprism shape of the particles. Theoretical calculations coupled with experimental observations allow for the assignment of the nanoprism plasmon bands and the first identification of two distinct quadrupole plasmon resonances for a nanoparticle. Finally, unlike the spherical particles from which they derive and which Rayleigh light scatter in the blue, these nanoprisms exhibit scattering in the red, permitting multicolor diagnostic labels based not only on nanoparticle composition and size but also on shape.
US07648592B2 Metal alloy for a stent
A stent that is at least partially formed of a novel metal alloy, which novel metal alloy improves the physical properties of the stent.
US07648587B2 Steel product for use as line pipe having high HIC resistance and line pipe produced using such steel product
A steel product for a line pipe according to the invention has a composition containing, in mass %, C : 0.03% to 0.15%, Si: 0.05% to 1.0%, Mn: 0.5% to 1.8%, P: 0.015% or less, S: 0.004% or less, O: 0.01% or less, N: 0.007% or less, sol. Al: 0.01% to 0.1%, Ti: 0.024% or less, Ca: 0.0003% to 0.02%, and the balance consisting of Fe and impurities. The size of TiN in the steel product for a line pipe is at most 30 μm. The steel product has high HIC resistance and its crack area ratio can be reduced to 3% or less.
US07648585B2 Incubator and method for cleaning the incubator
The invention relates to a method for cleaning an incubator and to an incubator designed for carrying out the method. The method involves disinfecting the incubator, or at any rate the climatic chamber and/or removable parts present in it during the incubation process, by means of a disinfecting heat treatment. Said heat treatment can comprise a step in which the incubator, or at any rate the climatic chamber, is heated to a temperature of at least 50° C., in particular a temperature of approximately 58° to 65° C. for at least 25 minutes. The invention further relates to an incubator, in which the temperature relating means used for the incubation process are further designed for carrying out a disinfecting heat treatment in the climatic chamber.
US07648582B2 Cleaning of electrostatic chucks using ultrasonic agitation and applied electric fields
A method of cleaning an ESC comprises immersing a ceramic surface of the ESC in dielectric fluid; spacing the ceramic surface of the ESC apart from a conductive surface such that the dielectric fluid fills a gap between the ceramic surface of the ESC and the conductive surface; and subjecting the dielectric fluid to ultrasonic agitation while simultaneously applying voltage to the ESC.
US07648579B2 Substrate support system for reduced autodoping and backside deposition
A substrate support system comprises a substrate holder having a plurality of passages extending between top and bottom surfaces thereof. The substrate holder supports a peripheral portion of the substrate backside so that a thin gap is formed between the substrate and the substrate holder. A hollow support member provides support to an underside of, and is configured to convey gas upward into one or more of the passages of, the substrate holder. The upwardly conveyed gas flows into the gap between the substrate and the substrate holder. Depending upon the embodiment, the gas then flows either outward and upward around the substrate edge (to inhibit backside deposition of reactant gases above the substrate) or downward through passages of the substrate holder, if any, that do not lead back into the hollow support member (to inhibit autodoping by sweeping out-diffused dopant atoms away from the substrate backside).
US07648578B1 Substrate processing apparatus, and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A substrate is held by a susceptor (holding tool) in a processing chamber. A plate is provided on a periphery of the substrate. Gas supply ports are constructed to be provided on a side of the substrate and above the plate, and to supply gas to the substrate from a space above the plate. Outlets are provided at least on an upstream side and downstream side of the substrate on the plate, and are adapted to discharge the gas to a space below the plate. An exhaust port communicates with the outlets, and is provided on an opposite side to the gas supply ports with the substrate sandwiched there between and below the plate. The outlets are composed so that conductance of the upstream outlet in a gas flow between the outlets can be larger than conductance of the downstream outlet.
US07648569B2 Method and device for injecting two-phase CO2 in a transfer gaseous medium
A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.
US07648566B2 Methods and apparatus for carbon dioxide removal from a fluid stream
An apparatus for producing hydrogen gas wherein the apparatus includes a reactor. In one embodiment, the reactor includes at least two conversion-removal portions. Each conversion-removal portion comprises a catalyst section configured to convert CO in the stream to CO2 and a membrane section located downstream of and in flow communication with the catalyst section. The membrane section is configured to selectively remove the CO2 from the stream and to be in flow communication with a sweep gas.
US07648558B2 Method for the treatment of aluminum in a furnace
Methods for treating aluminum in a furnace. An aluminum charge is introduced into a furnace and melted with heat from at least one burner. The burner is supplied with at least one oxidizer and at least one fuel. The oxidizer is made up of at least 10% oxygen by volume. The concentration of a first gas is measured in the furnace atmosphere or in a flue gas exiting the furnace. The oxidation of the molten aluminum is then reduced by holding the flow rate of the oxidizer steady while varying the flow rate of the fuel, according to the concentration of a second gas in the furnace or in the flue gas exiting the furnace. The concentration of the second gas is determined by comparing the measured species concentration and the intrinsic concentration which would be present absent the aluminum charge.
US07648557B2 Process for making highly dispersible spherical silver powder particles and silver particles formed therefrom
Disclosed is an improved process for making highly dispersible, spherical silver particles. In particular, the invention is directed to a process for making silver particles, which are very high solids and highly ordered. The silver particles formed are particularly useful in electronic applications.
US07648555B2 Method of carrying out a reaction in a microreaction chamber
Disclosed is a method for carrying out a reaction in a microreaction chamber. Nanoparticles which have been advantageously subjected to specific reactions in the microreaction chamber are used for carrying out the reaction. The obtained reaction product, which is preferably also provided in the form of nanoparticles. can then be removed from the microreaction chamber. Advantageously, the ongoing reaction can be specifically influenced by using the microreaction chamber. Both endothermic and exothermic reactions can be carried out with an accurately predictable result by feeding energy in a dosed manner into/out of the reaction chamber.
US07648548B2 High porosity cordierite composition
Disclosed are ceramic articles, which in one aspect are composed predominately of a cordierite having a composition close to that of Mg2Al4Si5O18. The ceramic articles possess a microstructure characterized by a unique combination of relatively high porosity and relatively narrow pore size distribution, both as measured by mercury porosimetry, that render the ceramic structure useful for ceramic filter applications requiring high thermal durability and high filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop along the length of the filter. Such ceramic bodies are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of the ceramic articles described herein.
US07648545B2 Filter sealing system
An axial flow filter element including alternating flat and folded media layers forming axial channels, one end of a first group of channels being sealed and the remaining channels being sealed at the other end so fluid flowing through the element passes from channels of the first group through the filter media to channels of the second group to exit the filter; channels of the second group adjoining each side of channels of the first group spaced from the edge of the filter element so fluid flows through the entire lateral area of the first channels; an annular sealing collar adjacent an axial end face of the filter element connected to the exterior of the element to seal the element in a housing; part of the collar projecting axially beyond the end face of the element, and a frame connected to the projecting part for radially supporting the collar.
US07648543B2 Multistage variable impactor
An inertial gas-liquid separator and method is provided, including variable orifice jet nozzle structure having a variable orifice area dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve, and in another embodiment having first and second flow branches, with the first flow branch being continuously open, and the second flow branch having a variable flow controller controlling flow therethrough.
US07648538B2 Battery
Unit cells are held in a plate frame to form a cell module. A plurality of the cell modules is laminated in a thickness direction of the frame to form a laminated structure of unit cells. The cell unit is pressurized with heat sinks from both sides in the direction of the lamination, and is integrally held to form a battery.
US07648537B2 Rechargeable battery and method for fabricating the same
An inorganic solid electrolytic rechargeable battery capable of offering excellent battery characteristics is disclosed. The battery has positive and negative electrodes and an inorganic electrolyte interposed therebetween. The positive and negative electrodes are each made up of an active material layer and a current collector layer. The positive electrode collector layer or the negative electrode collector layer is a conductive metal oxide layer. The negative electrode active material layer is made of lithium metals or lithium alloys. This negative active layer may alternatively be made of a material which causes an operation voltage potential of the negative electrode to become more noble than 1.0 V with respect to the potential of a metallic lithium. A complexity-reduced fabrication method of the rechargeable battery is also disclosed.
US07648536B2 Method of coloring keratinous fibers comprising application of at least one aminopyrazolopyridine oxidation base in the absence of chemical oxidizing agents
Disclosed herein are methods for coloring keratinous fibers comprising applying to the fibers a dyeing composition comprising at least one aminopyrazolopyridine base, said coloring method being performed without the addition of chemical oxidizing agents.
US07648534B2 Carpet treated for resistance to odors and contaminants and method
The present disclosure relates to compositions useful for maintaining the clean impression of a carpet (that is, its scent and appearance) over an extended time despite occurrences that might damage the carpet surface. The composition, which includes an antimicrobial agent, an enzyme inhibitor, and an odor-reacting compound, can be used by a consumer to remove contaminants from the carpet and to prevent the odor associated with the decomposition of future contamination. Specifically, the composition has been shown effective in neutralizing odors associated with the decomposition of organic materials (such as urine or food spills) by absorbing and/or removing the odor-generating source. A manufacturing treatment composition and methods for using are also disclosed.
US07648533B2 Foot prosthesis having cushioned ankle
A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders. A preferred pump system generates fluid pressure based upon the movement of the amputee onto two telescoping pylons that are connected to the prosthetic foot.
US07648532B2 Tissue distention device and related methods for therapeutic intervention
A device positionable in an opening in a flexible membrane or in the lumen of a vessel having a flexible sidewall. The device distends or biases opposite portions defining the opening or forming the vessel sidewall outwardly in the plane of the device. The outward biasing draws opposing portions of the opening or sidewall inwardly in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the device and into apposition or contact.
US07648531B2 Endoprosthesis, in particular knee joint prosthesis
The invention relates to an inlay which is suitable for an endoprosthesis, in particular a joint prosthesis. This inlay essentially comprises a flexible pad 5, a first flexible membrane 2 resting on the pad, and a second membrane 3, extending parallel to and above said membrane, in which support elements 5 are clipped. The support elements 4 rest with their undersides 4e on the first membrane 2, and with their surfaces 4a form a sliding and bearing surface for the joint head which is to be connected to the bone. The pad 5, composed of a liquid or gel-like medium, is situated in a well 1, and the two membranes 2 and 3 are fixed to the lateral walls 1a of the well by means of screws 6 and nuts 7.
US07648528B2 valve prosthesis
A valve prosthesis includes a flexible plug and an annular bearing reinforcement which is embodied such that it is radially rigid and surgically implantable in the area of a heart valve. The valve prosthesis is provided with an interchangeable prosthetic valve, is independent of the bearing reinforcement, endoluminally placeable and includes a tubular support which is radially deformable between a folded setting position and an unfolded position for implanting into a bearing structure and the flexible plug connected to a tubular support. The bearing reinforcement forms an annular support devoid of any plug capable of univocally limiting a blood flow circulation.
US07648527B2 Methods of reducing retrograde flow
Methods of reducing retrograde fluid flow through a valve within a body vessel are provided. The methods can include the steps of identifying a valve exhibiting an undesirable amount of retrograde fluid flow within a body vessel, such as a venous valve or a heart valve, and providing a means for reducing the retrograde fluid flow. A medical device providing a desired amount of retrograde fluid flow can be modified after permitting the medical device to remain in a body cavity for a remodeling-effective time period. The implanted medical device can be modified by subsequently reducing the amount of retrograde fluid flow permitted across the implanted prosthetic valve within the body vessel.
US07648526B2 Extendable soft stent with excellent follow-up capability to blood vessel
The stent of the present invention is a tubular member comprising annular members 1 arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof for keeping a body lumen open, and one or more connecting elements 2 for connecting longitudinally adjoining two annular members 1, 1 with one another. Each annular member 1 comprises first annular member elements 11 and second annular member elements 12 which are alternately jointed together in the circumferential direction of the annular member 1. The annular members 1 are expandable in the radial direction thereof. The stent is flexible and excellent in trackability to lumens, thus making it possible to allow the stent to pass through the three-dimensionally meandering lumens. The stent is substantially free from shortening and makes it possible to provide the stent with a lateral hole.
US07648524B2 Porous tendon anchor
An anchor for fixing a ligament or tendon replacement in a bore formed in a bone has two parts. A first partially cylindrical part has a semi-circular bore therethrough extending along an axis. The bore tapers conically inwardly with respect to the axis from a larger radius at a first end to a smaller radius at second end. The outer surface of the partially cylindrical part is spaced at a constant radius from the axis between the first and second ends. The first and second parts have side walls formed between the bore and the outer surface which walls extend along a plane which forms an angle with respect to the central axis. When the two parts are engaged along their side wails and slide with respect to the axis the outer diameter of the two parts enlarges.
US07648523B2 Method and apparatus for spinal stabilization
A method of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebral body. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body by contacting a surface of the superior vertebral body.
US07648521B2 System and method for minimally invasive spinal surgery
A system for installing a cross member between first and second anchor members within a patient's body generally includes first and second docking members configured to be removably coupled to the respective first and second anchor members. Each docking member has a first end with an opening, a second end, and a body extending between the first and second ends. The body includes an outer surface with an opening, and a bore extends from the opening on the first end of the body to the opening on the outer surface. The openings on the outer surface of each docking member are configured to be aligned so that the bore in the first docking member is able to direct a wire member into the bore in the second docking member. A method for minimally invasive surgery using the system is also disclosed.
US07648519B2 Surgical instrument
A surgical instrument that includes an instrument shaft having proximal and distal ends, a tool disposed from the distal end of the instrument shaft, a control handle disposed from the proximal end of the instrument shaft, a distal motion member for coupling the distal end of the instrument shaft to the tool, a proximal motion member for coupling the proximal end of the instrument shaft to the handle, actuation means extending between the distal and proximal motion members for coupling motion of the proximal motion member to the distal motion member for controlling the positioning of the tool and a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the tool at a selected position and having locked and unlocked states.
US07648517B2 Catheters and related devices for forming passageways between blood vessels or other anatomical structures
The inventions described in this patent application include i) a torqueable introducer sheath which is useable in conjunction with a transvascular passageway forming catheter to effect precise rotational control of the catheter; ii) an anchorable guide catheter which is useable in conjunction with an intravascular imaging catheter and a transvascular passageway-forming catheter to effect precise positioning and aiming of the passageway-forming catheter; iii) a passageway forming catheter having a torqueable proximal portion to facilitate precise rotational positioning of the distal portion of the catheter; iv) a deflectable-tipped passageway forming catheter, v) various markers and other apparatus useable in conjunction with any of the passageway-forming catheters to facilitate precise positioning and aiming of the catheter, and vi) an apparatus which may be formed within a catheter to prevent a member, apparatus of flow of material from being inadvertently advanced through a lumen of the catheter.
US07648516B2 Medical knife
A medical knife has a cutting edge formed along the outer edge of a blade portion, and the thickness of the lower portion located under a boundary acting as a surface including the cutting edge is made thinner than that of an upper portion located on the boundary, or a lower surface is composed of the surface including the cutting edge. The surface of the upper portion on the above surface including the cutting edge is composed of a first slanting surface constituting the cutting edge, a second reflecting surface, and a flat surface composed of a non-reflecting surface as well as the lower portion has a lower slanting surface 10 and a lower flat surface 11 each composed of a reflecting surface. With the above arrangement, the medical knife can reduce the amount of reflected light when an operation such as an ophthalmic operation is executed under a microscope.
US07648515B2 Method and apparatus for anastomosis including an expandable anchor
The present disclosure is directed to devices for approximating body vessels and method for performing the same. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes an inner member, an outer member having a lumen dimensioned to receive the inner member, an expandable anchor for engaging the a first body vessel, and a joining member for engagement between the first body vessel and the second body vessel.
US07648512B2 Methods and instrumentation for distraction of a disc space
Methods and instrumentation for surgical procedures relating to preparation of vertebral bodies and a disc space for insertion of spinal implants is disclosed. One instrument is a shim having a blade and a shaft having a first end connected with the blade. The blade is inserted into a distracted disc space to maintain distraction during subsequent procedures. Another instrument is a driver for driving the blade of the shim into the distracted disc space. Various methods contemplate the use of these instruments to maintain disc space distraction during disc space preparation for receiving an implant.
US07648509B2 Sacroiliac joint immobilization
Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.
US07648505B2 Guide and blade for contouring vertebral bodies
A guide and a blade for contouring vertebral bodies. The guide is sized to be mounted between two vertebral members and includes a pair of edges for receiving the blade. The pair of edges are spaced a distance apart for the first edge to align with a first vertebral member, and the second edge to align with a second vertebral member. The blade includes a pair of arms with at least one cutting edge. The arms are sized to fit within the pair of edges respectively. Using the blade and guide comprises inserting the guide adjacent to two vertebral members, and inserting the arms through the pair of edges to contour the ends of the members. In an embodiment with cutting edges at the distal ends of each of the arms, the two vertebral members can be contoured simultaneously.
US07648503B2 Tissue coagulation method and device using inert gas
A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.
US07648500B2 Sphincter treatment apparatus
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.
US07648498B2 Irradiation device for influencing a biological structure in a subject with electromagnetic radiation
An irradiation device for irradiating a living organism with electromagnetic radiation in order to influence biological structures inside the organism has a frequency generator that has a frequency synthesizer for the production of electromagnetic radiation having a defined frequency pattern, and a transmission antenna that is fashioned such that during operation the electromagnetic radiation is emitted essentially into a particular radiation volume. In addition, the irradiation device has an interface for acquiring structure-specific data for identifying a biological target structure that is to be influenced, a frequency pattern storage unit in which defined resonant frequency patterns allocated to various biological structures are stored, a frequency pattern selection unit for selecting a resonant frequency pattern from the frequency pattern storage unit on the basis of the acquired structure-specific data, and a control unit for controlling the RF generator in such a way that a subject to be irradiated, situated in the radiation space, is exposed to electromagnetic radiation having the selected resonant frequency pattern at a particular intensity and for a particular duration of irradiation.
US07648497B2 Endovascular cryotreatment catheter
An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. In the first case, the coolant also inflates the balloon, and spent coolant is returned to the handle via a return passage extending through the body of the catheter. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. Various configurations, such as surface modification of the balloon interface, or placement of particles, coatings, or expandable meshes or coils in the balloon interface, may be employed to achieve this function.
US07648495B2 Apparatus for the delivery of drugs or gene therapy into a patient's vasculature and methods of use
Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering drugs or gene therapy within a patient's vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a material eluting a bioactive substance held in place within the patient's vessel by an anchor. The anchor and eluting material are sized and/or collapsible from a delivery configuration, in which the anchor and material may be delivered into the patient's vasculature within a delivery sheath, to a deployed configuration, wherein the anchor engages an interior wall of the patient's vessel. The eluting material may elute recombinant genes, drugs, or any other bioactive substance.
US07648494B2 Infusion set and injector device for infusion set
An infusion set having an infusion part for insertion into a patient and a connector for connecting the infusion part with a medical device through a tube is provided. The connector is axially displaceable relative to the infusion part. The infusion part includes an adhesive support, a base part with a first set of guiding means and at least two retention devices for locking the connector to the infusion part, a cannula extending from the base part and being in fluid communication with a cavity. The cavity is further adapted to receive a second cannula extending from the connector where the second cannula is in fluid communication with the tube. The infusion set further includes a second set of guiding means that are adapted to fit with the first set of guiding means and at least two arms. The retention devices extend from an upper surface of a main surface of the base part and the arms include means corresponding to the retention members.
US07648493B2 Method and apparatus for locating vascular punctures
The present invention provides a vascular insertion sheath with collapsible penetration locators. The collapsible penetration locators provide the insertion sheath with a small outer diameter and the added functionality of precise location indicator. The collapsible penetration locators comprise thin membranes that collapse upon insertion of a sealing device or vascular instrument into the insertion sheath. The insertion sheath includes a reinforced wall according to some embodiments, with a coiled or braided filament for reinforcement.
US07648491B2 Medical substance transfer system
Disclosed is a fluid transfer system for transferring a substance from one vessel to another vessel while avoiding leakage of liquid and gas contaminants. The transfer system includes a needle safe design that is facilitated by a housing that shrouds a tip of a fluid transfer cannula such that the cannula tip is not exposed for inadvertent puncture. This feature may also be enhanced by use of a blunt tipped cannula. The fluid transfer system permits multiple access by enabling the easy swabbing of a septum prior to use.
US07648490B2 Sanitary napkin having pluralities of projections and elastic members
A sanitary napkin includes: a napkin body having a liquid-absorbent layer for absorbing and retaining liquid; and first and second projections each exerting an elastic contractive force between longitudinally opposing front and rear ends to concavely curve the body surface of the napkin body and raise itself from the body surface of the napkin body. The napkin body has an overlap region where the second projections lie on laterally opposite sides of the first projection.
US07648489B1 Diaper changing systems
A diaper changing mat comprising an attached, flexible and infant-drapeable, fold-over urine shield structured and arranged to prevent urine exposure from infant-generated urine while still providing easy access to the infant's diaper area. The diaper changing mat is preferably disposable. A preferred heart-shaped urine shield blocks urine streams without hindering access to the infant's diaper area. Alternately preferably, the diaper changing mat may be reusable and washable or preferably comprise a removable waterproof insert. The diaper changing mat may also attach to a changing-table element, such as, for example, a foam pad.
US07648484B2 Microneedle structure and production method therefor
A method for processing a wafer to form a plurality of hollow microneedles projecting from a substrate includes forming, by use of a dry etching process, a number of groups of recessed features, each including at least one slot deployed to form an open shape having an included area and at least one hole located within the included area. The internal surfaces of the holes and the slots are then coated with a protective layer. An anisotropic wet etching process is then performed in such a manner as to remove material from outside the included areas while leaving a projecting feature within each of the included areas. The protective layer is then removed to reveal the microneedles.
US07648483B2 Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery
Apparatuses for automatic medicament injection and methods for manufacturing automatic medicament injectors are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, an energy storage member, an actuator, a locking member, and a needle guard. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The energy storage member has a first configuration and a second configuration and is configured to produce a force when moving between its first configuration and its second configuration to move the needle from its first position to its second position. The actuator is configured to move the energy storage member from its first configuration to its second configuration. The locking member is movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing such that the locking member can be moved between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the locking member is configured to engage the actuator to prevent the actuator from moving the energy storage member to the second configuration. The needle guard is removably coupled to at least one of the distal end portion of the housing or a base movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.
US07648480B2 Safety needle assembly
A safety needle assembly comprises a cannula holding member, a cannula fixed to the cannula holding member, and a safety device mounted on the cannula holding member. The cannula holding member includes one or more outwardly directed fins extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the cannula holding member. The safety device includes a collar adapted to be mounted on the cannula holding member and a sheath. The sheath possesses an interior bounded by a back wall and a pair of oppositely positioned side walls, and also includes an opening positioned opposite the back wall. The sheath is also provided with at least one fin engaging member connected to the back wall and extending from the back wall in a direction toward the opening. The fin engaging member is spaced from the side walls of the sheath. The sheath is pivotally connected to the collar to pivot in a closing direction toward the cannula so that during pivoting of the sheath in the closing direction the cannula passes through the opening in the sheath and is positioned in the interior of the sheath to be covered by the sheath, with the distal end portion of the at least one fin engaging member automatically engaging at least one of the fins on the cannula holding member when the cannula is positioned within the interior of the sheath to lock the sheath relative to the cannula holding member to prevent the sheath from being pivoted away from the cannula.
US07648478B2 Treatment of vascular occlusions using ultrasonic energy and microbubbles
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a vascular occlusion located at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises positioning an ultrasound catheter at the treatment site. The method further comprises delivering a microbubble therapeutic compound from the ultrasound catheter to the vascular occlusion during a first treatment phase. The method further comprises pausing the delivery of the microbubble therapeutic compound and delivering ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound catheter to the vascular occlusion during a second treatment phase while the delivery of microbubble therapeutic compound remains paused.
US07648476B2 Blood treatment apparatus with alarm device
A blood treatment apparatus includes a controller and a supervisor, which together monitor various sensors. The controller is equipped with a first alarm system and the supervisor is equipped with a second alarm system. To avoid competition between both alarm systems, the alarm system of the supervisor normally remains mute. A function monitoring device monitors the function of the first alarm system and signals a missing alarm to the supervisor. Only in this case will the second alarm system of the supervisor be activated.
US07648473B1 Traction extension table
A traction extension table used to aid the user in performing assisted lower back and abdominal extensions for the treatment of bulging/herniated lumbar discs. The table has a frame constructed utilizing a plurality of cushioned sections forming the table's top with one movable along a roller assembly mating with the table frame for section relocation and releasable securement upon relocation. Another is contoured to have table frame supported hand-placement supports at the head. The contoured cushion is hingedly attached to the table frame and also connected to at least one shock absorber. To better accommodate the user, the pads have lumbar and chest harnesses to keep the user in position while performing an exercise while the chest pad has a face hole to accommodate the user's nose while lying face down on the table.
US07648471B2 Medical apparatus, use and methods
In accordance with one embodiment, a vibratory transducer has an armature suspended in a magnetic field. The armature has a plurality of electrical conductive paths to provide electrical current flow in said armature to react with said magnetic field and cause movement in the armature controlled by variation in the electrical current flow. A contact surface is secured to the armature, with a surface area for frictionally coupling to a corresponding surface area of a patient for example. Movement of the vibratory transducer induces movement in the patient, and the transducer can produce movement in the contact surface in at least two dimensions simultaneously. In one embodiment the contact surface is flat, while in alternative embodiments the contact surface is incorporated in a toroidal structure so as to surround part of the patient. Medical application can include treatment of bone fractures, oedema, and in elastography, amongst other applications.
US07648467B2 Device for non-surgical correction of congenital inverted nipples and/or collection of nipple aspirate fluid
The invention is an apparatus (10) for treating inverted nipples and/or the collection of NAF. The invention includes an assembly which creates an airtight seal upon attachment to at least an areola (16) of an inverted nipple (18) and by rotation of a part thereof draws a partial vacuum to apply an outward force to the nipple; and a syringe (26) including a curved longitudinal axis (28), the syringe being carried by the assembly and being in fluid communication with a chamber (24) of the assembly upon attachment of the assembly to at least an areola of an inverted nipple, the syringe including a plunger (30) which is sealed against an inner surface (34) of the syringe and is rotatable to move along the longitudinal axis relative to the chamber which moves the plunger within a syringe body to expel air from the syringe body away from the chamber upon rotation of the plunger in a first direction and to aspirate air from the chamber upon attachment of the apparatus to the breast surrounding the nipple upon rotation in a second direction opposite to the first direction to create a partial vacuum within the chamber to evert the nipple.
US07648464B1 Detecting ischemia using an implantable cardiac device based on morphology of cardiac pressure signal
Methods and systems are presented for using an ICD to detect myocardial ischemia. In one embodiment, a method includes sensing a signal indicative of cardiac pressure, measuring a height of the sensed signal at a peak amplitude of the sensed signal, and measuring a duration of the sensed signal. The method further includes indicating an ischemia based on a comparison of a ratio of the height to the duration with a predetermined value. In another embodiment, a method includes sensing a signal indicative of cardiac pressure, determining a derivative signal that is a first derivative of the sensed signal, measuring a maximum positive value of the derivative signal, and measuring a maximum negative value of the derivative signal. The method further includes indicating an ischemia based on a comparison of a ratio of the maximum positive value to the maximum negative value with a predetermined value.
US07648458B2 Insertion shape detecting probe
An insertion shape detecting probe includes shape detecting elements for generating or detecting magnetic field or magnetic; signal lines connected to the shape detecting elements; supporting members that support the shape detecting elements; inner sheaths into which the signal lines and the supporting members are inserted; and an outer sheath into which the inner sheaths, the shape detecting elements, and at least one portion of the supporting members are inserted. The inner sheaths are each formed from a multiple-lumen tube that has a first lumen formed at a substantially central portion of each inner sheath and second lumens formed around an exterior periphery portion of the first lumen, and the supporting members are elongated wire rods one portion of which is arranged along exterior peripheries of the shape detecting elements in an axial direction and other portion runs through the second lumens.
US07648457B2 Method of positioning a device on an endoscope
A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example, for facilitating pressing an endcap onto an endoscope, including in those applications where the endscope is disposed in a sheath and the endcap is positioned at the distal end of the sheath.
US07648456B2 Adapter for penile prosthesis tip extender
An adapter for holding a rear tip extender onto the cylinder of a penile prosthesis or onto another rear tip extender is described herein.
US07648451B2 Machine for covering packaging boxes
A machine for covering packaging boxes (S) with a sheet (F) comprises at least one presser (10) and one folding blade (11) that move horizontally to apply the edges (L) of a glued sheet (F) to corresponding outside walls (P) of a box (S). The presser (10) and/or the blade (11) are adjustable in angular position with respect to one or more axes of rotation.
US07648448B2 Weight selection methods and apparatus
An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship at opposite ends thereof. Knobs on the handle member have contoured bearing surfaces that bear against respective selector members to alternatively hold the selector members in weight engaging positions and disengaged positions.
US07648446B2 System and method for electronically controlling resistance of an exercise machine
A stationary exercise machine includes a system for electronically controlling a pedal resistance so as to simulate the riding of a road-going bicycle. The exercise machine includes a control system that monitors pedal velocity and that controls the resistive load generated by an electronically-controlled resistance mechanism. In one example, an electromagnetic device may vary a resistive load placed on a flywheel, which, in turn, varies the pedal resistance experienced by a user. When the user increases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism increases the resistive load. When the user decreases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism decreases the resistive load. In another example, the resistance mechanism varies the resistive load based on a gear selection by the user. The control system may also take into account other factors, such as the grade of the simulated ride, simulated wind resistance, or other frictional forces when calculating the resistive load.
US07648444B2 Leg exercise device
The leg exercise device of the present invention is provided a base assembly for supporting an adjustable handle assembly and a footplate support assembly. The handle assembly has a pair of tubular support members secured at a lower end adjacent the center of the base assembly at an angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The handle assembly also includes a U-shaped handle bar having a pair of arms that are telescopically received within the tubular support members, and locking for adjustably securing the handle bar to the tubular support members. A footplate support assembly is secured to the tubular support members for rotatably supporting two footplates for independent pivotal movement on an axis above the center of the base assembly.
US07648443B2 Zero-learning-curve exercise console
An exercise console is disclosed as including a housing and a display incorporated into the housing. The display is adapted to align substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing. A tilt mechanism connects the display to the housing and is operable by a user to tilt the display to a nonparallel angle with respect to the housing. In another aspect in accordance with the invention, the exercise console includes a substantially fixed array of buttons incorporated into the housing. The buttons provide to a user various input options which are selectable in a pre-determined sequence by operation of the buttons to program the exercise console. Various indicators are associated with the buttons and inform the user which input options are next available for selection after the user has selected one or more input options.
US07648442B2 Method of creating rigid cards with an exercise routine
A method of creating rigid cards (32) having an exercise routine (58) thereon for use by a user (26). The rigid cards (32) are prepared utilizing a computer (34) in communication with a database (40). A plurality of exercises (54) are determined and the exercises (54) are input into the computer (34) to define the exercise routine (58) specific to the user (26). A unique identifier (60) specific to the user (26) is input into the computer (34) and linked to the exercise routine (58). The unique identifier (60) and the exercise routine (58) are stored in the database (40) and printed on the rigid card (32). The method further includes modifying the exercise routine (58) and inputting the modified exercise routine into the computer (34) to define an alternative exercise routine (144). The alternative exercise routine (144) is linked to the unique identifier (60) and stored in the database (40). The unique identifier (60) and the alternative exercise routine (144) are printed on a second rigid card (116).
US07648436B2 Rotary actuator
A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.
US07648435B2 Belt-type continuously variable transmission
A belt-type continuously variable transmission (15) includes a primary sheave (29) having a pair of first clamp surfaces (37a, 37b), a secondary sheave (30) having a pair of second clamp surfaces (51a, 51b), and a belt (31) endlessly wound between both the sheaves (29, 30). The belt (31) has contact surfaces (58a, 58b) clamped between the first clamp surfaces (37a, 37b) and between the second clamp surfaces (51a, 51b). Powder (64) having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces (37a, 37b) of the primary sheave (29), the second clamp surfaces (51a, 51b) of the secondary sheave (30), and the contact surfaces (58a, 58b) of the belt (31).
US07648431B1 Target receptacle for catching balls
A target receptacle, for use in practicing baseball, softball, and the like, having a main part and a base plate. The base plate is secured to a ground surface. The main part is rotatably mounted to the base, has an intake opening, and exit port, and a fully enclosed conduit connecting the intake opening and exit port. When a ball is thrown into the intake opening, it travels through the conduit and exits through the exit port.
US07648425B2 Golf putter head
A high inertia golf putter head is generally wedge-shaped, with the leading face being less wide than the trailing face. Cavities and weights are provided to optimize the moment of inertia.
US07648421B2 Chipping net
A chipping net comprising a resilient but flexible rod formed into a figure eight and folded at a crossing of the figure eight, thereby forming a base loop for placement on a surface below the crossing and a main loop above the crossing. The main loop and the base loop are angled relative to each other, with the angle being less than 90 degrees. The chipping net also includes a net connected to the main loop for receiving golf balls. The force of the rod trying to expand into a circle out of the figure eight forces the main loop away from the base loop.
US07648417B2 Game system based on selection of final two contestants
A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.
US07648411B2 Portion pack with a suspension loop and method and device for attaching it
A suspension loop for a portion pack, consisting of a tubular sleeve, sealed on its ends by clips, in particular sausages, is attached to the end of a tubular sleeve drawn together to form a string of sausages by a twist knot formed from the suspension loop. The suspension loop, kept ready, clamped in rectangular shape, is pulled through the loop around the string with the aid of a swivelable looping finger. The device suitable for this additionally has a holding fork and a movable clamping fork, both of which are two-pronged. The device can be swiveled into the sealing device when the tubular sleeve is sealed with clips.
US07648410B2 Polishing pad and chemical mechanical polishing apparatus
A polishing pad and a CMP apparatus are provided. The polishing pad includes a plurality of patterns formed of trenches having a predetermined size and may include a groove for slurry flow. The plurality of patterns can include herringbone shaped trenches in concentric rows, where the rows of herringbone shaped trenches alternate in direction.
US07648408B2 User constructed multi component bra system
A user selectable interchangeable bra system enables user to customize the selection, style, construction, and usage of a bra both through component purchase and interchangeable fit. An infinite number of different size, color and fits are possible, as well as underwire interchangeableness. The center connector can be selected to provide for user selectable cup separation. Buckle type shoulder strap fittings can be provided with a tiny loop to support body jewelry, and because the shoulder straps are reversible, the body jewelry can be worn on the front or back upper chest, especially where the jewelry can appear to come from underneath the dress to give an appearance of a much more extensive jewelry extent.
US07648407B1 Toy-building elements having sidewall grooves formed between outwardly extending flexible ridges
A toy building element has sidewalls that include grooves and tongues by which the toy building element can be interconnected with a like building element. Each groove is formed between a pair of outwardly extending flexible ridges. In some embodiments, the tongue does not extend outward beyond the virtual plane of the sidewall that includes the tongue. In other embodiments in which the tongue extends outward beyond the tongue-sidewall virtual plane, the distance by which the tongue extends beyond the tongue-sidewall virtual plane is less than (a) the distance by which each ridge of the pair of ridges extends beyond the ridge-sidewall virtual plane, (b) the distance by each ridge of the pair of ridges extends outward to the ridge-sidewall virtual plane and/or (c) the distance by which each side of the tongue extends outward to the tongue-sidewall virtual plane.
US07648405B2 Method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device with an encapsulating substrate
A method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device whereby an encapsulating layer is formed by coating an encapsulating substrate with an encapsulating layer-forming composition and thermally processing the encapsulating substrate. A plasma treatment is performed on the encapsulating substrate having the encapsulating layer. A sealant is applied to at least one of the plasma treated encapsulating substrate and a substrate on which an organic electroluminescent unit including a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode, which are sequentially stacked, is deposited. The sealing substrate and the substrate on which the organic electroluminescent unit is deposited are combined. Contaminants generated around the encapsulating layer and generated in the thermal process can be effectively removed by the cleaning process using plasma. Therefore, the interfacial adhesion between the sealant and the substrate is greatly improved, thereby preventing permeation of external air, moisture, etc., into the device.
US07648398B1 Memory card connector
A memory card connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and an ejection mechanism mounted to a side of the insulating housing. The insulating housing defines a receiving space for receiving a memory card and a plurality of terminal grooves for correspondingly receiving the terminals therein. The ejection mechanism includes a slider. The slider has a base body, a sliding body extending inward from a rear of the base body to be located in the receiving space, and an elongated locking body extending frontward from a root portion of the sliding body and spaced from a bottom wall of the insulating housing. A free end of the locking body is projected downward to form a projection for being buckled into a recess formed at a side of the memory card.
US07648394B2 Electrical coaxial connector
An electrical coaxial connector comprising a body made of insulator to be put on a circuit board, a signal-joining contacting conductor held by the body, and a grounding contacting conductor formed into a cylindrical shape and held also by the body for surrounding the signal-joining contacting conductor on the circuit board, wherein the grounding contacting conductor has an arm portion extending toward the circuit board from one of ring-shaped ends of the grounding contacting conductor, which is more distant from the circuit board than the other, a grounding terminal portion is formed at an end of the arm portion to be soldered to a ground-potential terminal provided on the circuit board, and each of the grounding contacting conductor and the arm portion is resilient.
US07648393B2 Coaxial cable connector with external clip
A coaxial cable connector is provided with an external clip that can be installed on location rather than in a factory. An adapter is also provided that can be shipped with connector for securing the external clip on the coaxial cable connector and the connector on a coaxial cable. A method for assembling the connector, the clip and the cable is also disclosed.
US07648392B2 Quick connector for multi-media
A connector apparatus for connecting an air supply unit and a mattress or cushion.
US07648387B2 Diagnostic jumper
A jumper including a control module and a plurality of conduits connected to the control module is provided. A connector is connected to each of the conduits. The control module controls the flow of a communications medium through the conduits and the control module. The control module may be configured for activation by a user specific identification input.
US07648385B2 Electrical connector having a LED device thereon
An electrical connector includes a display device (3) having an illuminant portion (31) and legs (32) extending from the illuminant portion. An insulating housing (1) has a front wall (111), a rear wall (112), four side walls (113) and a receiving cavity (13) recessed from one side wall (113A) and running though the front wall (111) so as to form a retaining portion (141) and at least one first blocking portion (142) at a front section thereof. A plurality of terminals (2) are mounted in the insulating housing thereof. The retaining portion (141) is located at an outer side of the receiving cavity (13) and over the illuminant portion (31) to prevent the illuminant portion from outward moving, and the first blocking portion (142) is located in front of the illuminant portion (31) and abuts against the illuminant portion to prevent the illuminant portion from forward moving.
US07648380B2 DC plug connector
A pin connector assembly comprising a socket (11) adapted to receive a cylindrical electrical plug (12), the plug having a central longitudinal bore (17), the socket being in the form of an insulated housing having a cylindrical receptacle (13) with a pin (14) located in the centre thereof, said pin (14) being adapted to be located in the bore (17) of the plug when the plug and the socket are in mating connection, the assembly further comprising an annular resilient collar (20) adapted to fit either over the pin (14) of the socket or within the bore (17) of the plug and which compresses radially inwards when the circumference of the bore and the pin are of essentially equal size and which remains in an expanded configuration when the circumference of the bore (17) is greater than the circumference of the pin (14), thus maintaining electrical contact between the electrical plug (12) and the socket (11).
US07648378B2 Pipestring comprising composite pipe segments
A pipestring (12) wherein the leading coupling portion (221) of a first pipe segment (141) and the trailing coupling portion (242) of a second pipe segment (142) are coupled together. A leading seal part (341) is installed in the leading coupling portion (221) of the first pipe segment (141) and a trailing seal part (362) is installed in the trailing coupling portion (242) of the second pipe segment (142). The seal parts (341, 362) interface to form a fluid seal between the composite pipe segments (141, 142), and also to provide an electrically conductive path between their electrical lines (461, 462).
US07648376B1 25kV loadbreak elbow and bushing increased flashover distance
A loadbreak connector formed by a power cable elbow and a bushing insert with increased flashover distance is disclosed. The power cable elbow includes a conductive member having an energized portion and a non-energized portion, a cable receiving end, a loadbreak bushing insert receiving end with an elbow cuff that extends beyond the energized portion. The bushing insert includes an insulative outer housing and an insulative interface sleeve. The insulative outer housing has an axial bore with a conductive socket, a first, second end mid-section, and a transition shoulder portion between the second end section and the mid-section. The insulative interface sleeve extends over the outer housing from the mid-section to the second end section. When the power cable elbow is installed on the second end section, the flashover distance from the top of the second end section to the bottom of the elbow cuff is increased.
US07648374B2 USB device insulation sheath and method of insulating a USB device
An insulation sheath for a USB flash drive is provided. The insulation sheath includes a first silicone body with a first aperture configured to receive a USB flash drive therein. A second silicone body includes a second aperture configured to receive a USB flash drive cap therein. A combination insulation sheath and USB device is also provided. Further, a method for electrically insulating a USB device is provided.
US07648373B2 Electrical metal clad connectors and methods of use
A cable connector may be disclosed. The connector may include a connector housing having a first threaded portion and an insert having compression voids. The insert may be configured for insertion into the connector housing. The connector may also include a compression nut configured to engage the first threaded portion. The compression nut may be configured to compress the insert to close the compression voids when the compression nut engages the first threaded portion. The cable connector may also include an end stop having an adjustable throat diameter configured to adjust in proportion to an adjustable inner diameter of the cable connector as the connector engages or armor of an armored cable.
US07648370B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a flexible printed wiring board, a printed circuit board, a support member to support the display panel and the printed circuit board, and a frame member to cover the printed circuit board and to assist support of the display panel. The printed circuit board is supported at a side surface of the support member by bending the flexible printed wiring board, and the support member includes, at the side surface for supporting the printed circuit board, a first support part to support one end side of the printed circuit board which is opposite to another end side to which the flexible printed wiring board is connected, and a second support part to support the another end side of the printed circuit board. The frame member has a contact portion for contacting the printed circuit board.
US07648368B2 Aircraft propeller assembly
An electrical-power-transfer assembly (50) transferring electrical power from an onboard power source to electrical deicers (22) on propeller blades (18). The assembly (50) comprises a first race structure (52) mounted to the aircraft, a second race structure (54) mounted to the propeller assembly (12), and rolling elements (76/78) caged in raceway(s) (72/74) situated between the race structures (52/54). The current path established by the assembly (50) passes through the raceway(s) (72/74) and the rolling elements (76/78) caged therein.
US07648366B1 Subliminal or near-subliminal conditioning using diffuse visual stimuli
A method comprises: i) presenting to a subject a training stimulus, the training stimulus eliciting from the subject a desired response; ii) presenting to the subject a diffuse visual stimulus along with the training stimulus; and iii) repeating the presenting to the subject of the training stimulus along with the diffuse visual stimulus sufficiently many times so that subsequent presentation of the diffuse visual stimulus to the subject without the training stimulus elicits from the subject the desired response. The diffuse visual stimulus is arranged so as to be perceived by the subject only at a subliminal or near-subliminal level. Another method comprises presenting to the subject the diffuse visual stimulus in order to elicit the desired response, the subject having been conditioned according to the previous method.
US07648364B2 System and method for applying a cosmetic substance
The invention concerns a make-up or coloring method comprising steps which consist in imaging at least one part of the human body to be treated, analysing local characteristics of said part, and applying treatment products of said part based on said local characteristics.
US07648361B2 Dental dam clamp
A dental dam clamp comprises first and second spaced, opposing jaws and respective first and second tooth engaging portions on the jaws. The first and second tooth engaging portions are positioned in confronting relation to one another and are biased toward one another by a resilient member when the jaws are moved outwardly from a free state defining a first position of the jaws. In one embodiment, first ends of the tooth engaging portions are spaced closer together than the second ends of the tooth engaging portions when the jaws are in the first position. The spacing between the first ends of the tooth engaging portions may be substantially the same as the spacing between the second ends of the tooth engaging portions when the jaws are moved outwardly to a second position. In another embodiment, the tooth engaging portions include friction-increasing surfaces to help secure the clamp to a tooth.
US07648356B2 System for producing a strip of dough from a strip of raw dough and set of planetary rollers for use in such a system
A system for producing a strip of dough from a strip of raw dough has a bottom pressing device and an upper pressing device with an interposed processing gap for the strip of dough. The pressing devices each have a plurality of planetary rollers that are rotatably driven about their longitudinal axes in each case. In the circumferential direction the planetary rollers are equidistantly distributed about a common central primary axis that extends parallel to the planetary longitudinal axes. The planetary rollers are jointly driveable so as to rotate about the primary axes. Each planetary roller has a middle part coming into contact with the strip of dough, and removably connected to the ends thereof and integral in rotation therewith shaft stubs. The latter are axially and radially supported on frontal head plates of the pressing devices. The dough-strip production system is easy to clean. A set of planetary rollers for use in the system has at least two planetary rollers that may differ in their dimension or material parameters. This increases the versatility of the dough-strip production system.
US07648353B2 Visual monitoring device for rotary press
A visual monitoring device for rotary presses, in which a rotor, with upper and lower punches and a die plate, at least one compression station, at least one filling station, and at least one ejector station are arranged in a housing, at which individual process steps occur, characterized in that arranged in the housing is at least one high speed camera, whose lens is directed onto a location in the housing, and to which an image analysis device is connected.
US07648352B2 Apparatus for imprinting lines on direct-expanded food products having complex shapes with improved dimensional quality
The improved apparatus includes an improved extruder die assembly comprising a forming section, an injection section, and a converging nozzle section having axially aligned ridgelines which gradually project into the bore of the nozzle as the nozzle converges to gradually disrupt the axial flow of an extrudate at specific peripheral points thereby altering the extrudate's velocity profile. By gradually disrupting the axial flow in close proximity to the projecting ridgelines prior to its extrusion, the dimensional quality of the resulting direct expanded food piece is greatly improved. Moreover, by carefully positioning the capillary channels of the injection section into that portion of the flowing extrudate not affected by the axially aligned ridgelines, a distinct colored and/or flavored pattern is imparted into the extrudable food mass during the extrusion process while improving the quality of dimensional design aspects of the resulting extruded, complexly shaped, direct expanded food products.
US07648347B2 Device for the local cooling or heating of an object
A device for the local cooling or heating of an object by means of a fluid is disclosed. The device comprises a circulation pump for the fluid. A thermal contact element for making thermal contact with the object is integrated in the circulation pump. The circulation pump has a housing part which is flexible and/or movable, the housing part being the thermal contact element.
US07648345B2 Liquid pump with multiple chambers and control apparatus
Pumps for Steam Condensates and other Liquids, include receivers that may be connected firstly to the liquid source, and after filling are then pressurised to discharge the liquid to a transfer line, or to a vessel at a higher pressure than that of the source. The use of a small pilot valve to detect the liquid level, mounted externally to each receiver, and controlling the opening and closing of the pressurising and venting valves, enables an unusually low profile to be achieved.
US07648344B2 Liquid ring pump
Disclosed is a liquid ring pump with one or several stages, each of which comprises a working chamber, an impeller that is eccentrically mounted therein, flat control disks that axially delimit the working chamber on both sides, and ducts or chambers that are located adjacent to the control disks and deliver and discharge the transport gas to and from the working chamber. The inventive liquid ring pump is characterized in that the control disks are embodied in the same manner with identical suction ports and pressure ports while ports that are not needed are covered on the side facing away from the impeller.
US07648343B2 Air compressor unit inlet control method
A method allows for controlling the amount of electric current from an electrical circuit used by an electric motor in an electric motor driven reciprocating air compressor unit. A piston is reciprocated with a portable electric motor while air is channeled through an inlet into a compression cylinder, allowing the piston to draw on compressed amounts of air during each reciprocation. A valve mechanism is mounted to the inlet and is adjustable to a plurality of positions, each position allowing for one of a plurality of predeterminable amounts of air to be permitted to be drawn into the compression cylinder and compressed. The valve mechanism is manually adjusted to control the amount of air drawn into the compression cylinder and compressed by the piston to control the amount of electric current used by the electric motor.
US07648340B2 First stage turbine airfoil
The present invention provides an airfoil for a first stage turbine blade having an external surface with first and second sides. The external surface extends spanwise between a hub and a tip and streamwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the airfoil. The external surface includes a contour substantially defined by Table 1 as listed in the specification.
US07648335B2 Method and an injection nozzle for interspersing a gas flow with liquid droplets
In the method for interspersing a gas flow with liquid droplets, the liquid droplets are injected in a liquid injection plane into the gas flow, characterized in that an auxiliary gas is simultaneously injected with the liquid droplets into the gas flow. The injection speed of the auxiliary gas is larger than the injection speed of the liquid droplets so that the injected auxiliary gas stabilizes the injected liquid droplets with respect to trajectory and size, partly shields them from the gas flow and/or entrains them into the gas flow. By way of this one achieves an improved control of the spatial distribution of the liquid droplets and their size distribution. The liquid droplets penetrate the gas flow more efficiently than without an auxiliary gas. A preferred use is the online wet-cleaning of a gas turbine compressor.
US07648334B2 Airfoil for a second stage nozzle guide vane
The present invention provides an airfoil a second stage nozzle guide vane having an external surface with first and second sides. The external surface extends spanwise between a hub and a tip and streamwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the airfoil. The external surface includes a contour substantially defined by Table 1 as listed in the specification.
US07648331B2 Spiral air induction
The nozzles are in the form of blowing-in openings in the housing wall which bounds the flow channel. The blowing-in openings are fed directly by means of air which is extracted from the flow channel downstream from the diffusor. This air is at a higher pressure than the flow in the flow channel upstream of the diffusor. This results in a passive, dynamic stabilization system for a compressor stage in the high pressure-ratio range, which does not require any additional control or actuating elements.
US07648328B2 Device for receiving and for transporting an article
Device for receiving and for transporting an article, which device has receiving means which are slid under the article by a sliding means, the receiving means being formed by a belt which revolves around deflections means, the deflection means being formed by tensioning struts (26) which are tensioned relative to one another and are arranged on the sliding means (20).
US07648323B2 System and method for automated processing of bulk containers
A system and method is used to automatically process the contents of a containers. The contents may be bulk materials used by a business or organization. The container enters the system via a tow assembly mechanism, a grasping mechanism clasps the container, a lid secures the contents, the container is lifted and rotated to allow the contents of the container to exit the container.
US07648320B2 Carriage for the horizontal transfer of motor vehicles in automatic mechanical car parks
Self-propelled carriage on wheels comprises: one or two pairs of supporting elements for the wheels of either or both of the axles of the motor vehicle, these elements being movable symmetrically and perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the carriage and designed to center, immobilize and lift from beneath the wheels; elements for limiting the mass to be transferred; elements for sensing, continuously during the transfer, the translational position of the carriage; elements for sensing the presence of the motor vehicle on the carriage and measuring the front and rear lengths of the motor vehicle relative to its front axle; and elements for sensing excessive displacement of the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis of the carriage when the motor vehicle is being positioned by the user in the entrance bay.
US07648319B1 Clip nut fastener
A clip nut is provided including a clip body and nut. The clip body includes an upper arm connected to a lower arm by a connecting end wall. The clip body has a nut housing upon its upper arm for affixing a nut having a tubular body and a radially projecting base. The nut housing includes an end wall, an intermediate wall and a top wall. A ridge projects upwardly from the upper arm between the intermediate wall and end wall. Furthermore, the top wall includes an opening for allowing the nut's base to slide upon the ridge to enter a cavity during assembly. Thereafter, the nut is tilted forwardly and the nut's base is slid into a nut receiving chamber to complete the assembly of the clip nut.
US07648315B2 Cutter holder
A lock body in a locked state is inserted radially inward of an outer surface. A stopper body in a contact state holds the lock body in an unlocked state. The stopper body in a non-contact state is retracted from the lock body. A pressing body is switchable between a standby state and a retracted state. The pressing body in the standby state selectively contacts a central shaft when an insertion portion is inserted in a support cylinder. The pressing body in the retracted state is retracted from the stopper body. An urging member urges the pressing body into the standby state, and urges the stopper body into the contact state. The urging member detachably engages the pressing body to the stopper body. Thus, the structure of the cutter holder is simple.
US07648313B2 Tube end milling head
A tube end rotary milling head with cylindrical cutting pieces removably secured to the milling head by forces exerted by the material being cut and by friction without any separate securing elements.
US07648305B2 Pin grabber coupler
Coupler has a safety lock and a latching hook. The safety lock pivots between an unlocked position in which it does not contact a first implement pin receivable within a pair of apertures, and a locked position in which it retains the first pin within the apertures. The latching hook pivots between an unlatched position in which it does not contact a second implement pin receivable within another pair of apertures, and a latched position in which it retains the second pin within the apertures. A spring biases the safety lock toward the locked position, maintaining engagement of the safety lock with the first pin and preventing its withdrawal from the apertures in the event of a hydraulic system failure. When the implement is released, the spring continues to bias the safety lock toward the locked position, preventing withdrawal of the first pin from the apertures in the event of a hydraulic system failure before completion of the release operation.
US07648303B2 Device for locking the articulated joint in the longitudinal direction between the plate of a dust mop and the handle
Device for locking the articulated joint in the longitudinal direction between the plate of a dust mop and the handle, which permits deactivation and subsequent reactivation of the locking of the articulated joint between the handle and the plate in a longitudinal direction, carried out by the user with his feet instead of his hands.
US07648300B2 Liquid dispenser with auto shut-off
A dispenser includes an outer housing having a top defining an applicator surface and at least one dispensing opening in the applicator surface; and an inner housing defining a product space and having a top comprising at least one passage and at least one vane structure, the top being substantially adjacent to the dispensing opening of the outer housing, wherein the inner housing is rotatable relative to the outer housing around an axis so as to sequentially position the inner housing and the outer housing in an open position wherein the at least one passage of the inner housing is aligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the outer housing, and a closed position wherein the at least one vane structure of the inner housing is aligned with and blocks the at least one dispensing opening in the outer housing.
US07648296B2 Apparatus or method for applying a solvent
An apparatus including a cover, a foam housing, a pushing cap, a container, and a seal. The container may be adaptable for retaining a solvent, and the combination of the seal and the container may retain the solvent in a completely enclosed chamber. The seal may prevent the solvent from coming out of the container unless the seal is broken. The cover may be oriented with respect to the pushing cap so that when the cover is pressed in a first direction, the pushing cap moves in the first direction, and snaps into a first position on the container while breaking the seal, and allows the solvent to come out of the container and out of the foam housing.
US07648291B2 Optical adapter system and method
System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.
US07648289B2 Module having a handle to be operated to attach the module to a cage
A module is configured to be attached to a cage. A handle is rotatable about a rotation shaft between an accommodated position where the module is mounted to the cage and a withdrawal position where the module can be withdrawn from the cage. A resiliently-bendable tongue piece performs engagement and disengagement between the module and the cage. A notch portion is provided to the tongue piece. A press portion is provided to the handle on a circumference having a center located on the rotation shaft of the handle, the press portion configured to contact with the notch portion when the handle is at the accommodated position. A cam rotatable with the handle so as to resiliently bend the tongue piece.
US07648287B2 Optical receiver for computing applications
A compact optical transceiver is provided in which a substrate provides for an alignment surface for optical fibers and a lens assembly provides the necessary optical paths for coupling to photodiode and photodetector structures. Appropriate electrical connections on the substrate enable the substrate to be directly connected to a printed circuit board, grid array socket, and the like.
US07648282B2 Spherical bearing arrangement
A spherical bearing arrangement comprising: a bearing housing; a plurality of split-ball portions which are together arranged in the housing to produce a composite ball having a spherical bearing surface, the composite ball having a bore passing therethrough, the bore having a central axis; and a bushing secured in the bore of the composite ball. A method of assembling a spherical bearing arrangement is also disclosed.
US07648281B2 Fluid dynamic bearing, motor and storage disk device
A fluid dynamic bearing is provided. A structure in which a shaft member and an annular member fitted about the shaft member are rotatably supported by a bearing member and an annular member on the bearing member has a fifth gap for storing a lubricating fluid and supplying it to a second gap below the annular member on the shaft member and a third gap around its outer periphery through a fourth gap. The fourth and fifth gaps are tapered to produce a capillary drawing force toward the third and second gaps, so that the lubricating fluid may be supplied effectively from the fifth gap to the second and third gaps. This makes it possible to suppress any sudden formation of a reduced pressure upon exposure to impact or vibration to prevent the leakage of any lubricating fluid caused by the generation of bubbles, while making up for the loss of any lubricating fluid by vaporization.
US07648280B2 Weight reduction for journal air bearing
A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing system includes a journal sleeve and one or more hydrodynamic fluid film foils positioned at least partially within the journal sleeve. The journal sleeve defines an inner diameter surface, an outer diameter surface, a wall thickness between the inner and outer diameter surfaces, and opposite first and second ends. The wall thickness of the journal sleeve is reduced at a first region located between the first and second ends, and a chamfered region is formed on the outer diameter surface of the journal sleeve between the first o-ring land and the first end of the journal sleeve.
US07648279B2 Journal air bearing
A hydrodynamic fluid film journal bearing assembly includes a journal sleeve having a key slot formed therein in a substantially longitudinal direction, a bump foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the journal sleeve and having a bent end portion engaged with the key slot, an intermediate foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the bump foil, a top foil wrapped in a substantially cylindrical shape adjacent to the intermediate foil, a first top foil cutout window formed adjacent to the bent region, and a first end tab formed at a free end of the top foil. The first end tab is wrapped with the top foil in the substantially cylindrical shape of the top foil, and extends into the first top foil cutout window to reduce skewing. The top and intermediate foils are joined at a bent region that engages the key slot.
US07648278B2 High speed aerospace generator resilient mount, combined centering spring and squeeze film damper
A rotor mount assembly for an electrical machine, such as a high speed aerospace generator, comprises a spring having a simple annular structure together with an oil squeeze film damper (SFD). The spring is engineered to move the rotor critical speeds outside of the extremes of the operating speed range and the SFD damps out the rotor responses as the speed passes through these points.
US07648275B2 Method of calibration of digital X-ray apparatus and its embodiments
The inventions (variants) are intended for improvement of calibration precision of digital X-ray apparatuses: computed tomographs, as well as digital X-ray apparatuses equipped with C-arm and U-arm type stands, which method is based on calculation of mechanical instability of the stand. Calibration method for X-ray apparatus, in which one or two X-ray contrast balls of different diameters are placed in the scanning field, excluding its centre, a series of images of the scanning field with different angles of the stand rotation are obtained, the X-direction and Y-direction regular components of mechanical instability of the X-ray apparatus stand are determined using the coordinates of projection centre of the ball, X-direction and Y-direction calibration modifications set for mechanical instability of the stand are formed, which modifications are used for correction of the images, according to the invention the additional regular component of mechanical instability of digital X-ray stand is determined using the scales of projections, and the calibration data set for mechanical instability of the stand, which includes the scale calibration modifications, is formed.
US07648271B2 Systems and methods for temperature measurement using n-factor coefficient correction
Various systems and methods for temperature measurement are disclosed. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide temperature measurement systems. Such temperature measurement systems include a variable current source and a diode connected transistor. The variable current source is capable of applying two or more distinct currents to the diode connected transistor. The currents result in a different base-emitter voltage on the diode connected transistor. The systems further include an n-factor coefficient register and an analog to digital converter. The analog to digital converter is operable to receive two of the base-emitter voltages created by applying the different currents, and to provide a digital output based at least in part on a value stored in the n-factor coefficient register and the two base-emitter voltages.
US07648267B2 Performance testing apparatus for heat pipes
A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion and a movable portion each having a heating member for heating an evaporating section of a heat pipe requiring test. The movable portion is movable relative to the immovable portion. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein. A concavo-convex cooperating structure is defined in the immovable portion and the movable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of receiving the heat pipe precisely. Temperature sensors are attached in the immovable portion and the movable portion for detecting temperature of the heat pipe.
US07648264B2 Electric food preparation appliance having a support for a mixing accessory
An electric food preparation appliance composed of: a jar having a bottom and an open top; a rotary working tool installed in the jar to be driven in rotation through the bottom of the jar; a lid for closing the top of the jar and having an opening; a mixing accessory constructed to be installed in the jar through the opening; and a side support member provided to hold the mixing accessory when the mixing accessory is not installed in the jar.
US07648255B2 Liquid-activated lighted ice cube
A liquid-activated lighted ice cube includes a battery-powered electrical circuit and LED housed in a hollow body that resembles an ice cube. The circuit includes electrodes exposed to the exterior of the hollow body that, when in contact with water or other liquid beverage, cause the circuit to turn on the LED and illuminate the beverage.
US07648251B2 Strip lighting assembly
A strip light assembly including an elongated light carrying member with a series of lights extending along the length thereof, and an elongated translucent tubular cover member in which the light carrying member is removably slidably mounted, the interior of the cover member having radially spaced internal projections positioned to receive the light carrying member therebetween to maintain the light carrying member in selectable different angular orientations in the cover member.
US07648249B2 Beam-steering apparatus having five degrees of freedom of line-of-sight steering
A beam-steering apparatus comprises a set of planar tiltable mirrors positioned to define a light beam path therebetween. The set of planar tiltable mirrors comprises from three to five planar tiltable mirrors. Each of the planar tiltable mirrors has a center of rotation lying in a plane of the mirror and each of the planar tiltable mirrors is tiltable about one axis of rotation or two orthogonal axes of rotation that lie in the plane of the mirror. The total number of axes of rotation about which the planar tiltable mirrors of the set of planar tiltable mirrors can tilt is at least five. A mirror drive system tilts each respective planar mirror about its respective axis of rotation or axes of rotation. With this apparatus, an input or output light beam path is steerable over two angular, one rotational, and two lateral-position degrees of freedom.
US07648246B2 Projector and exposure adjustment method
A projector includes: an imaging structure that photographs an image projected on a projection object to take a photographed image; an imaging control module that performs exposure adjustment in the imaging structure to attain a preset target exposure; a control module that sets the target exposure in the imaging ctrl module; an angle information acquisition module that obtains angle information representing an inclination of the projector to the projection object; and a storage unit that stores a map representing a variation in target exposure against the angle information. The control module controls the angle information acquisition module to obtain the angle information, refers to the map stored in the storage unit to specify a target exposure corresponding to the obtained angle information, and sets the specified target exposure in the imaging control module. Even in the state of elevation projection, this arrangement of the invention enables distinct identification of a maximum brightness position in the photographed image.
US07648243B2 Stereoscopic projection system
A stereoscopic projection system is capable of minimizing a distance between viewing zones without reducing a distance between image projectors. In the stereoscopic projection system, a projector array having a plurality of image projectors are arranged substantially along an arrangement direction perpendicular to a connecting line between a left eye and a right eye of a viewer, and a directional screen has a first characteristic axis aligned at an angle with respect to the arrangement direction of the projector array, and a second characteristic axis perpendicular to the first characteristic axis. Therefore, the directional screen causes a plurality of images projected from the projector array to be relatively widened along the first characteristic axis and relatively narrowed along the second characteristic axis.
US07648241B2 Corneal measurement apparatus and a method of using the same
An apparatus for measuring a subject's cornea, comprising (A.) a slit projection subsystem comprising a light source, (B.) a mask subsystem disposed in a path of light from the light source, comprising a first slit mask defining a plurality of apertures, (C.) a movement apparatus adapted to move at least a portion of the slit projection subsystem, the movement apparatus configured and arranged such that, by moving the portion of the slit projection subsystem, portions of the light can be selectively transmitted through an aperture of the plurality of apertures toward the cornea, (D.) an imaging element configured and arranged to image at least one of the plurality of apertures onto the cornea, and (E.) an image capture subsystem arranged to capture images of the portions of light after the light impinges on the cornea.
US07648239B2 Autofluorescence photography using a fundus camera
Methods and apparatus for taking autofluorescence images with a fundus camera capable of a field of view of at least 30 degrees and preferably 50 degrees or more using high quality thin film optical interference filters. In one embodiment, a filter set is disclosed for achieving this functionality. Using these methods and/or apparatus, a practitioner can (among other procedures, which are described) take high-quality autofluorescence images of the fundus using a CCD camera that does not have to be cooled, take such images without exciting damaging photochemical reactions in the retina, detect accumulation of fluorophores in the retina prior to the significant accumulation of fluorophores in the retinal pigment epithelium, and topographically localize and quantitate retinal abnormalities and retinal pigment epithelium abnormalities.
US07648226B2 Printhead assembly having interconnected printhead modules
A printhead assembly is provided which has a plurality of printhead modules and at least one fluid connector. Each module has printing fluid ejection nozzles supplied with printing fluid from at least one longitudinally extending channel defined in a printing fluid distribution member of the respective module. The distribution members have complementary female and male end portions configured to interconnect the channels of adjacent modules. The fluid connector is connected to the distribution member female or male end portion of at least one of the modules and communicates printing fluid from a fluid supply to the nozzles of all of the modules via the interconnected channels.
US07648220B2 Sensing of fluid ejected by drop-on-demand nozzles
Various apparatus and methods relating to determining a quantity measurement of fluid ejected by drop-on-demand nozzles and modifying the ejection parameters based upon the quantity measurement.
US07648216B2 Method for printing on a print media
In a method for printing on a print media using nozzles in a printhead, it is determined as to whether one or more of the nozzles are out. In response to the one or more of the nozzles being out, the print media is micro-linefed between at least two printing passes of the printhead when the printhead is substantially in position to print onto a margin section of the print media. The micro-linefeeding includes activation of a print media feed means to advance the print media for a distance that is substantially smaller than a normal advance of the print media, to thereby reduce printing defects in the margin section caused by one or more nozzles that are out.
US07648215B2 Ink-jet head mount and ink-jet printing apparatus using the same
An ink-jet head mount to guide positions of ink-jet heads with a high precision and an ink-jet printing apparatus including the same. The ink-jet printing apparatus includes an ink-jet head having a plurality of nozzles to eject ink, an ink-jet head mount in which the ink-jet head is installed and is movable according to three-degrees-of-freedom, and a frame in which the ink-jet head mount is installed.
US07648212B2 Vehicle motion control apparatus
This apparatus is applied to a vehicle brake apparatus provided with a hydraulic booster operated by utilizing an accumulator hydraulic pressure that is adjusted to a predetermined high pressure (not less than a lower limit value) by a drive control of a hydraulic pump. This apparatus executes an automatic pressurization control by controlling plural solenoid valves with the use of the accumulator hydraulic pressure. The increasing slope of the brake hydraulic pressure during the automatic pressurization control is determined on the basis of the vehicle motion state. The increasing slope is restricted to be not more than a predetermined restriction value, in the case where the accumulator hydraulic pressure at the time of starting the automatic pressurization control is less than “a reference hydraulic pressure that is greater than a minimum value of the accumulator hydraulic pressure necessary for assisting the brake operation by the hydraulic booster and smaller than the lower limit value”.
US07648210B2 Pick with an interlocked bolster
In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a front portion with an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. The carbide bolster comprises a cavity which is formed in the bolster's base end and which is adapted to interlock with a rear portion of the pick. The rear portion is adapted to be retained within a bore of a holder that is attached to a driving mechanism. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock its first end within the cavity. The locking mechanism comprises a radially extending catch that is formed in the first end of the rear portion.
US07648201B2 Support element
The invention relates to a support element (11) for the human body, in particular to a backrest, of a chair or armchair.The support element (11) has a support face (21) that forms a front side of the support element. The support element is equipped with a self-adapting longitudinal structure (13), which includes at least one front, first longitudinal element (15), and at least one rear, second longitudinal element (17), extending parallel to the first longitudinal element (15), as well as a plurality of spacers (19), which are each pivotably connected to the first longitudinal element (15) and to the second longitudinal element (17). The second longitudinal element (17) is connected at a rigid angle to the first longitudinal element (15) at at least one connection point (27) and is borne at a support point (29) spaced apart from the connection point (27). The spacers (19) keep the second longitudinal element (17) spaced apart from the first longitudinal element (15) between the connection point (27) and the support point (29). Bearer means (15, 37) are present, for instance two elongated peripheral parts (15), which extend in the same direction as the longitudinal elements (15, 17), and/or a plurality of riblike members (37).
US07648199B2 Energy absorbing tether for child safety seat
An energy absorbing tether assembly for use with a child safety seat of the type having a pair of spaced apart slots in a shell.
US07648193B2 Vibration-isolating supporting structure
A frame of a vehicle supports a cabin via four vibration-isolating apparatuses. A vibration-isolating supporting plane, which contains the four vibration-isolating apparatuses, passes through a center of gravity point G of the cabin. Due to an arranged structure of the vibration-isolating apparatuses, shaking of the center of gravity point of the cabin due to vibration transferred from the frame at times of riding on poor roads or at times of operation can be kept small, as compared with a vibration-isolating supporting structure in which the vibration-isolating supporting plane is far apart from the center of gravity point G. A vibration-isolating supporting structure which does not increase shaking of a center of gravity of the cabin is provided.
US07648192B2 Door latch system for automotive vehicle
A door latch system for an automotive vehicle includes a latch having a housing mounted to a door inner panel and a release lever operated by a release rod connected to a handle. An impact-responsive release lever immobilizer mounted within the door is responsive to deformation of the door in the event of an impact such that the release lever will be blocked and prevented from moving to its unlatched position.
US07648191B2 Automobile strength member
An automobile strength member, having a cross-sectional shape giving a high bending repulsion at the beginning of impact and able to reduce the production cost and lighten the weight and achieve a greater improvement in safety and a reduction of cost of an automobile, that is, an automobile strength member comprised of a rectangular steel tube with a square cross-section, simultaneously satisfying the following relations (1) to (3), and having a strength of at least 690 MPa in terms of tensile strength: R1≦1.5t  (1) tR≧1.1t  (2) R1≧R2  (3) where, t: thickness of side (mm) tR: thickness of corner (mm) R1: outside corner R (mm) R2: inside corner R (mm) where both a maximum value and minimum value of hardness at a cross-section of the rectangular steel tube are in the range of within ±30% of the average value of the entire cross-section.
US07648190B2 Bus with improved constructions
A vehicular bus having a roof reinforcement structure having a plurality of hubs and angularly spaced reinforcement channel members extending radially outward from each hub. The vehicular bus further includes and improved destination sign and advertising panel members positioned in the interior of the bus and extending down the sides of a bus visible through the side windows.
US07648186B2 Locking mechanism for a rotation seat
A locking mechanism for a rotation seat includes a plate member fixed to an underside of the rotation seat, a stopper member attached to the plate member, a base member fixed to a base, a rotary shaft which supports the plate member rotatably with respect to the base member, a locking recess formed in an intermediate portion of the guide slot, and a resilient member provided in the plate member for urging the stopper member in a direction in which the stopper member is locked to the locking recess. The base member is formed with a guide slot. The locking recess is formed continuously from the guide slot so that the width thereof becomes narrower with distance from the guide slot. When the stopper member moves in a guide direction along the guide slot and gets into the locking recess, the stopper member is urged in the direction.
US07648182B2 Terminal portion of a robotic pick-up element provided with vacuum suction cups
A terminal portion for a robotic pick-up element lifts and transfers objects, the terminal portion lifts objects using vacuum suction cups. The terminal portion includes: a) a main unit, on the lower face of which are fixed a support suction cup and a vacuum transfer suction cup connected to the pneumatic equipment; b) a secondary unit, on the lower face of which are mounted a plurality of pick-up suction cups, the suction passages of which are connected to a single collecting passage opening into a hole on the upper face of the secondary unit which is smooth and shaped to adhere to the support cup and the vacuum transfer cup when they are placed next to it and the vacuum transfer cup of the main unit coaxially faces the hole of the secondary unit.
US07648178B1 Connector for joining with agricultural drip tape
A connector for joining agricultural drip tape. The connector includes a rigid tubular body having a tapered trust conical enlargement at its free end over which the free end of the drip tape is pressed and held by an assembly nut having a single entry female thread that threadably engages the tubular body male threads by a pre-determined angular advance of the assembly nut. The environment of use for agricultural drip tape is one of debris and mud consequently; the assembly nut contains a wiper window opening through which debris and mud are expelled from the connection as the assembly nut advances axially along the threads of the tubular body. Indicia on both the assembly nut and on the tubular body may be relatively positioned depending upon the thickness of the tape to form a consistently reliable seal.
US07648175B2 Medical gas outlet with support bracket
A support bracket is affixed to a medical gas outlet. The support bracket supports one or more elements of a gas circuit coupled to the medical gas outlet and prevents deformation of a lock spring of the medical gas outlet. The medical gas outlet can be a wall mounted vacuum or oxygen outlet.
US07648173B2 Stretchable elastomeric coated fabric book cover and method
An adjustable book cover (10) consisting of a unitary hexagonal sheet of stretchable fabric (16) that is preferably coated with an elastomeric polyurethane resin (15). Interstices (19) of the fabric (16) are filled with at least a single layer of polyurethane resin (15), creating an impermeable waterproof barrier while maintaining the elastic functionality of the book cover (10). The hexagonal sheet has flap portions defined by fold lines (44,46,48) that delineate a laterally formed rectangle within the fabric polygon. Extended edges of the upper and lower shaped flap portions are each bisected by a slot (41) of predetermined depth, thus forming an access aperture (21) for the covers of a book when selected flap portions of the hexagon are secured together.
US07648163B2 Gas generator for air bag
The air bag gas generator comprises a housing having a gas discharge port, an ignition unit chamber in which ignition units are accommodated, and a combustion chamber in which a gas generating agent is accommodated, a cylindrical coolant/filter disposed between the combustion chamber and the gas discharge port, so that combustion gas passes through the coolant/filter prior to discharge through the gas discharge port, and the air bag gas generator meeting the following requirements (a), (b), and (c):(a) that the gas generating agent has an amount of heat generation of 10 to 30 kcal/mol;(b) that the mass (g) of the coolant/filter in relation to 1 mol of gas generated during combustion of the gas generating agent be 20 to 65 g/mol; and(c) that the coolant/filter has a thickness of not less than 4.0 mm.
US07648162B2 Tubular gas guide element, gas generation and feed unit and curtain airbag unit
A tubular gas guide element for a side curtain airbag for guiding gas coming from a gas generator comprising at least two layers of fabric. With the use of such a gas guide, thrust of the gas inflowing into an airbag can be balanced.
US07648160B2 Air bag device for rear-end collision mounted on vehicle
A vehicle includes an air bag device for an occupant seated in a rearmost seat. The air bag device includes an air bag, which is accommodated at the rear end portion of the roof of the vehicle in a folded state, and an inflator, which supplies gas to the air bag. The air bag is unfolded downward to be inflated between the rearmost seat and a rear window glass. The air bag device has several functions to effectively protect an occupant seated in the rearmost seat, such as a function to apply a predetermined tension to the inflated air bag, a function to properly restrict the thickness of the air bag, and a function to properly control the unfolding direction of the air bag.
US07648158B2 Twin airbag
An airbag for protecting an occupant of a vehicle includes a left outer panel for forming an outer surface of a left half airbag and a right outer panel for forming an outer surface of a right half airbag. The airbag also includes an inner panel for forming inner surfaces of the left and right half airbags, and a base-end panel for forming a base-end chamber for the left and right half airbags. The airbag is configures so that the left and right half airbags are inflated with gas passing through the base-end chamber.
US07648156B2 Dual mode wheelchair
A dual mode wheelchair (300) providing both a maneuverable indoor mode and a travel mode. The wheelchair (300) comprises fore wheels (104) mounted on a fore axis (105) and rear wheels (102) mounted on a rear axis (103). A distance between the fore axis (105) and the rear axis (103) defines a wheelbase of the wheelchair (300). The wheelbase is alterable between a short wheelbase providing a maneuverable mode of the wheelchair (300) and a long wheelbase providing a travel mode of the wheelchair (300). The wheelchair (300) further provides a lowered center of gravity and a reclining position in the travel mode to provide improved stability and occupant security.
US07648151B2 Bicycle support with pivoting wheel engagement member
A support for a bicycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel includes a frame and a trough-shaped support including a pivoting wheel engagement section pivotably mounted to the frame in a first location for movement about a pivot axis between a loading position and a support position. The pivoting wheel engagement section engages a portion of an outer periphery defined by a first one of the bicycle wheels, and faces upwardly to receive the bicycle wheel when the wheel engagement section is in the loading position and faces laterally when the wheel engagement section is in the support position. A second wheel engagement member is mounted to the support frame in a second location spaced from the first location, and is configured to engage a second bicycle wheel when the wheel engagement section is engaged with the first bicycle wheel in the support position.
US07648150B2 Shock-absorbing device for stroller
A shock-absorbing device for a stroller includes: a wheel mounting seat including a sleeve part having first and second sides, and an extending part extending outwardly from the first side of the sleeve part; a shock-absorber seat having a first end portion that is formed with a wheel axle-disposing hole, and a second end portion that is pivoted to the second side of the sleeve part, the wheel axle-disposing hole being defined by an axle hole-defining wall; and a resilient shock absorber abutting resiliently against the extending part and the axle hole-defining wall.
US07648148B1 Leaning vehicle with tilting front wheels and suspension therefor
A leaning vehicle has a frame pivotally connected to the lower end of a shock tower, the pivotal connection defining a frame leaning axis wherein the frame is adapted to lean to a right side and to a left side relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis. The leaning vehicle includes an actuator operatively connected to the frame and to the shock tower which is adapted to impart a leaning motion to the frame relative to the shock tower about the frame leaning axis.
US07648147B2 Maintenance cart
The maintenance cart includes a cart comprising a primary section, a secondary section, and/or a connection mechanism. The primary section may include a body portion including a plurality of storage, a folding shelf attached to an end of the body portion, and a releasably connectable handle mechanism. The secondary section may includes a mop bucket supporting region and a plurality of rolling members. The connection mechanism if for releasably connecting the secondary section to an end of the primary section.
US07648145B2 Dynamically adjustable panhard bar
The invention is a panhard bar that can alter the tracking offset while the car is in motion, and allow the driver of the car the ability to change the tracking as the driver desires, thus improving the turning ability of the car as the track condition changes. The present invention mechanically lengthens or shortens the panhard bar thus moving the axle to the left or right. This then changes the tracking of the front to rear wheels. Adjusting means are placed in reach of the driver to accomplish the change. In another embodiment the adjustment means is not controlled by the driver, but rather by a characteristic reaction of the car. The adjustments means may respond to the front wheels turning to the left or right, to deceleration forces indicating a turn on the track is approaching, and to acceleration forces indicating the straightaway of the track is approaching.
US07648141B2 Baseball simulation game
A baseball simulation game includes a standard or universal base unit or structure (20) on which is placed a removable playing field surface (22), as well as a removable outfield fence configuration (24). The playing surface (22) and fence configuration (24) can be changed so that the game unit (20) models or resembles different baseball parks or stadiums that currently exist, that previously existed, or that are fictitious. A pitching pipe (26) is positioned in center field, in alignment with second base (27B), pitching mound (27A), and home plate (27). The ball is pitched by being propelled down the pipe (26) toward home plate (27). The batter operates a bat (80) by pushing or pulling on batting rod (50), having a knob or handle (81) positioned adjacent home plate (27) and a second knob adjacent the entrance end of the pitching pipe (26). Openings are placed in the lower portion of the outfield fence (24) through which the ball is batted, thereby to achieve hits and score runs.
US07648140B2 Method and apparatus for playing a blackjack game with side wagers
A casino-style blackjack card game that offers players the option of placing wagers against the occurrence of their hand value exceeding 21 (commonly known as busting) on the next card drawn when they have a hard card count of 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.
US07648137B2 Medium ejection device and image forming apparatus
A medium ejection device includes an ejection member, a stacking member and a rib. The ejection member ejects a medium toward a medium ejection direction. The stacking member stacks the medium ejected from the ejection member. The rib is disposed in a substantially up and down direction, and is contacted by a tailing end of the medium ejected from the ejection member. The rib includes a convex portion protruding toward the stacking member in an upper portion thereof.
US07648135B2 Image-forming apparatus
A body section of an image-forming apparatus accommodates a sheet cassette such that the sheet cassette can be drawn out along a first direction. The sheet cassette has a sheet-position-limiting member. When the sheet cassette is empty of image-recording media, the sheet-position-limiting member is moved in the first direction to a predetermined initial position. When the sheet cassette is drawn out in the first direction, the sheet-position-limiting member moves in a second direction in relation to the sheet cassette. The body section and the sheet cassette are configured such that the sheet-position-limiting member is positioned according to the amount of drawing of the sheet cassette.
US07648132B2 Clamping apparatus for releasably fixing a pallet
The clamping apparatus comprising a chuck member and a pallet member releasably fixed to the chuck member. The chuck member comprises clamping means for clamping the pallet member to the chuck member. The chuck member has first centering means and the pallet member has second centering means cooperating with the first centering means to define the relative position between the chuck member and the pallet. The chuck member and/or the pallet member are/is provided with at least one damping element consisting at least partially of a compressed composite of metal chips.
US07648129B2 Fluid filled vibration damping device and method of manufacturing the same
A fluid filled vibration damping device including: a main rubber elastic body connecting first and second mounting members; a partition member and a fastening member axially superposed together and secured fitting into the second mounting member. The partition member has a recess on a side of the fastening member, where an annular mounting fitting having a flange portion is inserted with a seal rubber projection disposed on one axial end thereof and projecting axially outward from the flange portion pressed fluid-tightly in an axial direction against the partition member around an entire circumference. An other axial end of the mounting fitting is fastened fluid-tightly onto a mating projection portion formed on the fastening member via a seal rubber layer. A diametrical gap is formed between an inside face of the recess of the partition member and the flange portion of the mounting fitting as well as the seal rubber projection.
US07648128B2 Gas-liquid contact apparatus
An apparatus is provided for improved gas/liquid contact in a chemical process tower, resulting in better performance. The apparatus includes a tower having a series of tray decks and downcomers. Tray decks provide gas/liquid contact for mass transfer and the downcomers are required to clarify the liquid before entering the tray below. In this invention, the trays have at least one downcomer and one adjacent active sump. The sump has at least one row of apertures for bubbling vapor through liquid flowing therein, and is separated from the downcomer by a baffle. The clarified liquid at the bottom of the sump is sent to the downcomer. The liquid entering the next tray can be assured to divide evenly for multiple-downcomer applications. Gas/liquid contact is thereby enhanced through the installation of these apertures, and clarification of the liquid from bubbles is thereby improved through the addition of the active sump. Benefits to the tower operation include higher tray capacity and efficiency.
US07648122B2 Line retrieval system and method
A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.
US07648120B1 Compliant iris flow control system
An iris arrangement has first and second annular carrier elements annular elements coaxially arranged and circumferentially interlocked with one another so as to be independently rotatable. A plurality of iris elements each have a first compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the iris element and at a second end thereof to the first annular carrier element, and a second compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the associated iris element and at a second end thereof to the second annular carrier element. Rotatory motion of the carrier elements relative to each other results in substantially radial displacement of each of the iris elements. The plurality of iris elements communicate with one another when disposed in a radially innermost position. A web covers a region between the plurality of iris elements and the circumference of the first and second annular elements.
US07648115B2 Seat slide locator
The present invention relates to a seat slide locator for a seat mount assembly on a tractor, riding mower, or off-road utility vehicle. The seat slide locator has a first end, a second end, and a raised portion dimensioned to slidingly fit in a guide slot in the seat support. Each end has an aperture through which the seat securing member may be inserted. The seat slide locator provides a simple, economical component that helps maintain the seat securing members properly aligned and positioned so that the assembly can slide within the guide slot as the seat position is manually adjusted.
US07648111B2 Apparatus and method for hanging supplemental sets of curtains
An end of a curtain rod is provided with a hook for grasping a mounting tube extending transversely from a wall-mounted flange. The hook may be offset from the longitudinal axis of the curtain rod to permit two rods with similar offset hooks to the mounted end to end, in axial alignment, on a common mounting tube. Alternatively, one rod may be provided with a centrally mounted hook and the other rod with a claw having spaced hooks for receiving the single centrally mounted hook of an axially aligned rod therebetween. Each hook an claw may be mounted on a connector which can be fitted over the end of a segment of a tubular curtain rod, with or without an adapter, depending upon whether the segment is an inner segment or outer segment of a telescoping curtain rod.
US07648107B2 Brace or pipe clamp
Brace or pipe clamp with a deformable, essentially cylindrical housing, which has at least one longitudinal slot. The regions of the housing that are situated opposite one another at the longitudinal slot are formed as bent over lugs. The lugs are used to accommodate hollow bolts. The housing can be braced by means of clamping bolts, which penetrate the hollow bolts transversely and are arranged approximately tangentially to the housing, and nuts which can be connected to said clamping bolts. At least one of the clamping bolts is connected directly or indirectly with a handle for manually pretensioning the brace or pipe clamp and/or for operating the clamping bolt.
US07648106B2 Control system including two control columns that are coupled to enable controlled members to be placed in required positions
A control system for placing controlled members in required positions including two control columns assigned to the controlled members to be moved, each control column having two degrees of freedom. Two actuators controlled by two control circuits apply to their associated control column either a resisting torque or a displacement torque. Each control column is provided with a mechanical spring system spring-loading the associated control column into its neutral position and adapted to provide, in the event of manipulation of the corresponding control column, a resisting torque in support of the resisting torque supplied by the associated actuator.
US07648102B2 Balloonsonde launcher
An automated balloonsonde launcher and a method for an automated balloonsonde launch are disclosed. The automated balloonsonde launcher, for example, may comprise a collapsible protective cover forming an inner region for receiving a balloon, a gas inlet for receiving a gas, a gas outlet for mating with a balloon, a valve operable between the gas inlet and the gas outlet for inflating a balloon within the inner region of the protective cover. The launcher further comprises a controller that controls the valve to inflate a balloon within the protective cover, opens an opening in the protective cover and releases a balloon through the opening of the protective cover.
US07648100B2 Shock wave modification method and system
A system for modifying a shock wave formed in a fluid by a body to modify effects of the shock wave on information transferred to or from the body. The system includes an element for heating fluid along a path to form a volume of heated fluid expanding outwardly from the path, the path extending from the body and through the shock wave; mechanism for transferring the information to or from the body; and device for timing the transferring of the information relative to the heating of the fluid along the path to modify certain effects of the shock wave on the information.
US07648095B2 Agitating or dispersing apparatus
An agitating or dispersing apparatus (1) with a hermetically sealed mixing chamber (5), an agitating or dispersing tool (2) that can be driven in this mixing chamber (5) about a central axis and with a rod-shaped element (3) for transferring the power of a drive (4) onto this tool (2), and with the drive (4) located outside of the mixing chamber (5). The rod-shaped element (3) is connected at the entrance into the mixing chamber (5) to a membrane (6) that is part of a wall (7) of the mixing chamber (5), and the rod-shaped element (3) can be put in a wobbling motion by the drive (4) so that its end inside the mixing chamber (5) executes a circular motion. The end of the rod-shaped element (3) located in the mixing chamber (5) attacks the tool (2) eccentrically to its axis of rotation.
US07648093B2 Pill crusher and pill pouch
A pill crusher has a ram and an anvil member having opposed pill crushing faces, and an electric ram drive operable to displace the ram towards the anvil member. The anvil member is rotatable and displaceable in response to pressure from the ram, to ensure the crushing of a pill located between the crushing faces of the ram and the anvil member. The anvil member, the ram and the ram drive are provided in a housing having a pill pouch reception opening which is upwardly open and extends above the crushing face of the anvil member.
US07648079B2 Grooved rail
Provided is a grooved rail for rail vehicles having flanged wheels, the grooved rail including a rail head provided with a running rail, a flange groove, and a counterrail, in addition to a rail web, a rail base, and lateral rail chambers extending between the rail head and the rail base. The running rail includes an asymmetrically-arranged vehicle-guiding flange, extending towards the flange groove, the asymmetrically-arranged flange formed in such a way that the width part of the rail base, on the side of the running rail, is larger than the width part on the side of the counterrail by a factor of at least 1.2. When the depth of the flange groove is >20 mm, the flange has a flange inclination of >78° with respect to an essentially horizontal axis of the rail web.
US07648077B2 HVAC communication system
A system for communicating across conventional HVAC wiring is provided. The system includes a communication device having a communication module capable of inducing low power, high frequency current signals into a single control wire coupling, for example, a thermostat with a compressor. The communication module includes a power supply module that draws power sufficient to operate the communication module from the existing HVAC wiring, so as to eliminate any need for batteries or external power sources. A second communication module may be coupled to the single control wire. The second communication module operates as a transceiver sending communication signals to, and receiving communication signals from, the communication module. In one embodiment, the communication module is disposed within a building, for example coupled to an electronic thermostat, while the second communication module is disposed outside the building near the compressor. The communication signals are RF modulated signals between 5 and 50 MHz so as to take advantage of and pass across parasitic capacitances found inherent in transformers or other coils disposed within HVAC loads.
US07648075B2 Data transmission-reception system, contactless IC chip, mobile terminal, information processing method, and program
A data transmission-reception system includes a reader-writer, a first contactless IC chip being a data source, and a second contactless IC chip being a data destination, capable of communication with the first contactless IC chip via the reader-writer. The first and second contactless IC chips each have data areas of the same applications in memories built therein. The first contactless IC chip includes first generating means for performing authentication by the use of data encrypted with a key generated by combination of keys to generate a transfer key and transmitting means for encrypting data to be transferred with the transfer key and transmitting the encrypted data. The second contactless IC chip includes second generating means for performing authentication by the use of data encrypted with a key generated by combination of keys to generate a transfer key and acquiring means for acquiring the data to be transferred.
US07648073B2 Data acquisition device
A data acquisition device includes a housing, a card reader, a scanner, an electronic signature pad, and a data communication system. The card reader, the scanner, and the electronic signature pad are integrated with the housing and with the data communication system. The data communication system is configured to receive the data that is read by the card reader, the scanner, and the electronic signature pad, and to communicate the received data to a computer connected to the data acquisition device. The computer processes the data acquired by the data acquisition device with appropriate software.
US07648072B2 Two-dimensional code detection system and two-dimensional code detection program
A two-dimensional-code detection system includes a reading unit, a recognizing unit, a calculating unit and a position specifying unit. The reading unit reads an image including plural two-dimensional codes. The recognizing unit recognizes position detection patterns of the respective two-dimensional codes from the read image, which includes the plural two-dimensional codes. The calculating unit that selects at least two of the position detection patterns of the two-dimensional codes. The calculating unit calculates a minimum unit forming each of the selected position detection patterns. The position specifying unit judges whether or not the minimum units forming the selected at least two position detection patterns are substantially equal to each other. When judging that the minimum units forming the selected at least two position detection patterns are substantially equal to each other, the position specifying unit specifies a position of a two-dimensional code using the selected at least two position detection patterns.
US07648067B2 POS system, input/output control apparatus for use in a POS system, and method
A POS system and method having a POS terminal, at least one input device for providing input data such as product sale information to said POS terminal, a POS server to enable the POS terminal to complete a POS transaction based upon such product sale information, a display device and a printing device further including an input/output control apparatus 12 and at least one function adding server 50 to enable the POS system to perform at least one new functional application without requiring any change in the POS system terminal or server. At least one of connection ports 21b to 23b of an input/output control apparatus 12 is connected to at least one the connection ports 21a to 23a of an existing POS terminal 30 having at least a POS printer 34, a input device 32, or a display 33 connected thereto. The input devices 32 to 34 conventionally connected to the ports 21a to 23a of the POS terminal 30 are connected to the corresponding ports of the I/O control apparatus 12. A function-adding server 50 is also connected to the I/O control apparatus 12. The I/O control apparatus 12 performs an identification operation to determine if input information from the input devices meet specific conditions (identification criteria) and if so additional data is provided by the function-adding server 50 for performing additional functionality.
US07648061B2 Carton with dispenser
A carton includes a dispenser that when opened allows dispensing of containers from the carton. An aperture located next to the dispenser provides access to the dispenser and allows the containers to be viewed from the carton exterior.
US07648053B2 Linear sliding gate valve for a metallurgical vessel
A linear sliding gate valve (10) for a metallurgical vessel comprises a slide plate (20) with a first orifice (30) and a fixed plate (22) with a second orifice (32). A slideable tray (26) supports the slide plate (20) and is arranged to slide the slide plate (20) relative to the fixed plate (22) so as to control an outflow of the metallurgical vessel by the relative position of the first and second orifices (30; 32). The slide plate (20) is rotatable relative to said slideable tray (26). The sliding gate valve further comprises a ratchet mechanism (40; 140) for providing defined angular positions of the slide plate (20). The ratchet mechanism (40; 140) is mounted on the slideable tray (26) such that the slideable tray (26) forms the fixed frame of the ratchet mechanism (40; 140).
US07648051B1 Double shell dispensing closure with a reverse tapered drop lug
The dispensing closure is provided having a stopping mechanism that limits the rotation of the closure and generally prevents removal of the closure from the container. The dispensing closure includes a cap body, fitment, and container finish. The cap body has a double shell design, which includes at least one drop lug reverse tapered from the inner shell. When the cap body is rotated about the container finish, the reverse tapered drop lug engages at least one lug stop located on the container finish so as to limit the rotation, thereby preventing removal of the cap body from the container finish. The reverse taper of the drop lug maximizes the abutment surface and stability of the drop lug when engaging the corresponding lug stop.
US07648050B1 Fluoride dispenser
An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a fluoride treatment includes a housing having a storage container for separately storing a plurality of different flavored fluoride treatments and an input device for inputting a desired flavored fluoride treatment from one of the respective stored fluoride treatments in the storage container. In response to the input, the apparatus includes means for formulating said desired flavored fluoride treatment from said stored fluoride treatments. The apparatus further includes means for entering a volume of the desired flavored fluoride to be dispensed and means for dispensing the formulated desired fluoride treatment in a volume amount entered in said volume entering means to a user for later use thereof.
US07648046B2 Dispensing system for dispensing warm wet wipes
In a dispensing system for dispensing wet wipes, a wet wipe has an aqueous solution and microencapsulated delivery vehicles including a temperature agent, and is disposed in a wet wipe container. A cartridge is held in assembly with the wet wipe container and has an activating device that facilitates rupturing of the microencapsulated delivery vehicles as the wet wipe is removed from the dispensing system to allow contact between the temperature change agent and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe to thereby dispense a warm or cooled wet wipe. In another embodiment, the wet wipe has an aqueous solution and a lotion having the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles disposed in the cartridge free from contact with the wet wipe. The cartridge also has an applicator that is operable to apply the lotion to the wet wipe as the wet wipe is removed from the wet wipe container.
US07648042B2 High gas-tightened metallic nozzle-boss for a high pressure composite vessel
The present invention relates to a metal nozzle boss provided with a sealing device, which has highly improved tightness and is combined with a plastic liner of a composite vessel used as a high-pressure vessel. The metal nozzle boss uses an elastic seal ring and a tightening piece in the plastic liner, so that the nozzle boss reliably seals the junction of the nozzle boss and the liner and prevents gas leakage from the vessel. The blade part of the nozzle boss has a dovetail-shaped locking groove, with locking ridges formed in the locking groove. Thus, when the plastic liner is produced by injecting molten resin into the locking groove, the plastic liner is securely combined with the metal nozzle boss. The composite vessel having the metal nozzle boss can be used as a fuel tank for natural gas vehicles or a hydrogen tank for fuel cell vehicles.
US07648038B2 Container and plastic handle system
A package includes a container having a neck finish with at least one left-hand external thread segment, a fitment having at least one left-hand internal thread segment for threaded receipt over the container neck finish and at least one right-hand external thread segment, a closure having at least one right-hand internal thread segment for removable receipt over the fitment, and a handle attached to the container by the fitment. The container neck finish preferably has a transfer ring, and the handle preferably has a collar received over the transfer ring and held in place by the fitment. The transfer ring and the collar preferably have opposed flats to prevent rotation of the handle with respect to the transfer ring. The collar and the fitment preferably have opposed cam lugs that permit threading of the fitment onto the container neck finish over the collar but prevent unthreading of the fitment from the neck finish so that the fitment and handle are permanently attached to the container neck finish.
US07648037B2 Lid structure of reagent container
A lid structure for opening and closing an opening in an upper portion of a reagent container includes an outer lid member attached to the reagent container and having a first opening corresponding to the opening of the reagent container, an inner lid member arranged inward of the outer lid member, attached to the outer lid member in a vertically movable manner, and having a second opening opposing the first opening, and a rotator having a through hole, arranged inward of the inner lid member, engaging with the outer lid member and the inner lid member via an engaging unit in a rotatable manner around a horizontal axis. The engaging unit rotates the rotator to open the opening when the inner lid member performs a downward opening operation, and rotates the rotator to close the opening when the inner lid member performs an upward closing operation.
US07648036B2 Systems and methods for sway control
Systems, methods and computer program code for the measurement and control of sway in load transportation systems are provided which include using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices to measure and control the sway of suspended loads such as loads suspended from cranes.
US07648033B2 Method of producing particle-dispersed liquid
A method of producing a particle-dispersed liquid, using a channel of micro width having a core flow channel, includes: sending the particle-dispersed liquid containing larger particles to an inner portion of the core flow channel; separating and removing the larger particles from the particle-dispersed liquid; and sending the removed larger particles to an outermost part of the core flow channel. An outer diameter of the core flow channel is 50 to 5,000 μm.
US07648021B1 Method and manufacture, refurbishment, and repair of non-moldable polyurethane/polyurea conveyor belt covers and related products
A method of applying a coating to a conveyor belt is provided. A first layer of adhesive is applied to a first surface of the conveyor belt and allowed to cure. One or more subsequent layers of adhesive are applied to the first layer of adhesive; a final layer of the one or more subsequent layers is allowed to become tacky. In some embodiments the adhesive is a two-part cement. In particular embodiments, the two-part cement includes an isocyanate part and a curable rubber part. A layer of two-part polyurethane/polyurea is applied to the tacky layer of adhesive. The coating process may be performed on conveyor belts having worn or damaged portions in an effort to repair the conveyor belts.
US07648017B2 Apparatus and method for feeding pouches and spouts for processing
The invention relates to a system for feeding pouches and spouts to an apparatus for processing same. A system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention can feed pouches and spouts to a rotary machine simultaneously. More specifically, the system can provide a transferring assembly for grasping a single spout and pouch simultaneously from a spout supply and a pouch supply, respectively, then relinquishing the spout and pouch simultaneously to the rotary machine.
US07648005B2 Clip-style hearing protector
A hearing protection device for a human ear. The device has an arm that clips about the pinna. A plug member caps or enters ear canal. The device is biased to provide some force against the plug member so that is stays in position during use. An optional handle may be provided to assist with temporarily pulling the plug member away from the ear canal or providing adjustment. The device may be adapted for use as an ear phone.
US07648003B2 Power steering system
In a power steering system comprising a power cylinder for assisting a steering power of a steering mechanism, a hydraulic pump for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the power cylinder, a first oil passage and a second oil passage connecting the power cylinder and the hydraulic pump respectively, a motor for driving the hydraulic pump, and power steering control means for calculating a command value to the motor based on the steering torque, a flow rate of the working oil supplied from a high-pressure side oil passage to a low-pressure side oil passage is restrained at the transition from the end of the steering state (lock end) of the steering mechanism to the returning. The flow-rate restraint increasingly corrects a driving current of the motor in the steering direction or limits the flow rate of the working oil.
US07648000B2 Control system and motorcycle with the same
A control system includes a vehicle speed sensor, a roll rate sensor, a steering angle calculation unit, a steering angle control unit, an actuator, and a rear wheel steering angle sensor. The steering angle calculation unit acquires a roll rate and vehicle speed of a motorcycle and determines a target steering angle and a delayed steering angle of a rear wheel depending on the acquired roll rate and vehicle speed. The steering angle control unit causes the actuator to steer the rear wheel by the actuator based on the delayed steering angle determined by the steering angle calculation unit. Alternatively, a motorcycle includes a first holding member arranged to rotatably and steerably hold a front wheel of the motorcycle, a second holding member that is attached to the first holding member arranged to hold a rear wheel, and a controller arranged to swing one of the first and second holding members with respect to the other based on the roll rate detected by the roll rate detector.
US07647994B1 Hybrid vehicle having an electric generator engine and an auxiliary accelerator engine
A drive-train for a fuel-efficient wheeled vehicle includes a first internal combustion engine and a second internal combustion engine of lesser power adapted to drive a generator. An electric motor is adapted to drive the vehicle primarily during cruising mode operation. The first engine is employed primarily to provide maximal power to the vehicle for acceleration, hill-climbing and towing. The power from both the motor and first engine can be selectively combined for varied conditions of operation of the vehicle.
US07647991B2 Cutting structure for earth-boring bit to reduce tracking
An earth boring bit has cutting elements arranged to avoid tracking. The bit has a bit body having a bit axis of rotation. First, second and third cones are rotatably mounted to the bit body, each of the cones having a plurality of rows of cutting elements including a heel row and an adjacent row. The heel row of the first cone has at least equal the number of cutting elements as the heel rows of the other cones. The adjacent row of the second cone has at least 90 percent as many cutting elements as the heel row of the first cone. The heel row of the third cone has a pitch that is in the range from 20-50% greater than the heel rows of the first cone.
US07647988B2 Method and system for installing geothermal transfer apparatuses with a sonic drill
The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.
US07647986B2 Tool
The invention relates to a tool (1), in particular an impact wrench, with a pulse unit (6) having a hydraulic impact mechanism (7) and a drive unit (24). The working volume (5) can be connected within the hydraulic impact mechanism (7) to an additional volume (4) formed outside of the mechanism. The tool according to the invention is characterised in that at least the compensating volume (4) can be varied independently of the pressure.
US07647981B2 Fire suppression system
In the system or method for sprinklering a building, the building has a water delivery pipe for delivery of water to at least two different floors of the building. On at least two floors, a respective sprinkler pipe with a plurality of sprinklers is installed. Also a respective pump is installed whose outlet is connected to the respective sprinkler pipe, and whose inlet is connected to the water delivery pipe. A respective sensor for the respective pump automatically activates the pump when at least one of the sprinklers is activated.
US07647980B2 Drillstring packer assembly
A packer assembly for use in wellbore operations includes a first packer and a second packer interconnected by an adjustable length spacer. The spacer provides a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first packer and the second packer when the assembly is positioned in a wellbore.
US07647979B2 Downhole electrical power generation based on thermo-tunneling of electrons
An apparatus for and a method of generating electrical power downhole using a quantum thermoelectric generator and operating a downhole device using the generated power.
US07647977B2 Borehole liner
A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.
US07647975B2 Gas lift valve assembly
An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a gas lift valve and an isolation member. The gas lift valve includes a valve element that is located between an annulus and a passageway of a tubing. The valve element is adapted to selectively open and close to control fluid communication through the valve element. The isolation member is adapted to in a first state, isolate the valve element from at least one of the annulus and the passageway and in a second state, permit fluid communication between the valve element and the annulus or passageway.
US07647974B2 Large bore modular production tree for subsea well
A subsea wellhead assembly has separable tree modules that interconnect together. The lower tree module has a lower tree member having a bore with a valve for controlling production fluid flow. The upper tree module has an upper tree member with a bore and interface devices for monitoring the fluid flow as well as controlling the flow. A production line sub is carried alongside the upper tree member. The sub has a stab interface that stabs sealingly into a stab interface mounted alongside the lower tree member.
US07647972B2 Subsurface freeze zone using formation fractures
A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., a subsurface formation including oil shale, includes completing a well having fluid communication with the subsurface formation at a first depth and a second lower depth. A fracturing fluid is injected into the well so as to form a fracture at a depth of the subsurface formation, and thereby provides fluid communication between the first and second depths in the well. A cooling fluid is circulated under pressure through the well and into the fracture so as to cause the cooling fluid to flow from the well, into subsurface formation at the first depth, to the subsurface formation at the second depth, and back into the well, thereby lowering the temperature of the subsurface formation.
US07647970B2 Self-sealing well cement composition
A cement composition is provided including a cement and a low reactivity particle coated with a swellable polymeric material. The low reactivity particle is coated with a swellable polymeric material at a concentration of about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent, based on the weight of the cement. The swellable polymeric material swells to a larger volume when exposed to one or more hydrocarbons, depending on the selected polymeric material. The cement composition is used in a method as a self-sealing cement for cementing an oil and gas well, thereby minimizing or mitigating the unwanted migration of water or hydrocarbons.
US07647966B2 Method for drainage of heavy oil reservoir via horizontal wellbore
Systems and methods for drainage of a heavy oil reservoir via a horizontal wellbore. A method of improving production of fluid from a subterranean formation includes the step of propagating a generally vertical inclusion into the formation from a generally horizontal wellbore intersecting the formation. The inclusion is propagated into a portion of the formation having a bulk modulus of less than approximately 750,000 psi. A well system includes a generally vertical inclusion propagated into a subterranean formation from a generally horizontal wellbore which intersects the formation. The formation comprises weakly cemented sediment.
US07647960B2 Heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device includes a base, a first and second fin sets on the base, and a fan located atop the first and second fin sets. The base has a first face for contacting with an electronic device, and two sloped faces extending from the first face and toward each other. The first fin set defined a channel receiving the base therein. A plat extends from an end of the first face of the base. The second fin set is arranged on the plat of the base. The first face of the base has two grooves defined therein. A retaining member is attached to the first face of the base and has two retaining bars thereof fitted in the two grooves of the first face, respectively.
US07647957B2 Method for making plywood and dimensional lumber from Arundo donax L. or bamboo
A method of producing a virtually fireproof plywood from perennial grasses such as Arundo donax Ligneous, various bamboo strains, or a blend thereof, by first weaving the stalks of these plants into a mat and then layering these mats and binding each layer with any one of several commercial resins mixed with potash for the purpose of enhancing the board's fire retardant quality. The result is the formation of a finished product with structural board attributes and an exceptionally high flash point in relation to other manufactured board products made from forest materials.
US07647955B2 Filler pipe assembly
In a filler pipe assembly, a holder member secured to an inner wall of a filler pipe is provided with an outer profile of a circular cross section substantially conforming to an inner peripheral wall of the filler pipe and an inner profile defining a bore of a circular cross section eccentric to the outer profile thereof. A relief valve is provided in a part of the holder member defined between the outer profile thereof and the bore owing to an eccentricity of the bore relative to the outer profile. Owing to the eccentric relationship between the outer profile and inner bore of the holder member, a space for a relief valve can be provided in the area where the distance between the inner wall of the bore and the outer profile is the greatest, and this allows the relief valve to be mounted without complicating the structure.
US07647940B2 Device and method for pneumatic valve control
An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.
US07647935B2 Radioactive material sequestration
A radioactive material sequestration system may include a radionuclide containment composition dispenser and a sorption based media container. The radionuclide containment composition dispenser may be configured for holding a radionuclide containment composition and be capable of dispensing the radionuclide containment composition to remove radionuclides from a radioactive material. The radionuclide containment composition is a mixture of a clay mineral and water. The sorption based media container may be configured for holding a sorption based media; receiving dispensed radionuclide containment composition; and sequestering the radionuclides. The radioactive material sequestration system may also include a probe.
US07647930B2 Fallopian tube occlusion devices and methods
Occlusion devices and methods for occluding fallopian tubes which take effect promptly after deployment. The occlusion device comprises an occluding element and a fixation element. In one embodiment, the occluding element is deployed within the fallopian tube and in another embodiment, the occluding element is external to the fallopian tube.
US07647925B2 Method and apparatus for humidification and warming of air
A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.
US07647924B2 System for supporting energy conversion modules
A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes a truss (68), a post (46) downwardly extending from the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) upwardly extending from the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). Multiple ganged piers (44) can be interconnected to increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22). Each of the torsion tubes (34) may have a flat surface (164) for ready alignment and attachment of solar panels (24) onto the torsion tubes (34).
US07647923B2 Automated barbeque safety mechanism
This invention is a safety mechanism that improves upon existing inventions in the field of barbeques and grills by minimizing grill fires and/or burning or overcooking of one's food. A barbeque includes a control panel that receives input from one or several thermocouples installed inside the grill. In the event of a grill fire, the thermocouples detect the high heat, send a signal to the control panel, that in turn activates a mechanical lift to move the barbecue's cooking-grid away from the flame.
US07647921B2 Submerging air pressure projectile launching system
A submerging air pressure projectile launching toy, suitable for use by children, includes a main device body, a launch structure connected to an upper end thereof to define an interior air chamber, and a projectile, all for use in water. The main device body has a hollow elongate member, defining a longitudinal axis, and a water intake, in fluid communication with the interior air chamber, at a lower end thereof, and the water intake opening is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The projectile is temporarily mountable via to the launch structure to semi-seal the interior air chamber. When the lower end of the main device body is pushed into a body of water, air within the interior air chamber is compressed until a frictional or other coupling force between the projectile and the launch structure is overcome, causing the projectile to launch into the air.
US07647920B2 Fuel vapor treatment system
A fuel vapor treatment system is mounted on a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Even when an internal combustion engine is stopped, a discharge of fuel vapor from a first canister to atmosphere can be detected. When the discharge of the fuel vapor from the first canister is detected, the internal combustion engine is started to perform a purge process. When it is detected that the purge process in the first canister is finished, the internal combustion engine is stopped to terminate the purge process.
US07647917B2 Engine for a vehicle and vehicle equipped with an engine
An engine for a vehicle, which is configured to enable a combustion stroke to occur in a plurality of cylinders substantially simultaneously, comprises a fuel pipe coupled to a fuel supply source for storing a fuel, a plurality of fuel injectors which are attached to the fuel pipe to respectively correspond to the plurality of cylinders and are configured to inject the fuel to their associated cylinders, and a damper chamber which is provided at the fuel pipe and has an inner space connected to an inner space of the fuel pipe.
US07647916B2 Engine with two port fuel injectors
A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder located in the engine, a first port injector for injecting a first fuel into said cylinder, and a second injector outside said cylinder for injecting a second fuel into said cylinder.
US07647914B2 Controlled port oxidation of direct injection spark ignition engines
A system and method for operating an engine is disclosed. The system and method includes performing multiple ignitions during a single engine cycle. According to one embodiment, a first ignition takes place during a first stroke in the cycle and a second ignition takes place during a second stroke in the cycle. The system and method may further include performing multiple injections during the engine cycle.
US07647912B2 Supporting structure and a supporting member for a camshaft
In a process of mounting a camshaft 20 to a supporting member 10, a shaft body 21 is firstly inserted into a first bearing hole 13F in the front side of the supporting member 10, before the shaft body 21 is axially moved toward the second bearing hole 13R. In order to get a cam lobe 22 through a concave bearing portion 13M in a semicircular arc shape, rotation of the camshaft 20 enables a cam nose 22b to be directed downward, which is opposite from the concave bearing portion 13M. This enables avoiding the interference between the cam nose 22b and the concave bearing portion 13M, even when the curvature radius of the concave bearing portion 13M is reduced. Consequently, reduction of the curvature radius of the concave bearing portion 13M achieves the downsizing of the supporting member 10.
US07647911B2 Small end con rod guidance piston
A connecting rod for a piston assembly includes first and second guidance members for guiding a piston assembly within a cylinder during piston stroke along a first axis. The guidance members are supported by first and second support ribs extending from a shaft of the connecting rod and include first and second sliding surfaces for contacting side walls of the cylinder. The connecting rod includes an attachment boss disposed at a first end of the shaft and defines a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first and second support ribs extend radially outwardly from the attachment boss and are spaced radially about the second axis by approximately 180 degrees.
US07647908B1 Methods and systems for remotely starting engines of vehicles with bi-directional control
A method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes the steps of assessing a state of charge of the vehicle battery, providing a first type of remote start request to the vehicle if the state of charge of the vehicle battery is greater than a predetermined threshold, and providing a second type of remote start request to the vehicle if the state of charge of the vehicle battery is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.
US07647905B2 Device for the variable setting of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
A device for the variable setting of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having an inner rotor (3) and an outer rotor (4), with one of the components being rotationally fixedly connected to the camshaft (2) and the other component being drive-connected to a crankshaft, the outer rotor (4) being rotatably mounted on the inner rotor (3) and, at least one hydraulic chamber (7), which is delimited by side walls (5, 6) and the inner rotor (3), is formed on the outer rotor (4), the inner rotor (3) comprises a hub part (3b) and at least one vane (3a), with a vane (3a) of the inner rotor (3) extending into each hydraulic chamber (7) and dividing the latter into two pressure chambers (10, 11) which act counter to one another. A groove (8) is formed on a face, which faces toward the other component, of the inner rotor (3) or of the outer rotor (4), in which groove (8) is arranged a sealing strip (9), and with a spring element (13) being arranged between a groove base (12) of the groove (8) and the sealing strip (9), which spring element (13) forces the sealing strip (9) in the direction of an opposing face of the other component with the spring element (13) simultaneously being designed as a sealing element.
US07647902B1 Poppet valve and engine using same
One embodiment of the present invention provides a poppet valve offering an increased valve area, comprising an outer valve head having an outer valve port and an inner valve head having an inner valve port. The inner valve head is rotatable relative to the outer valve head to align the inner and outer valve ports, thereby increasing the effective valve area of the poppet valve. The path created by aligning the inner and outer valve ports can be designed to mix air flowing through the poppet valve. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a valve guide containing a poppet valve having a guide pin, wherein the guide pin rests within a groove in the valve guide. As the poppet valve moves through the valve guide, the groove controls movement of the guide pin and causes the poppet valve to rotate relative to the valve guide.
US07647898B2 Boiler and low-NOx combustion method
To provide a boiler capable of realizing a reduction in O2, a reduction in NOx, and a reduction in CO. The present invention provides a boiler including: a premixed gas burner, and water tubes in close proximity to the premixed gas burner, characterized in that the premixed gas burner ejects a premixed gas toward the water tubes at a predetermined angle; and the boiler further includes a fuel supply portion capable of supplying at least one of a gas fuel and a premixed gas provided at a position on a downstream side of and spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the premixed gas burner.
US07647894B2 Treat holder for pets
A holder for dog chews and pet treats is provided, comprising a molded hollow body shape including a plurality of openings. Inserts may be included in the openings which may be of a lower durometer or thinner cross-section than the thickness of the body. Pet treats such as dog chews and the like may be inserted into the inserts to be frictionally retained therein for enjoyment by an animal.
US07647893B2 Corrugated cardboard assembly and method for making the same
A corrugated cardboard assembly having a plurality of adjacent sheets of corrugated cardboard arranged in a layered fashion to form a corrugated block. The adjacent sheets are not attached to one another using any adhesive. Instead, the block formed by the layered, adjacent sheets of corrugated cardboard is enveloped by a wrap-around carton that maintains the adjacent positioning of the sheets. The sheets, individually and collectively, include at least one opposing straight, narrow cut, opening, aperture, or “slit,” that is defined within them. The wrap-around carton includes interlocking portions of the carton in combination with a longitudinally extending slot that is formed by the slits that are defined within each of the adjacent sheets of corrugated cardboard. In this fashion, the block formed by the adjacent sheets is maintained without the use of extra glue or adhesive to maintain the structural integrity of the block of adjacent sheets.
US07647892B2 Animal or other object washing system and method
A method of washing an object using a pressurized water source includes combining a cleaning fluid and the pressurized water and diffusing pressurized air into the combined cleaning fluid and pressurized water. The combined cleaning fluid and pressurized water diffused with the pressurized air is applied to the object. The cleaning fluid may also be carbonated and combined with the pressurized water prior to diffusing pressurized air into this combined mixture. The object being washed may, for example, be an animal such as a dog.
US07647891B2 Method and apparatus for creating a pathway in an animal
A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. In addition to AI and embryo transplant, other applications for the pathway include other therapeutic, diagnostic or procedures, such as introducing fluoroscopic cameras, instruments, and drug delivery.
US07647882B2 Strip coating device
A strip coating device for coating of strips, particularly metal strips, has at least one application head for applying coating substances to the strip. The application head has at least one application roller that applies the coating substance to the strip, and having at least one supporting roller disposed on the side of the strip opposite the application head. The application head works on the strip either in a first functional position where the strip is supported by the supporting roller, or, in a second functional position outside of the supporting region of the supporting roller.
US07647879B2 Boat cover support pole
A support assembly for a boat cover includes a first support member having a first end disposed adjacent to the boat cover and a second end having an opening, a second support member having a first end telescopically received within the opening, and a biasing element disposed between the first end of the second support member and the first end of the first support member. The biasing element biases the first support member away from the second support member and into engagement with the boat cover.
US07647877B2 Thread take-up lever for a sewing machine
A thread take-up lever for a sewing machine is mounted on the sewing machine and can prevent a thread from disengaging from a thread-receiving portion. The thread take-up lever is disposed with a C-shaped thread-receiving portion having an open recess. Adjacent to the open recess is provided at least one positioning portion for fixing a thread-stopping member. One end of the thread-stopping member is fixed to the positioning portion, and an elastic stopping portion extends from the other end of the thread-stopping member. The stopping portion is formed with a free end abutted against an inner periphery of the open recess. The free end can be pushed away by the thread, and then the free end will automatically return to its original position immediately to abut against the open recess again, thus forming a structure to prevent the thread from disengaging from the thread-receiving portion.
US07647874B2 Energy and steel recovery system
An energy and steel recovery system has a suspension column and a plurality of suspension burners operably disposed therein wherein the burners are laterally spaced from one another along the length of thereof. The suspension column includes a mechanism for receiving tires onto one of the burners and feeding the tired to an adjacent downwardly disposed burner to further combust the same. A first conduit includes a first end communicably connected to the suspension column and a second end communicably connected to a boiler wherein air flow passes from the boiler to the suspension column. A second conduit includes a first end communicably connected to the suspension column and a second end communicably connected to the boiler wherein air flow passes from the suspension column to the return air flow path of the boiler. The system includes a mechanism for removing residual waste materials from the suspension column.
US07647870B2 Electromagnetic launch system
An electromagnetic launch system including an electrothermal launcher, an inductive power supply (IPS), including a DC source (Vb) and a storage inductor (L), and an opening switch (OS), wherein at least a portion of at least one of the IPS and the OS is integrated in a projectile.
US07647868B2 Method for feeding a printing forme to a forme cylinder of a printing press
A printing plate is produced having at least one edge which has been cut so that it is parallel to a line of delimitation of the type area of the plate. The printing plate is fed to an impression cylinder of a printing press, in an axial direction of the impression cylinder by use of a plate feeding and alignment device. During the process of feeding the printing plate to the impression cylinder, the at least one edge of the plate, which was cut parallel to the type line of determination, is guided against at least one stop.
US07647865B2 System for heating and extraction of food products in automatic dispensing machines
System for the heating and extraction of food products in automatic dispensing machines, for use in automatic dispensing machines for food products conserved on cold trays until their consumption and which also have means of heating the products based on a microwave oven, in such a manner that the system comprises means of handling the products in their heating and extraction phase, said means of handling being connected by a hatch (7) with a cubicle (4) for the housing of some storage trays (5) for the products.
US07647864B2 Piston for hydraulic clutch
A piston includes a piston main body and a seal ring. The seal ring has a metal ring including a fitting tube portion fitted to a cylinder portion of the piston main body and a flange portion extending radially to axially oppose a pressure receiving portion of the piston main body, and a rubber-like seal main body provided on the metal ring. The seal main body has a first seal lip contacting an inner surface of a clutch cylinder, a second seal lip extending from an end of the flange portion to contact the pressure receiving portion, and an axial direction compression seal portion provided on the flange portion and compressed toward the pressure receiving portion.
US07647857B2 Electro magnetic restraint mechanism
A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.
US07647855B2 Electrically-operated chuck opening-closing device
An electrically-operated chuck opening-closing device includes a chuck that grasps workpiece, a conversion device with a control gear provided to the outer circumference, a drawbar that couples the conversion device and the chuck, a transmission gear provided to a main spindle, a second rotary shaft rotatably pivoted to be parallel to the main spindle, a first gear and a second gear rotatably provided on the second rotary shaft, an auxiliary motor that drives the first gear, a first clutch that can couple and decouple the auxiliary motor and the second rotary shaft, and a second clutch that can couple and decouple the second rotary shaft and the second gear.
US07647853B2 Metal cutting apparatus and method for damping feed-back vibrations generated thereby
Feed back vibrations of a metallic tool generated during the machining of metallic workpieces are damped by detecting an oscillatory motion of the tool, identifying a frequency of the oscillatory motion and generating a mechanical camping force having the same frequency as the oscillatory motion and applied to the tool in counter-direction to a velocity of the oscillatory motion. The damping force can be of constant amplitude or gradually decreasing amplitude.
US07647852B1 Ratchet screwdriver and connection arrangement
A ratchet screwdriver having an handle (10) and two pivotal pawls (26, 27) and a selector (51) rotatable relative to the handle for actuation of the pawls relative to a gear (18). The selector and gear are axially connected together and are arranged to be disassembled as a sub-assembly from the remainder of the screwdriver for cleaning the screwdriver. The pawls are mounted to pivot in parallel planes and on opposite sides of a radial plane extending along a longitudinal axis of the screwdriver, and they have V-shaped teeth for gear engagement. There is permanent indicia on the screwdriver showing four settings for the screwdriver, including a cleaning setting.
US07647851B2 Propulsion power transmission device with a hydrodynamic reverse clutch
The invention relates to a propulsion power transmission device having a first interface (1) and a second interface (2). According to the invention, a hydrodynamic clutch is mounted in the driving connection between the first interface and the second interface and a first gear train (4) and a second gear train (5) are mounted parallel to each other in the driving connection, in series with the hydrodynamic clutch, the second gear train (5) causing a reversal in the direction of rotation in relation to the first gear train (4) at one of the two interfaces (1, 2). The propulsion power transmission device of the invention is characterized by the following features: the hydrodynamic clutch has two separate working chambers (3.1, 3.2), which can be independently filled with and drained of a working medium in order to transfer torque from one bladed primary wheel (3.3, 3.4) to at least one bladed secondary wheel (3.5) of the hydrodynamic clutch (3), with the blades of the primary wheels and of the at least one secondary wheel being arranged opposite each other; the first gear train and the second gear train (5) are respectively continuously connected to the first primary wheel (3.1)1 and the second primary wheel (3.2)2 in a driving manner; and both gear trains (4, 5) are continuously connected to one of the two interfaces (1, 2) in a driving manner.
US07647850B2 Starter motor casing
A starter assembly has a starter motor with a center casing. A front housing is attached to the center casing and the front housing is adapted to attach the starter assembly to the vehicle. The center casing includes a pilot ring which mates with a groove in the front housing to define a serpentine path between the inside and outside of the starter assembly. The pilot ring is formed at the inside diameter of the center housing to define a dam which prohibits contaminants from entering the center housing.
US07647849B2 Starter with intermediate gear
A starter 1 with an intermediate gear is disclosed having a housing 12 formed with first and second bearing portions 17, 18 between which an intermediate shaft 5 is supported. The second bearing portion 18 has a mounting aperture 22 to which a retainer 13 is inserted. The retainer 13 includes a screw having a distal end, formed with a male threaded portion 13a, and an engagement portion 13c formed between a head portion 13b and the male threaded portion 13a. The intermediate shaft has one end formed with a cutout surface 5a. With the intermediate shaft 5 having both ends supported by the first and second bearing portions 17, 18, the engagement portion 13c of the retainer 13 is inserted to the mounting aperture 22 into abutting engagement with the cutout surface 5a to retain the intermediate shaft 5 in a fixed place.
US07647845B2 Method and device for determining the web tension or the web tensile force in a printing substrate web
A device and method for determining the web tension or the web tensile force in a printing substrate web is disclosed. A device is arranged at a first position along a transport path of the printing substrate web, which device supplies a signal to deduce the web tension in effect at the first position or the web tensile force in effect at the first position. A device arithmetically determines the web tension in effect or the web tensile force in effect at the second position from the web tension in effect at the first position or from the web tensile force in effect at the first position as well as from forces, which at least one driven roller and/or at least one trailing roller, which is/are arranged along the transport path of the printing substrate web between the first position and the second position, introduce to the printing substrate web.
US07647843B2 Universal sensor controller for a thermal anemometer
A flow switch uses an analog-to-digital converter combined with a multiplexer to measure voltages at one or more points of a measurement circuit and an algorithm within a microcontroller to calculate flow velocity. The measurement circuit has at least one sensor in the fluid stream. The sensor is heated by passing an electric current through the sensor. A second optional upstream sensor is not heated and is at the fluid temperature. The microcontroller then uses the voltage measurements with calibration information and equations based on the desired mode of operation to calculate the flow velocity.
US07647839B2 Installation and method for testing system of loads of a sample using a packer
A unit dedicated to mechanically loading a tubular sample. At least one packer is housed in a sample at a test zone, having a longitudinal extension greater than that of the test zone and including i) a first pressure mechanism to cause local variation in the diameter of at least a first portion of the packer so as to apply the packer against an internal surface of the sample at the test zone, ii) a second pressure mechanism exerting a first selected internal pressure over a portion of the internal surface located at a second portion of the packer, and/or iii) a third pressure mechanism to cooperate with at least one plug member attached to the sample at a distance from one end of the packer to define a zone of action, to exert on the sample a second selected internal pressure at the zone of action.
US07647836B2 Hermetic chamber with electrical feedthroughs
A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.
US07647834B2 Pressure sensor disconnect detection for a blood treatment device
A system is disclosed for detecting an electrical sensor, the system includes a sensor signal processing circuit further comprising an input port to receive a connector including the output signal lines of the sensor, a resistor connected to the output signal line of said input port, wherein the resistor is connected to a predetermined voltage; a sensor circuit having a connector adapted to connect to the connector, wherein the sensor circuit has a resistance substantially less than the pull-resistor, and the sensor signal processing circuit detects an unconnected sensor based on the voltage applied by the resistor.
US07647833B1 Filled dielectric on metal pressure sensor
A pressure sensing apparatus (1) includes an elastically deformable pressure-sensitive diaphragm assembly (13) having a pressure-sensitive metal or metal alloy diaphragm (14). A functional filled dielectric layer (25) is on the diaphragm and includes a base dielectric material and at least one CTE raising filler. A CTE of the functional filled dielectric layer provides a CTE @ 800° C.≧8 ppm/° C., such as ≧10 ppm/° C. A plurality of piezoresistive elements (27) are on the functional filled dielectric layer (25).
US07647830B2 Method and apparatus for the detection of objects under a light obstructing barrier
A method for visualizing objects under light obstructing barriers of a target, the method including emitting an ultrasound wave and a laser wave towards a target, detecting a reflected laser wave is detected by optical means, analyzing the optical signal at the ultrasound frequency with demodulation means, generating ultrasonic image characteristics of the interaction of the ultrasound with the different layers of the target, and generating an optical image of the target obtained using optical imaging, wherein the ultrasonic image is fused with the optical image and the fused image is displayed on a display device.
US07647829B2 Steam generator nondestructive examination method
A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube.
US07647824B2 System and method for estimating formation supercharge pressure
A method of estimating a formation pressure in a wellbore is provided that in one aspect includes measuring a hydrostatic pressure at a selected location in the wellbore, and estimating supercharge pressure as a function of time using a forward model that utilizes the hydrostatic pressure and at least one property of mud in the wellbore that is a function of time. In another aspect, the method may estimate an initial formation pressure at a selected location in a wellbore by obtaining a hydrostatic pressure and at least three formation pressure measurements at three separate times at the selected location, and estimating the initial formation pressure using the hydrostatic pressure, the three pressure measurements and an internal mudcake parameter.
US07647823B2 Sensor for an engine manifold with shielded sensing component
A sensor for an engine manifold is provided that includes a sensing component positioned within the engine manifold and responsive to a condition, such as temperature or pressure, within the engine manifold. The sensor includes a shield partially surrounding the sensing component upstream of the sensing component in flow within the manifold, which includes exhaust gases and manifold intake air. The shield does not surround a downstream side of the sensing component. The shield minimizes contamination of the sensing component by contaminants within the exhaust gases or manifold intake air, without compromising responsiveness of the sensing component to changes in the sensed condition, as the sensing component is still directly open to the manifold air (i.e., the exhaust gases and intake air).
US07647813B2 Hydrogen sensor
A hydrogen sensor (100) with instant response that uses one or more quartz tuning forks (101, 102) while no chemical reactions or other material modifications are involved. Sensor (100) can be used in any application to measure percent range of hydrogen concentrations.
US07647812B2 Apparatus, system, and method for low cost high resolution chemical detection
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for low cost high resolution chemical detection. The apparatus includes two outer sealing bodies with flow channels etched into the bodies. Two gas chromatography (GC) columns are between the outer bodies, with a valve that switches flow regimes from series flow through the two GC columns to sample flowing directly to each GC column. The flow regimes are achieved with a single pump or dual pumps, and with one to three flow restrictions. The apparatus includes a preconcentration tube for concentrating chemicals of interest from the sample, and a sample switching valve and sampling pump to switch the sample flow from concentrating sample to delivering concentrated sample. The apparatus includes an engineered leak to equalize flow between a sample channel and a detector circuit. The sample channels may have impermeable inserts allowing the apparatus to measure chemicals in the parts-per-billion range.
US07647811B2 Solid particle counting system with valve to allow reduction of pressure pulse at particle counter when vacuum pump is started
A solid particle counting system for measuring solid particle number concentrations from engine or vehicle exhausts in real-time includes a diluter arrangement, a particle counter, and a flow splitter. The diluter arrangement mixes the dilution gas with flowing sample gases. The flow splitter receives the output flow from the diluter arrangement, provides a portion of this flow to the particle counter, and provides a by-pass flow that is received by a vacuum pump. A second flow route to the particle counter includes a valve arranged such that opening the valve during the starting of the vacuum pump reduces a pressure pulse at the particle counter caused by the starting of the vacuum pump, thereby avoiding work fluid backflow from the particle counter prior to the vacuum pump stabilizing.
US07647809B1 Approach for indicating the occurrence of a mechanical impact on a material, such as a low-ductility composite material
A method of indicating the presence of mechanical impact is used with a low-ductility material, such as a composite material, having a tensile elongation to failure of less than about 2 percent. The method includes preparing an indicator paint having an impact-sensitive component that produces a visible change when subjected to a mechanical impact, applying the indicator paint to the surface of the low-ductility material, placing the low-ductility material having the indicator paint thereon into circumstances where it may be subject to the mechanical impact, and thereafter inspecting the low-ductility material having the indicator paint thereon for the presence of the visible change. The method may be used to establish design criteria for the low-ductility material by establishing an impact-effect threshold value from the step of inspecting, and determining a design limit for the low-ductility material responsive to the impact-effect threshold value. One result of the using the present approach is to reduce the structural weight by reducing the barely visible impact damage design factor.
US07647807B2 In-line torque transducer unit
A torque transducer unit for in-line calibration measurement of the output torque of a power wrench (S) includes a torque transferring spindle provided with a torque sensing device, two constant velocity universal joints, for instance Rzeppa-type couplings, and two coupling members for connecting the spindle at one end to the output shaft of a power wrench (S) and at the opposite end to a test joint. The spindle and the torque sensing device are protected from bending and friction related forces by the universal joints such that occurring misalignments between the power wrench (S) and the test joint do not jeopardize an accurate and reliable torque measurement.
US07647801B2 Shot, devices, and installations for ultrasonic peening, and parts treated thereby
A system for ultrasonically peeing surfaces includes a sonotrode comprising a body material and a vibrating surface, the vibrating surface coated with a coating material having a hardness greater than the body material, a treatment chamber defined at least in part by the vibrating surface, and at least one piece of shot within the treatment chamber to be excited by the vibrating surface of the sonotrode, the at least one piece of shot having a hardness greater than or equal to 800 HV.
US07647797B1 Programmable electronic lock
A programmable electronic lock with a closing tongue is actuated with an actuating mechanism formed by a mobile knob acting as a button joined to the closing tongue. Actuation of the mobile knob generates a movement of the closing tongue and closure of the lock. Recovery of the mobile knob to its initial position generates an opening of the lock. Furthermore, an electronics board is activated with a transponder key and controls operation of the lock by deactivating and subsequently activating a blocking mechanism formed by a motor that actuates a punch via a gear mechanism. When the punch is in a blocking position it is located against the actuating mechanism. When the punch is in an unblocking position, it is separated from the actuating mechanism and allows the movement of the closing tongue by unblocking the actuating mechanism.
US07647793B2 Device for knitting reverse and face stitches on a common needle bed
The invention concerns a device comprising multiple parallel guide grooves (4) each of which receives a composite twin needle (1, 2) including two laterally open hooks (5, 6), arranged respectively through the first ends of two flat rods, one of which (1a-1c), is adjacent the base of the guide groove (4) and the other (2a-2c) is adjacent to the inner rod (1a-1c), means (10, 11) to cause the second end of said rods (1a-1c, 2a-2c) to be engaged with means controlling the knitting (12-15) of a face stitch, respectively, of a reverse stitch, the terminal edge of the rod (2a-2c) forming a gliding ramp (7). Each twin needle (1, 2) is associated with two adjacent jacks (18, 19), one (18) for forming a loop, alternately for retaining a stitch and the other (19) for releasing said loop.
US07647791B2 Composite mold for molding glass lens
A composite mold includes a mold base, a protective film provided on the mold base, and a water-cooling heat dissipation system disposed within the mold base. Wherein, the protective film is comprised of with a plurality of RexIry layers and a plurality of SiC layers, the RexIry layers and the SiC layers are alternatively stacked one on another, x is in the range from 0.25 to 0.55, and y is in the range from 0.45 to 0.75. Alternatively, the protective film is comprised of an RexIry layer, a catalyst layer and a carbon nanotube layer in that order, x is in the range from 0.25 to 0.55, and y is in the range from 0.45 to 0.75.
US07647790B2 Injection system and method for refrigeration system compressor
A refrigeration system can incorporate a cooling-liquid injection system that can inject a cooling liquid into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor. The cooling liquid can absorb the heat of compression during the compression of the refrigerant flowing therethrough. The refrigeration system can include an economizer system that injects a refrigerant vapor into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor in conjunction with the injection of the cooling liquid. A refrigeration system can include a liquid-refrigerant injection system that can inject liquid refrigerant into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor. The injected liquid refrigerant can reduce the discharge temperature of the refrigerant. The liquid-refrigerant injection system can be used with the cooling-liquid injection system and/or the economizer system.
US07647788B2 Temperature management apparatus and power supply
A temperature management apparatus for managing the temperature of cells 11, which includes an air intake duct 1, a fan unit 3, a first temperature detector (temperature sensors 25, a temperature detecting part 23) for detecting temperature Tb of the cells 11, a second temperature detector (a temperature sensor 26, a temperature detecting part 23) for detecting ambient temperature Ta, and a control device 20. The fan unit 3 has a fan 4 and a motor 5. The control device 20 has a storage part 22 and a deciding part 21. The storage part 22 stores a cooling-necessitating temperature Tc and a heating-necessitating temperature Th. The deciding part 21 directs the fan unit 3 to drive the fan 4 in a case where the temperature Tb of the cells becomes equal to or higher than both the temperature Ta of the air and the cooling-necessitating temperature Tc, or in a case where the temperature Tb of the cells becomes equal to or lower than both the temperature Ta of the air and the heating-necessitating temperature Th.
US07647787B2 Upgradeable, modular data center cooling apparatus
A data center is configured using alternating rows of racks containing heat-generating electronic devices and air conditioners. Fluid, such as water or a refrigerant, for the air conditioners is supplied through pluming below a raised floor, such as those commonly found in current data centers. Attached to this plumbing are standard fluid couplings configured to couple to either air conditioners or liquid cooling units. These air conditioners and liquid cooling units use the same fluid so that they may share the plumbing. As data center migrates to liquid-cooled racks, a fraction of the air conditioners are replaced with liquid conditioning units in such a way that the data center contains both air-cooled and liquid-cooled racks without substantial reduction in efficiency of the air-cooling system. Since the air conditioners and liquid conditioning units use the same couplings and the same fluid, no infrastructure change is required.
US07647784B2 Refrigeration device and method for detecting refrigerant amount of refrigeration device
An air conditioner includes a main refrigerant circuit and a liquid level detection circuit. The main refrigerant circuit includes a compressor that compresses gas refrigerant, a heat source side heat exchanger, a receiver that stores liquid refrigerant, and user side heat exchangers. The liquid level detection circuit is arranged so as to be capable of drawing out a portion of the refrigerant in the receiver from a first predetermined position of the receiver, reducing the pressure of the refrigerant and heating it, measuring the temperature of the refrigerant, and then returning the refrigerant to the intake side of the compressor, in order to detect whether the liquid level in the receiver is at the first predetermined position.
US07647781B2 Loss reduction device for the production of ice cream
A device for reducing losses relating to the start-up of an industrial production line for ice cream provided with a traditional freezer. The invention relates to a device enabling the tubing used to convey the ice cream from the freezer to the dosing machine. Said device comprises a protector disposed around said tubing and a refrigerating fluid which can circulate therewithin with the aid of a pump which is actuated by a control.
US07647779B2 Compliant metal support for ceramic combustor liner in a gas turbine engine
A combustion system for an engine, such as a gas turbine engine is provided. The combustion system has a ceramic component, such as ceramic combustor liner, and at least one metal support component, such as a metal ring or a plurality of metal cones, for providing radial and axial support to the ceramic component. The at least one metal support component includes a structure, such as axial slots or radial slots, for minimizing stress and for increasing compliance of the metal support component with respect to the ceramic component.
US07647774B2 Cryogenic cogeneration system
A cryogenic and thermal source cogeneration method for converting energy from a heat source, through a cryogenic heat transfer process, into mechanical and/or electrical energy, comprising, utilizing a vapor compression cycle (2) to absorb heat from the heat source and, utilizing a Rankine cycle (4) for energy transfer, for converting thermal energy to mechanical and/or electrical energy.
US07647773B1 Ground source heat pump well field design and control strategy for large tonnage
The present invention features geothermal systems that use of a well field open loop scheme by interconnecting the well field through a system of mains and controlled branches, the latter composed of multiple (2-5) wells. The proposed design lends itself to the use of modular well field kits that minimize installation cost, insures equal return water distribution to the active wells, creates standardization and insures best practices. The benefits of individual branch control include the ability to serve the building load in staged delivery, thereby minimizing well field parasitic load, and maximizing the time available for well field thermal relaxation and availability.
US07647770B2 Hydraulically driven working vehicle and hydraulic transaxle
In a hydraulic four-wheel drive vehicle, a rear transaxle incorporates a hydraulic motor for driving rear wheels, a front transaxle incorporates a hydraulic motor for driving front wheels, and hydraulic pressure fluid pipes interposed between the front and rear transaxles are extended along at least one of left and right side plates of a frame of the vehicle.
US07647768B1 Torque converter transmission
An automatic transmission consisting of a housing to support multiple torque converters in series with each other. The housing is used to align the converters, direct the output of the first converter to the second and so on. The housing also provides paths for the fluid to enter and leave the converter and to operate the lock-up feature of each converter. The output of each torque converter turbine is fed to the next torque converter so that the next converter can further act on the ratio as needed until the final output is fed to a gear set to provide a reverse gear or locking mechanism.
US07647765B2 Secondary airflow system for engine exhaust emission diagnostics
In one example, a system for an engine having an intake system and an exhaust system is described. The system comprises: an airflow sensor coupled to the intake system; an air pump having at least an inlet side and an outlet side, said inlet side having a first coupling to the intake system downstream of said airflow sensor, said outlet side having a second coupling to the exhaust system; and a controller coupled to the engine, said controller, during operation, identifying whether degradation has occurred to at least one of said first and second couplings, and providing an indication of said identified degradation. Various other examples are also disclosed.
US07647758B1 Device for reducing debris accumulation in a rotary cutterhead
A scraper device for connection to the knife connector in a rotary cutterhead and for rotation therewith that prevents debris from accumulating in the space between the knife and the cutterhead housing and which also dislodges accumulated debris from areas adjacent to the space between the knife and the cutterhead housing.
US07647747B2 Heat sealer
A heat sealer including: a base bar equipped with a heater on a receiving section; and a pressure bonding lever facing the receiving section and capable of pressing and holding a sealing portion of a resin made sealing preform to accommodate contents therein from both sides, and the sealing portion of the resin made sealing preform placed on the receiving section and pressed by the pressure bonding lever to the receiving section side to hold the sealing portion between the receiving section and the pressure bonding lever, and current-heated and weld-sealed, wherein the base bar includes: a recording medium supplier supplying a recording medium from which specific information can be read to a predetermined position; and a recording medium transport machine transporting the recording media having been supplied to the predetermined position one at a time to the sealing portion, whereby the recording medium is sealable integrally with the sealing preform in a single piece.
US07647745B2 Adjustable transmission channel for a medication dispensing apparatus
At least one movable interlocking sidewall structure provides alteration of the physical dimensions for a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical temporary storage cavity and/or transmission channel. Preferably a plurality of interlocking sidewall structures are simultaneously adjusted so that an array of cavities and/or transmission channels may have their physical dimensions simultaneously altered by the mechanical action of a drive member. Advantageously the adjustment of the structure provides a more suitable space within which a solid pharmaceutical or nutraceutical product may be temporarily stored or transferred.
US07647744B2 Acoustic isolator clip for isolating wallboard support channels from frame member
A clip for use in acoustically isolating a wallboard support channel from a frame member, the support channel having at least one mounting point, includes a first portion positionable between a first surface of the channel and the frame member, a second portion positionable in contact with a second, opposite surface of the channel, and a bracket connecting said first and second portions. The first and second portions and the bracket each have at least one fastener opening in registry with corresponding openings on the other of the first and second portions such that a fastener passing through the openings and the mounting point is acoustically isolated from the bracket and from the channel.
US07647743B2 Method of making floor panels with edge connectors
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07647741B2 Floor panels with edge connectors
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07647739B2 Suspended ceiling construction and retaining clip therefor
A suspended ceiling construction includes fill-in panels, diffusers and/or light fixtures which are retained in their openings by spring clips that have been pre-attached to the ceiling grid frame members. The clips bear against edges of the panels to keep them in place normally, but they can be deflected out of the way by pushing up on the panels when necessary. As the tips of the clips contact the frame members during deflection, they provide increasing resistance to further deflection.
US07647736B2 I beam protector
A protective device for use in protecting an end of an I beam, the protective device comprising a front element having a front, a rear and a pair of sides, the sides being formed of first and second side walls which taper inwardly from the rear to form a narrow front surface, and an element for securing the front element to the end of the I beam.
US07647732B2 Decorative slab corner fastener
A device for releasably fastening up to four adjacent slab corners to a support wall or ceiling. The device is positioned at a common point of adjacency of a number of slabs. A locking disk having a quadrant notch is rotatively mounted orthogonally to the surface of the slabs, and engages or disengages slots cap in the thickness of the slabs according to the angular orientation of the disk. The device is capped by a decorative rosette having an appendage projecting loop bracket shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a bud vase. The device is particularly indicated for fastening slabs used to cover adjacent funerary crypts.
US07647731B2 Prefabricated modular building
A prefabricated building module includes a rectangular floor structure, three walls and a trussed roof structure enclosing a ceiling space with two end walls pivoted about the short sides of the floor structure, the third wall pivoted at its lower end to a long side of the floor structure and the roof structure pivoted at the upper end of said side wall such that said walls and roof structure fold onto the floor structure to form a flat pack with the same footprint as the floor structure. The roof structure comprises a ceiling and upright roof trusses pivoted to the ceiling which fold down within the plan of the roof and the walls have provision for doors and windows.
US07647730B1 Roof edging system
A roof edging system for providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing appearance of a periphery of a building roof is provided. The system includes a rail positioned about an upper perimeter of a building. The rail is also constructed to sealingly engage a roofing membrane placed about the roof that is free of perforations. A cover or fascia engages the rail and is secured to the rail without fasteners. Such a construction provides a roof edging system, which can be quickly secured to a building and provides an exterior surface.
US07647729B2 Sliding door system
A sliding door system includes a sliding door having an upper roller assembly disposed atop a portion of the door's frame, a lower wheel assembly disposed at a bottom portion of the frame, a channeled upper track, a lower track having at least one convex longitudinal rail configured to receive the lower wheel assembly, and one or more optional panel divider strips. The lower wheel assembly includes a vertical spine having a transverse shaft coupled to a bottom portion thereof, a lower wheel that has a concave contact surface and is rotatably coupled to the transverse shaft, and a transverse latch member disposed vertically below the lower wheel to slidably latch the lower wheel assembly to the lower track as the lower wheel rotates matingly on the convex longitudinal rail.
US07647728B2 Sliding doors with cam guides for coplanar closing, particularly for pieces of furniture or similars
Sliding doors, e.g., for pieces of furniture, particularly of the kind with two shutters and reduced height, having coplanar closing and opening by overlapping of the shutters. Support and translation of each shutter is provided by a respective clamp placed on the edge of the outer side, the clamp being linked to a pair of little carriages that can slide transversally with respect to the same shutter, because they are supported and guided by a respective carriage, which in turn can slide longitudinally along the edge of an opening, the respective carriage being led by a rail and control tracks, and engaged by a loose roller that constrains the respective carriage into a couple of longitudinal cams or grooves.
US07647726B2 Cover for plant growing medium
The present invention relates to a device for covering a plant growing medium. The device includes a sheet that defines an aperture. One or more protrusions extends from the sheet to engage a top surface of the plant growing medium. A wall is integrally attached to each edge of the sheet. Each wall has a series of ridges.
US07647720B1 Bore-sight alignment device
An alignment mount is provided for adjusting elevation and azimuth between first and second axes for two respective devices attached thereto. The axes are substantially parallel to an axial direction and substantially perpendicular to lateral and vertical directions. These directions form a pitch plane by said axial and vertical directions, a yaw plane by said axial and lateral directions and a roll plane by said lateral and vertical directions. The mount is detachably disposable to first and second devices corresponding to the first and second axes. The mount includes first and second platforms respectively attachable to the first and second devices, an elevation block, an elevation screw, an elevation cam, an azimuth screw and an azimuth cam. The first platform includes a first slot that extends substantially in the yaw plane. The second platform includes a first bore and a first channel extending in tandem substantially in the axial direction. The elevation screw is rotatable within the first bore in the roll plane. The elevation block is insertable into the first channel and includes a second bore, a second channel and a second slot. The second bore and the second channel extend substantially in the axial direction. The azimuth screw is rotatable within the second bore in the roll plane. The second slot extends substantially in the pitch plane. The elevation cam translates within said first channel to engage with the second slot to rotate one end of the elevation block in the pitch plane in response to turning of the elevation screw. The elevation block and first platform can be pinned together at an opposite end to the first end. The first platform can include a Picatinny rail.
US07647719B2 Gunstocks and adapters
The present invention is a replacement gunstock assembly for rifles. The assembly comprises a stock body with a uniform mounting structure and one of a series of adapters made to accept the mounting structure and then mount, in turn, on a given rifle platform. Also disclosed is attachment structure for holding the stock body and adapter together, specifically a pair of plates and a set of bores in the modules through which a pair of bolts pass and other interfacing surface geometry.
US07647716B2 Liquid motion lamp point of sale display
A point of sale display combines clear shelves with a visually attractive and attention holding liquid motion lamp background. The liquid motion lamp combines motion to attract the attention of shoppers with an ever changing display of color and light to hold the shopper's attention. The rising and descending patterns are unique and random and thereby hold the shopper's attention for long periods of time obtaining valuable exposure of products displayed on the shelves.
US07647715B2 Image-holder article usable as postcard
An image-holder article usable as postcard, that can be sent by mail but that can also be used to display the image incorporated therein, and mailable in standard ways is effectively usable as postcard, allows display of the image on a surface that remains flat, comprising: a first flat sheet-like support (2), with an image being reproduced thereon, comprising side flaps (3) delimited by the edge thereof and by fold lines (5), so that said flaps are foldable and may adopt a folded configuration with respect to the first sheet-like support and an extended configuration, forming an uniform plane with the first sheet-like support; a second flat sheet-like support (6) made of a substantially flexible material, so as to be reversibly flexed assuming a cambered position, and having an extension such that, if inserted between said flaps (3) in a folded configuration with its edges resting on said fold lines, it adopts said cambered position and determines, in cooperation with said first sheet-like support (2), a resting base allowing the display of said image.
US07647710B2 Shoe sole structures
Footwear, particularly athletic shoes, that has a sole structure copying support, stability and cushioning structures of the human foot. Still more particularly, this invention relates to the use of the shoe upper portion to envelop one or more portions of the shoe midsole in combination with portions of the shoe sole having at least one concavely rounded portion of the sole outer surface, relative to a portion of the shoe sole located adjacent to the concavely rounded outer surface portion, and at least one convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, relative to a portion of the midsole component located adjacent to the convexly rounded portion of the inner surface of the midsole component, all as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the shoe sole is upright and in an unloaded condition.
US07647709B2 Footwear with a shank system
An aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole's sidewall.
US07647708B2 Manufacturing methods for producing particleboard, OSB, MDF and similar board products
Methods and apparatus for manufacturing particleboard (PB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and board products and the like employ density control for producing a board product having a desired configuration.
US07647707B2 Template and method to prepare various fabrics to receive a decorative edging
A template designed to prepare various fabrics for the attachment of a decorative crocheted edge. The transparent triangular shaped template contains holes at equally spaced intervals with uniform distance from the edge of the template. The corner of the template has been designed with a radial edge for use as a pattern to cut fabric. This is done with a rotary cutter. An awl is inserted into each hole of the template piercing the fabric leaving it with exposed holes to affix the decorative crocheted edge. A marking instrument can be inserted into the holes to mark a consistent layout on the fabric for future piercing. Further, the template can be used for squaring and trimming the fabric prior to the piercing process.
US07647704B2 Handle with removable disposable surgical blade
A surgical blade includes a handle with a recess sized to receive the proximal end of a blade assembly. The recess includes a notch as well as opposed facing distal ridges designed to engage elevated surfaces in the blade assembly to maintain the blade assembly and handle assembled. The blade assembly includes a blade portion and a fitting having a protrusion sized to be received in the proximal notch of the recess in the handle when the blade portion is assembled to the handle. The fitting also includes side faces having opposed elevated surfaces obliquely disposed so that they are engaged by the distal ridges within the handle recess. The fitting also includes an upwardly extending catch that engages a distal surface on the handle to assist in locking the blade assembly to the handle. The recess of the handle includes inner tapered surfaces. The side faces of the fitting are tapered to the same degree so that as the fitting is pushed upwardly within the recess, the side faces of the fitting engage the lateral inner surfaces of the recess to provide an interference fit therebetween. A blade removal system permits the blade assembly to be removed from the handle without any danger of cutting or puncturing the fingers or hands of the surgeon. The system includes a container having a removable lid, with the lid having an opening leading to a short passageway receiving the blade assembly. The blade assembly may be inserted into the recess until the fitting engages within a rectangular opening therein. In that orientation, the handle may be pivoted to unlock the blade assembly from the handle.
US07647695B2 Method of matching harnesses of conductors with apertures in connectors
An OCR system for matching wire harnesses and connectors facilitates precise registration of wire number strings, uses geometric modeling for character recognition, and restricts searches by region and character to ensure speed and accuracy. A string location algorithm is used to search for and identify the location of the beginning of a wire number string. The horizontal edges of the wire in the image are located, a diameter of the wire is determined, light intensity is confirmed, and the first character is found. The resulting coordinate is used by the algorithm for character definition. Geometric shapes are used for identification in order to overcome twisted wires, poorly printed markings, ink color variations, and contacting characters.
US07647690B2 Manufacturing method of bearing member and manufacturing method of sleeve unit
A sleeve housing for a motor includes a bearing member, which includes a cylindrical portion and a collar portion and is formed by press working or by forging. The bearing member is retained by a retaining portion which is a portion of a cutting tool and which relatively rotates with respect to the cutting tool in a concentric manner with a predetermined rotation axis in order to execute a cutting process on a lower portion of the collar portion with reference to an upper portion thereof, so as to effectively form the sleeve housing with very high precision.
US07647689B2 Method of manufacturing stator of rotating electric machine
A method of manufacturing a stator of a rotating electric machine includes a conductor end shaping process for shaping multiple lead wires aligned side by side in a single layer into a specific form in a plane in which the lead wires are initially aligned before a flat-patterned winding assembly configured by aligning multiple line conductors side by side and shaping the line conductors in spiral form is fitted into multiple slots formed in a flat stator core plate. The shaping process includes the steps of shaping the lead wires into bent form by using a stairstep conductor shaping jig under conditions where the lead wires are separated from one another along a direction generally perpendicular to the plane in which the lead wires are initially aligned, and causing the lead wires to return to positions in the initial alignment plane thereof by removing the stairstep conductor shaping jig.
US07647688B1 Method of fabricating a low frequency quartz resonator
A method for fabricating a low frequency quartz resonator includes metalizing a top-side of a quartz wafer with a metal etch stop, depositing a first metal layer over the metal etch stop, patterning the first metal layer to form a top electrode, bonding the quartz wafer to a silicon handle, thinning the quartz wafer to a desired thickness, depositing on a bottom-side of the quartz wafer a hard etch mask, etching the quartz wafer to form a quartz area for the resonator and to form a via through the quartz wafer, removing the hard etch mask without removing the metal etch stop, forming on the bottom side of the quartz wafer a bottom electrode for the low frequency quartz resonator, depositing metal for a substrate bond pad onto a host substrate wafer, bonding the quartz resonator to the substrate bond pad, and removing the silicon handle.
US07647680B2 Nose assembly
A nose assembly for fitting onto a fastener installation tool for installing fasteners of the type in which a part of the fastener is broken off during the installation process, the nose being provided with a housing and a sleeve, the sleeve having a spring, and a collar which is movable within the housing against resistance of the spring, wherein plunger means are provided on the collar, and wherein the sleeve is threadably engaged with the collar, such that movement of the sleeve causes corresponding movement of the collar and plunger means, the plunger means being arranged to actuate a trigger thereby to open an air valve and allow a flow of compressed air through the tool, thereby to allow installation of the fastener into a workpiece.
US07647679B2 Belt-driven indexing tool turret assembly
This invention relates to a belt drive system for a tool driving shaft of an indexing tool turret assembly. A plurality of toolholders are radially supported on a top plate assembly, which is rotatably supported on a hub connected to a turret housing. A housing is provided that supports a driven pulley connected to the tool driving shaft. A spindle motor connected to the turret housing is coupled to the live toolholder via a belt drive. The housing advantageously includes at least one removal portion that provides access to and replacement of the belt drive. Further, the tool driving shaft is supported on opposite sides of the driven pulley.
US07647678B2 Contamination resistant buckle
An vehicle seat belt includes a buckle system. The buckle system includes a seat belt buckle with a buckle face, a release button, and an opening for receiving a seat belt tongue. The buckle includes a seal positioned on the buckle face to seal the buckle face and prevent contaminants from entering the interior cavity of the buckle. Should contaminants penetrate the seal, drain holes located on the bottom side of the seat belt buckle may allow the contaminants to pass through the interior cavity of the buckle rather than harm the internal components of the seat belt buckle. Additionally, the seal, made of a flexible material, may aid in the prevention of noises that occur when the buckle comes in contact with other vehicle components.
US07647676B2 Thumb release mounting apparatus
A universal cradle apparatus having a telescoping clamping mechanism formed of a drive frame and a cooperating drive shaft that is movable along a common operating axis with first and second mounting surfaces each positioned on a respective one of the drive frame and the drive shaft, and first and second jaw structures each being coupled to a respective one of the drive frame and the drive shaft adjacent to the respective mounting surface thereof, each of the jaw structures having a respective clamping surface thereon and forming mutually opposing interior clamping surfaces arranged adjacent to the mounting surfaces positioned therebetween, and the clamping surface on the second jaw structure being spaced above and inclined toward the respective mounting surface and resiliently flexible relative thereto.
US07647673B2 Self-orienting caster for pieces of furniture and the like
A self-orienting caster for pieces of furniture, comprising a pair of wheels, which are supported so that they can rotate about a horizontal axis by a supporting body, which has a cylindrical recess that has a vertical axis and is open upward and axially offset with respect to the horizontal axis, and in which a pivot for the caster is inserted rotatably, the pivot being insertable in a receptacle of the piece of furniture in which the caster is to be fitted, further comprising a through seat formed in the body, a tubular element that is driven through the seat coaxially to the horizontal axis and has two cylindrical tubular portions that lie on opposite sides of the body in order to rotatably support the wheels, devices for the axial and rotational locking of the tubular element in the seat and devices for retaining the wheels on the tubular portions.
US07647670B2 Vacuum cleaner with final filtration compartment for reducing noise
A vacuum cleaner is provided including a housing having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a canister assembly with a dirt collection vessel receiver. A suction generator is carried on the housing. A dirt collection vessel is received in the receiver. A final filtration compartment is provided on the housing. The final filtration compartment includes an air inlet having a cross sectional surface area A and an air outlet having a cross sectional surface area B where the ratio of B to A is at least 0.8 to 1. The vacuum cleaner also includes a final filter received in the final filtration compartment.
US07647665B2 Apparatus and method for cleaning control rod drive mechanism
An apparatus for cleaning a control rod drive mechanism in a nuclear reactor is disclosed. The apparatus may include an inlet opening for inserting the control rod drive mechanism, an outlet opening, a first support ring engaged with a drive mechanism, a second support ring, and a plurality of brushes positioned between the first and second support rings.
US07647663B2 Combination laundry device and method thereof
A combination laundry device and a method thereof are disclosed. The present invention relates to a combination laundry device that can interchange information between two laundry mechanisms, and that can automatically set operation conditions for a washing and a drying and/or a refreshing cycle based on information from each information tag attached on the laundry without a user's inputting additional conditions.
US07647662B2 Pressure switch applicable for an inflatable body
A inflatable product for an inflatable body includes a casing with an airway adapted to communicate with an interior of the inflatable body, and a resilient element movably positioned inside the casing to define with the easing a space therebetween. An on/off switch is adapted to connect to an air pump. A driving element is movably positioned inside the casing to be in response to the movement of the resilient element so as to selectively activate the on/off switch to activate the air pump. A recoil element is positioned around the driving element and has a distal end which is abutted against the resilient element. The spring is compressed/decompressed when the resilient element moves in response to pressure inside the inflatable body so that activation/deactivation of the on/off switch is controlled via the movement of the resilient element as well as the compression of the spring.
US07647655B2 Apparatus for transportation of a disabled person in standing position
A support frame assembly for attachment to a support mast of a transport apparatus may include a support frame with a pair of downwardly directed mounting posts. Support arms may be pivotally attached to an end of each mounting post. The support arms may each comprise a back support and an open position and a closed position. When the support arms are in the closed positioned the back supports may be substantially horizontally oriented defining a support area between the support arms, the back supports and the support frame. When the support arms are in the open position the back supports may be substantially vertically oriented and the support area is open opposite the support frame.
US07647654B2 Dish basin and cutting board
A basin for installation into an opening defined by a kitchen countertop, the countertop having a substantially uniform planar top surface, where the basin includes a wall defining a reservoir, a ledge disposed along at least a portion of the wall and a cover contacting the ledge within the reservoir such that the cover top side is level with the countertop surface. The basin cover underside receives and retains a cutting board which may be accessed by a user and removed for use anywhere in the kitchen.