| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07671055B2 |
Insecticidal 3-(dihaloalkenyl) phenyl derivatives
Certain novel 3-(dihaloalkenyl)phenyl derivatives have unexpected insecticidal activity. These compounds are represented by formula (I), where R through R5, a, b, D, E, G and U are fully described herein. In addition, compositions comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I), and optionally, an effective amount of at least one of second compound, with at least one insecticidally compatible carrier are also disclosed; along with methods of controlling insects comprising applying said compositions to a locus where insects are present or are expected to be present. |
| US07671051B2 |
Inhibitors of 11-β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1
The present invention relates to compounds with the formula (I) and also to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, as well as to the use of the compounds in medicine and for the preparation of a medicament which acts on the human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme. |
| US07671048B2 |
Substituted imidazo [1,5-a][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives
The present invention is concerned with a method of treating a disease selected from the group consisting of cognitive disorders, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a substituted imidazo[1,5-a][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-d][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives of the following formula wherein R1 is halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkynyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkoxy, OCF3, —NHR, —NHC(O)R or —NHSO2R; R2 is hydrogen, methyl or aryl which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and lower alkoxy; R3 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, cycloalkyl, lower alkoxy, —O(CH2)n+1—O-lower alkyl, —(CH2)n-aryl which is optionally substituted by lower alkyl or halogen, heteroaryl, —NHR, —N(R)2, wherein each R can be the same or different, —NHCH2C≡CH, or pyrrolidin-1-one; R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkyl substituted by halogen, heteroaryl, —(CH2)nO-lower alkyl, —NH-lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl, and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and with their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. The invention also provides novel compounds of formula I-A and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The most preferred indication is Alzheimer's disease. |
| US07671045B2 |
17-phosphorous steroid derivatives useful as progesterone receptor modulators
The present invention is directed to novel 17-phosphorous steroid derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of disorders and conditions modulated by a progesterone or glucocorticoid receptor. |
| US07671044B2 |
Pharmaceutical formula for treating skin disease
The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical formulation characterized in that it includes mainly clobetasolpropionate, minoxidil and 11 alpha hydroxyprogesterone as main active principles, besides other excipients, vitamins and/or minerals, and to its use in the treatment of skin diseases, mainly in the symptomatic treatment of psoriasis. |
| US07671036B2 |
Positively-charged peptide nucleic acid analogs with improved properties
The present invention relates to novel types of peptide nucleic acids (PNAS) with improved properties. In particular, it relates to positively charged PNA units having an ethylene linker between the backbone and the nucleobase, to oligonucleotide analogs comprising these units, to oligomers comprising these units, and to the use of positively charged PNAs as novel delivery agents with therapeutic and diagnostic applications including for antisense therapy. |
| US07671027B2 |
Use of GnRH agonists to support the luteal phase during infertility treatment
The present invention concerns the use of an agonist of an hypothalamic hormone for the preparation of a pharmaceutical agent to support the luteal phase during infertility treatment of female mammals and more specifically of woman. According to this invention, the pharmaceutical agent is suitable to be used for supporting the luteal phase after a spontaneous ovulation or after stimulation of follicular growth, trigger of final follicular maturation and ovulation with one or several additional agents. |
| US07671021B2 |
Peptides that home to tumor lymphatic vasculature and methods of using same
The present invention provides a conjugate containing a moiety linked to a homing molecule that selectively homes to tumor lymphatic vasculature. The invention also provides a method of directing a moiety to tumor lymphatic vasculature in a subject by administering to the subject a conjugate containing a moiety linked to a homing molecule that selectively homes to tumor lymphatic vasculature. |
| US07671020B2 |
Methods of increasing cartilage deposition using FGF homologs
The present invention relates to methods of using zFGF5 compositions to proliferate chondrocytes and their progenitors, and to induce deposition of cartilage. zFGF5 compositions are disclosed for treating disorders associated with chondrocytes, such as cartilage injuries and defects. In addition, methods for treating neurological disorders, such as stroke, are disclosed, and methods for using zFGF5 compositions to stimulate growth of cells associated with neurological injury and disease are disclosed. |
| US07671017B2 |
Use of a combination of cyclosporine and pegylated interferon for treating hepatitis C (HCV)
A method of treating a patient having a HCV infection which method comprises administering to said patient a cyclosporin A or a cyclosporin A derivative in association with a conjugate of interferon to a water-soluble polymer in an amount effective to alleviate or eliminate one or more of the signs or symptoms of HCV. |
| US07671011B2 |
Antimicrobial and anticancer lipopeptides
Lipophilic conjugates comprise a peptide coupled to a fatty acid The peptide comprises at least two positively charged amino acid residues; the peptide after conjugation to the fatty acid possessing antibacterial, antifungal, and/or anticancer activity higher than prior to conjugation. The lipophilic conjugates are suitable for treatment of infections caused by pathogenic organisms such as bacteria and fungi. The lipophilic conjugates are also suitable for sanitation, as disinfectants, or for food preservation. |
| US07671008B2 |
Fabric conditioning compositions
The concentrated liquid fabric softening composition of the present invention comprises an ester-linked triethanolamine (TEA) quaternary ammonium fabric softening material having an Iodine Value of between 0 and 60 and comprising a mixture of at mono-, di- and tri-ester linked components; a single long chain cationic surfactant based on quaternized fatty acid amido-amine surfactants with optional ethoxylate groups and preferably having a methylsulphate counter-ion; and a co-fragmenting agent which is a polyol selected from trihydric and polyhydric polyols. The compositions have a desirable pearly appearance which is stable across a range of storage temperatures. |
| US07671007B2 |
Personal care compositions comprising hydrophobically modified cationic polymers
The invention provides personal care/personal wash compositions comprising hydrophobically modified cationic polymers which enhance deposition of benefit agent. |
| US07671006B2 |
Phosphated alcanol, its use as a hydrotrope and cleaning composition containing the compound
The present invention relates to the use of phosphated 2-propylheptanol or a phosphated 2-propylheptanol alkoxylate as a hydrotrope in aqueous alkaline solutions for a C8-C18-alcohol alkoxylate containing 1-20 ethyleneoxy units. It also relates to a phosphated 2-propylheptanol alkoxylate per se, and an alkaline cleaning composition comprising a C8-C18-alcohol alkoxylate containing 1-20 ethyleneoxy units and phosphated 2-propylheptanol and/or a phosphated 2-propylheptanol alkoxylate as a hydrotrope. The cleaning compositions may be used for industrial cleaning of hard surfaces, for example for vehicle cleaning or machine dishwashing. |
| US07671003B2 |
Unit dose detergent product comprising silicone oil
The present invention relates to a unit dose detergent product comprising a liquid fabric treatment composition and a water-soluble material, whereby the unit dose of the liquid composition is contained within the water-soluble material, wherein the liquid composition is a non-Newtonian, shear-thinning liquid having a low shear viscosity of at least 3,000 cps, when measured at a shear rate of 0.5 s−1 and 20° C., and wherein the liquid composition comprises silicone oil, the silicone oil being emulsified in the liquid composition so that the mean particle diameter of the emulsified silicone oil droplets is from 5 to 50 micrometers. |
| US07670993B2 |
Method for simultaneous removal of asphaltene, and/or paraffin and scale from producing oil wells
A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, detergent and acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltene and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup. |
| US07670987B2 |
Reforming catalyst for hydrocarbon, method for producing hydrogen using such reforming catalyst, and fuel cell system
A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst which maintains carrier strength even after a long-term thermal history and which exhibits high catalytic activity is prepared by causing at least one noble metal component selected from among a ruthenium component, a platinum component, a rhodium component, a palladium component, and an iridium component to be supported on a carrier containing manganese oxide, alumina, and at least one compound selected from among lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, and zirconium oxide, or a carrier containing silicon oxide, manganese oxide, and alumina. By use of the reforming catalyst, hydrogen is produced through steam reforming (1), autothermal reforming (2), partial-oxidation reforming (3), or carbon dioxide reforming (4). A fuel cell system is constituted from a reformer employing the reforming catalyst, and a fuel cell employing, as a fuel, hydrogen produced by the reformer. |
| US07670985B2 |
Activated carbon supported cobalt based catalyst for directly converting of synthesis gas to mixed linear alpha-alcohols and paraffins
The invention provides an activated carbon supported cobalt based catalyst for directly converting of synthesis gas to mixed linear alpha-alcohols and paraffins, comprising cobalt, an activated carbon carrier, a metal promoter which is at least one selected from the group consisting of a zirconium component, a lanthanum component, a cerium component, a chromium component, a vanadium component, a titanium component, a manganese component, a rhenium component, a potassium component, a ruthenium component, a magnesium component and a mixture thereof, wherein the cobalt and the promoter are deposited on the activated carbon carrier or substantially uniformly dispersed therein, and the metal promoter is present in the form of a metal, an oxide or a combination thereof. |
| US07670982B2 |
Rare-earth oxide sintered body and manufacturing method
A rare-earth oxide sintered body, or corrosion-resistant material, having low sintering temperature and high density is prepared by adding a boron compound at a ratio of 0.06 mol % or more and less than 25 mol % when converted into boron oxide (B2O3) to oxide powder of at least one of La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Sc, after which the mixed powder is formed and sintered. The sintered body comprises at least one of La2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, and Sc2O3, and at least one of Ln3BO6 (Ln=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), and Sc3BO6 as a main constituent crystal thereof. |
| US07670980B2 |
Cubic boron nitride cutting tool insert with excellent resistance to chipping and edge fracture
A cutting tool insert which can, for example, be used for machining of hardened steel, hot and cold working tool steel, die steel, case hardened steel, high speed steel and ductile grey cast iron and composed of a composite comprising a cBN-phase and a binder phase comprising a titaniumcarbonitride phase and a TiB2 phase is disclosed. In the XRD pattern from the composite using CuKa-radiation, the peak height ratio of the strongest (101) TiB2 peak and the strongest cBN (111) peak is less than about 0.06, the (220) from the titanium carbonitride phase in the XRD-pattern intersects both vertical lines of the PDF-lines of TiC (PDF 32-1383) and TiN (PDF 38-1420) and the lowest intersected point height is at least about 0.15 of the maximum (220) peak height of the ceramic binder phase. The insert is made by powder metallurgical methods milling, pressing and sintering, the sintering being performed at lowest possible temperature for shortest possible time necessary to obtain a dense structure. |
| US07670977B2 |
Blue glass composition intended for the manufacture of windows
The invention relates to a glass composition of silica-soda-lime type colored blue which comprises the coloring agents below in a content varying within the following limits, by weight: Fe2O3 (total iron)0.2 to 0.51% CoO10 to 50ppm Cr2O310 to 300ppm CuO0-400ppm the glass exhibiting a redox factor of less than 0.35, a dominant wavelength λD of between 485 and 489 nm, an excitation purity of less than 13% and a selectivity at least equal to 1.1 under a thickness of between 3 and 5 mm. It also relates to the glass sheet obtained from the abovementioned composition, said sheet being intended in particular to form an automobile window or for the construction industry. |
| US07670975B2 |
Alkali free glass and process for its production
To provide an alkali free glass which is suitable as a glass substrate for LCD and has few defects of bubbles and an undissolved starting material, and a process for producing an alkali free glass which can readily lower the defects in bubbles and an undissolved starting material.An alkali free glass with a matrix composition comprising SiO2, Al2O3, B2O3, MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO and containing substantially no alkali metal oxide, of which the temperature at which the viscosity becomes 102 dPa·s, is at most 1,600° C. and which contains sulfur in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.1% as calculated as SO3, as represented by the mass percentage, per 100% of the total amount of the above matrix composition, and a process for producing a glass which comprises preparing a starting material and melting it so that a sulfate be incorporated to the starting material in an amount of from 0.01 to 5% as calculated as SO3, as represented by the mass percentage, per 100% of the total amount of the above matrix composition. |
| US07670973B2 |
Lead and arsenic free optical glass with high refractive index
Lead and arsenic free, and preferably gadolinium and further preferably also fluorine free, optical glasses for the application fields mapping, projection, telecommunication, optical communication engineering, mobile drive, laser technology and/or micro lens arrays have a refractive index of 1.91≦nd≦2.05, an Abbe number of 19≦νd≦25 and have a low transformation temperature, namely of less than or equal to 470° C. and preferably of less than or equal to 450° C., as well as good producability and processability and crystallization stability. |
| US07670972B2 |
Chalcogenide glass composition
A chalcogenide glass composition composed of arsenic (As), selenium (Se), sulfur (S), and antimony (Sb) is presented. The composition includes arsenic in the range from 25% to 45% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, selenium in the range from 40% to 65% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, sulfur in the range from 2% to 15% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and antimony in the range from 0% to 15% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition. The variability of constituents on a weight basis is greater than the related arts, thus facilitating a broader range of design options. The glass composition is preferred to have a thermal expansion coefficient of about 23.6×10−6/° C., a temperature coefficient of refractive index less than about 1×10−6/° C., a glass transition temperature less than 200 degrees Celsius, and/or a glass softening temperature less than 250 degrees Celsius. The present invention has immediate applicability within infrared sensors, infrared imaging devices, lasers, and fiber optic components, one example being amplifiers. |
| US07670969B2 |
Fabricating symmetric and asymmetric shapes with off-axis reinforcement from symmetric preforms
A device for obtaining off-axis reinforcement of a woven object. The device is made up of a fixed mandrel and a rotating mandrel. The rotating mandrel is connected to the fixed mandrel by a shaft that rotates through the middle of the fixed mandrel. The shaft allows the rotating mandrel to move up and down in relation to the fixed mandrel. A portion of the woven object can be clamped to the fixed mandrel while a second portion of the woven object can be clamped to the rotating mandrel. When rotated, the rotating mandrel causes the warp fibers in the woven object to twist off the 0° direction while fill or hoop fibers remain substantially parallel to the 90° direction. |
| US07670967B2 |
Dispersible alcohol/cleaning wipes via topical or wet-end application of acrylamide or vinylamide/amine polymers
The present invention is directed to a wet wipe product. The wet wipe product comprises a fibrous substrate and a triggerable binder formulation. The triggerable binder formulation is capable of binding the fibers in the fibrous substrate. The triggerable binder formulation may include acrylamide polymers, vinylamide/amine polymers, and mixtures. The triggerable binder formulation is insoluble in a wetting composition comprising an insolubilizing agent but is dispersible in disposal water. |
| US07670964B2 |
Apparatus and methods of forming a gas cluster ion beam using a low-pressure source
Embodiments of a gas cluster ion beam apparatus and methods for forming a gas cluster ion beam using a low-pressure process source are generally described herein. In one embodiment, the low-pressure process source is mixed with a high-pressure diluent source in a static pump to form a mixed source, from which a gas cluster jet is generated and ionized to form the gas cluster ion beam. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US07670962B2 |
Substrate having stiffener fabrication method
An integral plated semiconductor package substrate stiffener provides a low-cost and space-efficient mechanism for maintaining substrate planarity during the manufacturing process. By patterning and plating the stiffener along with the other substrate fabrication process steps, the difficulty of attaching a separate stiffener is averted. Also, the stiffener pattern can be provided around other substrate elements such as the circuit patterns and terminals, while maintaining requisite spacing. The stiffener is a two-layer metal structure, the first layer is a thin film metal layer on which a thicker outer metal layer is plated up. The two metal layers may be of different metals or alloys and the thin film metal layer may be the same layer plane that provides one of the substrate interconnect layers or may be the metal layer removed from other areas of the substrate during isolation of an embedded circuit layer. |
| US07670959B2 |
Memory device etch methods
A method of manufacturing a memory device forms a first dielectric layer over a substrate, forms a charge storage layer over the first dielectric layer, forms a second dielectric layer over the charge storage layer, and forms a control gate layer over the second dielectric layer. The method also forms a hard mask layer over the control gate layer, forms a bottom anti-reflective coating (BARC) layer over the hard mask layer, and provides an etch chemistry that includes tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and trifluoromethane (CHF3) to etch at least the control gate layer. |
| US07670958B2 |
Etching methods
An etching method includes applying a photoresist over a substrate, forming an opening in the photoresist, and etching the substrate under the opening using a plasma generated with a gas composition containing argon and an amount of higher atomic mass inert gas. The amount may be effective to increase photoresist stability compared to otherwise identical etching lacking any of the higher atomic mass inert gas. The photoresist may have a composition sensitized to an actinic energy wavelength of 248 nm or less. A method of increasing the stability of 248 nm or less photoresist during RIE includes providing a means for reducing electron temperature of a plasma and etching a substrate exposed through photoresist openings without substantially destabilizing the photoresist. |
| US07670957B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes sequentially forming etch target layers, a hard mask layer and an anti-reflective coating layer, selectively etching the anti-reflective coating layer and the hard mask layer using a gas generating polymers, thereby increasing a line width of a bottom portion of the hard mask layer due to the polymers, and etching the etch target layers using a patterned hard mask layer with the increased line width. |
| US07670953B2 |
Positive tone bi-layer method
The present invention provides a method to pattern a substrate which features creating a multi-layered structure by forming, on the substrate, a patterned layer having protrusions and recessions. Formed upon the patterned layer is a conformal layer, with the multi-layered structure having a crown surface facing away from the substrate. Portions of the multi-layered structure are removed to expose regions of the substrate in superimposition with the protrusions, while forming a hard mask in areas of the crown surface in superimposition with the recessions. |
| US07670947B2 |
Metal interconnect structure and process for forming same
A process for forming an interconnect structure in a low-k dielectric layer includes etching to form trenches in the dielectric layer, removal of photoresist, and further etching to remove damaged portions of the dielectric layer in sidewalls of the trenches. An interconnect structure includes a low-k dielectric layer formed on a substrate, and a conductor embedded in the dielectric layer, the conductor having an edge portion with an inwardly rounded shape. |
| US07670944B2 |
Conformal lining layers for damascene metallization
Method and structures are provided for conformal lining of dual damascene structures in integrated circuits. Trenches and contact vias are formed in insulating layers. The trenches and vias are exposed to alternating chemistries to form monolayers of a desired lining material. Exemplary process flows include alternately pulsed metal halide and ammonia gases injected into a constant carrier flow. Self-terminated metal layers are thus reacted with nitrogen. Near perfect step coverage allows minimal thickness for a diffusion barrier function, thereby maximizing the volume of a subsequent filling metal for any given trench and via dimensions. |
| US07670942B2 |
Method of fabricating self-aligned contact pad using chemical mechanical polishing process
A method of fabricating a self-aligned contact pad (SAC) includes forming stacks of a conductive line and a capping layer on a semiconductor substrate, spacers covering sidewalls of the stacks, and an insulation layer filling gaps between the stacks and exposing the top of the capping layer, etching the capping layer to form damascene grooves, forming a plurality of first etching masks with a material different from that of the capping layer to fill the damascene grooves without covering the top of the insulation layer, and forming a second etching mask having an opening region that exposes some of the first etching masks and a portion of the insulation layer located between the first etching masks. The method further includes etching the portion of the insulation layer exposed by the opening region using the first and second etching masks to form a plurality of opening holes, removing the second etching mask, forming a conductive layer filling the opening holes to cover the remaining first etching masks and performing a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process on the conductive layer using the capping layer as a polishing end point to remove the first etching masks such that a plurality of SAC pads separated from each other are formed that fill the opening holes. |
| US07670939B2 |
Semiconductor chip bump connection apparatus and method
Various semiconductor chip packages and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes coupling a solder bump to a side of a semiconductor chip and bringing the solder bump into contact with a conductor pad coupled to a substrate and positioned in an opening of a solder mask on the substrate. The conductor pad has a first lateral dimension and the opening has a second lateral dimension that is larger than the first lateral dimension. A metallurgical bond is established between the solder bump and the conductor pad. |
| US07670936B1 |
Nitridation of gate oxide by laser processing
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an interface layer, a nitrided gate dielectric, a gate electrode, and source drain regions. The interface layer is formed in a substrate by laser processing. The nitrided gate dielectric is formed over the interface layer by laser processing. The gate electrode is formed over the substrate and the gate dielectric after the laser processing step, and source/drain regions are formed in the substrate proximate to the gate electrode. |
| US07670933B1 |
Nanowire-templated lateral epitaxial growth of non-polar group III nitrides
A method for growing high quality, nonpolar Group III nitrides using lateral growth from Group III nitride nanowires. The method of nanowire-templated lateral epitaxial growth (NTLEG) employs crystallographically aligned, substantially vertical Group III nitride nanowire arrays grown by metal-catalyzed metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) as templates for the lateral growth and coalescence of virtually crack-free Group III nitride films. This method requires no patterning or separate nitride growth step. |
| US07670930B2 |
Method of detaching a thin film by melting precipitates
A method of fabricating a thin film from a substrate includes implantation into the substrate, for example made of silicon, of ions of a non-gaseous species, for example gallium, the implantation conditions and this species being chosen, according to the material of the substrate, so as to allow the formation of precipitates confined in a certain depth, distributed within a layer, these precipitates being made of a solid phase having a melting point below that of the substrate. The method optionally further including intimate contacting of this face of the substrate with a stiffener, and detachment of a thin film by fracturing the substrate at the layer of precipitates by applying a mechanical and/or chemical detachment stress under conditions in which the precipitates are in the liquid phase. |
| US07670928B2 |
Ultra-thin oxide bonding for S1 to S1 dual orientation bonding
A multi-layered substrate with bulk substrate characteristics and processes for the fabrication of such substrates are herein disclosed. The multi-layered substrate can include a first layer, a second layer and an interfacial layer therebetween. The first and second layers can be silicon, germanium, or any other suitable material of the same or different crystal orientations. The interfacial layer can be an oxide layer from about 5 Angstroms to about 50 Angstroms. |
| US07670926B2 |
Method for forming shallow trench isolation utilizing two filling oxide layers
A method for forming shallow trench isolation in a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a trench in a predetermined depth on a semiconductor substrate, filling the trench with a first filing oxide, injecting an impurity into a portion of the first filling oxide inside the trench, removing the portion of the first filling oxide by wet etching, and filling the trench with a second filling oxide. |
| US07670925B2 |
Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing same, and apparatus for designing same
A semiconductor device is disclosed that includes multiple logic circuit cells having respective logic circuits formed therein; and multiple interconnects connected to the corresponding logic circuit cells. At least one of the interconnects has an opening formed therein so as to have an opening ratio different from one or more of the opening ratios of the remaining interconnects. |
| US07670924B2 |
Air gap integration scheme
Methods are provided for forming a structure that includes an air gap. In one embodiment, a method is provided for forming a damascene structure comprises depositing a porous low dielectric constant layer by a method including reacting an organosilicon compound and a porogen-providing precursor, depositing a porogen-containing material, and removing at least a portion of the porogen-containing material, depositing an organic layer on the porous low dielectric constant layer by reacting the porogen-providing precursor, forming a feature definition in the organic layer and the porous low dielectric constant layer, filing the feature definition with a conductive material therein, depositing a mask layer on the organic layer and the conductive material disposed in the feature definition, forming apertures in the mask layer to expose the organic layer, removing a portion or all of the organic layer through the apertures, and forming an air gap adjacent the conductive material. |
| US07670922B2 |
Method of measuring alignment of measurement pattern
A resist pattern for alignment measurement being shrunk by a heat flow includes a plurality of positive type or negative type line patterns. Widths of spaces between the line patterns are greater than twice those of the line patterns. Alternatively, the resist pattern comprises a box-shaped or slit-shaped measurement pattern and a pair of box-shaped or slit-shaped auxiliary patterns provided inside and outside the measurement pattern, respectively. |
| US07670919B2 |
Integrated capacitors in package-level structures, processes of making same, and systems containing same
An article includes a top electrode that is embedded in a solder mask. An article includes a top electrode that is on a core structure. A process of forming the top electrode includes reducing the solder mask thickness and forming the top electrode on the reduced-thickness solder mask. A process of forming the top electrode includes forming the top electrode over a high-K dielectric that is in a patterned portion of the core structure. |
| US07670915B1 |
Contact liner in integrated circuit technology
A method of forming an integrated circuit with a semiconductor substrate is provided. A gate dielectric is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate is formed on the gate dielectric. Source/drain junctions are formed in the semiconductor substrate. A silicide is formed on the source/drain junctions and on the gate. An interlayer dielectric having contact holes therein is formed above the semiconductor substrate. Contact liners are formed in the contact holes, and contacts are then formed over the contact liners. The contact liners are nitrides of the contact material, and formed at a temperature below the thermal budget for the silicide. |
| US07670914B2 |
Methods for fabricating multiple finger transistors
Methods are provided for the fabrication of multiple finger transistors. A method comprises forming a layer of gate-forming material overlying a semiconductor substrate and forming a layer of dummy gate material overlying the layer of gate-forming material. The layer of dummy gate material is etched to form a dummy gate and sidewall spacers are formed about sidewalls of the dummy gate. The dummy gate is removed and the layer of gate-forming material is etched using the sidewall spacers as a mask to form at least two gate electrodes. |
| US07670910B2 |
Method of forming self-aligned inner gate recess channel transistor
A self-aligned inner gate recess channel in a semiconductor substrate includes a recess trench formed in an active region of the substrate, a gate dielectric layer formed on a bottom portion of the recess trench, recess inner sidewall spacers formed on sidewalls of the recess trench, a gate formed in the recess trench so that an upper portion of the gate protrudes above an upper surface of the substrate, wherein a thickness of the recess inner sidewall spacers causes a center portion of the gate to have a smaller width than the protruding upper portion and a lower portion of the gate, a gate mask formed on the gate layer, gate sidewall spacers formed on the protruding upper portion of gate and the gate mask, and a source/drain region formed in the active region of the substrate adjacent the gate sidewall spacers. |
| US07670909B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device with vertical channel transistor
A method for fabricating a semiconductor memory device with a vertical channel transistor includes forming a plurality of pillars each having a hard mask pattern thereon over a substrate, each of the plurality of pillars comprising an upper pillar and a lower pillar; forming a surround type gate electrode surrounding the lower pillar; forming an insulation layer filling a space between the pillars; forming a preliminary trench by primarily etching the insulation layer using a mask pattern for a word line until a portion of the upper pillar is exposed; forming a buffer layer over a resultant structure including the preliminary trench except on a bottom of the preliminary trench; and forming a trench for a word line by secondarily etching the insulation layer until the surround type gate electrode is exposed. |
| US07670908B2 |
Configuration of high-voltage semiconductor power device to achieve three dimensional charge coupling
This invention discloses semiconductor device that includes a top region and a bottom region with an intermediate region disposed between said top region and said bottom region with a controllable current path traversing through the intermediate region. The semiconductor device further includes a trench with padded with insulation layer on sidewalls extended from the top region through the intermediate region toward the bottom region wherein the trench includes randomly and substantially uniformly distributed nano-nodules as charge-islands in contact with a drain region below the trench for electrically coupling with the intermediate region for continuously and uniformly distributing a voltage drop through the current path. |
| US07670905B2 |
Semiconductor processing methods, and methods of forming flash memory structures
Some embodiments include methods of reflecting ions off of vertical regions of photoresist mask sidewalls such that the ions impact foot regions along the bottom of the photoresist mask sidewalls and remove at least the majority of the foot regions. In some embodiments, trenches may be formed adjacent the photoresist mask sidewalls in a material that is beneath the photoresist mask. Another material may be formed to have projections extending into the trenches. Such projections may assist in anchoring said other material to the material that is beneath the photoresist mask. In some embodiments, the photoresist mask is utilized for patterning flash memory structures. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having materials anchored to underlying materials through fang-like projections. |
| US07670897B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A non-volatile memory semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a PN junction diode formed over a semiconductor substrate. Insulating films may be formed over the PN junction diode and patterned to have via holes. A resistive random access memory including a first metal pattern may be in contact with a first region of the PN junction diode. An oxide film pattern may be formed over the first metal pattern and a second metal pattern formed over the oxide film pattern. The first metal pattern, the oxide film pattern and the second metal pattern may be formed in the via holes. |
| US07670891B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed which comprises forming a gate structure on a major surface of a semiconductor substrate with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween, forming a first insulating film to cover top and side surfaces of the gate structure and the major surface of the semiconductor substrate, reforming portions of the first insulating film which cover the top surface of the gate structure and the major surface of the semiconductor substrate by an anisotropic plasma process using a gas not containing fluorine, and removing the reformed portions of the first insulating film. |
| US07670889B2 |
Structure and method for fabrication JFET in CMOS
A design structure, and more particularly, to a design structure for manufacturing a JFET in SOI, a JFET and methods of manufacturing the JFET are provided. The JFET includes a gate poly formed directly on an SOI layer and a gate oxide layer interposed between outer edges of the gate poly and the SOI layer. |
| US07670888B2 |
Low noise JFET
Fashioning a low noise (1/f) junction field effect transistor (JFET) is disclosed, where multiple implants are performed to push a conduction path of the transistor away from the surface of a layer upon which the transistor is formed. In this manner, current flow in the conduction path is less likely to be disturbed by defects that may exist at the surface of the layer, thereby mitigating (1/f) noise. |
| US07670887B2 |
Field-effect transistors with weakly coupled layered inorganic semiconductors
A field-effect transistor includes source, drain, and gate electrodes; a crystalline or polycrystalline layer of inorganic semiconductor; and a dielectric layer. The layer of inorganic semiconductor has an active channel portion physically extending from the source electrode to the drain electrode. The inorganic semiconductor has a stack of 2-dimensional layers in which intra-layer bonding forces are covalent and/or ionic. Adjacent ones of the layers are bonded together by forces substantially weaker than covalent and ionic bonding forces. The dielectric layer is interposed between the gate electrode and the layer of inorganic semiconductor material. The gate electrode is configured to control a conductivity of an active channel part of the layer of inorganic semiconductor. |
| US07670884B2 |
Manufacturing method of substrate having conductive layer and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
The manufacturing method of a substrate having a conductive layer has the steps of: forming an inorganic insulating layer over a substrate; forming an organic resin layer with a desired shape over the inorganic insulating layer; forming a low wettability layer with respect to a composition containing conductive particles on a first exposed portion of the inorganic insulating layer; removing the organic resin layer; and coating a second exposed portion of the inorganic insulating layer with a composition containing conductive particles and baking, thereby forming a conductive layer. |
| US07670883B2 |
Method for manufacturing pixel structure
A method for manufacturing a pixel structure includes providing a substrate having an active device thereon and forming a dielectric layer covering the active device. Then, an uneven first photoresist layer having an opening is formed over the active device. After an etching process is implemented to form a contact hole in the dielectric layer through said opening, a thickness of the first photoresist layer is reduced so as to expose a portion of the dielectric layer. A transparent conductive layer covering the exposed dielectric layer and the remained first photoresist layer is formed and electrically connected to the active device via the contact hole. Thereafter, the transparent conductive layer on the remained first photoresist layer is removed, while the transparent conductive layer on the exposed dielectric layer forms a pixel electrode. Then, the remained first photoresist layer is removed. With fewer photomasks, the method reduces the manufacturing costs. |
| US07670880B2 |
Method and structure for forming an integrated spatial light modulator
A method of fabricating an integrated spatial light modulator. The method includes providing a first substrate including a bonding surface and processing a device substrate to form at least an electrode layer. The method also includes depositing a first portion of a multi-layer standoff layer on the electrode layer, depositing a second portion of the multi-layer standoff layer on the first portion of the multi-layer standoff layer, and forming electrically insulating standoff structures from the multi-layer standoff layer. The method further includes joining the bonding surface of the first substrate to the standoff structures on the device substrate, thinning the first substrate, patterning the first substrate to form a mask, and forming a plurality of moveable structures from the first substrate. The moveable structures are aligned with at least one of the plurality of electrodes and adapted to rotate with respect to the standoff structures. |
| US07670878B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor package
Provided is a method for manufacturing a semiconductor package. In the method, a wafer for a cap substrate is provided. The wafer for the cap substrate includes a plurality of vias and via electrodes on a lower surface. A wafer for a device substrate is provided. The wafer for the device substrate includes a circuit unit and a connection electrode on an upper surface. The wafer for the cap substrate and the wafer for the device substrate are primarily bonded by a medium of a primary adhesive. A trench is formed to expose the upper surface of the wafer for the device substrate to an outside along an outer edge of the primary adhesive. A secondary bonding operation is performed by a medium of a secondary adhesive to electrically connect the via electrode and the connection electrode. The wafer for the device substrate is diced along a virtual cut line. |
| US07670876B2 |
Integrated circuit device with embedded passive component by flip-chip connection and method for manufacturing the same
An integrated circuit device with embedded passive component by flip-chip connection is provided which includes a flip chip and a dummy chip. The dummy chip includes at least an embedded passive component, a plurality of redistribution traces and a plurality of flip-chip pads. The flip chip is smaller than the dummy chip and is mounted on a surface of the dummy chip with the flip-chip pads. The embedded passive component is electrically connected to the flip chip via the redistribution traces and the flip-chip pads. A plurality of solder balls are placed at the peripheral region of the surface of the dummy chip. |
| US07670875B2 |
Method of manufacturing a single chip semiconductor integrated circuit device including a mask ROM in a short time
In a state of a first semiconductor integrated circuit device on which a first semiconductor integrated circuit board including a first mask ROM and a programmable ROM are mounted, an ultimate program determined by using the programmable ROM is stored in a second ROM of a second semiconductor integrated circuit board which is substantially similar in structure to the first semiconductor integrated circuit board, thereby manufacturing a second semiconductor integrated circuit device as an ultimate product. |
| US07670874B2 |
Plated pillar package formation
A method involves plating pillars of electrically conductive material up from a seed layer located on a substrate, surrounding the pillars with a fill material so that the pillars and fill material collectively define a first package, and removing the substrate from the first package. |
| US07670873B2 |
Method of flip-chip mounting
A method of flip-chip mounting can reliably and stably mount a semiconductor chip to a mounting substrate while avoiding problems such as damage to the semiconductor chip due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the semiconductor chip and the mounting substrate. The method of flip-chip mounting a semiconductor chip supports a mounting substrate on a stage in a state where a resin material has been supplied onto a chip mounting surface of the mounting substrate and presses the semiconductor chip toward the mounting substrate using a pressure/heat applying head to bond the semiconductor chip to the mounting substrate and thermally harden the resin material. A concave part is provided in a support surface of the stage that supports the semiconductor chip, and the semiconductor chip is bonded to the mounting substrate by pressing the semiconductor chip toward the mounting substrate using the pressure/heat applying head in a state where the mounting substrate is bent toward the concave part. |
| US07670871B2 |
Method of fabricating a phase-change memory
A phase-change memory comprises a bottom electrode formed on a substrate. A first isolation layer is formed on the bottom electrode. A top electrode is formed on the isolation layer. A first phase-change material is formed in the first isolation layer, wherein the top electrode and the bottom electrode are electrically connected via the first phase-change material. Since the phase-change material can have a diameter less than the resolution limit of the photolithography process, an operating current for a state conversion of the phase-change material pattern may be reduced so as to decrease a power dissipation of the phase-change memory device. |
| US07670868B2 |
Complementary metal oxide silicon image sensor and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) image sensor. The method includes the steps of: forming a device protective layer and a metal interconnection on a substrate formed with a light receiving device; forming an inner micro-lens on the metal interconnection; coating an interlayer dielectric layer on the inner micro-lens and then forming a color filter; and forming an outer micro-lens including a planarization layer and photoresist on the color filter. The inner micro-lens is formed by depositing the outer layer on dome-shaped photoresist. The curvature radius of the inner micro-lens is precisely and uniformly maintained and the inner micro-lens is easily formed while improving the light efficiency. Since the fabrication process for the CMOS image sensor is simplified, the product yield is improved and the manufacturing cost is reduced. |
| US07670866B2 |
Multi-die molded substrate integrated circuit device
One embodiment includes a substrate having a plurality of dies and a support frame made of molding material which is molded between adjacent dies so as to join together and support adjacent dies. The embodiment further has a plurality of interconnects formed on selected die terminals and the molding material of the support frame joining adjacent dies. The interconnects may be formed utilizing a variety of techniques including those of the type used in conventional wafer fabrication techniques. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07670862B2 |
Silicon optoelectronic device, manufacturing method thereof, and image input and/or output apparatus using the same
A method of manufacturing a silicon optoelectronic device, a silicon optoelectronic device manufactured by the method, and an image input and/or output apparatus having the silicon optoelectronic device are provided. The method includes: preparing an n-type or p-type silicon-based substrate; forming a polysilicon in one or more regions of the surface of the substrate; oxidizing the surface of the substrate where the polysilicon is formed, to form a silicon oxidation layer on the substrate, and forming a microdefect flection pattern at the interface between the substrate and the silicon oxidation layer, wherein the microdefect flection pattern is formed by the oxidation accelerated by oxygen traveling through boundaries of the grains in the polysilicon; exposing the microdefect flection pattern by etching the silicon oxidation layer; and forming a doping region by doping the exposed microdefect flection pattern with a dopant of the opposite type to the substrate. |
| US07670860B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, the semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor substrate; a pixel portion including an in-layer lens; and a peripheral circuit portion including a metal wiring portion, the pixel portion and the peripheral circuit portion being on the semiconductor substrate, the method comprising: forming an insulating film in the pixel portion and the peripheral circuit portion, so as to cover the metal wiring portion; providing, on the insulating film, a lens material layer for forming the in-layer lens; forming a resist layer for etching the lens material layer; curing the resist layer; and forming a first region and a second region in the resist layer, wherein a portion of the resist layer in the first region is thicker than that of the resist layer in the second region, the first region being in the peripheral circuit portion and the second region being in the pixel portion. |
| US07670858B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A method for improving productivity when manufacturing a semiconductor device. A lower electrode, insulating films, an upper electrode and insulating films are formed on a semiconductor substrate in a sensor region. A cavity is formed between the insulator films above the lower electrode. The lower electrode, insulating film, the cavity and insulating film, and an upper electrode form a variable capacity sensor. The cavity is formed by etching a sacrificial pattern between the insulation films by way of a hole formed in a pair of insulation films. Other than in the above sensor region, a dummy lower electrode and four insulating films are formed on the TEG region on the semiconductor substrate; and a dummy cavity is formed between a pair of insulation films above the lower electrode however no conductive layer on the same layer as the upper electrode is formed on the dummy cavity. |
| US07670856B2 |
Nitride semiconductor substrate and method of making same
A method of making a nitride semiconductor substrate having the steps of providing a free-standing substrate that is of a nitride semiconductor and has one of a penetrating pit and a penetrating crack that penetrate from a top surface to a back surface of the free-standing substrate, attaching a metal to the penetrating pit or the penetrating crack, the metal being adapted to be nitrided, and nitriding the metal to form a nitride that seals the penetrating pit or the penetrating crack. A nitride semiconductor substrate has a free-standing substrate that is formed of a nitride semiconductor and has one of a penetrating pit and a penetrating crack that penetrate from a top surface to a back surface of the free-standing substrate, and a metal nitride that seals the penetrating pit or the penetrating crack. The metal nitride is formed of GaN, InN and AlN. |
| US07670850B2 |
Assays for preimplantation factor and preimplantation factor peptides
The present invention relates to assay methods used for detecting the presence of PIF, and to PIF peptides identified using this assay. In particular, the present invention relates to flow cytometry assays for detecting PIF. It is based, at least in part, on the observation that flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled anti-lymphocyte and anti-platelet antibodies demonstrated an increase in rosette formation in the presence of PIF. It is further based on the observation that flow cytometry demonstrated that monoclonal antibody binding to CD2 decreased in the presence of PIF. The present invention further relates to PIF peptides which, when added to Jurkat cell cultures, have been observed to either (i) decrease binding of anti-CD2 antibody to Jurkat cells; (ii) increase expression of CD2 in Jurkat cells; or (iii) decrease Jurkat cell viability. In additional embodiments, the present invention provides for ELISA assays which detect PIF by determining the effect of a test sample on the binding of anti-CD2 antibody to a CD2 substrate. |
| US07670847B2 |
Determining enantiomeric excess using indicator-displacement assays
The invention includes an enantioselective indicator-displacement assay useful to determine enantiomeric excess (ee) enantiomeric samples colorimetrically. Determination may be by inspection of color with the naked eye, spectrographic measurement, or mathematical calculation. Concentration may also be determined. The assay may involve two independent absorption measurements. On suitable group of enantiomeric molecules to be assayed include α-hydroxy acids. The inherent relationship between the absorbance of the indicator-displacement ensemble and the overall concentration and ee of the analyte is established through solution equilibria. The invention also includes use of the assay in drug screening and manufacturing, high throughput screening of catalysts and kits for use in conducting assays of the invention. |
| US07670843B2 |
Polymeric film sensor for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
A method of and device for sampling polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the ambient environment, the method including: (a) providing a polymer film for collecting the PAHs; (b) exposing the polymer film to a gas containing the PAHs, and (c) performing an analysis of the PAHs collected by the polymer film, the analysis being selected from the group consisting of fluorescence analysis and Fourier Transform Imaging Microscopy (FT-SIM). |
| US07670841B2 |
Method of analyzing C-terminal amino acid sequence of peptide
The present invention provides, as a method of analyzing the C-terminal amino acid sequence of a peptide with use of reaction technique for successively releasing the C-terminal amino acids, in which undesirable side reactions, such as cleavage of a peptide bond at the middle of the peptide, can be prevented and chemical treatments therein can be carried out under widely applicable conditions in the course of successive release of the C-terminal amino acids from a peptide, such a method comprising steps of dehydrating the gel on which a target peptide that has been separated by gel electrophoresis is held in the bound state; immersing it in a mixture solution of an alkanoic acid anhydride added with a small amount of a perfluoroalkanoic acid in a dipolar aprotic solvent to re-swell the gel carrier, forming a 5-oxazolone structure, at a temperature chosen in the range of from 30° C. to 80° C., followed by the cleavage of the 5-oxazolone ring to release the C-terminal amino acids, and then specifying the C-terminal amino acid sequence of the peptide based on the measured decrease in the molecular weight of a series of reaction products resulting therefrom. |
| US07670835B2 |
Virulence of streptococci
The invention relates to the field of diagnosis of and vaccination against Streptococcal infections and to the detection of virulence markers of Streptococci. The invention discloses a method for modulating virulence of a Streptococcus, the method comprising modifying a genomic fragment of Streptococcus wherein the genomic fragment comprises at least a functional part of a fragment identifiable by hybridization in Streptococcus suis to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof as shown in FIG. 5. |
| US07670834B2 |
Gas thermal cycler
The present application relates to an apparatus and method for thermal cycling using a source of cooling gas. |
| US07670832B2 |
System for fluorescence monitoring
The present invention is directed to devices for performing PCR and monitoring the reaction of a sample comprising a nucleic acid and a fluorescent dye. Illustrative devices comprise a heat exchange component for heating and cooling the sample, a control device for repeatedly operating the heat exchange component to subject the sample to thermal cycling, an excitation source for optically exciting the sample to cause the sample to fluoresce, a photodetector for detecting temperature-dependent fluorescence levels from the sample, and a processor configured to record and process emissions from the fluorescent dye. |
| US07670831B2 |
Conductive carbon nanotubes dotted with metal and method for fabricating a biosensor using the same
Conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) obtained by dotting carboxylated CNTs with metal nanocrystals by chemical functional groups, are described, as well as a method for fabricating a pattern or film of the conductive CNTs which involves repeatedly depositing conductive CNTs on a substrate to achieve high surface density. A biosensor is described, in which bioreceptors that bind to target biomolecules are selectively attached to conductive CNTs or a conductive CNT pattern or film. By use of the conductive biosensor, various target biomaterials that bind or react with the bioreceptors can be precisely measured directly or by electrochemical signals at large amounts in one step. Additionally, the biosensor can be used for an electrical detection method capable of providing precise measurement results even with a small amount of source material. |
| US07670827B2 |
Strain belonging to the genus Streptomyces and being capable of producing nemadictin and process for producing nemadictin using the strain
In the present invention, a recombination of gene groups of nemadectin aglycon biosynthesis is performed for obtaining C-13 hydroxylnemadectin, to which sugar groups can be attached, and a production strain which produces C-13 hydroxylnemadectin is produced. Further, C-13 glycosylnemadectin producing strain is prepared by introducing aveBI-BVIII genes involving glycosidation of avermectin and biosynthesis of oleandrose. As described, C-13 hydroxylnemadectin and C-13 glycosidated nemadectin can be obtained effectively by using the producing strain prepared by means of the molecular genetic technology, and improvement in the biological activity thereof can be expected. |
| US07670826B2 |
Confluence regulated adhesion molecules useful in modulating vascular permeability
The invention relates to new polypeptides in isolated form belonging to a subfamily of the human immunoglobulin superfamily, which polypeptide shows at least 70% sequence homology with the amino acid sequence of the murine Confluency Regulated Adhesion Molecules 1 or 2 (CRAM-1 or CRAM-2) as depicted in FIG. 3, upper and second row, respectively, and antibodies thereto as well as their use in treatment of inflammation and tumors. |
| US07670822B2 |
Aldolase and production process of 4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine
A novel aldolase is described. 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-2-keto-pentanoic acid, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of 4-hydroxy-L-isoleucine, may be synthesized from acetaldehyde and α-ketobutyric acid using a novel aldolase, which is derived from the genus Arthrobacter. |
| US07670821B2 |
Method for the purification of microbial protease
The invention disclose a method for purifying microbial protease, comprising:(i) providing an aqueous liquid sample containing a microbial protease, and a separation medium comprising a base matrix and a plurality of attached ligands that are capable of binding to microbial protease;(ii) contacting separation medium with the sample under conditions permitting binding of microbial protease to the separation medium; and (iii) desorbing microbial protease from the separation medium, wherein the base matrix is hydrophilic and the plurality of ligands are hydrocarbon groups in which all carbon atoms are sp3-hybridised. |
| US07670820B2 |
Chitinase and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are novel chitinase polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides. Also disclosed are related vectors, host cells, compositions, and uses. |
| US07670816B2 |
UDP-galactose:β-D-galactose-R 4-α-D-galactosyltransferase, α4gal-T1
A novel gene defining a novel enzyme UDP-galactose: β-D-galactose-R 4-α-D-galactosyltransferase, termed α4Gal-T1, with unique enzymatic properties is disclosed. The invention provides isolated DNA molecules and DNA constructs encoding α4Gal-T1 and derivatives thereof by way of amino acid deletion, substitution or insertion exhibiting α4Gal-T1 activity, as well as cloning and expression vectors including such DNA, host cells comprising DNA encoding α4Gal-T1, and recombinant methods for providing α4Gal-T1. The enzyme α4Gal-T1 and α4Gal-active derivatives thereof are disclosed. Further, the invention discloses methods of obtaining α1, 4galactosyl glycosylated glycosphingolipids by use of an enzymatically active α4Gal-T1 protein thereof or by using cells stably transfected with a vector including DNA encoding an enzymatically active α4Gal-T1 protein as an expression system for recombinant production of such glycosphingolipids. Also a method for the identification of DNA sequence variations in the α4Gal-T1-coding exon by PCR, and detecting the presence of DNA sequence variation, are disclosed. |
| US07670815B2 |
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase Vb coding sequences, recombinant cells and methods
A previously unknown mammalian UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:α-6-D-mannoside β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase (termed GlcNAc T-Vb herein) coding sequence, protein, recombinant host cells and antibodies which specifically bind GlcNAc T-Vb are described. In particular, GlcNAc T-Vb of mouse is disclosed. |
| US07670813B2 |
Inorganic salt recovery during processing of lignocellulosic feedstocks
A method for recovering inorganic salt during processing of a lignocellulosic feedstock is provided. The method comprises pretreating the lignocellulosic feedstock by adding an acid or a base to the feedstock to produce a pretreated lignocellulosic feedstock. A soluble base or acid is then added to the pretreated lignocellulosic feedstock to adjust the pH and produce a neutralized feedstock. The neutralized feedstock is then hydrolyzed to produce an hydrolyzed feedstock and a sugar stream. Inorganic salt is recovered from a wash stream obtained from the pretreated lignocellulosic feedstock, a stream obtained from the neutralized feedstock, a stream obtained from the sugar stream, or a combination of these streams. The inorganic salt may be concentrated, clarified, recovered and purified by crystallization, electrodialysis, drying, or agglomeration and granulation, and then used as desired, for example, as a fertilizer. |
| US07670811B2 |
Process for preparing isomalto-oligosaccharides with elongated chain and low glycemic index
The invention relates to a process for preparing isomalto-oligosaccharides with elongated chain length. Isomalto-oligosaccharides are directly converted to isomalto-oligosaccharides with elongated chain length in the presence of glucansucrase. Said products can be applied in food, feed, beverages, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products and are particularly useful as slow or non-digestible oligosaccharides, low calorie providers, prebiotics, mineral absorption promoting agents, non-cariogenic agents and/or low glycemic index regulating syrups. |
| US07670808B2 |
Nucleic acid modifying enzymes
This invention provides for an improved generation of novel nucleic acid modifying enzymes. The improvement is the fusion of a sequence-non-specific nucleic-acid-binding domain to the enzyme in a manner that enhances the ability of the enzyme to bind and catalytically modify the nucleic acid. |
| US07670804B2 |
Chimeric, human and humanized anti-CSAP monoclonal antibodies
The present invention provides humanized, chimeric and human anti-CSAp antibodies and anti-CSAp antibody fusion proteins that are useful for the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers, including colon cancer. |
| US07670800B2 |
Process for the purification of riboflavin
The invention relates to a process for the purification of riboflavin comprising the steps of (a) precipitating a first crystalline form of riboflavin, (b) isolating the first crystalline form of riboflavin, (c) transforming the first crystalline form of riboflavin into a second crystalline form of riboflavin under conditions that decompose diluted DNA, and (d) isolating the second crystalline form of riboflavin, provided that at ambient temperature the first crystalline form of riboflavin is thermodynamically less stable than the second crystalline form of riboflavin. |
| US07670799B2 |
Method for making 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis (carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP) solution and composition comprising TCPP
Presented is a method of solubilizing TCPP, as well as a composition comprising TCPP solubilized by this method. |
| US07670794B2 |
Managing glycemia status in diabetic patients
Methods for monitoring and managing glycemia status in a diabetic patient are disclosed. The methods comprise measuring in a diabetic patient, serum concentrations of HbA1c, glucose and inorganic phosphate and comparing the measured concentrations with reference concentrations. An equation representing the reference relationship of HbA1c, glucose and inorganic phosphate is also provided. |
| US07670787B2 |
Protein forming complex with c-Fos protein, nucleic acid encoding the same and method of using the same
Proteins that interact with c-Fos, nucleic acids encoding them and inhibitors utilizing them as well as methods for detecting an interaction and screening methods utilizing a protein that interacts with c-Fos are provided. Comprehensive analysis of transcription control factor complexes in a mouse brain cDNA library with c-Fos as a bait by using the cotranslation selection and screening of in vitro virus (IVV) and the C-terminal labeling method are conducted, thereby to analyze proteins unknown so far, proteins known so far, but unknown to form a complex with the c-Fos protein, and so forth. |
| US07670783B2 |
Screening for neurotoxic amino acid associated with neurological disorders
Methods for screening for neurological disorders are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed for screening for neurological disorders in a subject by analyzing a tissue sample obtained from the subject for the presence of elevated levels of neurotoxic amino acids or neurotoxic derivatives thereof associated with neurological disorders. In particular, methods are disclosed for diagnosing a neurological disorder in a subject, or predicting the likelihood of developing a neurological disorder in a subject, by determining the levels of β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a tissue sample obtained from the subject. Methods for screening for environmental factors associated with neurological disorders are disclosed. Methods for inhibiting, treating or preventing neurological disorders are disclosed. |
| US07670782B2 |
Screening of compounds for CAT1 transporter activity
CAT1 is consistently expressed at high levels in brain microvessel endothelial cells. Disclosed herein are assays for determining whether a test material/molecule is a substrate for, and/or is actively transported by, the CAT1 transporter, and therefore a candidate substrate for crossing the blood brain barrier. The assays are useful in screening for therapeutic, cytotoxic or imaging compounds used in the treatment or diagnosis of neurological diseases. |
| US07670780B2 |
Compositions and methods to detect Candida albicans nucleic acid
Compositions are disclosed as nucleic acid sequences that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes specific for Candida albicans 26S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 26S rRNA. Methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of C. albicans in samples by using the disclosed compositions in methods that include in vitro nucleic acid amplification of a 26S rRNA sequence or DNA encoding the 26S rRNA sequence to produce a detectable amplification product. |
| US07670779B2 |
Nucleotide mixture for improved nucleic acid amplification performance
The present invention relates to modification of amplification buffer used in amplification reactions. The modifications result in a significant improvement in results of amplification. In particular, the present invention provides methods and buffers for performing an amplification reaction utilizing a buffer comprising nucleotide triphosphates comprising treating the buffer to substitute a portion of the nucleotide triphosphates with nucleotide diphosphates. |
| US07670777B2 |
Method for detecting DNA methylation using labelled S-adenosylmethionine analogs
The invention relates to a method for detecting the methylation status in DNA samples. According to the invention, a DNA methyl transferase and a labeled S-adenosylmethionine derivative allow a detectable label to be covalently bonded to the DNA, in accordance with the respective methylation status of the DNA sample. |
| US07670774B2 |
Probe of human papillomavirus and DNA chip comprising the same
Oligonucleotide probes for analyzing 40 types of HPV were synthesized, and DNA chips were produced by using the oligonucleotide probes. The synthesis of the oligonucleotide probes is based on clones of L1 and E6/E7 genes of 35 types of HPV obtained from cervical cell specimens from 4,898 Korean adult women and tissue specimens from 68 cervical cancer cases in addition to information based on American and European cases. The DNA chips can analyze the 40 types of HPV found in cervical, diagnose complex infection by at least one type of HPV, and have excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity on HPV genetic type up to 100% and reproducibility. Also, the DAN chips are superior to conventional analytic method, and very economical, since they can analyze numerous specimens in shortest time. Accordingly, the DNA chips are useful for predicting cervical cancer and precancerous lesion. |
| US07670772B2 |
Microfluidic chip for multiple bioassay and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a microfluidic chip for multiple bioassay and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes: forming microfluidic channels by coupling a channel structure having grooves for sample channels and probe channels in a bottom surface and a substrate; forming probe immobilization regions at intersections between the probe channels and the sample channels; and forming blocking walls in the probe channels before and after each of the probe immobilization regions to prevent mixing of target sample. Since the probes are immobilized in the microfluidic channels after the formation of the microfluidic channels, difficulty in connecting fluidic channels after the immobilization of probes on a substrate can be removed. In addition, a microfluidic platform for a multiple bioassay into which a plurality of samples can be simultaneously loaded can be formed. |
| US07670771B2 |
Mutant sodium channel Nav1.7 nucleic acid methods
Described are mutant Nav1.7 sodium channel alpha-subunits and nucleic acid sequences encoding such mutants. Further described are methods for characterizing a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Nav1 sodium channel alpha-subunit, methods for determining a Nav1.7 haplotype, methods for determining a subject's predisposition to a neurologic disorder associated with a sodium channel mutation, and methods of identifying a compound that modulates mutant Nav1.7 sodium channels. Other materials, compositions, articles, devices, and methods relating to mutant Nav1.7 sodium channels are also described herein. |
| US07670767B1 |
Genetic alterations associated with cancer
The present invention provides new probes for the detection of chromosomal alterations associated with cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. The probes bind selectively with target nucleic acid sequences at 3q26. |
| US07670764B2 |
Methods of diagnosing tissue fibrosis
The present invention provides a method of diagnosing the presence or severity of tissue fibrosis in an individual by detecting α2-macroglobulin (α2-MG) in a sample from the individual; detecting hyaluronic acid (HA) in a sample from the individual; detecting tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in a sample from the individual; and diagnosing the presence or severity of tissue fibrosis in the individual based on the presence or level of α2-MG, HA and TIMP-1. |
| US07670763B2 |
Method of determining sperm capacitation
This invention describes unique patterns of distribution of ganglioside GM1 in non-capacitated sperm and demonstrates that the pattern of distribution of GM1 undergoes changes that can be correlated with the process of capacitation and/or with acrosomal exocytosis. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a method for determining the ability of sperm to respond to capacitation and/or acrosomal exocytosis stimuli. The method comprises determination of distribution pattern for GM1. The method can be used for both diagnostic and predictive purposes when assessing male reproductive fitness, and can also be used to assess the effects on sperm of cryoprotective agents and protocols, and contraceptive agents. |
| US07670752B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, composition for solder resist, and photosensitive dry film
A photosensitive resin composition which is excellent in storage stability required for one-part type compositions and in processability required for dry-film formation and gives a cured product suitable for FPC substrates or suspension substrates for hard-disc which each retains essential properties required for solder resists, such as heat resistance, water resistance, and electrical-insulation reliability, and has flexibility and low polluting property. The composition comprises: a compound which has a carbon-carbon double bond and carboxy group and is obtained by allowing a bisphenol type epoxy compound and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid to react and then allowing a polybasic acid anhydride to undergo addition reaction with part or all of the secondary hydroxy groups of the reaction product; a urethane (meth)acrylate compound having a structure derived from a polycarbonate polyol structure; another polymerizable compound having a carbon-carbon double bond; and a photopolymerization initiator. |
| US07670748B2 |
Cyclic compound, photoresist composition and method of forming a photoresist pattern using the same
A photoresist composition includes a cyclic compound, a photoacid generator, and an organic solvent. The cyclic compound includes any one selected from the group consisting of moieties having chemical structures represented by the formulae (1), (2), (3) and (4) set forth herein, and at least one moiety having the chemical structure represented by the formula (9) set forth herein. |
| US07670741B2 |
Toner
A toner containing a toner particle manufactured by dispersing an organic solvent in which a component comprising a polymer having a portion reactive with an active hydrogen group is dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium; and reacting the polymer with a compound having at least one active hydrogen group, where the polymer is prepared by reacting an aliphatic polyol, a polyester resin and a diisocyanate compound and has an isocyanate group on at least one end of the polymer. |
| US07670740B2 |
Photoconductors containing fillers
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and an overcoating layer in contact with and contiguous to the top charge transport layer, and which overcoating is comprised of a polymer, an optional overcoating charge transport component, and needle shaped particles with an aspect ratio of from 2 to about 200. |
| US07670739B2 |
Single layered photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, and an active layer in contact with the substrate, and which layer contains at least one photogenerating pigment, at least one charge transport component, and a mixture of a metal oxide and a chelating agent of a tetrafluorodihydroxyanthraquinone. |
| US07670738B2 |
Boron containing photoconductors
A photoconductor comprising a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and where the photogenerating layer contains a boron containing compound. |
| US07670737B2 |
UV absorbing hole blocking layer containing photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes a substrate; an undercoat layer thereover comprised of a metal oxide, and an ultraviolet light absorber component; a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer. |
| US07670734B2 |
Titanyl phthalocyanine silanol terphenyl photoconductors
A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer comprised of a chelating agent and a titanyl phthalocyanine; and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component; and wherein a silanol is present in at least one of the photogenerating layer and charge transport layer, and wherein said at least one charge transport component is comprised of wherein X and Y are independently a suitable hydrocarbon, a halogen, or mixtures thereof. |
| US07670733B2 |
Silanol containing photoconductors
A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the photogenerating layer contains a Type V hydroxygallium phthalocyanine having incorporated therein a silanol. |
| US07670731B2 |
Method for exposing a substrate and lithographic projection apparatus
A method for improving the uniformity of a lithographic process. In one aspect, the probability density function of a first and second lithographic apparatus are matched by providing a continuous z-motion to a stage in the first lithographic apparatus during substrate exposure. Preferably, the z-motion is characterized by a normally distributed function, wherein the effective probability density function of the first apparatus is substantially similar to the probability density function of the second apparatus. |
| US07670719B2 |
Cell stack for redox flow battery, and redox flow battery
This invention provides a cell frame for a redox flow battery that prevents leakage of electrolyte out of the cell frame and also provides a good workability in assembling the redox flow battery. Also, this invention provides a redox flow battery using the cell frame. In the cell frame 30 for the redox flow battery 30 comprising a bipolar plate 21 and a frame 31 fitted around a periphery of the bipolar plate 21, the frame 31 has, on each side thereof, an inner seal and an outer seal to press-contact with a membrane and also seal electrolyte. The frame 31 has, on each side thereof, an inner seal groove 34 and an outer seal groove 35 for placing therein the inner seal and the outer seal, respectively, to prevent the electrolyte from leaking out, and O-rings are placed in the respective seal grooves. |
| US07670718B2 |
Battery assembly
A Battery Assembly comprises a rack assembly, a plurality of guiding strips, two polar heads, a plurality of lithium batteries and safety units. The guiding strips are connected to the polar heads and are disposed on the rack assembly, respectively. The rack assembly has a containing space for accommodating the lithium batteries, and each lithium battery is connected to the guiding strip by a guiding piece via one safety unit, such that the lithium batteries are connected in parallel, thus providing enough power with a small size. In addition, each safety unit can cut off the broken lithium battery separately, so as to avoid the immediate shut-off of the electric power. |
| US07670716B2 |
Electrochemical cells employing expandable separators
An electrochemical cell is provided comprising a first electrode and a second electrode. A separator, which includes an expansion joint, surrounds and seals the first electrode. The separator may comprise a first major surface and a second major surface substantially opposite the first major surface, and the expansion joint may be coupled between the first major surface and the second major surface. |
| US07670715B2 |
Nonaqueous cell with improved thermoplastic sealing member
An electrochemical battery cell with an improved thermoplastic sealing member. The seal member is made from a thermoplastic resin comprising polyphthalamide or impact modified polyphenylene sulfide. The seal member provides an effective seal vent over a broad temperature range and has a low electrolyte vapor transmission rate. |
| US07670713B2 |
Fuel cell electrode and membrane-electrode assembly and fuel cell system
A fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst layer and an electrode substrate supporting the catalyst layer and including a conductive substrate. The catalyst layer includes a first catalyst supported on a carbon supporter and a second catalyst supported on an inorganic oxide supporter. The first catalyst includes an alloy of Pt and a metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, and a mixture thereof, and the second catalyst includes an alloy of Pt and a metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, and a mixture thereof. |
| US07670709B2 |
Fuel cell seal with integral bridge
The invention is drawn to a gasket (34) for use in an individual fuel cell (20). The gasket (34) includes at lest one generally rigid bridge (44) or (46) that extends across the fluid flow channels in adjacent separator plates (38) and (40). The bridge (44) or (46) assures that the fluid flow channels are not blocked or restricted in the cell (20). Each bridge (44) or (46) may be integral with its corresponding gasket (34). The gasket (34) may be a multi-piece gasket with a carrier material having an elastrometric seal portion (74) secured to it. |
| US07670706B2 |
Fuel cartridge for fuel cell, and fuel cell
A fuel cartridge (1) includes a fuel storage container (2), and a fuel supply port (4) for taking out a fuel stored in the fuel storage container (2). The fuel supply port (4) is provided with a fuel supply port protecting mechanism. The fuel supply port protecting mechanism includes a door (10) for opening/closing an opening (11) provided between the fuel supply port (4) and an outside, and a lock mechanism (20) for locking the door (10) so that the door (10) does not open. This can prevent, with the fuel cartridge not installed on a fuel cell, the leakage of a fuel from the fuel cartridge caused by improper handling by a user, etc. |
| US07670705B2 |
Fuel cell system with purifying apparatus
A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte interposed between the anode and the cathode; and a purifying apparatus including a catalyst layer that purifies an effluent discharged from the anode. The purifying apparatus has a porous sheet including the catalyst layer and two flow paths disposed on both sides thereof. One of the flow paths has an inlet into which the effluent discharged from the anode is introduced, and the other flow path has an inlet into which air is introduced and an outlet. The effluent discharged from the anode is passed through the porous sheet for purification and then discharged from the outlet. |
| US07670699B2 |
Fuel cell
A simple, inexpensive and highly efficient fuel cell has boundary structures made of a photo-sensitive material in combination with selective patterning. Printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication techniques combine boundary structures with two and three dimensional electrical flow path. Photo-sensitive material and PCB fabrication techniques are alternately or combined utilized for making micro-channel structures or micro stitch structures for substantially reducing dead zones of the diffusion layer while keeping fluid flow resistance to a minimum. The fuel cell assembly is free of mechanical clamping elements. Adhesives that may be conductively contaminated and/or fiber-reinforced provide mechanical and eventual electrical connections, and sealing within the assembly. Mechanically supporting backing layers are pre-fabricated with a natural bend defined in combination with the backing layers' elasticity to eliminate massive support plates and assist the adhesive bonding. Proton insulation between adjacent and electrically linked in-plane cell elements is provided by structural insulation within the central membrane. |
| US07670698B2 |
Silicide fueled power generators and methods related thereto
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power generator comprising one or more fuel cells and a fuel, wherein the fuel comprises an alkali metal silicide. |
| US07670689B2 |
Sulfidation-resistant silver-base coating, method for depositing such a coating and use thereof
The sulfidation resistance of a silver-base material coating is further improved by making a concentration gradient of silver, oxygen and of one or more oxidizable alloying elements that may be present in the material, from the free surface of the coating up to a depth comprised between 10 nm and 1 μm and more particularly between 100 nm and 1 μm. Thus, the coating comprises a stack of one main layer made from silver-base material and of one oxidized thin film. The thin film, with a thickness comprised between 10 nm and 1 μm, thus presents a decreasing silver concentration gradient from the interface between the thin film and the main layer to the free surface of the thin film. Deposition of the coating on a support can be achieved by two successive physical vapor deposition steps, and more particularly by magnetron cathode sputtering. |
| US07670686B2 |
Long-term hydrophilic modification of PDMS substrate and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a hydrophilic surface structure of the non-hydrophilic substrate and the manufacturing method for using the same. The hydrophilic substrate surface structure is fabricated by forming an amphiphilic polymer layer, a cross-linked stacking layer, and a hydrophilic layer in sequence on the surface of a non-hydrophilic substrate. For example, the hydrophobic surface of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) can be made from hydrophobic to hydrophilic and the hydrophilicity can be retained for a long period of time and resist protein adsorption. The hydrophilic thin films give long term stability to the PDMS surface by resisting hydrophobicity recovery, which is the major problem with PDMS. The disclosed method can further be used in the immobilization of protein and other molecules. This method can also be used for modifying other substrates which suffer problems of surface instability. |
| US07670683B2 |
Damage-resistant epoxy compound
A composition includes a cross-linkable epoxy resin, a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polymethylmethacrylate tri-block copolymer, and a filler material. The polystyrene-polybutadiene-polymethylmethacrylate tri-block copolymer has a concentration ratio of from about 1:1:1 to about 1:1:1.5. |
| US07670680B2 |
Coated microspheres comprising ferromagnetic and conductive coatings
A device having a substrate, a pair of ferromagnetic leads on a surface of the substrate, laterally separated by a gap, and one or more ferromagnetic microparticles comprising a conductive coating at least partially within the gap. The conductive coating forms at least part of an electrical connection between the leads. A molecular junction may connect the leads to the microparticle. |
| US07670678B2 |
Fibers comprising hemicellulose and processes for making same
Hemicellulose fibers, more particularly to non-naturally occurring fibers incorporating hemicellulose, processes for making same and fibrous structures incorporating same are provided. |
| US07670676B2 |
Pharmaceutical raw material
There are provided a pharmaceutical raw material capable of exhibiting a uniform functionality and producing magnetic particle-containing drugs for diagnosis and medical treatments with a high reproducibility. The pharmaceutical raw material comprises a monodisperse colloid sterile aqueous solution of magnetic iron oxide fine particles having an average particle diameter of 5 to 30 nm, a saturation magnetization of 50 to 90 Am2/kg and a coercive force of 0.1 to 1.6 kA/m. The pharmaceutical raw material can be produced by forming magnetic iron oxide fine particles in the form of a colloid aqueous solution, purifying the resultant colloid aqueous solution of superparamagnetic iron oxide particles by water-washing and removing water-soluble salts by-produced upon the reaction from the reaction solution by an ordinary method, and replacing a dispersing medium of the purified colloid aqueous solution with ultrapure water. |
| US07670673B2 |
Heat-resistant, light-shielding film, production thereof, and aperture and light intensity adjusting device using the same
A heat-resistant, light-shielding film having high light shielding capacity, high heat resistance, high sliding characteristics, low surface gloss and high electroconductivity, and useful for optical device parts, e.g., shutter or aperture blades for digital cameras and digital video cameras, and aperture blades for adjusting light intensity for projectors; method for producing the film; and aperture and light intensity adjusting device using the film.The heat-resistant, light-shielding film comprising a heat-resistant resin film base (A) resistant to 200° C. or higher, coated, on one or both sides, with an Ni-base metallic film (B) having a thickness of 50 nm or more by sputtering and then with a low-reflectivity film (C) of Ni-base oxide also by sputtering, and having a surface roughness (arithmetic average height Ra) of 0.1 to 0.7 μm. |
| US07670670B2 |
Surface-covering system and methods for making and using the same
A surface-covering system and methods for making and using the same. The system includes a plurality of components each being a substantially planar portion having plurality of edges and an upper surface and an under surface. A second portion is attached to the under surface of the planar portion along a predetermined one of the edges, forming a thickened edge that has a predetermined cross-section. The plurality of components are placed edge-to-edge to cover a surface. If desired, the edges can be straight and/or the upper and lower surfaces of the components can be rectangular. Also, the cross-section of the thickened edge can be an arc of a circle. The second portion can be attached to the under surface of the planar portion by an adhesive such as an epoxy adhesive. The component can be made from a quarry material such as granite. |
| US07670668B2 |
Roof coverings made without roofing granules
A roof covering includes a coated roofing mat comprising a roofing mat coated with an organic-based coating material. A reflective layer comprising a layer of an infrared reflective material covers an upper surface of the coated roofing mat. A weatherable layer comprising a layer of a weatherable material covers an upper surface of the reflective layer. The roof covering does not include roofing granules. |
| US07670666B2 |
Cloth
A fabric for clothes that has a decreased flow resistance shows a compression ratio of a micro-area in the fabric surface, on the surface side opposite to a body, of from 8 to 90%, and has streaky protruded portions on the surface side opposite to body. The protruded portions preferably have a width of 100 to 2,500 mm, and a height of 30 to 300% of the width of the protruded portions. Moreover, the protruded portions are preferably wavy, streaky ones in one direction on the surface side opposite to a body. |
| US07670658B1 |
Anti-static ball and method of manufacture
An anti-static ball has a ball housing having a plurality of outwardly extending spikes and a plurality of receivers. A plurality of anti-static foam wafers are mounted on the receivers of the ball housing. |
| US07670648B2 |
Method of forming a diffusion barrier on a titanium alloy substrate
A phosphate bonded ceramic is used to provide a diffusion barrier on a titanium alloy substrate, conferring degradation (eg oxidation) resistance to the alloy. The substrate may, for example, be an aerospace component such as a part of a gas turbine engine. |
| US07670645B1 |
Method of treating metal and metal salts to enable thin layer deposition in semiconductor processing
Techniques for vaporizing and handling a vaporized metallic element or metallic element salt with a heated inert carrier gas for further processing. The vaporized metallic element or salt is carried by an inert carrier gas heated to the same temperature as the vaporizing temperature to a heated processing chamber. The metal or salt vapor may be ionized (and implanted) or deposited on substrates. Apparatus for accomplishing these techniques, which include carrier gas heating chambers and heated processing chambers are also provided. |
| US07670640B2 |
Curable fluorine-containing polymer, curable resin composition prepared from same and antireflection film
There are provided a curable fluorine-containing polymer which can realize a high hardness by photo-curing while maintaining a low refractive index, an antireflection film possessing improved scratch resistance and abrasion resistance while maintaining a reflection reducing effect, and an antireflection-treated article provided with such an antireflection film. The curable fluorine-containing polymer has a number average molecular weight of from 500 to 1,000,000 and is represented by the formula (1): AM (1) in which the structural unit M is a structural unit derived from a fluorine-containing ethylenic monomer and represented by the formula (M): wherein X1 and X2 are the same or different and each is H or F; X3 is H, F, CH3 or CF3; X4 and X5 are the same or different and each is H, F or CF3; Rf is an organic group in which 1 to 3 of Y1 (Y1 is a monovalent organic group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and an ethylenic carbon-carbon double bond at its end) are bonded to a fluorine-containing alkyl group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms or a fluorine-containing alkyl group having 2 to 100 carbon atoms and ether bond; a is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 3; b and c are the same or different and each is 0 or 1, the structural unit A is a structural unit derived from a monomer copolymerizable with the fluorine-containing ethylenic monomer represented by the formula (M), and the structural unit M and the structural unit A are contained in amounts of from 0.1 to 100% by mole and from 0 to 99.9% by mole, respectively. |
| US07670631B2 |
Method for the prevention of malaria infection of humans by hepatocyte growth factor antagonists
A method for the prevention of infection of humans by plasmodium parasites is provided. The method consists of the application of compounds that interfere with the infection of hepatocytes by Plasmodium viax. |
| US07670626B2 |
Delivery of a bioactive material
A solid pharmaceutical composition comprising a water-soluble bioactive material and an encapsulating material which is present in the composition in the form of continuous solid phase, and in which solid particles of the bioactive material are dispersed and encapsulated in the continuous solid phase of the encapsulating material, wherein each of the bioactive material and the encapsulating material is normally a solid at room temperature and the melting point of the encapsulating material is lower than the melting point of the bioactive material, the bioactive material being preferably a bisphosphonate, most preferably alendronate, and the encapsulating material includes an enhancer, preferably a mono- or di-glyceride, or an encapsulating surfactant, preferably, a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene block copolymer having surface active properties, and a process for preparing the composition in which solid particles of the bioactive material are mixed with and dispersed in the encapsulating material which is in molten (liquid) form; and cooling the molten form of the encapsulating material to form a solid pharmaceutical composition having the solid particles of the bioactive material dispersed and encapsulated in a continuous solid phase of the encapsulating material. |
| US07670622B2 |
Composition for in vivo vessel repair
The present invention relates to a biocompatible polymer composition, suitable for in vivo vessel repair, comprising a matrix pre-polymer, a filler and a curing agent, wherein said composition wherein said biocompatible polymer composition is curable in the presence of a curing catalyst at 37° C. to form a cured material with an elongation until rupture of at least 5% and an elastic modulus of at least 1 MPa. |
| US07670618B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions
Discloses is a pharmaceutical composition suitable for oral administration in the form of a homogeneous solution which on exposure to water or gastrointestinal fluids forms an emulsion having a particle size of less than 5 microns, the solution containing: (a) a pharmaceutically effective amount of a cyclosporin, in particular Cyclosporin A, (b) a carrier medium which is a mixture of mono- and diesters of propylene glycol with fatty acids having from 8 to 10 carbon atoms or with mixtures of such fatty acids, wherein the monoester makes up less than 60 mol % of the mixture, and (c) a non-ionic surfactant having a hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) greater than 10. |
| US07670614B2 |
Use of alkylpolyglycosides as emulsifying agents for the preparation oil-in-water emulsions containing mineral pigments or fillers and the oil-in-water emulsions containing such alkylpolyglycosides
A composition and process of preparation of emulsifier agents based on an alkylpolyglycoside structure with a length of alkyl chain having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms to be used. The resulting emulsions exhibit an excellent dispersion of the fillers and/or pigments without it being necessary to add coemulsifier or dispersant. The emulsifier makes it possible, by itself alone, to prevent the reagglomeration of the fillers and/or pigments. |
| US07670613B2 |
Androgen modulators
The present invention is directed to a new class of 4-cycloalkoxy benzonitriles and to their use as androgen receptor modulators. Other aspects of the invention are directed to the use of these compounds to decrease excess sebum secretions and to stimulate hair growth. |
| US07670607B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions for treating papillomavirus tumors and infection
A pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a papillomavirus infection or tumor, including, as the therapeutical agents, a polypeptide from an early region and a polypeptide from a late region of a papillomavirus, optionally combined with a polypeptide having immunostimulatory activity or a polypeptide from an early or late region of a papillomavirus and a polypeptide having immunostimulatory activity, or alternatively, a recombinant vector containing inserted DNA fragments coding for the above-mentioned polypeptide combinations. |
| US07670600B2 |
Molecules with extended half-lives, compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulins, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules. |
| US07670597B2 |
Ex vivo and in vivo expression of the thrombomodulin gene for the treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vitro using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method to deliver a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant using a stent. |
| US07670596B2 |
Multi-lineage progenitor cells
Fetal blood multi-lineage progenitor cells that are capable of a wide spectrum of transdifferentiation are described. |
| US07670594B1 |
Hair and skin conditioning compositions
The present invention relates to a series of compositions that are very effective hair and skin conditioners. These compositions are composed of a poloxomer ester and an alkyl dimethicone copolyol. The poloxomer ester has from 14 to 40 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, at least one polyoxypropylene group and between and at least 40% by weight polyoxyethylene group in the molecule. The inclusion of the alkyl group in the alkyl dimethicone copolyol improves wet comb and skin feel. |
| US07670591B2 |
Heteroaryl substituted benzoxazoles
The present invention relates to novel heteroaryl substituted benzoxazole derivatives and therapeutic uses for such compounds, having the structural formula (Ia) below: and to their pharmaceutically acceptable salt, compositions and methods of use. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel heteroaryl substituted benzoxazole derivatives that are suitable for imaging amyloid deposits in living patients, their compositions, methods of use and processes to make such compounds. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits in brain in vivo to allow antemortem diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease as well as measuring clinical efficacy of Alzheimer's disease therapeutic agents. |
| US07670585B2 |
Method for preparing electroconductive mayenite type compound
Provided is a method for preparing an electroconductive mayenite type compound with good properties readily and stably at low cost without need for expensive facilities, a reaction at high temperature and for a long period of time, or complicated control of reaction.A method for preparing an electroconductive mayenite type compound comprises a step of subjecting a precursor to heat treatment, wherein the precursor contains Ca and/or Sr, and Al, a molar ratio of (a total of CaO and SrO:Al2O3) is from (12.6:6.4) to (11.7:7.3) as calculated as oxides, a total content of CaO, SrO and Al2O3 in the precursor is at least 50 mol %, and the precursor is a vitreous or crystalline material; and the method comprises a step of mixing the precursor with a reducing agent and performing the heat treatment of holding the mixture at 600-1,415° C. in an inert gas or vacuum atmosphere with an oxygen partial pressure of at most 10 Pa. |
| US07670582B2 |
Mesoporous carbon and method of producing the same
Provided are a mesoporous carbon and a method of preparing the same, where the mesoporous carbon is prepared using phenanthrene as a carbon source and a mesoporous silica as a template. The mesoporous carbon has a significantly low plane resistance, which can be obtained without sacrificing other physical properties, and thus obtains a high conductivity and effectively transfers electrical energy. Accordingly, a fuel cell electrode or a fuel cell which is produced using the mesoporous carbon as a conductive material has high efficiency. Furthermore, the mesoporous carbon may be used in various electrochemical devices as a conductive material. |
| US07670581B2 |
Light-emitting nanoparticles and methods of making same
A method for the production of a robust, chemically stable, crystalline, passivated nanoparticle and composition containing the same, that emit light with high efficiencies and size-tunable and excitation energy tunable color. The methods include the thermal degradation of a precursor molecule in the presence of a capping agent at high temperature and elevated pressure. A particular composition prepared by the methods is a passivated silicon nanoparticle composition displaying discrete optical transitions. |
| US07670580B2 |
Dental resin materials, method of manufacture, and uses thereof
A filler for a dental resin composition is disclosed, comprising silica particles derived from a nanoparticulate silica sol, the filler material having at least one crystalline phase. The filler material provides improved wear resistance and other properties. |
| US07670578B2 |
Method for preparing rare-earth halide blocks
The invention relates to a method of preparing a polycrystalline block of a halide of formula AeLnfX(3f+e) in which Ln represents one or more rare earths, X represents one or more halogen atoms selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I, and A represents one or more alkali metals selected from the group consisting of K, Li, Na, Rb and Cs, e, which may be zero, being less than or equal to 3f, and f being greater than or equal to 1, having a low water and oxyhalide content, in which the method comprises heating a mixture of, on the one hand, at least one compound having at least one Ln—X bond and, on the other hand, a sufficient amount of NH4X in order to obtain the oxyhalide content, resulting in a molten mass comprising the rare-earth halide, the heating being followed by cooling, and the heating, after having reached 300° C., never going below 200° C. before the molten mass has been obtained. The blocks thus produced allow very pure single crystals having remarkable scintillation properties to be grown. |
| US07670575B2 |
Method and device for treating anode slime
The method and furnace according to the invention enable a continuous processing of anode slime and are particularly suited to be connected to a process where anode slime is treated by hydrometallurgic methods after roasting. In the method according to the invention, the slime containing valuable metals and selenium is dried, roasted, sulfatized and cooled. The method includes steps to be carried out in succession, in continuous operation, so that the slime forms a slime layer on the conveyor and is conveyed to be treated in successive drying, roasting, sulfatizing and sulfuric acid removal and cooling units. |
| US07670569B2 |
Combustion furnace humidification devices, systems & methods
An injection device for humidifying a reactor space and injecting and dispersing reagents into the humidified reactor space, including an exterior injection duct for high-velocity gas injection and at least one interior injector for reagent and humidifying agent injection as droplets with a droplet environment. The high-velocity gas ensuring the humidification of the liquid droplet environment and mixing and dispersion of the liquid reagent droplets into the reactor. A multiple injection device system and a method for operating the system are also described. |
| US07670566B2 |
Air treatment devices with use-up indicators
Disclosed are devices for dispensing air treatment chemicals. There is a substrate bearing a first volatile air treatment chemical that is capable of being dispensed from the substrate when the substrate is heated, and an indicator unit holding a volatile indicator chemical separate from the first volatile air treatment chemical such that the volatile indicator chemical is capable of being dispensed from the unit when the unit is heated. The extent of dispensing of the first volatile air treatment chemical can be indicated by a visible cue whose appearance results from the dispensing of the volatile indicator chemical. In one form the unit also holds a second air treatment chemical. In another the indicator unit is a replaceable cartridge positionable more remote from the heater than the substrate. |
| US07670565B2 |
Building decontamination with vaporous hydrogen peroxide
When microbial contamination is introduced into a room (20*) of an enclosure, such as a building, an HVAC system including supply ductwork (16) and a return ductwork (34) is decontaminated with hydrogen peroxide vapor. A decontamination controller (46) operates controllable baffles (22) at outlet registers (20), temporary controllable baffles (44) at inlet registers (30), and a blower system (10) to circulate hydrogen peroxide vapor from hydrogen peroxide vapor generators (42) through the ductwork in both forward and reverse directions. Further, at least portions of the baffles are closed to create dwell times in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor resides in the ductwork with minimal or turbulent flow. |
| US07670563B2 |
Centrifuge and a support for use in a centrifuge
A centrifuge has a bucket for receiving the product to be centrifuged, and a support which is configured to be inserted in the bucket and receive microtiter plates and the like. The support has substantial stability and comprises a generally planar base and four upstanding lateral walls which are integrally formed with the base and which are coupled together at their upper edges to form a substantially self-contained enclosure. |
| US07670558B2 |
Chemical analysis apparatus and chemical analysis method
A chemical analysis apparatus in which a sample to be analyzed and a reagent are placed into a reaction container, and sound waves are irradiated to said reaction container so as to agitate them, wherein said chemical analysis apparatus comprises a piezoelectric element producing said sound waves, and drivers for driving said piezoelectric element, said sound waves being intermittently irradiated into said reaction container. |
| US07670557B2 |
Planar sensor arrangement, sensor array and method for the production of a planar-sensor arrangement
A planar-sensor arrangement is disclosed, which is used to detect particles possibly contained in an analyte. The sensor element includes a substrate, a first planar-sensor electrode and a second planar-sensor electrode which are formed on and/or in the substrate and whereon catcher molecules can be immobilized. The first sensor-electrode and the second sensor-electrode are divided, respectively, into a plurality of planar sensor-electrode partial areas. The sensor electrode partial areas of the first sensor electrode and the sensor electrode partial areas of the second sensor electrode are arranged in an alternating manner in two dimensions on the surface plane of the substrate. The sensor element also includes a wiring structure by which at least one part of the sensor electrode partial areas of the first sensor electrode are electrically coupled together, and by which at least one part of the sensor-electrode partial areas of the second sensor electrode are electrically coupled together. |
| US07670556B2 |
Surface plasmon resonance imaging of micro-arrays
Disclosed is a method for fabricating 1-dimensional micro-arrays using parallel micro-fluidic channels on chemically-modified metal, carbon, silicon, and/or germanium surfaces; a μL detection volume method that uses 2-dimensional nucleic acid micro-arrays formed by employing the 1-dimensional DNA micro-arrays in conjunction with a second set of parallel micro-fluidic channels for solution delivery, and the 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional arrays used in the methods. The methodology allows the rapid creation of 1- and 2-dimensional arrays for SPR imaging and fluorescence imaging of DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA, DNA-protein, and protein-protein binding events. The invention enables very small volumes necessary for a variety of bioassay applications to be analyzed by SPR. Target solution volumes as small as 200 pL can be analyzed. |
| US07670555B2 |
Parallel gripper for handling multiwell plate
A parallel gripper for handling multiwell plates in an automated analysis system, moves individual multiwell plates between a plate storage array unit (i.e., plate hotel) and an imaging station. More particularly, the gripper has two parallel plate-gripping arms that move in equal, but opposite linear directions and are controlled using a stepper motor. Each of the arms has a shelf that provides support for the corresponding side edge of a multiwell plate. |
| US07670553B2 |
Carousel system for automated chemical or biological analyzers employing linear racks
An automated chemical or biological sample analyzer includes a plurality of linear sample carrying racks that are moved to a processing station for conducting an analysis using one or more carousel devices. Under computer control, rotational movements of the carousel or carousels, linear movements of the transfer or shuttle mechanisms, and operation of a pipetting station are performed in a coordinated fashion so as to handle the processing of a large number of samples simultaneously in an optimized fashion that allows random ordering of samples for processing. |
| US07670548B2 |
Lead free solder containing Sn, Ag and Bi
A lead free solder is provided. The lead free solder includes about 1.5 wt % to about 2.5 wt % silver (Ag), about 3 wt % to about 6 wt % bismuth (Bi), about 0.005 wt % to about 0.1 wt % of a deoxidizing agent, and a balance of tin (Sn). The lead free solder has improved wettability, a lowered melting point, little or substantially no formation of oxidation layer in a solder bath, suppressed brittleness, improved thermal shock resistance and drop resistance. |
| US07670547B2 |
Low alloy steel for oil country tubular goods having high sulfide stress cracking resistance
Low alloy steel for oil country tubular goods contains, in percentage by mass, 0.20% to 0.35% C, 0.05% to 0.5% Si, 0.05% to 0.6% Mn, at most 0.025% P, at most 0.01% S, 0.005% to 0.100% Al, 0.8% to 3.0% Mo, 0.05% to 0.25% V, 0.0001% to 0.005% B, at most 0.01% N, and at most 0.01% O, the balance comprising Fe and impurities, the steel satisfying Expression (1): 12V+1−Mo≧0 (1) where the symbols of elements represent the contents of the elements in percentage by mass. In this way, the steel according to the present invention has high SSC resistance. |
| US07670546B2 |
Control device of a stopper-rod
Control device for a stopper-rod to regulate the outflow of liquid metal through a calibrated hole of a pouring receptacle comprising motor means, suitable to operate lifting and lowering means (2) of the stopper (4) by means of first driving means (7) and second driving means (14, 14′), the latter being suitable to convert a rotating motion into a translational motion, wherein the second driving means are flexible longitudinal elements and are fixed at a first end thereof to lifting and lowering means and a second end thereof to an anchor element (9), integral with the first means. |
| US07670545B2 |
Method for producing semicrystalline polylactic acid articles
Amorphous sheets of PLA resins are thermoformed by heating the sheets until they become semicrystalline, and then forming the sheets on a relatively cold mold. Semicrystalline formed articles having improved heat resistance are made by the process. |
| US07670543B2 |
Method of forming microstructures with a template
A method of making a microstructured article such as barrier ribs for a display panel is described. The method employs a template to provide a discrete coating of a curable material. |
| US07670538B2 |
Cannula casting mould and casting method
A cannula casting mould and casting method for improving quality by making it possible to cast a smooth surface. An opening is formed in the side of the front side and a casting mould for casting a cylindrical cannula formed with a liquid flow path that is connected inside to the opening that comprises a mould body in which a casting groove is formed, a core area placed in the casting groove forming a casting open area between the surfaces of the casting groove, and an angle pin prepared in the mould body in an elongated state of the area corresponding to the open area of the casting groove. Furthermore, the injection opening for injecting casting material into the casting opening is prepared on the opposite side of the core area centre of axis from the area where the angle pin was placed in the mould body. |
| US07670537B2 |
Apparatus and methods for active mold decompression and melt accumulation in a shooting pot reservoir of an injection molding machine
Active decompression to prevent melt drool from a mold (12, 14) or runner system (20) is achieved through the selective coupling and de-coupling of an injection piston (34) to a plunger (38). Following successive injection (FIG. 5a) and hold phases (FIG. 5b) of an injection molding process (FIG. 5), the runner and channel system is partially de-compressed (FIG. 5c) by drawing back together, over a short distance, the plunger (38) and the injection pressure (34) as one unit. The injection piston is then mechanically de-coupled from the plunger (FIG. 5e), with the injection piston (34) withdrawn to essentially its final shot position, but minus a customary packing distance (δ). Plastic melt (100), extruded into a shooting pot (28) positioned in front of the plunger (38), is permitted to push the plunger backwards, but now with minimal work expenditure. When the plunger again contacts (FIG. 5f) the injection piston (34), melt pressure now causes both units to be moved back to reach a final shot size volume. Finally, the injection piston (34) drives the plunger (38) forward to eject melt accumulated within the shooting pot (28). |
| US07670536B2 |
Molding-system clamp
Disclosed is a lock of a molding system having a rod and a platen. The lock includes a lock member associated with the rod that is movable between a clamped position and a released position by a clamp assembly. A complementary lock member is associated with the platen. The lock member and the complementary lock member are cooperatively operable to move between a lockable condition and an unlockablecondition within a relatively lower flex zone of the platen. The relatively lower flex zone of the platen is a portion of the platen adjacent to the rod relative to a relatively higher flex zone of the platen also adjacent to the rod. |
| US07670530B2 |
Patterning substrates employing multiple chucks
The present invention is directed towards a method for patterning first and second substrates in a nanoimprint lithography system, the method including, inter alia, positioning the first substrate on a first substrate chuck; positioning a nanoimprint material on the first substrate; obtaining a spatial relationship between the first substrate and a nanoimprint mold assembly and imprinting a pattern in the nanoimprint material on the first substrate with the nanoimprint mold assembly while concurrently positioning the second substrate on a second substrate chuck; separating the nanoimprint mold assembly from the nanoimprint material on the first substrate; positioning a nanoimprint material on the second substrate; removing the first substrate from the first substrate chuck while concurrently obtaining a spatial relationship between the second substrate and the nanoimprint mold assembly and imprinting a pattern in the nanoimprint material on the second substrate with the nanoimprint mold assembly; and separating the nanoimprint mold assembly from the nanoimprint material on the second substrate, with the first and second substrates being subjected to substantially the same process conditions. |
| US07670529B2 |
Method and system for double-sided patterning of substrates
The present invention is directed towards a method and a system of patterning first and second opposed sides of a substrate. The method and system may employ a mold assembly and obtaining a desired spatial relationship between the first and second opposed sides of the substrate and the mold assembly. In a further embodiment, the method and system may employ a first and a second mold assembly. |
| US07670524B2 |
Method of over-molding TPE components using zero gate
The present invention provides a method for molding an over-molded part by a multi-shot molding method. The method of the invention comprises combining a first mold section having one or more retractable tool portions and a second mold section to form a first mold cavity. A first thermoplastic resin is injected into a first mold cavity to form a first molded part. Subsequently, the second mold section is separated from the second mold section such that the first molded part remains in contact with the first mold section. The retractable tool portion is retracted to expose one or more channels. Next, a third mold section is combined with the first mold section to form a second mold cavity. A second thermoplastic resin is then injected into the second mold cavity to form the over-molded part which may then be removed from the mold section. The present invention also provides a method in which a first mold section having one or more retractable tool portions is combined with a second mold section also having one or more tool sections. Finally, the present invention also provides a molding apparatus which executes the methods of the invention. |
| US07670523B2 |
Impact strength improvement of regrind
Regrind is mixed with at least one low density metallocene polyethylene to increase the amount of regrind that can be used in a thermoformed article. |
| US07670522B2 |
Reinforced hook web
A unitary fastener of a thermoplastic resin comprising a base film layer having generally parallel upper and lower major surfaces, arranged in a first direction the base film layer being oriented at least in the first direction. The backing layer having on at least one surface separated surface elements extending at an angle to said first direction. The invention is also related to a method of forming a unitary fastener. The method includes the steps of extruding a thermoplastic resin in a machine direction through a die plate having a continuous base portion cavity and one or more rib cavities extending from the base portion cavity, forming a strip having a base layer and one or more continuous ribs. Scoring or cutting the ribs and at least a surface layer of the base layer forms predetermined separable elements. Inelastically stretching the strip forms separated projections and separated separable surface elements across the strip. The spacings between adjacent separated surface elements comprises an oriented film. |
| US07670520B2 |
Multi-layer process for producing high strength fiber-reinforced structural cementitious panels with enhanced fiber content
A process for producing fiber-reinforced structural cementitious panels made of at least one layer of fiber reinforced cementitious slurry, the process for each such layer of slurry including providing a moving web; depositing a first layer of individual, loose fibers upon the web; depositing a layer of settable slurry upon the deposited first layer of individual, loose fibers; depositing a second layer of individual, loose fibers upon the deposited layer of settable slurry; and actively embedding both layers of individual, loose fibers into the layer of slurry to distribute the fibers throughout the slurry. |
| US07670518B2 |
Composite products
A method for producing a composite product including a substrate material and a binder, wherein either the binder includes a plastics material in an emulsion form, or a plastics material is added to an emulsion including the substrate material. The invention is also directed to composite products including a particulate substrate and particles of a plastics material therein. |
| US07670512B2 |
Second order nonlinear optical polyimides having benzobisthiazole-based pendant groups, and preparation of the same
Disclosed herein are second order nonlinear optic polyimide polymers comprising repeating units represented by the formula: wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the Specification and Claims. Also disclosed are the preparation processes of these polymers, chromophore-forming compounds for synthesis of these polymers, and the intermediate polymers thereof. The second order nonlinear optic polyimide polymers of formula (I) may be used in the manufacture of electro-optic (EO) devices, such as electro-optic waveguide devices. |
| US07670511B2 |
Use of cathodic protection compounds on treated metal articles
A cathodic protection coating is disclosed that unexpectedly protects a treated metal substrate, notwithstanding the presence of a phosphate-containing conversion coating between the metal substrate and the cathodic protection compound. The cathodic protection coating includes sacrificial metallic particles less noble than metal in the metal substrate to be protected. The coating also includes inherently conductive polymer. |
| US07670509B2 |
Composite nanofiber, composite nanofiber association, complex structure, and production method thereof
A silica nanofiber is derived from a crystalline polymer filament of a polymer including straight chain polyethyleneimine backbones, which is capable of forming a water-insoluble crystal in the presence of water molecules at room temperature, and the crystalline polymer filament in the silica concentrates metal ions, thereby realizing a composite nanofiber including metals or metal ions in the silica. Furthermore, the composite nanofiber of the present invention can be easily produced by fixing a polymer structure in the silica as the scaffold for metal ions and concentrating metal ions at the scaffold or reducing the metal ions. Furthermore, a metal-containing silica nanofiber can be easily obtained by removing a polymer component from the composite nanofiber, the composite nanofiber association, and the complex nanofiber structure. These nanofibers can be assembled and integrated, and the assembled or integrated association or structure can realize various shapes. |
| US07670508B2 |
Proton conductor, single ion conductor, manufacturing methods thereof, and electrochemical capacitor
A proton conductor or a single ion conductor having high conductivity and a broad operation temperature range, manufacturing methods thereof and an electrochemical capacitor using it are provided. A compound having a structural part of Chemical formula 1 and a compound having a structure of Chemical formula 2 are included. X represents a protoic dissociation group, R1 represents a component including carbon, R2 and R3 represent a component including carbon or hydrogen, and n is in the range of n≧1. By action of the ═NCOH group of the compound having the structure of Chemical formula 2, protons can be dissociated from the compound having the structural part of Chemical formula 1 and migrated. Therefore, water retention becomes unnecessary, and high proton conductivity can be obtained in a broad temperature range. |
| US07670507B2 |
Phosphor composition for a low-pressure discharge lamp with high color temperature
A phosphor composition for a low-pressure discharge lamp with a high light yield and a high color temperature contains phosphors which emit in the red wavelength region, including yttrium oxide doped with europium or gadolinium-zinc-magnesium pentaborate doped with cerium and manganese, phosphors which emit in the green wavelength region including lanthanum phosphate doped with cerium and terbium and/or cerium-magnesium aluminate doped with terbium and/or cerium-magnesium pentaborate doped with terbium, and optionally a phosphor which emits in the blue wavelength region of the barium-magnesium aluminate doped with europium type. The phosphor composition additionally contains at least one phosphor which emits in the blue or blue-green wavelength region selected from the group consisting of manganese-strontium-barium-magnesium aluminate doped with manganese and europium or barium-magnesium aluminate doped with europium and manganese and strontium aluminate doped with europium and strontium-barium-calcium chloroapatite doped with europium and strontium borophosphate doped with europium. |
| US07670506B1 |
Photoactive compositions for liquid deposition
Compositions are provided, comprising a host and a dopant, wherein the weight:weight ratio of host:dopant is about 10:1 to about 40:1, and a solvent, and methods for making the same, as well as devices and sub-assemblies including the same. |
| US07670497B2 |
Oxidant and passivant composition and method for use in treating a microelectronic structure
A composition that may be used for cleaning a metal containing conductor layer, such as a copper containing conductor layer, within a microelectronic structure includes an aqueous acid, along with an oxidant material and a passivant material contained within the aqueous acid. The composition does not include an abrasive material. The composition is particularly useful for cleaning a residue from a copper containing conductor layer and an adjoining dielectric layer that provides an aperture for accessing the copper containing conductor layer within a microelectronic structure. |
| US07670493B2 |
Mobile vacuum flotation and clarification unit
A mobile apparatus and method of operation for the pretreatment of wastewater to remove and concentrate fats, oils, grease and settled solids using vacuum flotation and a clarifier and returning the pretreated wastewater to the source structure, tank or sewer system. The vacuum flotation process is enhanced by injecting hydrogen peroxide to increase the dissolved oxygen concentration and a cationic emulsion polymer as a coagulant to the wastewater prior to removal into the vacuum flotation tank by vacuum pumping. |
| US07670492B2 |
Method of removing a metal ion from a water stream using organo-ceramic composite materials
The present invention relates to an organo-ceramic composite material useful for the extraction of metal ions from solution. The organo-ceramic composite material is formed according to a sol gel synthesis scheme by reacting a functional precursor silane and its homopolymers with either (i) a mixture of a cross-linking silane and its homopolymers or (ii) the cross-linking silane, under conditions effective to yield the composite material of the present invention. Further aspects of the present invention relate to methods of removing a metal ion from a water stream and recovering a metal ion from a water stream, both of which include contacting a water stream containing a metal ion with an organo-ceramic composite material of the present invention under conditions effective to remove the metal ion from the water stream. |
| US07670484B2 |
Filter cartridge construction with carbon profile
A filter cartridge including a filtering body having first and second porous filter walls. The second porous filter wall having a density that is different than the first porous filter wall. The density of the second porous filter wall being defined by interstitial spaces. The filter cartridge further including discrete chemically filtering particles that are captured within the interstitial spaces of the second porous filter wall when the filtering body is in a vertical filtering orientation. |
| US07670475B2 |
Fluorine separation and generation device
A process and apparatus for the electrolytic separation of fluorine from a mixture of gases is disclosed. Also described is the process and apparatus for the generation of fluorine from fluorine/fluoride containing solids, liquids or gases. |
| US07670474B2 |
Method of reducing/regenerating oil or preventing oxidization/degeneration thereof
A method of reduction reclamation of an oil or prevention of oxidation degradation of the oil of the present invention includes: using an electrolytic cell 13 having an anode 11 and a cathode 12 made of a hydrogen storage material, and inside of the cell divided by the cathode 12 into an electrolytic chamber 13A and a reduction chamber 12A; supplying the oil to the reduction chamber 12A while applying an electric voltage between the anode 11 and the cathode 12 to electrolyze an electrolytic solution supplied to the electrolytic chamber 13 (Translator's comment: correctly, 13A); and absorbing hydrogen generated on the cathode 12 in the electrolytic chamber 13A in the cathode 12 to reduce the oil in the reduction chamber 12A, the method for reduction reclamation of the oil or prevention of oxidation degradation of the oil allowing continuous treatment. |
| US07670473B1 |
Workpiece surface influencing device designs for electrochemical mechanical processing and method of using the same
The present invention is directed to a top surface of a workpiece surface influencing device and a method of using the same. The top surface of the workpiece surface influencing device is adapted for use in an electrochemical mechanical processing apparatus in which a solution becomes disposed onto a conductive surface of a workpiece and electrochemical mechanical processing of the conductive surface is performed while relative movement and physical contact exists between the top surface and the conductive surface. The top surface comprises a ceramic material that presents a substantially planar contact area to the conductive surface, the ceramic material having a hardness greater than that of the conductive surface. A plurality of channels are formed through the top surface. |
| US07670472B2 |
Electrolysis cell with gas diffusion electrode
A membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anodic compartment and a cathodic compartment is described, wherein at least one of the two compartments contains an electrode fed with gas and a porous planar element is interposed between the membrane and the gas-fed electrode. A flow of chemically aggressive electrolyte crosses the porous planar element downwards under the effect of the gravity force. The planar element consists in a plastic element withstanding the aggressive operative conditions: The use of perfluorinated plastics such as ECTFE, PTEFE, FEP, PFA is preferred, even though they are strongly hydrophobic. When the gas-fed electrode is a cathode and the gas contains oxygen, the gas crosses the cathodic compartment upwardly so as to minimize the risk of hydrogen build up. The cell equipped with the oxygen cathode is particularly advantageous for the sodium chloride electrolysis. |
| US07670471B2 |
Method and apparatus for analysis and sorting of polynucleotides based on size
The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size. |
| US07670469B2 |
Methods and apparatus for making integrated-circuit wiring from copper, silver, gold, and other metals
In recent years, copper wiring has emerged as a promising substitute for the aluminum wiring in integrated circuits, because copper offers lower electrical resistance and better reliability at smaller dimensions than aluminum. However, use of copper typically requires forming a diffusion barrier to prevent contamination of other parts of an integrated circuit and forming a seed layer to facilitate copper plating steps. Unfortunately, conventional methods of forming the diffusion barriers and seed layers require use of separate wafer-processing chambers, giving rise to transport delays and the introduction of defect-causing particles. Accordingly, the inventors devised unique wafer-processing chambers and methods of forming barrier and seed layers. One embodiment of the wafer-processing chamber includes equipment for physical vapor deposition and equipment for chemical vapor deposition to facilitate formation of diffusion barriers and seed layers within one chamber, thereby promoting fabrication efficiency and reducing defects. |
| US07670467B2 |
Metal oxide supercapacitor having metal oxide electrode coated onto titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber and method for preparing the same
A supercapacitor having a metal oxide electrode and a method for preparing the same. The method comprises preparing a substrate composed of a current collector and a titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber matrix layer formed on the current collector, and electrochemically depositing a metal oxide thin film layer onto the substrate by a constant current potentiometry or a cyclic voltammetric method. Since the metal oxide is uniformly deposited on the substrate having a wide specific surface area with the titanium dioxide ultrafine fiber, a bonding material or a conductive particle need not to be added to the capacitor electrode. Therefore, a resistance of the capacitor electrode is prevented from being increased, and thus a capacitance of the capacitor electrode is prevented from being decreased. |
| US07670466B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for electrochemical-mechanical polishing
Methods and apparatuses for removing material from a microfeature workpiece are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microfeature workpiece is contacted with a polishing surface of a polishing medium, and is placed in electrical communication with first and second electrodes, at least one of which is spaced apart from the workpiece. A polishing liquid is disposed between the polishing surface and the workpiece and at least one of the workpiece and the polishing surface is moved relative to the other. Material is removed from the microfeature workpiece and at least a portion of the polishing liquid is passed through at least one recess in the polishing surface so that a gap in the polishing liquid is located between the microfeature workpiece and the surface of the recess facing toward the microfeature workpiece. |
| US07670459B2 |
Soft and durable tissue products containing a softening agent
Fibrous products containing a durable softening agent are disclosed. The softening agent generally comprises a polysiloxane containing a plurality of first functional groups. In order to improve the wet retention of the softening agent on cellulosic fibers, the softening agent is reacted with a retention agent. The retention agent generally comprises a cationic polymer having a second functional group. In one embodiment, for instance, the softening agent contains epoxy groups or anhydride groups, while the retention agent contains amine groups. Products that may be made according to the present invention include tissue products, wipes and other absorbent articles. |
| US07670457B2 |
Process for producing absorbent sheet
A method of making a cellulosic web includes: forming a nascent web from a papermaking furnish, the nascent web having a generally random distribution of papermaking fiber; b) transferring the web having a generally random distribution of papermaking fiber to a translating transfer surface moving at a first speed; drying the web to a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent including compactively dewatering the web prior to or concurrently with transfer to the transfer surface; fabric-creping the web from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric with a patterned creping surface, the fabric creping step occurring under pressure in a fabric creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping fabric wherein the fabric is traveling at a second speed slower than the speed of said transfer surface, the fabric pattern, nip parameters, velocity delta and web consistency being selected such that the web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric such that the web has a plurality of fiber-enriched regions arranged in a pattern corresponding to the patterned creping surface of the fabric, optionally drying the wet web while it is held in the creping fabric. Preferably, the formed web is characterized in that its void volume increases upon drawing. |
| US07670456B2 |
Method and device for treating water
In a multi-effect falling-film evaporator, purified water for special purposes is produced. In each effect, a steam phase and a water phase is produced from the feed water. The steam phase is used for heating in the subsequent effect, whereby it condenses to product water, and the water phase becomes the feed stream for the subsequent effect. A reject stream is removed from the process to carry off impurities separated from the water. According to the invention, a reject stream is removed from each effect. Preferably, each reject stream is a condensed fraction of the steam generated in the respective effect. |
| US07670455B2 |
Magnetically enhanced, inductively coupled plasma source for a focused ion beam system
The present invention provides an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable to be used in conjunction with probe-forming optics to produce an ion beam without kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source. |
| US07670454B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
In a microwave plasma processing apparatus, the reflection of microwave by the joint unit between the microwave supplying waveguide and the microwave antenna is reduced by providing a taper surface or a member having a medium permittivity between the microwave supplying waveguide and the microwave antenna so as to moderate an impedance change. Accordingly, the efficiency of power supplying is improved, and reduced discharge ensures stable formation of plasma. |
| US07670451B2 |
Coiled tubing and power cables
A cable is installed in coiled tubing for use in. downhole wells; the cable having an expandable jacket (22) extruded around it. After being installed in the coiled tubing, and the expandable jacket is caused to expand, securing the cable in the coiled tubing. The expandable jacket is caused to expand by the application of heat or by the application of a liquid hydrocarbon. The expandable jacket may be discontinuous along the length of the power cable, discontinuous portions being provided by interspersing the expandable jacket with sections non-expandable material. |
| US07670448B2 |
Vehicle wheel made with precured and foamed elastomeric material and method
A vehicle wheel having a tire mounted on a wheel rim with a precured and foamed elastomeric material in a closed cavity in the tire and a polyurethane formed in the closed cavity around the precured and foamed elastomeric material. |
| US07670443B2 |
Magnetic alloy material and method of making the magnetic alloy material
A method of making a magnetic alloy material includes the steps of: preparing a melt of an alloy material having a predetermined composition; rapidly cooling and solidifying the melt to obtain a rapidly solidified alloy represented by: Fe100-a-b-cREaAbTMc where RE is at least one rare-earth element selected from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Tm and including at least about 90 at % of La; A is at least one element selected from Al, Si, Ga, Ge and Sn; TM is at least one transition metal element selected from Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn; and 5 at %≦a≦10 at %, 4.7 at %≦b≦18 at % and 0 at %≦c≦9 at %; and producing a compound phase having an NaZn13-type crystal structure in at least about 70 vol % of the rapidly solidified alloy. |
| US07670442B2 |
Iron phosphating process that reduces laser scale resulting in improved paint adhesion
A process for iron phosphating ferrous metal substrates having undesirable ferrous oxides thereon, such as that formed by laser cutting, that eliminates at least the pickling step in the phosphating process and provides good paint adhesion, and compositions of matter useful in the process. |
| US07670434B2 |
Vapor phase growth apparatus
It is to provide a vapor phase growth apparatus which can perform vapor phase growth of a thin film having a good uniformity throughout a surface of a wafer. The vapor phase growth apparatus includes at least a sealable reactor, a wafer containing member (wafer holder) installed within the reactor and having a wafer mounting portion (pocket hole) on a surface thereof for holding a wafer, a gas supply member (gas inlet pipe) for supplying raw material gas towards the wafer, a heating member (heater) for heating the wafer, and a heat uniformizing member (susceptor) for holding the wafer containing member and uniformizing heat from the heating member, wherein raw material gas is supplied into the reactor in a high temperature environment while heating the wafer by using the heating member via the heat uniformizing member and the wafer containing member, to form a film grown on a surface of the wafer, and wherein a recess portion depressed in a dome shape is formed at a back side of the wafer containing member. |
| US07670431B2 |
Carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus and method, and gas decomposer for use in the manufacturing apparatus and method
A gas decomposer formed from a porous material to decompose a carbon-containing raw material carried on a gas flow and to synthesize a carbon nanotube from the decomposed carbon-containing raw material is provided as a member suitable for use in carbon nanotube manufacture that offers a user a choice of using, or not using, a metal catalyst according to the user's need in vapor phase growth, which allows successive operation and which is therefore fit for mass production. Also provided are carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus and method which use the gas decomposer. |
| US07670428B2 |
Non-toxic dispersants for hydrated lime slurries
A low viscosity aqueous slurry of hydrated lime is obtained by combining as dispersants a carbohydrate such as glucose syrup and a polycarboxylate polymer salt. The slurries obtained exhibit good viscosity stability over practical storage periods. |
| US07670427B2 |
Very fast setting cementitious composition with high early-age compressive strength
A method of making a rapid setting composition for cement boards is disclosed. Compositions including portland cement, fly ash, gypsum, alkanolamine and phosphate are disclosed. A synergistic interaction between the alkanolamine and phosphate increases the effectiveness of accelerating reactions thus allowing for quick setting and increased early-age compressive strength compositions. |
| US07670422B2 |
Storage-stable coating composition for abrasion-resistantly and weathering-stably providing smooth inorganic surfaces with easy-to-clean properties
The present invention relates to a special coating composition based on components a) at least one hydrolyzable fluoroalkylsilane of the formula (I) CF3(CF2)n(CH2)2Si(CH3)yX3-y (I), in which X is a group from the series chlorine, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, and n-propoxy and n is a number from the series 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, and y is 0 or 1, b) HC1, c) water, d) isopropanol, and e) dodecane, and on a silane component (a): water molar ratio of 1:4.5 to 1:9. The invention further relates to a process for preparing such a composition and also to its use for providing smooth, inorganic substrate surfaces with an abrasion-resistant and weathering-stable easy-to-clean coating. |
| US07670420B2 |
Binder of vegetable nature for the production of materials for building and/or civil engineering
A binder for the production of a layer for road works or civil engineering comprises, with respect to the total weight of the binder:(a) 2 to 98% in weight of at least one purely natural or modified natural resin, of vegetable origin, having a softening point measured of 30 to 200%;(b) 98 to 2% in weight of at least one oil of vegetable origin having a viscosity at 25° C. of 50 mPa·s to 1000 Pa·s,(c) the binder having: (c1) either a penetrability at 25° C., of 20 to 300 1/10 mm and a softening point of 30 to 75° C., (c2) or a penetrability at 15° C., of 300 to 900 and a viscosity at 60° C., and (d) the binder being exempt of any natural or synthetic elastomer and of any thermoplastic polymer. |
| US07670417B2 |
Composite color and method of making the same
A composite color includes a first colored ink and a second colored ink. The first colored ink exhibits a color that is different from that exhibited by the second colored ink. The first colored ink includes pigment particles either formulated at a basic pH so that a surface of the pigment particles carries a net negative charge or formulated at an acidic pH so that a surface of the pigment particles carries a net positive charge; and the second colored ink includes pigment particles either formulated at an acidic pH so that a surface of each of the pigment particles carries a net positive charge or formulated at a basic pH so that a surface of the pigment particles carries a net negative charge. The first colored ink and the second colored ink have opposite charges. The composite color exhibits enhanced color richness when printed on a substrate. |
| US07670416B2 |
Use of a combination of substances to prevent biofouling organisms
A combination of selected substances in paint to prevent the settlement and growth of different bio-fouling organisms with a reduced negative effect on the ecosystems compared to present methods. Useful substances include medetomidine with various copper and zinc formulations, tolylfluanide, diclofluanide, DIURON™ and IRGAROL™, or more general biocides such as SEANINE™ (4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone) or ECONEA™ (2-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-4-bromo-5-trifluoromethyl pyrrole). |
| US07670412B2 |
Canister
Inside of a first absorption chamber of a canister, a heat storage material container in which a heat storage material constituted of a material that is larger in thermal conductivity and higher in heat capacity than an absorber is accommodated is provided. Since the heat storage material is isolated from the absorber, a larger contact area of the absorber with vaporized fuel gas and air can be secured, and thereby the absorption capacity and desorption capacity of the absorber can be highly exerted. Accordingly, the heat storage material can inhibit the absorber from varying in temperature, the absorber can be prevented from deteriorating in absorption capacity, and the heat storage material can be prevented from deteriorating. |
| US07670410B2 |
Carbon-dioxide-gas absorber, method for separating carbon-dioxide-gas using carbon-dioxide-gas absorber, and apparatus for separating carbon-dioxide-gas including carbon-dioxide-gas absorber
A carbon-dioxide-gas absorber includes a main component of composite oxide, the composite oxide including Ti and X that is at least one of Sr and Ba, and the composite oxide having a molar ratio (X/Ti) of about 1.8 to about 2.2. A substance having a perovskite structure and an (X/Ti) of about 0.9 to about 1.1 or at least one selected from green sheets, green sheet wastes, green-sheet-laminate wastes, and precursors of green sheets including the substance is fired with at least one of strontium carbonate and barium carbonate. An apparatus includes a carbon-dioxide-gas-absorbing mechanical unit that allows a carbon-dioxide-gas absorber to absorb a carbon dioxide gas at about 1.0×104 to about 1.0×106 Pa and at about 500° C. to about 900° C.; and a carbon-dioxide-gas-evolving mechanical unit that evolves the absorbed carbon dioxide gas at about 1000 Pa or less and at at least about 750° C. |
| US07670407B2 |
Method of producing titanium
A method of producing titanium metal from a titanium-containing material includes the steps of producing a solution of M″TiF6 from the titanium-containing material, selectively precipitating M′2TiF6 from the solution by the addition of (M′)aXb and using the selectively precipitated M′2TiF6 to produce titanium. M″ is a cation of the type which forms a hexafluorotitanate, M′ is selected from ammonium and the alkali metal cations, X is an anion selected from halide, sulphate, nitrite, acetate and nitrate and a and b are 1 or 2. |
| US07670405B2 |
Process for the manufacture of a bio-release fertilizer of an anionic micro nutrient viz molybdenum
This invention describes a process for the preparation of bio-release molybdenum fertilizers which comprises heating molybdenum trioxide, one or more basic compound(s) of metal(s) selected from magnesium, calcium and sodium, and phosphoric acid till a solid polyphosphate is obtained and finally obtaining the dried powder. |
| US07670401B2 |
Filter mounts for a portable fan and methods for mounting a filter to a portable fan
A filter frame is removably attachable to a box fan. The filter frame is adapted for receiving a standard HVAC-style filter for removing contaminants from air flow induced by the fan. In this manner, a cost-effective means for filtering a flow of air is provided for residential and commercial settings. The filter frame is adaptable to a variety of standard box fan types of different styles and dimensions. The frame is configured to accommodate standard filters, such as those readily available from retail hardware stores and home centers. |
| US07670399B2 |
Exhaust pipe having turbulence wings and an exhaust system
Provided are an exhaust pipe having turbulence wings, and an exhaust system. The exhaust pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe. The exhaust pipe is connected to a scrubber of the exhaust system. The outer pipe has a gas inlet port. The inner pipe is installed in the outer pipe. A gap exists between the outer pipe and the inner pipe. The inner pipe includes a plurality of turbulence wings and gas discharge ports. The gas discharge ports are in communication with the gas inlet port via the gap. The turbulence wings project inward from the inner pipe and are disposed adjacent to the gas discharge ports. The inner pipe has an exhaust gas passage formed therein. When a gas is flowed through the gas discharge ports and over the turbulence wings, a jet layer is formed adjacent to an interior sidewall of the inner pipe. The jet layer forms a buffer between the exhaust gas passage and the inner pipe sidewalls. In this way, exhaust gases passing through the exhaust gas passage are prevented from contacting the inner pipe surface. Absorption of exhaust gas byproducts at the surface of the exhaust pipe is therefore reduced. |
| US07670394B2 |
Compact reforming reactor
Reforming reactor for the conversion of a process fluid into hydrogen comprising: a reforming section and a boiler section which are both contained within a common volume and a combustion section, in which said reforming section contains one or more catalyst tubes filled with reforming catalyst, said boiler section is provided with one or more tubes carrying flue gas from the combustion section and said combustion section is provided with at least one burner, wherein the heat exchanging medium required for the reforming of said process fluid in the one or more catalyst tubes is a gas-liquid mixture that self-circulates and is encapsulated inside said common volume containing said reforming and boiler sections. |
| US07670387B2 |
Process for producing synthetic fiber fabric having translucent printing (dyeing) patterns and fabric thus obtained
The invention relates to a synthetic fiber fabric having translucent printing (dyeing) patterns thereon. The invention also relates to a process for producing a synthetic fiber fabric having translucent printing (dyeing) patterns thereon, which includes a printing step prior to an etching step, wherein the printing step includes printing a paste for dyeing and/or printing containing a transparent printing developer onto a surface of the fabric. |
| US07670386B2 |
Prosthetic socket with real-time dynamic control of pressure points
An improved socket for a prosthesis uses a liner material providing fluid flow through a porous matrix whose local pressure is adjusted by a control system communicating with multiple valves and pressure sensors. Control of pressure in a viscoelastic material provides an improved trade-off between comfort and stability. |
| US07670385B2 |
Internal socket and fitting system for a prosthesis
A fitting including an electrode assembly mounted and sealed therein. The fitting configured to be positioned within an aperture in a wall of a socket of a prosthetic apparatus. The prosthetic apparatus may include an external socket that receives and is attached to the socket as an internal socket. The electrode assembly has one or more skin contacts for conduction of myoelectrical signals to a prosthetic system. The fitting includes a groove and a retention rim to secure and seal the fitting within the aperture in the socket wall, in order to prevent the passage of air and moisture from the interior of the socket when a stump of a limb is received therein. A unidirectional valve provides for the release of air from the interior of the socket. |
| US07670383B1 |
Pubic catch
A prosthetic device for replacement of a hip bone that includes an acetabular component configured to connect to a femoral implant and a pubis member. The pubis member connects to the acetabular component and includes a clamping portion that is configured to attach to an opposed healthy pubis bone. The pubis member further includes a worm or other clamping method drive that is configured to tighten the clamping portion against the opposed healthy pubis bone thereby providing stability to the prosthetic hip bone and avoiding the use of bone screws in the opposed healthy pubis bone. |
| US07670381B2 |
Prosthesis for interpositional location between bone joint articular surfaces and method of use
A biocompatible prosthetic device comprising a thin low friction spacer for location to overlie a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces. The prosthesis is preferably a thin spacer with at least one low friction surface, the spacer being adapted for location about a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces preferably about a margin of articular cartilage of a bone member's condyle, preferably without any modification of the articular surface of the condyle. One preferred use of a prosthesis is in a human temporomandibular joint as a thin cap-like member fitted closely over the mandibular condyle to be disposed intermediate of the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa of the temporomandibular joint. |
| US07670375B2 |
Methods for limiting the movement of material introduced between layers of spinal tissue
Methods for limiting the movement of flowable material introduced into or between tissue layers of the human spine. The method can include inserting a member between tissue layers of the human spine. The member has a first configuration for insertion of the elongated member between tissue layers. The shape of the member is changed into a second configuration that defines a barrier that limits or directs the movement of flowable material. Flowable material is introduced to a selected location between the tissue layers and the barrier acts to limit or direct the movement of the flowable material. |
| US07670368B2 |
Venous valve apparatus, system, and method
A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve. |
| US07670367B1 |
Multi-section filamentary endoluminal stent
A multi-section filamentary stent comprises a braided section of a first set of filaments, connected to at least one wound section comprising a second set of one or more filaments having a repeating configuration with a bent portion. The stent may comprise a first section, having a braided first stent architecture with a first flexibility and a first radial force, and a second section, having a non-braided second stent architecture with a secoid flexibility less than the first flexibility and a second radial force greater than the first radial force, in which at least one continuous filament is integral to both the first and second sections. The stent may have a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuraton, in which the first section has a first shortening ratio, and the second section has a second shortening ratio less than the first shortening ratio. |
| US07670366B2 |
Intraluminal support device with graft
Implantable medical devices comprising a support frame and a graft member attached to the support frame. The support frame can define one or more structural features that substantially prevent migration of the graft member along the support frame. |
| US07670365B2 |
Secured stent delivery system
A stent delivery system which has a stent, a catheter, and a tether. The catheter has a balloon with at least one fold. The balloon and the stent both have unexpanded configurations with smaller diameters and expanded configurations with greater diameters. The tether defines a length and has a first end connected to the unexpanded stent and a contacting span enwrapped within the fold of the unexpanded balloon. The tether holds the unexpanded stent to the unexpanded balloon and releases the expanded stent from the expanded balloon. |
| US07670364B2 |
Stent delivery system having stent securement apparatus
A system/assembly for delivery and deployment of an inflation expandable stent within a vessel, comprising a catheter having proximal and distal ends; a stent, inflation expandable from a delivery diameter to a deployment diameter, such that the delivery diameter is reduced from the deployment diameter for conforming the stent to the catheter, such that the stent, in its delivery diameter, is coaxially mounted on the catheter near the catheter distal end; an expandable inflation means coaxially mounted on the catheter axially within the stent, for expansion of the stent from the delivery diameter to the deployment diameter upon application of fluid deployment pressure to the inflation means; and a securement component coaxially mounted on the catheter, axially within the expandable inflation means, the securement component designed and adapted to provide a securement pressure to the stent in the delivery diameter to maintain the stent in position on the catheter during delivery to the deployment site. |
| US07670362B2 |
Multiple member interconnect for surgical instrument and absorbable screw fastener
An absorbable screw fastener and a method of firing with an applicator capable of applying a surgical fastener to tissue in order to form tissue connection to secure objects to tissue, the fastener including a body portion having a helical thread, a head portion disposed at the proximal end of the body portion. The head portion includes a driver receiving configuration on its outer surface. The screw fastener further includes a cannulated center lumen with an opening extending from the head portion through the longitudinal length of the body portion. |
| US07670360B2 |
Low profile anterior thoracic and thoracolumbar plate
A spinal implant assembly is provided for stabilizing the spine. The assembly includes an elongated plate, bolts, and nuts. The plate is fixed to vertebrae spanning an injury or deformity to a disc or vertebra using the bolts and nuts. Screws can provide additional stability. The nuts are configured to extend through the plate to clamp the plate between collars on both the bolts and nuts. |
| US07670359B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for interbody fusion
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for interbody fusion. In some embodiments, a device is provided for fusing vertebral bodies. The device includes a shell configured to be disposed between a first body and a second body, an injection opening to receive fusing material, and a delivery hole configured to enable fusing material to flow into at least one of the first body and the second body. |
| US07670356B2 |
Method and device for filtering body fluid
Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site. |
| US07670353B2 |
Modified headpiece for hydraulic coil deployment system
A vascular occlusion device for use with a hydraulic deployment catheter is provided. The vascular occlusion device includes a headpiece that has a deformable interference element which changes from an initial configuration to a deformed configuration upon an increase of hydraulic pressure within the deployment catheter. When the interference element is in the initial configuration, the headpiece is secured to the deployment catheter, and when the interference element is in the deformed configuration, the headpiece can be removed from the deployment catheter for deployment of the occlusion device. |
| US07670350B2 |
Biopsy devices and methods
An improved system for mammography analysis and methods of using the same. In one aspect, a clip comprises a first portion and at least one additional second portion connected to the first portion, the first and second portions adapted for elastic deformation for engaging tissue. In another aspect, an improved actuator for performing a breast biopsy is used to deploy a clip. In yet another aspect of the invention, there is contemplated a system for marking an evacuated breast cyst. |
| US07670349B2 |
Apparatus and method for positive closure of an internal tissue membrane opening
The invention provides a device having two components: a needle advancing apparatus slidable longitudinally along a catheter to advance needles into a tissue membrane, such as a blood vessel wall, around an opening in the membrane; and, a suture retrieval assembly insertable through the catheter beyond a distal side of the tissue membrane. The needle advancing apparatus advances suture through the tissue wall. The suture retrieval assembly grabs the suture on the distal side of the tissue membrane for extraction thereof through the opening in the tissue membrane. A method for suturing a membrane beneath the patient's skin is also disclosed. |
| US07670347B2 |
Tool for removing object from the body of a patient
Disclosed is a device for removing a foreign object from the body of a human or animal patient, the device being formed from a single length of tubing, slit lengthwise at its distal end to define an envelope of a basket cavity, the envelope featuring a set of second strands, each formed by slitting one of the first strands over a distal portion of the first strand, which distal portion is less than the full length of the first strand. |
| US07670346B2 |
Specimen retrieval apparatus
A specimen removal apparatus includes a pouch assembly fabricated from a flexible membrane, a pouch support, a drawstring having a knot and forming a noose disposed circumferentially around a mouth of the pouch assembly, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a drive rod. The pouch assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed guide members advantageously circumferentially spaced apart to define gaps therebetween. The guide members are disposed in a circumferential pathway proximal to the mouth of the pouch assembly. When the drawstring is pulled, the knot is stopped at an end of a guide member and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch assembly. The pouch assembly is detachable from the apparatus. |
| US07670341B2 |
Orthopaedic device with locking barrel
A bone fixation assembly includes a side plate for mounting on a bone and a barrel for receiving a portion of a lag screw, and configured to be inserted into a hole in the side plate. A mechanical spring located at the upper portion of the barrel biases a first detent portion toward a locking position with a second detent portion located on the side plate such that rotation of the barrel within the hole from a first position to a second position causes a compressing portion on the detent portion to contact a compressing portion on the second detent portion thereby compressing the mechanical spring so as to allow the barrel to be rotated to a third position wherein the mechanical spring is allowed to bias the first detent portion into the locking position such that a retaining portion of the first detent is adjacent to a retaining portion of the second detent and rotation of the barrel with respect to the side plate is restricted. |
| US07670337B2 |
Ablation probe having a plurality of arrays of electrodes
An ablation device includes a cannula having a lumen, a first array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, and a second array of electrodes deployable from within the lumen, wherein the first array of electrodes has a configuration that is different from a configuration of the second array of electrodes. |
| US07670333B2 |
Method and apparatus for positioning a surgical instrument
Presented are methods and apparatus for delivering a surgical instrument to a treatment site within the body of a subject, enabling accurate placement of surgical tools in areas not directly visible to a surgeon during a surgical procedure, while reducing or eliminating need for real-time imaging modalities to guide placement of those surgical tools. A treatment tool is guided to a treatment site by placing a guiding element at a reference site within a body of a subject, the reference site having a known spatial relationship to the treatment site, and utilizing a positioning tool to guide a treatment tool to a locus so positioned with respect to that guiding element that the spatial relationship between that guiding element and that locus is substantially similar to the spatial relationship known to exist between the reference site and the treatment site, thereby positioning the treatment tool substantially at the treatment site. Methods and apparatus for treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia are also presented. |
| US07670331B2 |
Device for opening a human bladder
A device for urinary catheterization including an oblong member for opening the human bladder and a guide member for manipulating the oblong member. The guide member may be provided in a bent configuration, e.g. being curled or folded, such that the size of the device is small in comparison with the size of known catheters, especially in comparison with existing catheters for male users. |
| US07670326B2 |
Syringe adapter element in drug mixing system
A syringe adapter element for use in a drug mixing system including a housing element having a syringe port adapted for fluid connection with a syringe and a fluid port adapted for fluid connection with a fluid flow adapter element, a needle and at least one septum disposed in the housing element, the needle having a sealed orientation wherein the at least one septum blocks fluid flow through the needle and a fluid flow orientation wherein the needle punctures the at least one septum so as to permit fluid to flow through the needle, and an anti-separation device adjacent the fluid port, such that when the syringe adapter element is connected to a fluid flow adapter element, the anti-separation device applies a force that acts against separating the syringe adapter element from the fluid flow adapter element. |
| US07670325B2 |
Disposable diaper
A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber and at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material, and a back sheet disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber and formed of a liquid impermeable material. The disposable diaper further includes a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and formed with a stool passing opening, which is an opening capable of passing a stool therethrough, and to the both sides of the skin contact sheet, at least a pair of standing gathers are formed, which are leakage prevention walls capable of standing three-dimensionally. |
| US07670324B2 |
Disposable absorbent articles with replaceable absorbent core components having regions of permeability and impermeability on same surface
A disposable absorbent article adapted to be worn about a lower torso of a human body and having a chassis, a non-removable absorbent core component disposed in a crotch region of the chassis, and a replaceable absorbent core component disposed in capillary liquid communication with the non-removable absorbent core component and having longitudinally disposed regions of liquid permeability and liquid impermeability on the same surface. The replaceable absorbent core component may be removed and a like component may be substituted without the removal of the absorbent article from the wearer. The replaceable absorbent core component may be disposed inside an openable chassis pocket, with access for its removal and replacement provided by an aperture in a backsheet, an openable end of an external pocket, or an openable end of an internal pocket formed at an area of a waist end edge where the backsheet and a topsheet may be separated. |
| US07670321B2 |
Sealing element
A sealing element for isolating or sealing off a component or structure of an injection or administering device from other components or structures of the device or from the surroundings, wherein the isolated component or structure is an electrical component. The invention encompasses methods of forming and using the sealing element, and an injection or administering device including the sealing element. |
| US07670320B2 |
Indwelling needle
An indwelling needle includes a cylindrical main body to be fixed to a fitted body, a cylindrical hub for holding a needle, and a cylindrical protective cover which surround the needle and is provided slidably along the needle. In the usage state, the hub and the needle are advanced to the tip end side with respect to the main body and the protective cover is retreated to the rear end side with respect to the main body to project a cutting edge of the needle. In the housed state, the hub is retreated to the rear end side with respect to the main body, and the protective cover is advanced to the tip end side and the cutting edge of the needle is housed within the protective cover. Erroneous sticking into medical staff is prevented, and the burden on a patient is reduced. |
| US07670311B2 |
Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue
Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue are provided. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment that includes the region to be demineralized is produced. The pH of the local environment is then reduced to a subphysiologic level, e.g. by flushing with an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the region to be reduced. The devices of the subject invention are characterized by comprising a means for producing an isolated local environment that includes a non-intimal region of vascular tissue. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods. |
| US07670310B2 |
Flow regulating implants
An implant includes a tube for permitting fluid flow. A flow controlling rod may be inserted within the tube passage. One or more holes around the circumference of the tube may be selectively permanently or temporarily occluded to give desired flow characteristics.A delivery device for implanting the implant may include a central bore in which a retractable wire is located. The retractable wire penetrates a tube passage of the implant when the implant is attached to the delivery device. A hook on the delivery device prevents the implant from moving down the wire. After the implant is in position in the eye, the retention wire is retracted out of the implant. With the retention wire retracted, the implant is then free to slide away from the hook, allowing the delivery device to be withdrawn, leaving the implant in place.In a method for manufacturing an implant, two tubes of different diameters are utilized. The smaller tube fits inside the longitudinal bore of the larger tube. When the tubes are cut, the smaller tube forms the tube of the implant and the remaining portions of the larger tube form the retention projection and/or disk of the implant. |
| US07670300B2 |
Swing lance with integrated sensor
An apparatus for lancing skin and collecting a liquid sample. The apparatus having a housing with an outer periphery and a rotatable arm having a lance to puncture the skin. A sample collection area is attached to the arm. The arm of the apparatus rotates from a first position to a second position. As the arm rotates, the lance extends beyond the housing allowing the lance to contact the user's skin and create a lance site. As the arm continues to move to the second position, the lance is brought out of contact with the user's skin and back within the housing while the collection area is brought into position. When the arm is located in the second position, the collection area is in substantially the same location as the lance site on the user's skin. |
| US07670296B2 |
Multi-purpose connector for blood pressure measurement equipment
A connector for blood pressure measurement systems is provided, wherein the connector enables interchangeable individual connection of a cuff to various gage housings, including those equipped with a male fitting or a female fitting, yet wherein the presence of the connector also desirably prevents inadvertent connection of a gage housing to certain other medical equipment. |
| US07670295B2 |
Systems and methods for ambulatory monitoring of physiological signs
The present invention relates to the field of ambulatory and non-invasive monitoring of a plurality of physiological parameters of a monitored individual. The invention includes a physiological monitoring apparatus with an improved monitoring apparel worn by a monitored individual, the apparel having attached sensors for monitoring parameters reflecting pulmonary function, or parameters reflecting cardiac function, or parameters reflecting the function of other organ systems, and the apparel being designed and tailored to be comfortable during the individual's normal daily activities. The apparel is preferably also suitable for athletic activities. The sensors preferably include one or more ECG leads and one of more inductive plethysmographic sensor with conductive loops positioned closely to the individual to preferably monitor at least basic cardiac parameters, basic pulmonary parameters, or both. The monitoring apparatus also includes a unit for receiving data from the sensors, and for storing the data in a computer-readable medium. The invention also includes systems comprising a central data repository for receiving, storing, and processing data generated by a plurality of physiological monitored apparatus, and for making stored data available to the individual and to health care providers. |
| US07670294B2 |
Needle guide and ultrasonic biopsy probe
A needle guide includes a straight conduit having a linear passage of an inner diameter that allows passage of the needle and a funnel for increasing the diameter of an opening of the straight conduit at a second end wherein a distance from a center of an opening of the funnel to an ultrasonic probe body is larger than a distance from a center of an opening of the straight conduit at a first end to the ultrasonic probe body. |
| US07670292B2 |
Determining respiratory or circulatory health condition in animals for improved management
A method and system for managing at least one animal is disclosed. The method can include imaging, such as ultrasound imaging, a lung of a live animal, such as a ruminant animal or bovine animal. The imaging can be performed to determine a degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness. After imaging, information regarding respiratory damage can be used to select at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition of the animal. For example, the information can be used to select the amount or type of feed provided to the animal at a feedlot. The information also can be used to select how long the animal should be housed at the feedlot prior to slaughter. If an animal is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, information about its degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness also can be used to select the appropriate medical treatment or lack of treatment. |
| US07670288B2 |
Fluctuating blood glucose notification threshold profiles and methods of use
Embodiments of the present invention provide a new system and methods for monitoring blood glucose concentration. A user of a continuous glucose monitor may program upper and lower blood glucose notification thresholds to fluctuate over time in order to facilitate management of the short-term effects of food consumption, insulin delivery aberrations, physical activity, emotions, and unforeseen circumstances. |
| US07670287B2 |
Medical diagnostic instrument
A medical diagnostic instrument includes a housing containing at least one battery and a light source, such as a lamp, for illuminating a medical target. A switch includes a movable member that selectively moves at least one of the battery and the lamp into and out of electrical connection with the other. The instrument is preferably fabricated from a diecast or an extrusion process wherein a thin plastic sleeve member having text and/or graphic materials can be shrink fitted onto an extruded handle. |
| US07670285B2 |
Endoscope treatment instrument stopper and treatment instrument stopper section
An endoscope treatment instrument stopper fitted in a channel opening of a treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope, includes a first stopper section having a first treatment instrument insertion hole into which a treatment instrument is inserted; a stopper frame having a stopper section fitting portion, fitted in the channel opening, having therein the first treatment instrument insertion hole of the first stopper section to be opposite the channel opening, and provided with a tearing capable of tearing the stopper frame removed from the channel opening; and a second stopper section having a second treatment instrument insertion hole into which the treatment instrument is inserted, removable from the stopper section fitting portion of the stopper frame, and formed so that the second treatment instrument insertion hole is opposite the first stopper section when the second stopper section is fitted in the stopper section fitting portion. |
| US07670284B2 |
Medical device with articulating shaft
A medical device (10) includes an articulating shaft (20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, or 20f) with a pair of slat assemblies (31, 33). By moving an articulator (37), the slat assemblies (31, 33) are configured to concurrently push while the other pulls in order to bend the articulating shaft (20). The articulating shaft (20) includes a series of pivot members (26, 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 126e and 226e, or 126f and 226f). The pivot members (26) may include inner links (126e, 126f) and outer links (226e, 226f) . A method for articulating a shaft of a medical device is also provided. |
| US07670281B2 |
Instrument support apparatus
An instrument support apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may be for supporting an instrument having a shaft extending along a shaft axis relative to a patient positioned adjacent to an external frame. In some embodiments, the instrument support apparatus may include a base fixedly mountable onto the external frame, a pivot assembly mounted for pivoting relative to the base, an arm assembly extending along a longitudinal axis, and a support assembly configured to support the instrument on the arm assembly. |
| US07670278B2 |
Hearing aid system
A direct bone conduction hearing aid system for generating direct bone conduction vibration includes a vibrator that is placed in an implanted vibrator unit and an implanted energy-receiving unit that has an energy-receiving inductive coil. A vibrator supply cable connects the implanted energy-receiving unit to the implanted vibrator unit. A mounting arm connects the implanted vibrator unit with an anchoring fixture that is anchored to the skull bone through the skull bone surface. The implanted vibrator unit is positioned in the mastoid cavity. The mounting arm is positioned laterally to the implanted vibrator unit and the bone fixation portion of the anchoring fixture. |
| US07670273B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing a pouch with a straw hole
An flexible pouch forming apparatus includes a transport means for transporting front and back panel films. A straw hole punch punches a straw hole with predetermined diameter in the front panel film. A seal material transport means unrolls a roll of seal material tape. A temporal hole punch punches a temporal hole in the seal material tape, and a guide means aligns the temporally punched section of seal material tape with the straw hole. A temporal heat sealing device temporally seals a periphery of the temporally punched section of seal tape material to the back side of the front panel film. An alignment station aligns the films to form the pouch body. A final heat seal means applies a final seal over the temporal heat seal at a lower temperature and pressure than the temporal heat seal. A seal means seals the edges, and a finishing station finishes the pouch. |
| US07670268B1 |
Exercise methods and apparatus with elliptical foot motion
An exercise apparatus includes a frame configured to rest on a floor surface; left and right cranks rotatably mounted on the frame; left and right drive links having forward ends rotatably coupled to respective cranks, and rearward ends constrained to move in reciprocal fashion relative to the frame; left and right rocker links rotatably mounted on the frame at a common pivot axis; left and right drawbar links rotatably interconnected between respective rocker links and respective drive links; and left and right foot links having forward ends rotatably coupled to respective rocker links, and rearward, foot supporting ends constrained to move in reciprocal fashion relative to respective drawbar links or respective drive links. The resulting linkage assemblies constrain the foot supporting ends to move through elliptical paths, and the paths may be altered by adjusting various components of the linkage assemblies relative to one another and/or the frame. |
| US07670267B2 |
Pace-adjusting mechanism of an elliptical cross trainer
A pace-adjusting mechanism of an elliptical cross trainer having an electric adjusting motor installed at the bottom of a flywheel transmission unit for driving a telescopic tube in displacement. Meanwhile, a w-shaped driven connecting rod and two L-shaped connecting elements are employed to adjust the vertical position of two treadle planks, thereby achieving different exercise paces. |
| US07670264B2 |
Integrated body conditioning exercise system
The Integrated Body Conditioning (IBC) exercise system is a method of exercising employing three defining elements: integration of aerobic, resistance, and Range of Motion exercises performed at a properly elevated heart rate with exercise intensity and duration adjusted in view of biofeedback data. |
| US07670259B2 |
Automatic braking system
A system for braking a vehicle includes a transmission having a plurality of gear sets for establishing a plurality of forward and reverse gear ratios and an actuator for changing the gear ratios. The system also includes a plurality of sensors for detecting a plurality of vehicle operating parameters and an auxiliary brake for reducing a speed of the vehicle. A controller having a processor configured to receive a plurality of output signals from the plurality of sensors has control logic for activating one of the actuator and the auxiliary brake based on the received output signals. A method for operating the system for braking is also provided. The method includes determining road grade, determining an acceleration of the vehicle, determining an activation status of the primary brake, determining a position of the throttle, determining whether extra braking is and activating the auxiliary brake based on the extra braking determination. |
| US07670254B2 |
Method and apparatus to monitor devices of a hydraulic circuit of an electro-mechanical transmission
A method and an apparatus are provided to control operation of an electro-mechanical transmission device selectively operative in one of a plurality of fixed gear modes and two continuously variable modes. The method comprises controlling the flow control devices of the electro-hydraulic control circuit, and monitoring a plurality of pressure monitoring devices in the electro-hydraulic control circuit. A fault is identified in the electro-hydraulic control circuit when a signal output of one of the pressure monitoring devices does not correspond to an expected signal output for the pressure monitoring device after an elapsed time period. |
| US07670252B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission during a shift execution
A method and apparatus to control an electro-mechanical transmission during a shift event, including identifying a fault in an off-going clutch, is provided. The method includes deactivating an off-going torque-transfer clutch, monitoring slippage of the off-going torque-transfer clutch, and limiting a change in operation of an electrical machine operatively connected to the transmission until the slippage of the off-going torque-transfer clutch exceeds a threshold. Limiting a change in operation of the electrical machine comprises limiting an output torque of the electrical machine, comprising limiting a time-rate change in the output torque and limiting a magnitude of the output torque. The limit of the change is discontinued when the slippage of the off-going torque-transfer clutch exceeds the threshold. |
| US07670250B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member. |
| US07670247B2 |
8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, four fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07670245B2 |
8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections and one grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07670240B2 |
Elevator belt assembly with noise reducing groove arrangement
An elevator load bearing assembly includes a plurality of cords within a jacket. The jacket has a plurality of grooves spaced along the length of the belt assembly. In one example, the grooves are separated by varying spacings along the length of the belt. In another example, at least a portion of each groove is aligned at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the belt. Another example includes a combination of the different spacings and the non-perpendicular alignment. |
| US07670236B2 |
Club head for iron golf club
An iron club head for an iron golf club, includes: an upper portion of a face member; and a lower portion of the face member, wherein: a maximum height (H) on the face member at which a ball is to be hit is obtained by an equation: H=Rb×(1−sin(loft angle−8)+DP/2×cos(loft angle) where, Rb: ball radius (21.4 mm), and Dp: strike mark diameter (15 mm); the upper portion is arranged upper than the height (H) obtained by the equation as a boundary; and a thickness of the upper portion, excluding a circumferential edge, is formed thinner than a thickness of the lower portion, the thickness of the upper portion being made to be 1±0.2 mm (0.8 to 1.2 mm). |
| US07670233B2 |
Golf swing training device method and apparatus
A golf swing training aid adapted to have a first rail and a second rail whereby a carriage system is slidably attached thereto and the pitch of the club is controlled with respect to the position of the carriage assembly in the course of a swing. In one form, the rotation of the club about the shaft (the roll) is controlled in conjunction with the pitch of the club. |
| US07670232B2 |
Structure of a golf club head or other ball striking device
Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g-cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g-cm2, or even at least 12,000 g-cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g-cm2, or even at least 25,000 g-cm2 or at least 28,000 g-cm2. |
| US07670229B2 |
Displacement unit and joint shaft including such a displacement unit
A displacement unit and a jointed shaft which includes such a displacement unit. The displacement unit is formed of an external part and of an internal part which can be displaced in an axial direction in the external part, in which the external and internal parts have guide paths provided with balls arranged in the guide paths for the transmission of torque. |
| US07670227B2 |
Changeable console face plate
A console includes a face plate that is removably mounted to a console body by at least one clip. The face plate includes a power button for turning on the console. The face plate further includes a DVD slot that provides access to a DVD tray and a DVD ejection button mounted on the console body. The face plate may include additional features as desired. The ability to readily remove the face plate allows users to switch between a first face plate with a first set of graphics to a second face plate having a second set of graphics. Thus, a console is provided with increased user customizability. |
| US07670225B2 |
Multi-user method and apparatus for placing game elements on a map based on degree of difficulty
By evaluating a distance starting from a start point to a unit on the map, the strength of an enemy character to be encountered, the degree of difficulty for an object to pass through a gate, etc., a unit score is calculated for each route. This unit score can be taken as an index of the degree of difficulty for the object to arrive at a unit from the start point. By using this unit score, the game elements can be appropriately disposed on the map in accordance with the degree of difficulty. |
| US07670210B2 |
Tool for working on a surface
An embodiment of a tool includes a tool body. A base is coupled to the tool body and a pad is coupled to the base. The tool includes a working material coupled to the pad. |
| US07670209B2 |
Pad conditioner, pad conditioning method, and polishing apparatus
The present invention provides a pad conditioner for dressing a surface of a polishing pad which is used in a polishing apparatus for polishing works, comprising: a substrate disposed opposite to the polishing pad; a plurality of pellets removably attached to the substrate; and a plurality of linear elastic members which have tip ends and are implanted into the pellets, wherein upon contact of the tip ends of the linear elastic members with the polishing pad, the linear elastic members elastically deform, so that a pressure necessary for conditioning the pad is generated in order to maintain a change in conditioning capability within a predetermined range and have a wide margin for adjusting a height of the conditioner. |
| US07670207B2 |
Impeller for feeding blasting shots into a centrifugal wheel
An impeller (2) for feeding blasting shots, which are to be accelerated, into the centrifugal wheel of a blasting installation, the impeller (2) being arranged in the central region of the centrifugal wheel inside a distributing sleeve (1) which has a distributing opening (8) and can be rotated in the direction of rotation of the centrifugal wheel, and the impeller (2) having, in particular platelike, guiding elements which are directed toward the distributing sleeve (1), are intended for guiding the blasting shot to the outside and are arranged on at least one lateral disk (4), and in that in each case at least two adjacent guiding means are designed as limbs (5, 6), interconnected, in particular, integrally, of a profiled piece (3), adjacent limbs (5, 6) of adjacent profiled pieces (3) forming channels (7) through which the blasting shot can be discharged to the outside. |
| US07670202B2 |
Foam product
A foam product includes a foam core, a foam buffer and a foam skin. The foam core includes a top surface and a bottom surface and defines at least one recess in an area of the top surface wherein the area is to be imparted during use with respect to other areas of the top surface. The foam buffer is more elastic than the foam core and is securely received in the recess of the foam core. In addition, the foam skin is bonded to and entirely covers a top surface of the foam buffer and the other areas of the foam core. |
| US07670200B2 |
Tracked amphibious vehicle and adaptable amphibious pontoon tracking system
An amphibious vehicle operable on dry land, wet land, or marsh land covered by water. In some embodiments, the amphibious vehicle includes a land-based vehicle, such as a car, truck, or all terrain vehicle (ATV), at least two pontoons supporting the land-based vehicle, and a track system disposed around each of the pontoons. Each pontoon has an internal volume configured to provide buoyancy for the land-based vehicle, whether on wet land or in water. The track system is adapted to propel the land-based vehicle. The amphibious vehicle may further include a drive system coupled between the land-based vehicle and the track system and a skid steering system. The drive system is configured to selectably rotate the track system about the pontoons, while the skid steering system is configured to control the direction in which the land-based vehicle is propelled. The amphibious vehicle may also include a suspension system. |
| US07670199B2 |
Electric connector
An electric connector includes an insulative body and groups of contacts. The contacts are disposed in spaced relationship inside the body and arranged in at least two rows in a lateral direction of the body. The groups of contacts include a plurality of first contacts; and a plurality of second contacts located in a different row from a row where their associated first contacts exist, the second contacts being arranged next to the first contacts. Out of one of the first contacts and one of the second contacts subject to impedance tuning, one of these two contacts has a width and an area thereof adjusted in accordance with a difference in impedance from impedances between other first and second contacts. |
| US07670195B2 |
Detachable light socket and special lighting fixture
This invention that forms the subject matter of this patent is related to a light socket that may be disassembled and repaired in case of any breakdown, or replaced by a new one that may be fixed to the body of a fridge by means of a special socket due to be used in fridges, at polyurethane isolated cabins. |
| US07670194B1 |
RJ-45 style communications jacks having mechanisms that prevent an RJ-11 style communications plug from being fully inserted within the jack
RJ-45 style communications jacks include a housing having a plug receiving cavity, a guide protruding from a first surface of the housing into the plug receiving cavity and a stop provided at a second surface of the housing. The guide is configured to contact a plug housing of an RJ-11 communications plug when the RJ-11 communications plug is inserted within the plug receiving cavity so that the guide directs the RJ-11 communications plug toward the second surface where the stop prevents the RJ-11 communications plug from being fully inserted within the plug receiving cavity. |
| US07670188B2 |
Electrical card connector with improved spring tab
An electrical card connector includes an insulative housing defining a card receiving space, a plurality of contacts for mating with a first card and a second card wider than the first card, and a spring tab at one side of the card receiving space. The spring tab includes a retaining portion fixed to the insulative housing and a body portion extending from the retaining portion. The body portion includes a bend portion extending from a lateral side of the body portion under a condition that the first card is sidewardly restricted by the bend portion with insertion of the first card into the card receiving space, and body portion is deformable to let the second card overstepping the body portion with insertion of the second card into the card receiving space. |
| US07670187B2 |
Stacked card connector
A stacked card connector (100) includes a first electrical card connector (1), a second electrical card connector (2) under the first electrical card connector. The first card connector comprises a first insulating housing (12) received a plurality of first terminals (13), and the first terminals comprises a vertical portion (132). The second card connector (2) includes a second insulating housing (22) received a plurality of second terminals (24), the second terminals comprises a tail portion (242). And the tail portion of the second terminals defines at least one cutout (2420) among the tail portion (242), the distance between two adjacent vertical portions (132) being equal with the distance between two adjacent tail portions (242). |
| US07670186B2 |
Electrical card connector assembly
An electrical card connector assembly includes an electrical card connector (100) and a PCB (4) where the electrical card connector is assembled. The electrical card connector includes a metal shield (1), an insulating housing (2) and a terminal module (3) received in the insulating housing. The insulating housing associates with the metal shield to define a card receiving room. The metal shield forms a base (10) and a plurality of sidewalls (11) extending from the base. Each sidewall forms a locking portion (111) thereof. Each locking portion has a vertical portion (1110) and a horizontal portion (1111) extending from a lower end of the vertical portion. At least one of the sidewalls forms an elastic piece (12) extending along a card insertion/ejection direction and the elastic piece forms a declined portion (120). The PCB defines a plurality of cutouts (44) and at least one aperture (47). The elastic piece is locked with the aperture under a guiding force of the declined portion while the horizontal portions of the locking portions pass through the cutouts and then confront the bottom surface of the PCB. |
| US07670181B2 |
Connector for first and second joints having different pin quantities, electronic apparatus with connector and combination
A connector and an electronic apparatus and a combination comprising the connector for first and second joints are disclosed. The connector includes a base, a plurality of first pins, and a plurality of second pins. The base has a first and a second connecting surface. The first pins are disposed on the first connecting surface and the quantity of the first pins is the same as the pin quantity of the first joint. In addition, the second pins are disposed on the second connecting surface and the total quantity of the second pins and the first pins is the same as the pin quantity of the second joint. The base may include two convex parts and a concave part. The first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are disposed on surfaces of the two convex parts respectively. The concave part accommodates the two convex parts. |
| US07670179B2 |
Connecting element for shielded USOC RJ telecommunication and/or data cables having metal housing
A connecting element (1) for shielded data and/or telecommunications cables (2, 3), with a metal housing (10) and with at least one connector jack (15, 16), where contact means (20, 21) are provided for contacting the metal housing (10) with a plug housing (6, 7), particularly with the plug housing (6, 7) of an RJ-45 plug (4, 5), and where at least one spring tab (20, 21) forming a single piece with the metal housing (10), or with a part (8, 9) of the metal housing, is provided as the contacting means (20, 21). |
| US07670176B2 |
Dual connector for an antenna element
Two connection interfaces are combined in a single assembly for high frequency signal propagation of a GPS antenna. At least one connection interface is a constant impedance connector. The connector assembly allows for the application of o-rings and gaskets to be placed circumferentially about the radome to protect against environmental elements, mechanical shock and vibration. The first connection interface has a male plug on a first piece of a dual connector design, and a complementary female plug on a second piece. The second connection interface comprises a plug of any standard industry connector mounted on the second piece opposite the complementary female plug, and is configured to easily mate to a corresponding plug from a cable or other electronic equipment. |
| US07670174B2 |
Low profile electrical connector
An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals received in the insulative housing and a pair of retaining members assembled to the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a pair of positioning shoulders at two sides thereof, and each positioning shoulder defines a lower surface and a positioning hole extending there through. Each retaining member defines a main plate covering the lower surface of the positioning shoulder and a though hole corresponding to the positioning hole. |
| US07670172B2 |
Modular jack assembly
A modular jack assembly includes first and second contact-holding inserts (10, 20) having first and second groups of interengaging elements (11 and 21, 12 and 22) between opposite bottom surfaces thereof. The first and second groups of interengaging elements are configured to interferentially engage the first contact-holding insert (10) with the second contact-holding insert (20) in respective first and second lateral and horizontal positioning directions (A, B). The second lateral and horizontal positioning direction (B) extends at approximately 90 degrees. from the first lateral and horizontal positioning direction (A). This arrangement will result in a reliable and stable positioning of the first contact-holding insert with respect to the second contact-holding insert. |
| US07670170B2 |
Connector assembly having a light pipe assembly
A connector assembly includes a first connector having a housing and a plurality of contacts extending from the housing. The housing and the contacts define a mating interface and the first connector includes a light source. A second connector has a housing and a plurality of contacts defining a mating interface configured to mate with the mating interface of the first connector. The connector assembly also includes a light pipe assembly having a plurality of separate light pipe segments, wherein a first light pipe segment is provided with the first connector and directs light from the light source, and a second light pipe segment is provided with the second connector and receives light from the first light pipe segment to direct light to an external portion of the second connector. |
| US07670167B2 |
Socket that engages a pin grid array
An example socket includes a plurality of contacts and a base. The base includes exterior walls and interior walls which extend between the exterior walls to form openings within the base such that each opening in the base includes one of the contacts. At least some interior walls include indentations that are adapted to receive projections on the contacts such that when the projections on the contacts are positioned within indentations in the interior walls, the contacts are secured to the base. Another example socket includes a first group of the interior walls that is oriented in a first direction and a second group of the interior walls oriented in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first and second groups of interior walls form openings within the base with the first group of interior walls being higher than the second group of interior walls. |
| US07670161B2 |
Electrical card connector
An electrical card connector for receiving at least two electrical cards, comprises: an insulating housing; a shielding shell substantially enclosing the insulating housing; a front row of terminals and a rear row of terminals received in the insulating housing; an ejector receiving in one side of the insulating housing for ejecting two cards; wherein the front row of terminals are for connecting with one kind of electrical card and the front and the rear row of terminals together are for connecting with the other kind of electrical card. |
| US07670158B2 |
Connector engaging structure
A connector engaging structure includes an electrical connection box including a first connector provided with a connecting terminal, a second connector to be engaged with the first connecter, and provided with a mating terminal to be connected to the connecting terminal, an outer housing which houses a whole of the second connector, and is secured to the electrical connection box, and a rotatable lever which couples the second connector with the outer housing, and relatively moves the second connector to/from the first connector to connect/disconnect the connecting terminal to/from the mating terminal. |
| US07670155B2 |
Electrical receptacle for outward facing ground plugs
A multiplex electrical receptacle adapted for receiving at least a pair of power cords, such that the ground prongs of the power cords are directed outward from the center of the multiplex electrical receptacle in a “grounds out” configuration. The electrical receptacle of this invention includes an electrical outlet receptacle having a receptacle body, a conductive mounting strap, a conductive live blade receiving assembly, a conductive neutral blade receiving assembly, and a non-conductive housing. |
| US07670153B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector including a pair of connector bars and a pair of biting pads. The connecting bars are configured to be located on opposite sides of a plate section of a first member. The connector bars include holes to receive a bolt for clamping the connector bars directly against each other. The pair of biting pads are connected to the connector bars. The biting pads include surfaces which are configured to contact the opposite sides of the plate section and bite onto the opposite sides as the connector bars are clamped against each other. |
| US07670152B2 |
Dual interface separable insulated connector with overmolded faraday cage
A dual interface separable insulated connector comprising a faraday cage molded over a bus bar for use in an electric power system and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The faraday cage can be disposed within a semi-conductive shell. The configuration of the separable insulated connector can provide for easier bonding between the faraday cage and insulating material. Additionally, the configuration can eliminate or reduce the need to coat the bus bar with an adhesive agent and to smooth the metal bus bar to remove burrs, other irregularities, and sharp corners from the bar. Manufacturing the dual interface separable insulated connector can include molding a semi-conductive rubber faraday cage over a conductive bus bar, inserting the faraday cage into a shell, and injecting insulating material between the faraday cage and shell. |
| US07670147B1 |
Capacitance circuit board signal-adjusting device
A capacitance circuit board signal-adjusting device, and more particularly, a signal adjusting device capable of increasing the clarity of a high frequency signal; the signal adjusting device includes a circuit board disposed in a connector, a plurality of transmission circuits disposed on the circuit board, one side of the transmission circuit is a signal input terminal and another side thereof is a signal out terminal; it is characterized in that a copper foil in the middle section of transmission circuit is planned in advance to generate a capacitor naturally by breaking off a slit; the capacitor including two parallel sections arranged distantly side by side, a medium disposed between the two parallel sections and two breaches disposed in two directions opposite to each other at two diagonal ends. Whereby, the capacitor naturally generated in the circuit board plus a resistor connected thereto in parallel can constitute a signal filter; it can reduce components, shorten the manufacturing process, reduce the cost and achieve the good signal adjustment effect while being put into practice. |
| US07670146B2 |
Stack structure of semiconductor packages and manufacturing method thereof
A stack structure of the semiconductor packages and the manufacturing method thereof are disclosed herein. The packages of the present invention utilize plural stackable plug-receivers, which are similar to connectors, to stack and electrically connect with each other. The stack height of the stacked packages can be effectively reduced by utilizing the protrusion of a plug-receiver of one package to match with the concavity of a plug-receiver of another package at the corresponding position. Meanwhile, utilizing the stackable plug-receiver to replace the conventional soldering method can improve the warpage problem, and so as to promote the product reliability. |
| US07670144B2 |
Conductive layer, manufacturing method of the same, and signal transmission substrate
There is provided a method of manufacturing a conductive layer of in a signal transmission substrate. The method includes sewing conductive thread in sheet-like material having an insulating property so as to form one of a plurality of low resistance regions using the conductive thread in a high resistance region formed by the sheet-like material, moving the conductive thread from an end point of a previously sewed low resistance region to a start point of a low resistance region to be sewed subsequently, repeating the sewing and moving steps to form the plurality of low resistance regions in the high resistance region, and forming a plurality of holes in the conductive layer by press working so that an electrical component attached to at least one of the plurality of holes is able to transmit a signal between neighboring ones of the plurality of low resistance regions. |
| US07670141B2 |
Oral irrigator
The present invention is an oral irrigator comprising a pump, a discharge nozzle and a pressure control. The pump has a generally constant operating speed and feeds the discharge nozzle. The pressure control is adapted to modify a discharge pressure at the nozzle without a significant change in pump speed. The pressure control modifies a level of fluid flow restriction between the pump and the nozzle. The modification of the level of fluid flow restriction is accomplished by modifying aspects of a fluid flow path extending through the pressure control. The aspects modified include the diameter, length and/or number of direction changes of the fluid flow path. |
| US07670140B2 |
Orthodontic hand instrument for detaching brackets from teeth
A hand instrument for detaching orthodontic brackets from a patient's teeth has first jaw, a second jaw and a blade that extends between the first jaw and the second jaw. The blade is received in a channel of a bracket during a debonding procedure, and serves to releasably clamp mesial and distal sections of the bracket to the hand instrument as the sections are detached from the tooth. |
| US07670132B2 |
Apparatus for injection molding
An injection molding apparatus includes a first mold half, a second mold half opposite to the first mold half, an eject pin, a component collector and a buffer device. The eject pin penetrates through the first mold half. The component collector is configured for receiving the molding component molded. The buffer device includes a buffer plate, a connection plate and an elastic element. The elastic element includes two elastic arms connected with each other. The two elastic arms form an angle θ in a range 0°<θ<180° in its natural state and partly inserting into the buffer plate and the connection plate respectively. The buffer device is disposed at a same side as the first mold half and the buffer plate is adjacent to the second mold half. The buffer device is configured for buffering the molding component during a knockout process. |
| US07670131B2 |
Imprinting jig and imprinting apparatus
The invention provides an imprinting jig for transferring a pattern onto a thermoplastic sheet. The imprinting jig is provided with: a first die having a surface with a pattern; a die holder for supporting the first die; an elastic member placed between the first die and the die holder; and a second die opposing to the first die. The thermoplastic sheet is placed on the surface with the pattern of the first die. The imprinting jig optionally includes an adhesion reducing means between the elastic member and the first die or between the elastic member and the die holder. |
| US07670130B2 |
Cement shutter
A shutter assembly having at least one rigid edge and at least one hanger edge is described. The rigid edge provides stability to the shutter assembly and the hanger edge allows the shutter assembly to be mounted to a dwelling. The shutter assembly can be formed in an open mold from a cementitious slurry comprising gypsum cement and water. A reinforcing mat or fiber can be disposed in the mold and saturated with the cementitious slurry. A tool disposed adjacent the mold and including a plurality of rotatable sections can be used to form the rigid edge and the hanger edge. |
| US07670122B2 |
Gerotor pump
A gerotor pump includes an outer rotor having a first toothed surface and lobes that extend inwards. An inner rotor is eccentrically aligned relative to the outer rotor and includes a second toothed surface and lobes that extend outwards. Planetary gears are located between the outer rotor and the inner rotor. Each planetary gear has a third toothed surface that intermeshes with the first toothed surface and the second toothed surface. |
| US07670121B2 |
Spherical fluid machines
A rotary fluid machine, such as a pump or motor has a housing with a spherical interior in which primary and secondary vanes rotate with the secondary vane reciprocating between open and closed positions with respect to the primary vane. Improvements to this type of fluid machine are defined to improve the rigidity of the internals while removing heat generated by compression as well as providing facile conversion of the machine from a liquid pump to a gas compressor, to provide for multiple flow streams at multiple flow rates in a single machine, multiple flow streams at multiple compression ratios in a single machine, and dual simultaneous function as a motor and a compressor. |
| US07670119B2 |
Multistage vacuum pump and a pumping installation including such a pump
The present invention provides a multistage vacuum pump comprising at least a low pressure first stage and at least a high pressure second stage. At least one of the stages has at least one suction inlet for admitting gas to be pumped, and at least one of the stages has at least one delivery outlet that is open to the outside for exhausting pumped gas. The first and second stages communicate with each other in order to pass gas from the first stage to the second stage. The first stage operates at a flow rate that is smaller than that of the second stage. For an oil-seal rotary vane positive-displacement pump, the oil is injected into the stage having the greater flow rate. |
| US07670116B1 |
Turbine vane with spar and shell construction
The present invention is a vane for us in a gas turbine engine, in which the vane is made of an exotic, high temperature material that is difficult to machine or cast. The vane includes a shell made from either Molybdenum, Niobium, alloys of Molybdenum or Niobium (Columbium), Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC), or SiC—SiC ceramic matrix composite, and is formed from a wire electric discharge process. The shell is positioned in grooves between the outer and inner shrouds, and includes a central passageway within the spar, and forms a cooling fluid passageway between the spar and the shell. Both the spar and the shell include cooling holes to carry cooling fluid from the central passageway to an outer surface of the vane for cooling. This cooling path eliminates a serpentine pathway, and therefore requires less pressure and less amounts of cooling fluid to cool the vane. |
| US07670113B1 |
Turbine airfoil with serpentine trailing edge cooling circuit
A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine, the blade having a trailing edge cooling circuit that includes a series of multiple pass serpentine flow cooling passages arranged along the trailing edge region of the blade in series such that the cooling air flowing through a lower serpentine passage will then flow into the serpentine passage located above in order to greatly increase the cooling air flow path through the trailing edge region. The last leg of each serpentine flow passage includes a row of cooling air exit holes to discharge cooling air from the serpentine passage out through the trailing edge of the blade. The rotation of the rotor blade acts to increase the cooling air pressure as the cooling air passes through the series of serpentine passages. Because the cooling air passes through the lower reaches of the rotor blade first, the lower reaches receives the most cooling while the upper reaches receives heated cooling air. Because the upper reaches of the blade require less cooling to maintain the metal temperature within limits, the series serpentine cooling passages of the present invention provides for a higher level of cooling while using minimal amounts of cooling air. |
| US07670106B2 |
Bushing for a variable-pitch vane pivot in a turbomachine
A bushing for a variable-pitch vane pivot in a turbomachine, the bushing being for mounting in a recess in a ring of the turbomachine, the recess being of a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the bushing, the bushing comprising a body that is substantially tubular having a longitudinal axis, and at least three branches extending radially outwards relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body, and axially over the full height of said tubular body, said branches being distributed in substantially equidistant manner around the circumference of the tubular body. |
| US07670104B2 |
Fan with laminar flow element in front of the suction hole
A radial fan (1) with a housing (2) and a fan impeller (3) disposed therein, an air inlet (4) and an air outlet (5) is provided, a pressure space (6) being formed between the latter, and in front of the air inlet (4) a laminar element (7) being disposed which, in a bypass (8) formed therein, has a sensor (9) for recording at least one parameter of the medium flowing through the air inlet (4). |
| US07670100B2 |
Aligning a stack on a pallet or the like
In a stack of flexible sheets on a substrate having an outer edge, some of the sheets project laterally past one of the edges. The stack is tamped together by a stabilizing element shiftable horizontally toward and away from the one edge of the substrate and a drive that shifts the stabilizing element horizontally toward the stack and substrate for engaging the projecting sheets and pushing same inward on substrate to a position lying on or inward of the outer edge without vertically bending or deflecting the sheets. |
| US07670098B2 |
Machine to unload ties off of railroad cars
An attachment used in conjunction with a backhoe or track hoe to convert it into a machine to unload ties off of railroad cars. Two pins on an upper end of the attachment secure it to the distal end of the working arm of the backhoe or track hoe so that a front edge of the attachment point toward the backhoe or track hoe. Upper ends of four c-shaped members attached to an upper plate on the upper end of the attachment. Opposite lower ends of each of the four spaced apart c-shaped members are flattened on upper and lower surfaces into a point. A lower plate is secured to the upper surfaces of the lower ends of the c-shaped members to form the front edge. Support bars secure between adjacent c-shaped members and openings are provided in the c-shaped members to reduce weight while maintaining strength. |
| US07670095B2 |
Wafer processing apparatus having dust proof function
The wafer processing apparatus includes a chamber that is pressurized to a pressure that is higher than the pressure of the exterior thereof, an opening portion through which the interior and the exterior of the chamber are in communication with each other, and a door that closes the opening portion. When the opening portion is closed by the door, a portion of the opening remains as an aperture uncovered by the door. In conventional semiconductor wafer processing apparatus, the interior of the apparatus is sealed and pressurized in order to keep a high degree of cleanness in the wafer processing portion, and therefore airflow is generated due to a pressure difference between the interior and the exterior of the apparatus. With the above feature of the invention, it is possible to suppress creation of such airflow and prevent dust from entering the wafer processing apparatus to eliminate wafer contamination. |
| US07670094B2 |
Method and device for producing a can body and can body
To produce can bodies, a continuous can jacket is disclosed, that is sealed by way of a first joint is produced from a flat metal material. At least one sealing element is mounted on the continuous can jacket by way of an additional joint. At least one of the additional joints is configured as a laser welding seam, which forms an annular continuous sealing seam between the continuous can jacket and the sealing element(s). Before the sealing seam is welded, complementary seam contact surfaces of the can jacket and the sealing element are configured as annular continuous edge regions that flare out of narrow towards the can axis. To weld the sealing seam, the can jacket and the sealing element(s) are pushed together until the edge regions make contact, one of the end faces of the two edge regions lying on the interior of the can body and the other lying on the exterior of the body. This enables the air-free welding of the seam contact surfaces, thus guaranteeing an impermeable welding seam even with the use of extremely thin metal sheets. The material overlap in the vicinity of the sealing seam is minimal. |
| US07670093B2 |
Non-prismatic grooved shank fastener
Non-prismatic shank fasteners, such as nails, for wood and similar soft materials have a plurality of longitudinal extending non-congruent sections having different geometries, different configurations, and varying diameters such that the shank has the widest nominal diameter arranged to span a joint between wood members being fastened. The shank has four circumferentially symmetrically disposed grooves and ridges having dimensions within pre-determined ranges such that the ridges have sufficient strength to withstand the forces imposed on the shank being driven into the parent material and to resist loads imposed upon them by the loads to the parent material. The grooves have a sufficiently wide jaw opening to allow elastically compressed parent material to enter the groove and provide support to the shank. The non-prismatic grooved shanks demonstrate significantly greater load handling capability than that possessed by other known types of fasteners. |
| US07670092B2 |
Laminated nut with center tension sleeve
A laminated nut having a plurality of conical spring discs for use with a bolt assembly. Each of the discs is formed with a hex shaped outer periphery and a non-round central bore. The discs are assembled on top of each other forming a laminated stack. A threaded tension sleeve is located in the central bore and has a non-round outer periphery shape corresponding to the shape of the central bore of the discs. The tension sleeve has a threaded inner peripheral wall with the threads sized to fit the bolt assembly. The tension sleeve includes an upper flange to engage and hold the upper portion of the laminated stack and a lower flange to support the laminated stack. Application of a torqueing force to the outer, hex shaped periphery of the discs forces them to deflect and contact the threaded tension sleeve applying force along the length of the bolt assembly in a uniform manner to reduce clearance between the bolt threads and the threads on the nut tension sleeve. |
| US07670084B2 |
Precasting of fabricated flumes for machining coolant systems
A method and apparatus for constructing machinery flumes couples precast, fabricated sections of flume having a channel lining in a concrete cast. The sections are assembled to seal end to end forming a continuous trough in which assembly work is contained to reduce installer exposure, reduce field installation time and reduce construction costs for flume systems. Preferably, an end of a lining extends beyond the cast sheath for connection with an overlapped portion of an adjacent precast section's lining. |
| US07670081B2 |
Method of forming surface seeded particulate
An improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete and method of making the improved surface seeded exposed particulate concrete is disclosed. Small particulate is sprayed over the upper surface of the concrete. The particulate may be sprayed using a material sprayer. The particulate may be uniformly sprayed to distances exceeding twenty feet. The particulate is mixed into a cement paste derived from the concrete mixture using floats. A surface retarder is then applied to cover the concrete surface. Subsequently, any surface film is washed from the surface of the concrete and the concrete is cured. The result is a surface seeded particulate with an exposed surface that is flat and is suitable for high traffic areas. The resultant surface may resemble stone, granite or marble. |
| US07670079B2 |
Combination mounting ring
A combination mounting ring of resilient material, for connecting a shaft within a bore of a housing, has a hollow cylindrical part having radially extending projections. This part is for locating between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the bore, the radially extending projections being under compression and thus securing the shaft within the bore. The combination mounting ring further has an axial spring element extending radially inward from the cylindrical part and having two portions at different axial positions. The axial spring element is for locating between the shaft and a body axially displaced from the shaft, and serves to minimize axial movement of the shaft within the bore of the housing. The axial spring element may either be an annular part or a tab extending from an axial edge of the cylindrical part. |
| US07670071B2 |
Objective holder for camera module
An exemplary objective holder engages with a PCB substrate having an image sensor and several passive components arranged thereon. The passive components surround the image sensor. The objective includes a lens barrel extending from a side of a base, and a plurality of walls extending from an opposite side of the base. The walls enclose a chamber thereamong for receiving the image sensor and define notches therein for receiving the passive components therein. A transparent cover is received in the objective holder between the lens barrel and the chamber. An adhesive is used to connect the objective holder to the PCB substrate. The PCB substrate is rested on the walls. At least one of the notches communicates the chamber to an exterior for outgassing and is sealed by a mass of sealing material after a heating process of the adhesive. |
| US07670068B2 |
Actuator, shutter driving device for camera and method of manufacturing actuator
An actuator includes: a coil for excitation; a stator excited with different magnetic poles by energization of the coil; a rotor magnetized with different magnetic poles in a circumferential direction, and rotated by magnetic force generating between the rotor and the stator; and an outputting member rotated in conjunction with the rotor and outputting rotational movement of the rotor to a member. The outputting member fits onto the rotor, and the rotor has at least one of a recess portion and a projection portion at a fitting surface of the rotor. The outputting member is jointed with the rotor so as to have a shape corresponding to the at least one of the recess portion and the projection portion by welding. |
| US07670061B2 |
High contact density miniature connector
A miniature high density connector including a thermoplastic insulating body having contact cavities for the insertion, the positioning and the retention of electrical, optical or electro-optical contacts, a back plate having clips for the locking of the contacts into the contact cavities of the insulating body, a receptacle shell constituting an interface element for coupling with a complementary mating connector having a flange for the assembly and the retention of the insulating body and the back plate in the receptacle shell, the back plate being movable and including a projecting dimple located on the side wall, making possible its locking into the receptacle shell. |
| US07670060B2 |
Plug connector with an adaptor housing for receiving a plug or socket arrangement
A fiber optic connector arrangement includes a locking device for fastening together a pair of male plug and female socket components, which locking device consists of locking elements mounted solely on a pair of telescopic adapter housings that support the plug and socket components when in the engaged condition. In order to increase the operational life of the connector components, one of the plug and socket components contains a recess for receiving an auxiliary second locking device that extends longitudinally in a normally non-stressed unlocked inoperative condition from the other component. |
| US07670059B2 |
Vehicle corner module
A corner module for an automotive vehicle includes a suspension upright, a wheel end, and a CV joint. The wheel end has a housing that is secured to the suspension upright and a hub that is provided with a flange to which a road wheel is attached and also spindle that projects from the flange into the housing. In addition, the wheel end has a tapered roller bearing located between the housing and the hub spindle. The CV joint drives the hub through a coupler ring or an inboard bearing cone that fits around and is engaged with the hub spindle, all through mating splines. The CV joint may have a stub shaft that projects from the bell through the hub spindle to clamp the CV joint and hub spindle together. Torque is transferred to the hub spindle at a large diameter through the bell of the CV joint. When present, the stub shaft serves merely to hold the CV joint and hub spindle together and thus may exist at a small diameter. Because the bearing transfers radial and thrust loads through tapered rollers, it and the wheel end of which it is a part may exist in configurations smaller than their counterparts in traditional wheel ends. |
| US07670058B2 |
Cage for antifriction bearings with rollers
A cage for antifriction bearings with rollers, which has a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, webs, and pockets, which are adjacent to one another along the periphery and which serve to accommodate rollers. The webs and the lateral edges are formed together as a single piece, and the flanks have a finished profile-milled contour. The finished contour is a negative reproduction of a positive outer cutting contour of one profiling cutter. |
| US07670052B2 |
Child proof re-closable bag
The invention provides for a slider for a child proof slider-zipper assembly having a leading edge, a trailing edge and a top edge with a top surface and a top frame comprising: a pair of protrusions at the bottom of the leading edge, a pair of protrusions at the bottom of the trailing edge, and an opening plow protruding from the top surface of the slider, between the leading edge and trailing edge, and having height not more than the height of the slider such that the top surface projects upwards from the top frame. |
| US07670046B2 |
Filled hotwire elements and sensors for thermal conductivity detectors
Hotwire element for thermal conductivity detectors, that comprises one or two individual nickel filaments each having resistance of above 200 ohm at 20° C. and an insulation coating of polytetrafluoroethylene with a thickness less than 5 micrometers, that are wound into a uniformly filled spherical or cylindrical body that has at least 33% gas-permeable hollow volume. Relevant hotwire sensor for thermal conductivity detectors, that comprises a wound on a centering holder filled element enveloped by fixed fillers forming a symmetric to it built-in cavity with an inlet and a gas outlet surrounding the centering holder. Radii of the filled elements and their cavities are in proportion, at which minimum electric current is needed for heating the elements to desired temperature. |
| US07670042B2 |
Marinating device
A marinating device includes a supporting base having a blocking sidewall, a food marinating container having a guiding rib and a container sidewall physically contacted with the blocking sidewall to block a sideward movement of said food marinating container at a first sideward direction, and an electric driving arrangement. The electric driving arrangement includes a driving unit and a plurality of driving rotors adapted to be driven by the driving unit to rotate. At least two corresponding driving rotors are frictionally and alignedly engaged with the guiding rib to block the sideward movement of the food marinating container at an opposed second sideward direction such that when the food marinating container is driven to rotate via the driving rotors, the food marinating container is securely retained on the supporting base. |
| US07670040B2 |
Lightening apparatus
A lightening apparatus includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) module having a plurality of LEDs and a connection terminal for supplying electric power, a diffusing guide for diffusing light emitted from the LEDs, and a cover in which the diffusing guide is installed and to which the LED module is coupled. |
| US07670034B2 |
LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a housing having a base, a frame at a top end of the housing and a plurality of stanchions interconnecting the base and the frame. A heat sink is mounted on the frame. An LED module is received in the housing and attached on a bottom surface of the heat sink. A printed circuit board is arranged on the base of the housing, and a reflector is located on the printed circuit board. A transparent envelope is received in the housing and covers windows defined between the stanchions. A light generated by the LED module is reflected by the reflector to transmit outwardly through the envelope to illuminate a surrounding environment. |
| US07670029B1 |
LED lamp
An LED safety lamp includes a cover, a heat-conductive plate thermally attached to and mounted on the cover, a heat sink thermally attached to and mounted on the heat-conductive plate, a plurality of LED modules attached to the heat sink, a transparent housing enclosing the heat sink and the LED modules and hermetically secured to the cover. The cover includes a hollow tube, a flameproof connector and a flexible component received in the hollow tube. The flexile component is depressed by the connector to expand thereby to seal the hollow tube and fix the electrical wires extending through the flexible component in position, thereby providing an excellent airproof effectiveness to the LED lamp. |
| US07670026B1 |
Night-light rug
An apparatus for providing illumination includes a lower light panel that contains at least one battery and electronic control circuitry therein. A plurality of LEDS are each disposed in a corresponding plurality of recesses in the light panel. A reflective coating is preferably included in each of the recesses. A clear plastic sheet is disposed over an upper surface of the light panel. A rug is disposed over the light panel and is detachably-attached thereto. When a person steps on the rug one or more of a plurality of pressure activated switches are energized which, in turn, activates the circuitry and energizes the LEDS. The LEDS are illuminated for a first predetermined period of time that is selectable. When the first timer elapses the lights and circuitry turn off and the apparatus returns to a quiescent state until the cycle is repeated. The rug is removed from the light panel for cleaning of the rug and the plastic sheet is also removed for servicing of the light panel. |
| US07670023B1 |
Flashlight with photovoltaic power source
A flashlight including a photovoltaic power source adapted to convert incident light energy to electrical energy and wherein the flashlight is configured such that the flashlight is induced to orient the photovoltaic power source to face upwards when the flashlight is placed on a generally horizontal surface. The flashlight can include a rechargeable battery pack so as to have a hybrid power supply. Also, a method of powering a flashlight including attaching at least one solar cell to a body of a flashlight, connecting the at least one solar cell to a battery such that electrical output of the solar cell can charge the battery, and connecting a switch and a lamp to the at least one solar cell and the battery such that a user can actuate the switch to connect the battery to the solar cell for charging of the battery or to the lamp for generation of light from the flashlight. |
| US07670022B2 |
Lighted floor mat system
A floor mat system that includes a mat having a decoratively shaped first portion that allows light to transmit therethrough and is surrounded by a second portion that does not allow light to transmit therethrough. A light source is positioned beneath at least the first portion of the mat. When activated, the light source shines through the first portion and thereby illuminates and draws attention to the decorative image. The light source is coated in a polycarbonate resin film to protect and strengthen the same against damage as people walk over the mat. A non-transparent coating may be applied to selective regions of the protective film to create the same decorative transparent image therein and to thereby allow light to only be emitted from a particular region of the light source. The mat may be made from a flow-through material, a non-flow-through material with a gripping upper surface and wells; or a combination of flow-through and non-flow-through material. The mat also includes a transformer housing and channels to protect a transformer and electrical wiring from being damaged as people walk over the mat. |
| US07670021B2 |
Method and apparatus for thermally effective trim for light fixture
A lighting assembly comprises a light fixture. The light fixture includes a trim formed by a stamping or die casting process. The trim has thermally conductive properties and includes a flange around a perimeter of the trim. The light fixture includes a light source mounted to a central portion of a front surface of the trim, and a heatsink formed by an extrusion or die casting process. The heatsink has thermally conductive properties and is mounted to a back surface of the trim. The light fixture includes an attachment mechanism connected to the light fixture. A recessed can housing mounted to a surface may be provided. The light fixture may be mounted to the recessed can housing by inserting the heatsink into the recessed can housing and engaging the attachment mechanism to an interior portion of the recessed can housing to brace the flange against the surface. |
| US07670015B2 |
Optical switch controller and movable body controller
In an optical switch controller, in order that residual vibration at movement control of a movable body such as a tilt mirror can be reduced and controlled with high accuracy, a processing unit outputs a driving signal for controlling the angle of the tilt mirror, the driving signal is D/A converted by a D/A converter and then is changed to a high-voltage signal by a high-voltage amplifier to be supplied to the tilt mirror, the electrostatic capacity of the tilt mirror changes corresponding to angle change of the tilt mirror, a mirror-angle detecting unit detects the electrostatic capacity and feeds back it as a correction value to a processing unit, and the processing unit corrects the driving signal using a correction value obtained when the angle of the tilt mirror is actually changed. |
| US07670011B2 |
Projector assembly provided with an auxiliary device
A projector assembly includes a projector casing and an auxiliary device. The projector casing is formed with a mating aperture, and has a first light source for emitting light beams defining an optical path of the projector assembly. The auxiliary device includes a mating part inserted detachably into the mating aperture in the projector casing, a second light source disposed in the mating part for emitting light beams, and a light-beam guiding module disposed in the mating part in front of the second light source so that the light beams emitted from the second light source are guided into the optical path via the light-beam guiding module, thereby enhancing illumination of the optical path of the projector assembly. |
| US07670010B2 |
System and method for projector lamp safety interlock
An information handling system projector lamp housing includes a safety interlock to reduce the risk of electrical shock to an end user during lamp insertion and removal. A ballast disposed in the projector interfaces with a low voltage power supply through a ballast power supply circuit and transforms the low voltage into high voltage for use by the lamp. A connector associated with the ballast connects with a connector on the lamp housing to supply the high voltage to the lamp. The safety interlock breaks the ballast power supply circuit if the ballast connectors are exposed, such as during insertion or removal of the lamp. The safety interlock completes the ballast power supply circuit as the lamp housing fully inserts in the projector to allow power supply for illumination of the lamp. |
| US07670004B2 |
Dual ZScreen® projection
A system and method for projecting stereoscopic images using a multiple projector arrangement is provided. The design comprises transmitting a first field train from the first projector, the first field train comprising first projector left and right images and concurrently transmitting a second field train from the second projector, the second field train comprising second projector left and right images. The first projector left image is transmitted by the first projector at substantially a same time as the second projector right image is transmitted by the second projector. Alternately, the design comprises transmitting a first field train from the first projector, the first field train comprising first projector left images alternating with first projector right images, and concurrently transmitting a second field train from the second projector, the second field train comprising second projector left images alternating with second projector right images. A quasi-interlacing technique is also provided. |
| US07670001B2 |
Reflectance measurement of macular pigment using multispectral imaging
Methods and apparatus are provided for accurately imaging, assessing and measuring a patient's macular pigment. A multiband filter is employed in combination with a color digital fundus camera to provide a method that operates with a single imaging exposure. The multiband filter has bandpass regions within spectral ranges of the red, green and blue detectors of the CCD array employed within the fundus camera, the bandpass regions being sufficiently sharply defined so as to avoid regions where the CCD detector responses spectrally overlap. This provides three discrete channels of grayscale data corresponding to the bandpass regions of the multiband filter, which can be used to calculate macular pigment topographically. Methods are also disclosed for calculating the optical density of the macular pigment and advantageously displaying the resulting data. |
| US07670000B2 |
Eyeglasses of the rimless type with wire branches
The invention relates to eyeglasses of the rimless type comprising a bridge interconnecting the two eyeglass lenses, and two side branches of wire structure connected to respective side zones of the corresponding lenses, each side branch having a main portion together with a distal end extending said main portion and arranged to fasten to the side zone of the lens, said distal end being generally J-shaped. In accordance with the invention, each side branch is fitted with a hinge that is arranged so that the section and the profile of the side branch in its deployed position are generally continuous, thereby enabling it to pass through a through hole in the lens so as to enable said side branch to be put into place merely by being threaded, while in its deployed position, through the lens from its front face. |
| US07669998B2 |
Ink set containing at least three black ink compositions
An ink set including at least three black ink compositions different in concentration, wherein the colorant of the black ink composition having the highest concentration is a pigment, the colorant of the black ink composition having the lowest concentration is a dye, and the colorant(s) of the black ink composition(s) for medium gradation having medium concentration between them is a pigment or dye. |
| US07669991B2 |
Ink cartridge
An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; an ink supply path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge; an ink filling path extending from the ink chamber to an area outside of the ink chamber; and a plug member provided in the ink filling path, the plug member sealing the ink filling path. The ink filling path adjoins the area outside of the ink chamber at a location enclosed by the cartridge case. |
| US07669988B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for forming an article
Methods and apparatuses are provided for depositing a material on a surface. In accordance with the method a stream of a component material is formed having formed printing and non-printing droplets and satellite droplets of the material. The stream is directed at the surface. A deflecting energy is applied to separate printing droplets from non-printing droplets in the stream, so that only printing droplets travel to the surface. The deflecting energy is adapted to direct non-printing droplets for non-printing drop collection, and to direct at least a portion of the satellite droplets to be controlled in a manner adapted to prevent the material in the satellite droplets from reaching the surface, so that less than all of the material in the satellite droplets reaches the surface. Articles are also provided having limited satellite material. |
| US07669986B2 |
Droplet discharging head and droplet discharging device, and discharging control method
A droplet discharging head includes a nozzle supplied with a liquid substance, a meniscus moving section that moves a meniscus of the liquid substance in the nozzle, and a meniscus regulating section that is provided to an inside wall of the nozzle at a predetermined depth from an opening of the nozzle and regulates movement of an edge of the meniscus in the nozzle at the depth. |
| US07669985B2 |
Jetstack plate to plate alignment
An apparatus has a first plate having a first array of holes, with a first plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, a second plate having a second array of holes to be alignable to the first array of holes, a second plate alignment hole having a smaller size than the other holes in the array, and the first plate alignment hole and the second plate alignment hole having different positions. A method of aligning plates provides a first plate having a top and bottom and first array of holes including a first plate alignment hole having a size smaller than the other holes in the first array, places a second plate having a second array of holes on the top of the first plate such that the first array of holes and the second array of holes align, directs light at the bottom of the first plate, locates a profile of the first plate alignment hole in the second array of holes to verify alignment. |
| US07669984B2 |
Liquid ejection head, image forming apparatus and liquid supply method for liquid ejection head
The liquid ejection head includes: a head main body which is constructed from a plurality of head units layered together in a layering direction perpendicular to a liquid ejection direction of nozzles, each of the head units having the nozzles, pressure chambers connected with the nozzles and arranged in a one-dimensional configuration, and piezoelectric elements corresponding to the pressure chambers and arranged in a one-dimensional configuration, the head main body having through channels substantially parallel to the layering direction of the head units, the through channels being in connection with the pressure chambers; and first and second liquid accommodating chambers which are arranged on sides of the head main body opposing to each other in the layering direction of the head units, the first and second liquid accommodating chambers being in connection with the through channels. |
| US07669980B2 |
Printhead having low energy heater elements
A printhead is provided having a plurality of nozzles and a plurality of heater elements each for heating an ejectable liquid to cause ejection of a drop of the ejectable liquid from a respective one of the nozzles. Each heater element is configured such that the energy required to be applied thereto to cause ejection of the drop is less than the energy required to heat a volume of the ejectable liquid equal to the volume of the drop to a temperature less than 40 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature. |
| US07669974B2 |
Nozzle assembly with lever arm and thermal bend actuator
A nozzle assembly is provided for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle assembly includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet. A nozzle extends from the substrate assembly in register with the ink inlet and defines an opening through which ink can be ejected. A lever arm extends from the nozzle. A thermal bend actuator assembly is mounted to the substrate assembly and engages with the lever arm so that, upon actuation, the lever arm moves and ink within the nozzle is ejected out through the opening. |
| US07669972B2 |
Printhead having suspended heater elements
An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead includes a substrate defining a plurality of ink inlet passages; a plurality of nozzle chambers formed on the substrate, each nozzle chamber being in fluid communication with at least one of the ink inlet passages, and at least one heater element suspended in each nozzle chamber, each heater element, when energized by an electrical signal, forms a gas bubble in ink in the nozzle chamber so that a drop of ink is ejected from the nozzle chamber. |
| US07669971B2 |
Inkjet printer with low nozzle to chamber cross-section ratio
Provided is a nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printhead. The nozzle arrangement includes a substrate defining an ink chamber with an ink ejection port and ink holes for receiving ink from an ink reservoir, and a magnetic actuation device arranged in the chamber and actuatable via an external pulsed magnetic field to eject ink via the ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a blocking mechanism arranged in the chamber and configured to operatively block movement of the actuation device to prevent ejection of ink from the chamber. |
| US07669966B2 |
Liquid droplet discharging apparatus and head with liquid droplet guides
A liquid droplet discharging head includes: a substrate; a pressure chamber connected to the substrate; a penetrating portion formed in the substrate to discharge a liquid droplet; and a plurality of liquid droplet guiding portions formed at the penetrating portion of the substrate to guide the liquid droplet, in which each of the liquid droplet guiding portions extends with a curvature in an discharging direction of the liquid droplet. |
| US07669957B2 |
Method of removing flooded ink from a printhead using a rotating roller
A method of removing particulates from an ink ejection face of a printhead is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) flooding the face with ink from the printhead, thereby dispersing the particulates into the flooded ink; and (b) transferring the flooded ink, including the particulates, onto a transfer surface moving past the face. Damage to the face is avoided since the transfer surface does not contact the face. |
| US07669956B2 |
Temperature regulated inkjet printhead
A printhead IC is provided which has an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. The drive circuitry sets the duration of the pulse profile to a sub ejection value for any of the nozzles in the row that are not to eject a drop during that firing sequence. |
| US07669955B2 |
Inkjet printhead with temperature zones
A printhead IC is provided having an array of nozzles, drive circuitry for receiving print data and sending drive pulses of electrical energy to the array of nozzles in accordance with the print data, and a temperature sensor connected to the drive circuitry to adjust the drive pulse profile in response to the temperature sensor output. During use, the temperature sensor can be de-activated after a period of use. The drive circuitry is programmed with a series of temperature thresholds defining a set of temperature zones, each of the zones having a different pulse profile for the drive pulses sent to the nozzles in the region currently operating in that temperature zone. |
| US07669952B2 |
Printhead integrated circuit assembly with compensation controller
This invention relates to a printhead integrated circuit assembly having a substrate, drive circuitry and a controller. The substrate includes a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements formed thereon. The drive circuitry is positioned on the substrate for operatively actuating the respective nozzle arrangements to eject a drop of printing fluid therefrom. The controller is configured to monitor the power required to eject a drop from each nozzle, and to deactivate such nozzle and compensate with another nozzle if a required power level is exceeded. |
| US07669948B2 |
Fluid ejector including a drop size symbol, a method of disposing a drop size symbol in a fluid ejector, and an image forming device including a marking fluid ejector with a drop size symbol
A fluid ejector includes a drop size symbol that is based on the fluid ejector's drop size relative to one or more fixed drop sizes. The drop size symbol is formed by comparing the fluid ejector's drop size to the one or more fixed drop sizes. An image forming device includes a marking fluid ejector that includes a drop size symbol based on the marking fluid ejector's drop size relative to one or more fixed drop sizes. The image forming device forms an image based on the drop size symbol by determining the drop size symbol and then either selecting a marking fluid look-up table based on the drop size symbol, or forming an image correction factor based on the drop size symbol. |
| US07669947B2 |
Industrial ink jet print head system
A print mechanism positioned in a housing having a pivotably mounted cover and including a ink flow regulator operatively connected to a print cartridge and provided with a plurality of seals to prevent contamination and damage from unwanted ink flow. |
| US07669946B2 |
Ink jet printing system for printing colored images on contact lenses
The present invention provides a method for making colored contact lenses and an apparatus for implementing the method of the invention. The apparatus of the invention comprises a securing means for holding a contact lens or a portion of a mold for making the contact lens, a printer head, wherein the printer head comprises one or more nozzles each of which is capable of jetting droplets of color liquid independent of each other under control of a computer system; a positioning means for precisely positioning the printer head at each of a plurality of predetermined positions, one at a time, on a surface of the contact lens or the mold portion under control of the computer system. The method and apparatus of the invention are useful for producing colored contact lenses having high quality color images thereon. |
| US07669941B2 |
Wheel end with load sensing capabilities
A wheel end (A) has a housing (2, 70, 80, 90) and a hub (4) provided with a spindle (32) that projects into the housing, and the hub rotates relative to the housing on an antifriction bearing (6) located between the housing and hub spindle. The housing has a tubular core (12, 72, 82, 92) that encloses the bearing and ring mounts (14, 74, 84, 94) spaced outwardly from the core and also webs (16,76,86,96) that connect the ring mounts to the core. A road wheel (B) is attached to the hub and rotates with the hub relative to the housing. The housing is secured to a suspension upright (C) at its ring mounts. The core deflects relative to the ring mounts, owning to forces and moments transferred through the bearing from the suspension upright to the road wheel and vice versa, and the magnitude of those forces and moments are reflected in signals derived from strain sensor modules (SM) attached to the webs of the housing. |
| US07669939B2 |
Buffing ball made of compressible material
A surface finishing ball of compressible material, adapted to be driven on a rotational axis is made from a layered body of compressible material that is formed in multiple disk-like layers that are separated in planes generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. Layers are also slit on circumferentially spaced planes that extend generally radially from an outside surface to define a plurality of foam fingers. A clamping system is used to compress and hold a center portion of the layered body in a direction along the axis of rotation such that the uncompressed outer ends of the fingers define a generally spherical ball. |
| US07669937B2 |
Continuous extraction of underground narrow-vein metal-bearing deposits by thermal rock fragmentation
A method for extracting minerals from a narrow-vein deposit by thermal fragmentation is provided. The method includes locating the vein and determining the extent thereof to form the boundaries of a stope. Access to the stope is prepared by forming a panel having an upper drift and a lower drift. Equipment for thermal fragmentation, including a burner, is installed from the upper drift. The burner moves along the panel surface in a sweeping motion, while rock chips spalled from the rock panel surface are collected. Multiple panels for processing can be realised, with lower panels being processed before upper panels, by excavating a sub-level to separate the lower and upper panels. |
| US07669936B2 |
Padded covering for a chair
A padded covering for parts of a chair, consisting of a padded material (2) with elastic properties at least within the thickness thereof, and covered with a semi-transparent, perforated mesh fabric, wherein said padded material has a three-dimensional structure that is at least partially visible through said fabric and comprises recesses opening out onto the fabric (3). Said covering is produced via a method comprising the steps of cutting out a suitably-shaped piece capable of covering the specific chair portion; stitching at least two concentric lines at the edges and over the entire periphery of the piece in order to flatten the edge region; cutting out, in a semi-transparent perforated mesh fabric (3), a correspondingly-sized piece; placing said semi-transparent fabric piece on top of the padded piece; and fastening the piece. |
| US07669932B1 |
Headrest
A vehicle headrest has a support defining a horizontal pivot axis and a cushion having a front face and pivotal about the axis on the support between a use position with the face upright and a rest position with the face generally horizontal. A latch element is displaceable in a longitudinal direction relative to the cushion between a blocking position operatively engaging the cushion and preventing the cushion from pivoting from the use position into the rest position and an unblocking position permitting such pivoting. A separate safety element engageable with the latch element is displaceable in a transverse direction between a locking position operatively engaging the latch element and preventing movement of the latch element into the unblocking position and a releasing position permitting movement of the latch element into the unblocking position. |
| US07669927B1 |
Infant car seat
A rocking and/or vibrating car seat for providing comfort to an infant comprising a base; a first rocker bar parallel to a second rocker bar in the inner compartment of the base extending from the first side to the second side of the base, a motor for driving the movement of the first rocker bar and second rocker bar; a cushioned seat for placing in the base atop the first rocker bar and the second rocker bar; and a vibrating unit disposed in the cushioned seat for vibrating the cushioned seat. |
| US07669922B2 |
Reclining seating unit with backrest support frame
A reclining chair includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; and a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat and backrest. The reclining mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the seat and backrest relative to the base between a fully upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to an underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and one or more reclined positions, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle. One of the links of the reclining mechanism is a backrest support link that moves in concert with the backrest between the upright and reclined positions. The backrest support link includes a first longitudinally disposed panel pivotally interconnected with at least one other link of the reclining mechanism, and further includes a second transversely disposed panel to which the backrest attaches. |
| US07669921B2 |
Reclining seating unit with headrest
A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest that includes a body and a headrest that is positioned above the body; a reclining mechanism that interconnects the base, seat and backrest that controls the movement thereof between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to the underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle; and a headrest mechanism coupled to the reclining mechanism and attached to the body and headrest. In the upright position, a lower edge of the headrest is positioned at a first distance from an upper edge of the body, and in the reclined position, the lower edge of the headrest is positioned a second distance from the upper edge of the body, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The headrest moves generally parallel to the backrest as the chair moves from the upright to the reclined position. |
| US07669911B1 |
Tarping system for truck mounted containers
A tarping system for removably covering the open top of a container resting on a platform of a truck frame, or directly on the truck frame, includes a cover support structure extending upwardly from the pivoted platform, a tarping frame displaceably secured to the cover support structure, a covering medium secured to the tarping frame and dimensioned to protectably cover the container open top, a power system extending between the cover support structure and the tarping frame for raising the tarping frame and thereby the covering medium above the container open top to permit the container to be removed from the truck frame. |
| US07669908B2 |
Endgate hinge for motor vehicle having dual pivot axes
An assembly for opening and closing a cargo opening of a motor vehicle includes first and second posts located at opposite lateral sides of the cargo opening, the second post being spaced laterally from the first post, an endgate able to open and close the cargo opening, and first, second and third brackets, each bracket secured to one of the posts and the endgate, and defining a lateral axis and an upright axis. The first bracket is secured to the first post. The second bracket is secured to the second post such that the lateral axis of the second bracket is aligned with the lateral axis of the first bracket. The third bracket is secured to the first post at an elevation higher than an elevation of the first bracket such that the upright axis of the third bracket is aligned with the upright axis of the first bracket. |
| US07669907B2 |
Seat partitions for a vehicle and methods of use thereof
The present invention pertains to an apparatus for partitioning seats in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a first partition for separating the back row of seats from the front row of seat in a vehicle; and at least one mounting member for securing the partition to the front row seat. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for partitioning a seat from an adjoining seat, and further includes a second partition, attached to the first partition, and at least one mounting member attaching the second partition to the backseat. The present invention also includes methods for separating or partitioning pets, children, groceries, etc. from adjoining seats of a vehicle by using the apparatus described herein. Also embodied are systems, vehicles and kits that include the apparatus. |
| US07669906B2 |
Running profile of railway wheel
Wheels for goods wagons with small and large diameters, in addition to wheel sets equipped with wheels of this type for running gear, which are dependent on a highly passive radial positioning when negotiating curves and must remain stable at high speed. The inventive wheel profile is characterized as a result of the relatively large entry radius into the transition area from the running surface to the wheel flange by a low equivalent conicity. This enables a quieter running of the wheel set when the latter is travelling in a straight line. In curves, there is a sufficient rolling circle differential, permitting less wear and tear. |
| US07669904B1 |
Lifting sling having a tenacious coating with methods of manufacturing and monitoring the same
The present invention relates to coating of lifting slings with a polyurea elastomer, polyurethane, or hybrid polyurethane-polyurea elastomer. In addition, optionally the coating material can include one or more additives such as a catalyst, stabilizer, pigment, fire retardant, or other additives. In the present invention use of additives can enhance the lifting slings effectiveness and improve the operational condition and or suitability for use of the lifting sling. The present invention also relates to the ability to form a multi-core sling from a plurality of single cores. More specifically, the single cores can be tenaciously bonded together with the coating material to form a multi-core lifting sling. The present invention also relates to embedding a safety core along the length of the lifting sling core. The safety core allows monitoring of certain operational parameters related to the lifting sling by way of an indicator and or electronic system. |
| US07669900B2 |
Interface O-ring seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit
A flange structure (10′) for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (16′) having first and second ends (22, 24) and features (25, 26) defining a channel (28) about a periphery thereof. An elastomer seal (30) is disposed in the channel. A plastic flange (20′) is overmolded on at least a portion of the fuel port between the first and second ends and on at least a portion of the elastomer seal, with the elastomer seal defining a barrier preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange. |
| US07669899B2 |
Pipe testing tool with magnetic clamps
An apparatus for sealing a section of a pipe interior includes a clamp having a magnetic engagement means for axially positioning the clamp within the interior of a pipe and preventing relative axial movement there-between and a sealing plate securable thereto. Movement of the sealing plate against the clamp results in deformation of a resilient sealing member thereby forming a seal between the apparatus and the pipe. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with another oppositely oriented apparatus or other sealing means to form a sealed space within the tube. Pressurization of the sealed space allows for a radial and/or axial force being applied to the sealed section of the pipe. |
| US07669898B2 |
Apparatus for detaching and attaching counterweight
A proximal portion of a first link is pivotally supported by a rear end portion of a frame. A second support shaft is provided in a distal portion of the first link. A first cylinder and a second link to which a counterweight is connected are supported by the second support shaft. A second cylinder is connected to the second link. Through pivoting of the second link by the second cylinder, the counterweight is selectively raised and lowered between a mounting position defined on the frame and a separating position above the mounting position. Through pivoting of the first link by the first cylinder, the counterweight moves between the separating position and the ground surface. |
| US07669897B2 |
Vehicle passenger restraining apparatus and method for the same
A vehicle passenger restraining apparatus is provided that basically includes a knee angle restraining structure, a shin restraining structure and a groin angle restraining structure. The knee angle restraining structure is configured to restrain a passenger during a frontal collision to attain a posture with a prescribed knee angle as measured between a passenger's thigh and a passenger's shin. The shin restraining structure is configured to restrain the passenger during a frontal collision. The groin angle restraining structure is configured to restrain the passenger during a frontal collision to attain the posture with a prescribed groin angle as measured between the passenger's thigh with respect to a longitudinal axis passing through a rotational center of a passenger's groin joint. |
| US07669889B1 |
Air bag chute attachment
An air bag chute directs the deployment of an air bag from an air bag housing mounted on a seat frame through a separable seam sewn between inboard and outboard seat cover panels. An air bag housing is box shaped with a base wall mounted on the seat frame and rear, front, and end walls extending from the base wall and a cover wall. An inboard chute panel and an outboard chute panel each have inner ends attached to the air bag housing and outer ends attached to the inboard and outboard seat cover panels adjacent to the separable seam. The attachment of the inner ends of the inboard and outboard chutes to the air bag housing is provided on the walls of the housing with the inner ends spaced from one another. |
| US07669887B2 |
Air bag
A side air bag is disclosed for a motor vehicle, and takes the form of a three-dimensional airbag which is formed from two super-imposed layers of fabric. The super-imposed layers of fabric, when laid flat, have a substantial common area of super-imposition. Infill pieces formed from either at least one gusset forming insert or from a portion or portions of fabric of one or both of the fabric layers which extend beyond the area of super-imposition are provided. The air-bag has an inflatable region towards the upper part of the air-bag and an inflatable region towards the lower part of the air-bag. The two inflatable regions are separated by a part of the air-bag which is constrained when the air-bag is inflated, to have a thickness less than the thickness of either of the said regions. |
| US07669884B2 |
Air bag device
An air bag device includes a retainer having an opening, a lid for covering the opening of the retainer, an air bag accommodated in the retainer, at least one hinge member connecting the retainer and the lid, and at least one guide plate having a hook-shaped or J-shaped cross section to define a recess. The hinge member is bent at its mid portion along the recess of the guide plate, and one end portion of the hinge member is fixed to a reverse surface of the lid at one side thereof and the other end portion of the hinge member is fixed to the guide plate and sandwiched between the guide plate and the retainer. |
| US07669883B2 |
Air bag bracket/fastener
An airbag installation fastener includes first and second fastener members connected by a hinge member. The first and second fastener members rotate from a fastener open condition to engage each other in a fastener closed position. The fastener closed position provides for an air bag member positioned between the first and second fastener members. The first and second fastener members have an aperture receiving a vehicle connected stud to support both the airbag installation fastener and the air bag member from the stud. An arm extending from the second fastener member rotates with respect to the second fastener member. The arm extends from the second fastener member in the fastener closed condition and both engages the second fastener member and abuts the stud to visually indicate a fastener completed installation condition. |
| US07669880B2 |
Strap for snowboard boots or bindings
A binding or boot strap is provided that allows a rider to easily, rapidly and/or effectively tighten and/or loosen the strap about his or her boot. The strap includes a boot-engaging strap portion that engages with an engagement strap coupleable to the boot, as may be the case with boots used for step-in bindings, or to the binding, as may be the case with strap-type bindings. An arrangement for facilitating tightening/loosening of the two strap pieces so that a rider can slip his or her foot into or out from the boot or fasten the boot to or loosen it from a snowboard binding is also provided. In one embodiment, this arrangement includes a tightening element, such as for example a cord, lace or strap, suitably coupled to one or both strap portions such that a rider can pull on the tightening element to move the strap pieces relative to each other and tighten the strap. The tightening arrangement may be configured with a mechanical advantage whereby the force applied to the tightening element results in a greater force applied to the strap. To take up any excess amount of tightening element after the strap has been tightened, a retraction device, such as a self-winding spool, may be utilized. To separate the strap from the boot or binding, a hook and catch arrangement may be employed. |
| US07669873B1 |
Front rotary cutting deck having center step with front viewport
A mower includes a zero turn radius (ZTR) traction unit carrying a front mounted cutting deck. The cutting deck is suspended beneath a carrier frame by a height of cut adjustment system comprising a plurality of pivot links and suspension chains extending between the carrier frame and the cutting deck. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to one of the pivot links can simultaneously lift the chains or permit the chains to lower to change the height of the cutting deck relative to the carrier frame. This same cylinder can also fold the carrier frame and the cutting deck relative to the traction unit about a fold pivot axis when a fold latch is selectively released by the operator. The carrier frame includes a center step for helping the operator mount or dismount the traction unit. The center step has a front viewport for allowing an operator who is seated on the traction unit to view the front edge of the cutting deck. |
| US07669871B2 |
Bicycle wheel securing adapter and bicycle fork using the same
A wheel securing adapter is provided in a bicycle fork to attach a skewer of a wheel securing axle thereto. The wheel securing adapter is disposed in an axle mounting opening of the fork. The wheel securing adapter has an internally threaded bore and an external surface configured and arranged to cooperate with the axle mounting opening to prevent at least one of relative axial movement and relative rotational movement of the wheel securing adapter within the axle mounting opening. The fork includes a pair of fork legs having upper ends coupled to the fork stem and lower ends with axle mounting openings. Preferably, a cutout surrounds one of the axle mounting openings on an inner side surface that faces the other fork leg to form the mounting opening for the wheel securing adapter. |
| US07669867B2 |
Shackle structure for suspension leaf spring
A pair of left and right shackles operative to support the vehicle-rear-side end portions of a pair of left and right suspension leaf springs. The left and right shackles have structures whereby the rigidity center positions of the leaf-spring-side bushings are offset to further outside areas of the vehicle than the rigidity center positions of the vehicle-body-side bushings, respectively. |
| US07669866B2 |
Suspension trailing arm
A suspension trailing arm suspends a vehicle chassis from a beam type axle. The trailing arm includes a chassis mounting feature, an axle mounting feature, and an arm portion intermediate the chassis mounting feature and the axle mounting feature. The arm portion has a generally X-section profile with four limbs. |
| US07669863B2 |
Walker with lift-assisting seat assembly
A walker for use by those with limited mobility. The walker includes a seat assembly that assists the user in rising from a seated position or sitting from a standing position. The seat assembly is mounted in a frame and includes at least one gas spring mounted between the seat assembly and the frame that deflects the seat assembly while the user is rising from the seat or dampens the deflection of the seat when the user is sitting. The walker may include other capabilities and attachments, including a braking system and mountings for ancillary equipment. |
| US07669862B2 |
Foldable spider wheel for ascending and descending stairs
A collapsible spider wheel assembly on a towing device enables storage of the device into a standard rectangular space. Once collapsed, the collapsible spider assembly is protected within the body of the towing device. Furthermore, actuation of the folding and unfolding may be accomplished through the usual telescoping of the carrying handle of such a device, such as in a suitcase embodiment. While the spider wheels are in the open position, the carrying apparatus may exert a drive force to climb up stairs and braking force to descend stairs. The unit operates as a normal wheeled carrying apparatus while traversing a horizontal surface. |
| US07669861B2 |
Stone block transporting crawler-climber
Twinned circular, parallel arrays of spoke-like second-class levers (10, 12) enclosing a centered cargo cradle for towing 2½ ton stone blocks (26) up a stepped structure of stone courses (34) by rotation of the whole. |
| US07669850B1 |
Multi-ball roulette
A selection mechanism such as a Roulette wheel determines at least two outcomes for each game. Players are permitted in various embodiments to wager on the various outcomes with betting options such as a second chance wager, an enhanced wager, a combination wager, sequenced or non-sequenced, or the like. After determination of the two outcomes, losing wagers are collected and winning wagers are rewarded according to a predetermined pay table. |
| US07669848B2 |
Conveying apparatus and image forming apparatus
A conveying apparatus for conveying a flexible sheet along a sheet-convey path including a curved portion. The conveying apparatus includes an outer guide which defines an outer portion of the curved portion of the sheet-convey path. The outer guide includes at least one curved plate having a first curved guide surface which contacts and guides the flexible sheet; and a guide base including at least one holding portion which holds the at least one curved plate. The at least one curved plate is formed of a synthetic resin assuring that the first curved guide surface thereof has a first frictional resistance lower than a second frictional resistance of a surface of the guide base. |
| US07669846B1 |
Self leveling elevator plate for paper feed tray
Apparatus and method for controlling the slope angle of sheet stock in a feeder/loader for copying/printing where leading edge side of the stock is elevated by elevating one side of the support tray to position the top sheet for nudging into a nip. When the slope angle of the stock reaches a critical value, in one version, a separate elevating mechanism raises the opposite side of the support tray to prevent the slope angle from exceeding the critical value. In another version, the elevating mechanism for the opposite edge is connected to the elevating mechanism for the leading edge of the stack and raises the opposite edge when the sheet stock slope angle reaches a threshold value to prevent potential misfeed. |
| US07669841B1 |
Support base for cutting wood planks and the like
A support brace includes a bottom section that has planar top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is seated on a ground surface, and the top surface abuts a bottom surface of a user foot. The bottom section has linear sides wherein one is diagonally offset from adjacent ones. A first wall extends upwardly from the bottom section. A second wall extends upwardly from the bottom section and has a longitudinal length registered perpendicularly to the first wall. The second wall has sloping top surfaces extending upwardly and away from the first wall that define a shoulder against which a wood plank is supported. A third wall abuts the bottom section and is spaced from the second wall for defining a passageway therebetween. The second wall has a lowest elevation defined above a highest elevation of the third wall. |
| US07669839B2 |
Vacuum hold down
A vacuum cup is made from rubber to resist damage and providing a vacuum seal without a separate gasket or O-ring. The vacuum cup may be one of several configurations suitable for different CNC machines and includes a rubber body comprising a bottom surface for mounting, a top surface including a vacuum area for holding a work piece, and a raised edge around the perimeter of the top surface for sealing against the work piece. The bottom surface may have any one of a variety of machine interfaces to cooperate with various machines. A vacuum passage connects the bottom surface with the vacuum area and a check valve may reside in the vacuum passage. The rubber body is sufficiently strong to resist flexing due to vacuum or work piece weight and the vacuum area includes work piece supports for contacting a work piece held on the vacuum cup. |
| US07669838B2 |
Air handling heat exchanger humidifying apparatus
An air handling heat exchanger humidifying apparatus (1) is provided with a humidifying cell (13) of a self supporting sheet like body with closely spaced air openings therein. Air is moved through the apparatus (1) so it passes through the openings in the humidifying cell (13). A humidifying liquid is deposited onto the body surfaces of the cell between adjacent openings. As the air moves through the openings it collects the humidifying liquid from the surfaces of the cell (13). The humidifying liquid can be cooled. The air then exits the apparatus (1) and can be used for cooling produce or other product. The cell (13) can be an expanded mesh with the openings having a somewhat diamond shape. The cell (13) body can be corrugated to assist in humidifying liquid retention. |
| US07669837B2 |
Equipment and process for the production of carbonated water
A process for producing carbonated water having a high concentration, inexpensively and easily, involves using a static mixer having 20 to 100 elements so as to provide a value Re×N of 100,000 to 2,000,000, in with Re represents a Reynolds number, when a mixture of water and carbonic acid gas flow in the static mixer. |
| US07669836B2 |
Bracket
A bracket having a main body with attachment structure for fixing the bracket to a first post and fastening means for securing the bracket relative to a second post. The bracket is preferably used for strengthening a post assembly for a fence or trellis system. |
| US07669832B2 |
Solenoid actuated valve with a damping device
The invention provides a solenoid actuated valve with a plunger which moves in a sleeve under influence of a magnetic field from the solenoid and further comprising a damping device for reducing noise and wear caused by the plunger when it bounces against a top part located in the sleeve. The damping device comprises a first part which forms the limit of the travel of the plunger and another part which is allowed to move relative to the first part in a dampened movement. To enable application in a vacuum system, the damping device comprises a conduit which allows evacuation of a chamber confined between one end of the sleeve and the damping device. The invention further provides a damper for a solenoid actuated valve. |
| US07669827B2 |
String light hanging kit
The present invention features a kit for hanging string lights. The kit comprises a bracket and a mounting tool. In some embodiments, the bracket comprises a first plate having a first edge and a second edge, a second plate extending upwardly and along the first edge of the first plate, a third plate extending upwardly and along the second edge of the first plate, and a hook disposed on a surface of the third plate that extends in a direction away from the second plate. In some embodiments, a mounting tool comprises cup member attached to a pole. The cup member comprises a base member having a first end and a second end, a first arm attached to and extending outwardly from the first end of the base member, a second arm attached to and extending outwardly from the second end of the base member, the first and second arm extending outwardly in the same direction relative to the base member, and a pole attaching to and extending downwardly from the base member. |
| US07669825B2 |
Seat sliding apparatus for vehicles
A seat sliding apparatus for vehicles is provided. The seat sliding apparatus includes a track and a guide bracket with legs connected to stepped locking pins to regulate the locked state of the locking pins which engage the track. In one embodiment, the track includes through-holes which are engaged by the locking pins. Accordingly to another aspect of the apparatus, a plastic bushing is provided to prevent horizontal/vertical floating of the locking pins, thereby minimizing the play of the locking pins and prevent floating. The apparatus also may simultaneously prevent a half-locked state of the locking pins. |
| US07669817B2 |
Mounting bracket
A reversible mounting bracket for mounting an article such as a loudspeaker is disclosed. The reversible mounting bracket in a first configuration is adapted to mount the article substantially flush to an upright mounting surface and in a second configuration, wherein the mounting bracket is reversed in orientation with respect to the article, the mounting bracket is adapted to mount the article to a mounting member. |
| US07669808B2 |
Display module exhibition station
A display module exhibition station includes a housing body, a bottom lid and a movable bracket. The bottom lid has one end pivotally engaged with the housing body to form an openable case. The movable bracket may hold a display module. The movable bracket is pivotally engaged with an inner side of the housing body and may be extended outside the openable case to exhibit the display module or house the display module inside the openable case to facilitate carrying of the exhibition station. |
| US07669807B2 |
Mounting clip
A mounting clip for mounting a component on a supporting part having an aperture includes a head section for attaching the component. A shank section is insertable in the aperture. At least two latching fingers are resiliently held apart from the head section on opposite shank section sides which spread outward toward the head section. At free ends the latching fingers have latching surfaces that rest against a supporting part underside when the mounting clip is inserted in the aperture. The shank section has on one side which extends perpendicular to the sides having the latching fingers, a contact surface that is supported on the aperture inner edge, and has on the side opposite the contact surface an elastically resilient rib or tongue that is supported with a preload against the aperture inner edge after the mounting clip is placed in the aperture. |
| US07669804B2 |
Spacecraft interface module for enabling versatile space platform logistics support
Systems and methods to deliver crew, cargo and other logistics services to space platforms. In one embodiment, a rendezvous and docking vehicle (RDV) comprises two docking mechanisms coupled to the RDV body. A pressurizable passageway connects the docking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the two docking mechanisms are different. An alternative embodiment comprises docking mechanisms which are the same. Also included is a flight control system. The flight control system may vary between embodiments, being autonomous, automated, or remotely controlled (e.g., remote pilot). One embodiment can also include a docking control system in the RDV. A propulsion system is coupled to the RDV in some embodiments, and the RDV may be augmented by a mated spacecraft's propulsion system in other embodiments. The mated spacecraft's propulsion system may even be under the control of the RDV. |
| US07669799B2 |
Reversible shape memory multifunctional structural designs and method of using and making the same
A multifunctional member with a first active member (30), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a first transition temperature range. A second active member (40), which is adapted to contract if exposed to a temperature above a second transition temperature range. A core member (20), which is adaptive for deformation. The first and second active members (30, 40) are attached on opposite or different sides of the core member (20). A heat source operatively connected to the first and second active members (30, 40) to expose them to transition temperatures. The first active member (30) contracts while above the first transition temperature range causing the second active member (40) to expand, wherein the second active member (40) is below the second transition temperature range. The second active member (40) contracts while above the second transition temperature range causing the first active member (30) to expand, wherein the first active member (30) is below the first transition temperature range. |
| US07669797B2 |
Boarding ramp device for aircraft
A foldable boarding ramp is operatively connected to a door opening provided in a body and is selectively extendable to the ground. The foldable boarding ramp is stored in a folded state inside a fairing covering a connecting portion between the body and a main wing. Thus, a reduction in the space of a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment due to the storage of the folded boarding ramp is prevented. In addition, an increase in air resistance can be suppressed without providing a dedicated fairing for covering the boarding ramp. Further, an interlocking member connects together a door for opening and closing the door opening and the boarding ramp when the door is opened. The boarding ramp may be automatically deployed to improve convenience. |
| US07669796B2 |
Hoop stress reduction in a buoyant airship
A system and method for equalizing internal and external pressure on an enclosed vessel moving through a gas or fluid is described, thereby reducing hoop stresses imposed on the vessel by pressure differentials. The vessel is divided into multiple chambers, and the internal pressure of a chamber may be equalized with an external pressure proximate the chamber through the use of a valve or controllable vent. |
| US07669794B2 |
Seatbelt retractor with torsion bar
A seatbelt retractor has a spool. An energy absorption mechanism absorbs energy from the spool during seatbelt protraction. The energy absorption mechanism has at least a first portion for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and preferably a second portion for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. The seatbelt retractor has an outer sheath cast, molded, coated or otherwise bonded to and encircling a portion of the external surface of the first portion or the second portion which upon a sufficient exposure to rotational energy breaks the bond between the first portion or the second portion and the outer sheath. |
| US07669792B1 |
Temperature control in an indirectly heated recycled asphalt product heater
An improvement is provided for controlling the temperature of recycled asphalt product being processed in an indirectly heated recycled asphalt product heater, and the temperature of component parts of the heater itself, as the recycled asphalt product progresses through the heater and is heated by heat transferred from gases at an elevated temperature passed through the heater. Temperature sensors are placed at strategic locations within the heater and provide temperature information to a central processor arranged to receive information pertaining to temperature from the temperature sensors and to process the information and generate control signals. A controller arrangement controls the temperature of the heated gases entering a heat exchange arrangement within the heater in response to the control signals such that the temperature of the recycled asphalt product and the temperature of component parts of the heater are maintained within a desired predetermined range of temperature. |
| US07669791B2 |
Method and device for producing highly active rubber powder from rubber wastes
Highly-active rubber powder is obtained from old tires etc. by 2-stage pulverisation in a special extruder, involving an increase in volume stress to 15-250 MPa at 5-90 MPa/second, pulsating with an amplitude of +/−5-20 MPa and a frequency of 5-600 Hz, and at 90-380° C. (increasing at 50-150° C./sec), followed by a sharp reduction of volume stress at 50-150 MPa/sec. A method for the production of highly-active rubber powder with a specific surface of 0.4-5 m2/g from old tires and scrap vulcanised rubber articles based on various rubbers by 2-stage thermo-mechanical treatment in an extruder. This involves (a) fine pulverisation and (b) sharp reduction of the volume stress. An apparatus for the production of highly-active rubber powder includes a cylindrical housing with feed and discharge connections, a compression zone and pulverisation zone(s), each with a compression screw with grooves decreasing in depth in the machine direction and a rotating coaxial activator with grooves on its outer working surface, the housing, screw and activator being provided with cooling elements. One of the two pulverisation zones (A) is a zone formed by the housing and a multi-thread compression screw in which the inter-thread volume decreases towards the outlet and the inner surface is formed by a conical opening which slopes towards the outlet and by 3-6 meshing grooves of rectangular cross-section. The second pulverisation zone (B) is formed by (a) a rotating activator with a discharge screw rigidly fixed to it and aligned with the compression screw and (b) the surrounding housing. |
| US07669790B2 |
Method for processing of pozzolans
Method for processing of pozzolans comprising fly ash such as Class F and/or Class C fly ash used for preparation of mortars and concretes, characterized in, that the pozzolans is subjected to a high energetic mechanical processing by means of grinding in a grinding equipment to a fineness of the final product with a retention on a sieve 30 microns being less than 5%, whereby the pozzolan particles receive mechanical impulses when non-cenosphere in the form of coarse scoria particles are disintegrated and whereby the surface of cenosphere grinded particles is activated. |
| US07669789B2 |
Low pressure fuel injector nozzle
A nozzle for a low pressure fuel injection that improves the control and size of the spray angle, as well as enhances the atomization of the fuel delivered to the cylinder for an engine, at relatively low pressures. The nozzle includes a metering plate having inner and outer exit cavities in rings spaced circumferentially about a center exit cavity. |
| US07669788B2 |
Fluid injector for treating surface of flat display panel
A fluid injector for treating a surface of a flat display panel includes a case provided with a cavity for receiving fluid; a pair of nozzle guiders coupled to the case and disposed facing each other; a gap-adjusting plate disposed between the nozzle guiders to adjust a gap between the nozzle guiders; and a coupling device for coupling the nozzle guiders to the gap-adjusting plate. |
| US07669784B2 |
Agricultural sprayer implement
An agricultural sprayer implement which includes a wheeled main body and a cantilevered boom. The cantilevered boom has a plurality of sections which fold with respect to one another and place significant torsional stress on one or more of the boom sections. The interior boom sections have a cylindrical tube as a lower member and preferably a square tube as an upper member with a plurality of braces extending between them. The cylindrical tube resists the torsional stress which is maximized during folding of the boom. The square tube resists particularly an upward/downward bending moment. |
| US07669779B2 |
Rail clip support shoulder
Improved rail clip support shoulders are less expensive than conventional shoulders. The rail seat includes a concrete rail tie; a pair of rail clip support shoulders cast in place in said rail tie each said shoulder having a rail face between its external sides; a pair of shoulder insulators each shaped to lie against the rail face of the rail shoulder; a pair of rail clips each having a base section adapted to seat within the rail clip support shoulder and a toe section adapted to seat on the rail base, the toe section comprising a pair of bifurcated arms extending from said base section and being bent in a curve so that the toes lie adjacent but beyond the base; the arrangement being such that the clamping force exerted by each installed clip is at least 8 kilonewtons and the leading edge of the base section of the rail clip first engages a loading incline on either side of the rail clip ramp, while the line of contact of the trailing edge of base section is on the concrete rail tie and the trailing edge does not contact the rail clip ramp in the support shoulder until at least 40% of the distance to fully install the clamp has been traveled. |
| US07669778B2 |
Auto creeper tread
An auto creeper tread has the following features: three or four rows of circular holes disposed in an orderly manner on a skid-proof pad, wherein, the edge of each of the circular holes protrudes outwards; two rows of rectangular holes disposed on two sides of the skid-proof pad; two protruding reinforcing grooves disposed in the middle of the skid-proof pad; a row of small circular holes disposed on each of the two ends of the skid-proof pad; a track connected to the skid-proof pad by rivets; and a tire lock connected to one end of the track with a clamping plate. The auto creeper tread is designed to provide anti-sink and anti-skid solutions for automobiles. |
| US07669777B2 |
Slope predictive control and digital PID control for a variable temperature control system
The present invention applies a slope predictive control method to a Variable Temperature Control (VTC) system, measuring the slope of the discharge temperature as a function of flow regulation device position, and using this slope to predict the position of the flow regulation device needed to achieve the desired discharge temperature. The present invention also monitors the response of the VTC over time and utilizes a self-learning algorithm to predict the response time of the system in order to determine when further control adjustments need to be taken. |
| US07669774B2 |
Method for producing indicators and processing apparatus and system utilizing the indicators
The present invention discloses a method for producing graphical indicators and interactive systems for utilizing the graphical indicators. On the surface of an object, visually negligible graphical indicators are provided. The graphical indicators and main information, i.e. text or pictures, co-exist on the surface of object. The graphical indicators do not interfere with the main information when the perception of human eyes are concerned. With the graphical indicators, further information other than the main information on the surface of object are carried. In addition to the main information on the surface of object, one is able to obtain additional information through an auxiliary electronic device or trigger an interactive operation. |
| US07669773B2 |
IC card module
To realize compatibility with an SIM card and adaptation to a high-speed memory access in an IC card module having a microcomputer and a memory card controller. An IC card module includes a plurality of first external connecting terminals and a plurality of second external connecting terminals both exposed to one surface of a card substrate, a microcomputer connected to the first external connecting terminals, a memory controller connected to the second external connecting terminals, and a volatile memory connected to the memory controller. The shape of the card substrate and the layout of the first external connecting terminals are based on a standard of plug-in UICC of ETSI TS 102 221 V4.4.0 (2001-10) or have compatibility. The second external connecting terminals are disposed outside the minimum range of the terminal layout based on the standard for the first external connecting terminals. The first and second external connecting terminals respectively include signal terminals electrically separated from one another. |
| US07669771B2 |
System and method for embedding a printer and a card swipe in a hand held device
Described is a handheld device for performing a transaction. The device includes a first receiving means for receiving first information via a first input device, the input device being one of an optical reader module, a card swipe module, a touch-sensitive screen, and a key pad. The device further includes a first processing means for processing the first information with a processor and a first generating means for generating a first output via a printer. The device also includes a second receiving means for receiving second information via a second input device, the second input device being one of the optical reader module, the touch-sensitive screen, the card swipe module, and the key pad, a second processing means for processing the second information with the processor and a second generating means for generating a second output via one of the printer and a display module. |
| US07669769B2 |
Systems and methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity
Systems and methods consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for preserving and maintaining document integrity. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the contents of a document, or contents of a document layer may be encoded into a machine-readable form. In some embodiments, the encoded information may be represented using a 2-dimensional bar code. In some methods for preserving and maintaining document integrity, the machine-readable code is printed along with contents of the document based on space available in the document. In some embodiments, a printed document containing the machine-readable code may be scanned and digitized, and content extracted from the scanned data. In some embodiments, the machine-readable code printed on the document is used to recreate layer data from the printed document. |
| US07669768B2 |
Remotely-alterable electronic display label employing an electronic ink layer integrated within a stacked-layer architecture employing an antenna layer and an integrated circuit layer supporting an on-board battery power component, and a programmed processor for determining graphical indicia to be displayed by said electronic ink layer in response to electromagnetic signals received from said antenna
A remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device employing an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The device includes an integrated circuit layer having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in electrical communication with the addressable display assembly and an antenna structure. A signal transmitting layer transmits signals from the antenna structure to the remote activator module. A signal receiving layer receives electromagnetic signals from the remote activator module, using the antenna structure. An on-board battery power layer, operably connected to the integrated circuit layer, supplies electrical power the integrated circuit layer, which is responsive to electromagnetic signals received from the remote activator module by the antenna layer and the signal receiving layer. The addressable display assembly is responsive to output signals generated by the programmed processor, to display the determined graphical indicia. The antenna layer, integrated circuit layer, signal transmitting layer, signal receiving layer, on-board battery power layer are arranged and stacked together behind and within the spatial extent of the addressable display assembly so as to form the remotely-alterable electronic-ink based display device having a stacked-layer construction. |
| US07669759B1 |
GPS validation for transactions
A location verification provision is implemented to determine the location of a device associated with a user at the time of an attempted transaction. The attempted transaction includes receiving user identification and/or payment information, which is associated with the device in an entry stored in a database. Location information of the device, as well as a time at each location, may also be stored in the database. To verify that the device is located at the location of the transaction, a comparison operation may be performed. If the device is located where the transaction is being processed, the transaction may be completed. Predetermined criteria may be defined to account for possible inaccuracies in location and time calculations. |
| US07669758B2 |
Obtaining transaction accounts using identification cards
A system, method, and computer program product are used to obtain a transaction account. The system comprises at least one input device, at least one credit requesting system, at least one transaction account provider, and at least one credit reporting agency. The input device receives an identification card (e.g., driver's license) and possibly additional information from an individual. The data is then used to automatically generate a transaction account application The transaction account provider receives and evaluates the transaction account application. The credit requesting system is coupled to the transaction account provider and the at least one input device. The credit requesting system controls transmission of the transaction account application to the transaction account provider and receives the evaluation result from the transaction account provider. |
| US07669750B2 |
Method for forming a preform for a structural assembly
A preform and method for forming a structural assembly are provided. The preform can be formed by friction welding structural members to a base member and subsequently providing a connection material to join the structural members. The resulting preform can be formed with dimensions and a configuration that approximate the dimensions and configuration of the structural assembly. Thus, the structural assembly can be formed by joining multiple members that are generally smaller than the finished assembly. |
| US07669748B2 |
Conductive bonding material fill techniques
A system provides solder into cavities in a circuit supporting substrate. The system places a fill head in substantial contact with a circuit supporting substrate. The circuit supporting substrate includes at least one cavity. A linear motion or a rotational motion is provided to at least one of the circuit supporting substrate and the fill head while the fill head is in substantial contact with the circuit supporting substrate. Solder is forced out of the fill head toward the circuit supporting substrate. The solder is provided into the at least one cavity contemporaneous with the at least one cavity being in proximity to the fill head. The system brings a second circuit supporting substrate in close proximity to the circuit supporting substrate, at least one receiving pad on the second circuit supporting substrate substantially contacts the conductive bonding material of the at least one cavity. |
| US07669743B2 |
Adjustable infant carrier
An apparatus for carrying an infant upon the hip of an individual is disclosed. The apparatus includes a harness for supporting the infant. The apparatus also includes a far shoulder strap supported by one shoulder of the individual. The far shoulder strap has a front section resting on the chest region of the individual and a back section resting on a back region of the individual. The apparatus also includes a second near shoulder strap supported by the other shoulder of the individual. Each shoulder strap may include a pad for placement upon the shoulder to provide comfort while supporting the weight of the infant. The infant rests upon the hip of the individual. Both shoulders and one hip of the individual support the weight of the infant. |
| US07669735B1 |
Toothpaste dispenser
A toothpaste dispenser is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the toothpaste dispenser includes a base, a roller mount arm carried by the base, a motor carried by the roller mount arm and drivingly engaging the base and a pair of rollers carried by the roller mount arm. |
| US07669732B2 |
Cup lid dispenser
A cup lid dispenser is characterized by a cylindrical housing for containing a stack of relatively flexible cup lids in vertical orientation with a lip of the bottommost lid supported at points around its circumference on a plurality of shelves within and around a base of the dispenser at a lower end of the housing. The base has a forward opening that exposes just a front portion of the lip of only the bottommost lid of the stack for being gripped by a user. To dispense the bottommost lid, a user grips the exposed lip and pulls the lid downward to flex it away from the overlying stack and forward to move it off of the shelves and release it from the overlying stack of lids for downward movement into an underlying pocket in the base, with continued forward pulling of the lid then moving it through and out of a forward dispense opening from the base. Upon dispense of the bottommost lid, the stack gravitationally moves downward and the lip of the next lid up moves into the support shelves and into position for dispensing. |
| US07669729B2 |
Tank for very low temperature liquids
The present invention relates to a tank for holding a cryogenic liquid. According to the present invention, there is provided a light and durable tank which is airtight even at cryogenic temperatures without generating cracks. The tank includes: a pressure-resistant layer having an inner shell and an outer shell; and an airtight resin layer on an inner surface of the inner shell, wherein the inner shell is comprised of a fiber-reinforced resin composite which can withstand temperatures above the melting point of the airtight resin layer, and the outer shell is comprised of another fiber-reinforced resin composite which can be cured at a temperature below the melting point of the airtight resin layer. |
| US07669726B2 |
Beverage container and a method of using same
A beverage container (10) is disclosed as including a body (12) with a top end and a cooling device (20) detachably engageable with the body (12), in which the body (12) is adapted to hold a beverage, and the cooling device (20) is adapted to contain a cooling agent, e.g. water and when the cooling device (20) is engaged with the body (12), at least a major portion of the top end of the body (12) is closed and at least part of the cooling device (20) extends into an interior cavity of the body (12), and the cooling device (20) includes a vessel (22) and a top (24) removably engageable with each other. A method of using such a beverage container is also disclosed. |
| US07669723B2 |
Tool suspension device
A tool suspension device has a base bracket having a front surface, a rail bracket and multiple clamps. The rail bracket is attached securely to the front surface of the base bracket has a mounting panel, two opposite rails and two opposite channels. The channels are formed respectively in inner surfaces of the rails. The clamps are mounted slidably in pairs on the rails and in the channels and each clamp comprises a fastener to hold the clamps securely in position, the pairs of clamps clamp a tool securely. |
| US07669720B2 |
Functional polyarylethers
Membranes comprising functional polyarylether having structural units of formula I are useful for hemodialysis and hemofiltration: wherein X is selected from Br, NR4R5, OOCR6, OR7, NR4CONR5R6, NR4COOR5R6 and combinations thereof; R1, R2 and R3 are independently at each occurrence CH2X, H, halo, cyano, nitro, a C1-C12aliphatic radical, a C3-C12cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R4 and R5 are independently H, a C1-10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; R6 is H, a C2-10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R7 is OCH2CH2(OCH2CH2)nOH or OOCCH2(OCH2CH2)nCH3; Z is a direct bond, O, S, SO, SO2, CO, phenylphospinyl oxide, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12aliphatic radical, a C3-C12cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; a, b, and c are independently 1 or 2; and m, n and p are independently 0 or 1. |
| US07669719B2 |
Membrane structure and method of making
A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on, the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. Disposing a second layer includes depositing a metal layer on the first layer; and anodizing the metal layer to convert the metal layer into porous oxide layer. |
| US07669718B1 |
Convertible display fixture
A convertible display fixture comprising: a top portion; a front portion coupled to the top portion; at least one side portion coupled to the front portion; a back coupled to the at least one side portion; a bottom portion coupled to the front portion; wherein the top portion, the at least one side portion, the back portion, the bottom portion and the front portion form a shipping container; and wherein the top portion, the at least one side portion, the back portion and the bottom portion collapse towards the front portion to form a display fixture. In alternate embodiments, the convertible display fixture further comprises a collapsible lock box coupled to the front portion and top portion. Other embodiments further comprise at least one skid and at least one wheel coupled to the bottom portion. |
| US07669712B2 |
Storage case for receiving data disks
A storage case has a base and a lid parallel to the base. The base has a rigid base plate with a rigid support for a data disk that stores digital information. The base has a fastening zone arranged centrally on the base plate and connected to the base plate by springy radial sections. The fastening zone has a central rigid pressure element and tongues distributed about the pressure element for securing positively the data disk. The tongues have integral snap-on cams projecting past an edge of a central opening of the data disk resting on the support. The radial sections have inner ends connected directly to the pressure element. The tongues are connected by a bending location to the inner ends. The support is arranged directly about the radial sections so as to be proximal to the edge of the central disk opening. |
| US07669706B2 |
Tray handling system and process
A device and method for sequencing trays includes a tray receiving conveyor and a recirculating conveyor. Trays are placed on the recirculating conveyor and merged with ejected trays into a multiple of sequenced trays at one or more merge locations. The system can include more than one merge location, with one of the merge locations providing a merge of trays into a contiguous sequence of trays. |
| US07669705B2 |
Coin recognition device
The present invention provides a coin recognition device comprising an integrated circuit, a coin receiving member, and a retractable trigger mechanism. The integrated circuit comprises a built-in recognition program and a plurality of pads as signal input ends thereof. The recognition program is configured for discriminating denomination of coins based on signals from the pads. The coin receiving member defines a coin slot for coins to be inserted. The retractable trigger mechanism is associated with the coin slot and is disposed on the coin receiving member. The trigger mechanism comprises a conductive contact part attached thereto. The contact part moves together with movement of the trigger mechanism in response to the insertion of coins. When the contact part moves to corresponding positions in relation to varying diameters of coins, the contact part at each specific position is electrically connected to one respective pad to stimulate a signal. |
| US07669697B2 |
Elevator apparatus
In an elevator apparatus, a brake control device has a first brake control portion, a second brake control portion, and a third brake control portion. The first brake control portion operates a hoisting machine brake to stop a ascending/descending body as an emergency measure when an abnormality is detected. The second brake control portion reduces a braking force of the hoisting machine brake when a deceleration of the ascending/descending body becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value during an emergency braking operation of the hoisting machine brake. The third brake control portion monitors a slip speed of a main rope with respect to a drive sheave during emergency braking operation of the hoisting machine brake, and reduces a braking force of the hoisting machine brake when the slip speed of the main rope becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value. |
| US07669692B2 |
Sound diffuser
A sound diffuser includes a front plate defining a plurality of sound exit holes. An outer frustoconical wall extends from the front plate, the outer frustoconical wall decreasing in diameter from the front plate. An inner frustoconical wall extends from the outer frustoconical wall toward the front plate, the inner frustoconical wall decreasing in diameter toward the front plate and defining a sound entry opening spaced apart from the front plate. A plurality of legs are coupled to at least one of the front plate and the outer frustoconical wall, the legs extending away from the front plate to contact a speaker cover. First and second straps operatively extend from the front plate, the first strap having a distal end with a fastener for connection to a speaker case. The second strap also has a distal end with a fastener for connection to the speaker case. |
| US07669689B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
Since a rigid supporting structure for a gear box GB and a rolling type rack supporting device RSD are employed, an electric power steering apparatus having no response delay and having a high transmission efficiency can be realized. Further, a high steering performance required for a long period and a steering assist force that is increasing recently can be efficiently transmitted to wheels. Further, when the wheels collide with a shoulder of a road to receive a counter input, a torque sensor TS detects a torque and an assist steering force against the counter input is outputted to an output shaft OS. Consequently, the torque of the counter input is restrained from being transmitted to a steering shaft SS side. Thus, a kick back and a vibration are advantageously hardly transmitted to a steering wheel SW from the wheels. |
| US07669688B2 |
Automobile front portion structure
A front structure for a vehicle comprises a power unit mounted at a front end of the vehicle, a steering gear box provided in front of or behind the power unit in the vehicle, and a suspension member supporting the steering gear box, the steering gear box being situated at a bottom surface of the suspension member so as to move beneath the power unit when the front end of the vehicle is deformed due to a frontal collision. |
| US07669686B1 |
Parking locking mechanism for vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle having an improved parking locking mechanism disposed within the housing of a transmission assembly. The parking locking mechanism includes a locking-lever guide disposed eccentrically about the axis of rotation of the shift drum and a locking lever having a body with an opening therein engaging the locking-lever guide. The guide and the opening constructed and arranged to cooperate with each other such that rotation of the shift drum moves the locking lever into locking engagement with one gear of the transmission. |
| US07669685B2 |
Pedestrian protecting apparatus for vehicle
A pedestrian protecting apparatus is provided with a pedestrian protecting unit which is mounted at a hood of a vehicle to protect a pedestrian in a collision with the vehicle, a detecting unit for measuring an inclination angle of the obstacle entering a predetermined region at an upper side of the hood, a pedestrian collision determining unit for determining the collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian based on the measured inclination angle of the obstacle, and a control unit. In the case where the measured inclination angle of the obstacle varies with the time elapse so that the obstacle inclines to the side of the hood, the pedestrian collision determining unit determines that there occurs the collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian. Thus, the control unit actuates the pedestrian protecting unit. |
| US07669680B2 |
Mounting configuration for a brake control device on a motorcycle, and motorcycle including same
A mounting configuration is provided for mounting an ABS unit on a base model motorcycle which permits a relatively large-sized and heavy ABS unit to be easily mounted on a vehicle body frame. A V-shaped engine is longitudinally mounted on the frame, and a rear wheel is supported on a rear swing arm which is pivotally supported on the frame by a pivot shaft, the rear wheel driven via a drive shaft. An ABS unit is arranged on one side of the vehicle body in a space below and to one side of the pivot shaft so as to avoid interference with the rear swing arm or the like, thus it is possible to easily mount the ABS unit on a base model. Further, by arranging exhaust pipe system parts on another side of the vehicle body, it is possible to obtain a proper lateral balance of the vehicle body. |
| US07669671B2 |
Segmented sleeve on a downhole tool string component
In one aspect of the invention a downhole tool string component has a segmented sleeve slideably attached over the exterior of a mandrel which is adapted for connection to an adjacent tool string component. An end of the sleeve is abutted against a shoulder element of the mandrel and an opposite end of the sleeve is axially loaded by a threaded element attached to the mandrel. The sleeve comprises at least one sleeve segment with an engagement end comprising at least one axial anti-rotation assembly adapted to transfer torque to an adjacent sleeve segment, the shoulder element, or the threaded element. |
| US07669669B2 |
Tool face sensor method
Exhaust pressure from at least one actuator (34,36) which can tilt joint 6 of a bottom hole assembly 4 can be utilized to determine the direction 26 tiltable joint 6 is pointing (e.g., orientation, angular displacement, and/or inclination and azimuth). In one embodiment, a known exhaust pressure can be correlated to a known orientation and/or angular displacement, and the measured exhaust pressure can be compared to the known exhaust pressure to determine the orientation and/or angular displacement. In another embodiment, the flow rate of fluid exhausted from an actuator (34,36) can be derived from the exhaust pressure. The exhaust flow rate can then be used to calculate the state of actuation, which can allow determination of the angular displacement of the tiltable joint 6. Orientation and/or angular displacement with respect to the bottom hole assembly 4 can be resolved into an inclination and azimuth with respect to a formation 14. |
| US07669668B2 |
System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole
A method is provided for conducting measurements of a borehole while drilling the borehole in a geological formation. First, a rotatable drilling assembly is provided that has, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit. The measurement tool includes at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool. The method involves drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly. While drilling, the wall of the borehole is contacted with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool and the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall is measured, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall. During rotation of the drilling assembly, contact is maintained between the caliper arm and the borehole wall and the measuring step is repeated at multiple positions of the drilling assembly. |
| US07669650B2 |
Stuffing box for rotating rod
A stuffing box for a rotating rod includes a stationary housing and a tubular rotating inner housing. The stationary outer housing has an upper end, a lower end, an exterior surface and an inner surface defining an interior cavity. The inner housing is positioned within the interior cavity of the outer housing. The inner housing has an upper end, a lower end, an exterior surface and an inner surface defining an interior bore adapted to accommodate a rod. Bearings are disposed between the outer housing and the inner housing to facilitate rotation of the inner housing. An inner seal assembly provides a seal that prevents the migration of fluids between the inner housing and the rod. An outer seal assembly provides a seal that prevents the migration of fluids between the inner housing and the outer housing. |
| US07669641B2 |
Method and system for vertical coil condensate disposal
Condensate formed on a vertically oriented multi-poise evaporator coil is directed from a coil slab to a shield configured to attach to a bottom of the coil slab. The condensate is then drained out of the shield and into a condensate pan. |
| US07669640B2 |
Casing with external seal and immobilization cover for a passenger heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation
A casing houses a heat exchanger in a vehicle HVAC system. The heat exchanger includes air inlet and air outlet faces, rear end and front end faces, and first and second side faces. The side faces are each capped with a radiator tank comprising a front end. Each radiator tank defines an orifice for connection to a heat transfer fluid supply circuit. The casing includes a front end wall defining an opening opposite the front end face of the heat-exchanger. The casing also includes a cover defining at least two passages adapted to suit the orifices of the radiator tanks and fixedly attached to the front end wall. The cover also includes seals for limiting the outlet of air via the opening and/or the passages. |
| US07669636B1 |
Glare blocking vehicle attachment
A method of reducing glare from oncoming vehicle headlights is provided comprising providing an attachment for a vehicle having a front windshield, a driver's side and a passenger side, the attachment comprising a slatted blind having a plurality of horizontally-oriented slats extending between a headrail and a bottom rail, a flexible cord ladder connected between the headrail and bottom rail and supporting the slats, and a rotating means for rotation of the slats from opened to closed. Securing the slatted blind with mounting means connected to the headrail to an upper portion of the inside of the vehicle's front windshield on the driver's side such that the attachment has a width less than 30 percent of the horizontal width of the vehicle's front windshield and the passenger side is uncovered. Driving the vehicle on a surface that can have oncoming traffic. Rotating the rotating means to operate the slats such that they are open and allow a driver to see through the slats when there is no oncoming traffic with lit headlights approaching. Rotating the rotating means while driving to operate the slats such that they are closed and prevent a driver from seeing through the slats when there is at least one oncoming vehicle with lit headlights approaching the driver. And repeating the rotating steps while driving to accommodate varying oncoming traffic. |
| US07669633B2 |
Magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind
The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed. |
| US07669630B2 |
Hole punch with automatic reinforcement ring placement
Hole punch apparatus which automatically places a reinforcement ring precisely around each punched hole concurrently with the creation of each hole and using the same motion that punches the holes. In a preferred embodiment, the punch shaft has a ring compression disk affixed around it at a location above the punch face. The compression disk has a ring cushion and a stack of reinforcement rings extending along the punch shaft toward the punch face, but spaced therefrom to permit the punch face to puncture a sheet before the lowermost reinforcement ring is then compressed against the sheet in precise axial alignment with the punched hole. The rings each have sufficient adhesive to adhere to the sheet, one and only one ring at each hole, while disengaging from the remaining rings in the stack. A sheet interface unit is installed on the lower surface of a punch bracket enclosure and provides a sheet retainer so that the sheet cannot rise significantly above the bracket base and thus will pull the lowermost reinforcement ring away from the stack as the punch lever is released. When re-supply is needed, a new ring stack is readily installed using a ring stack cassette, which in the preferred embodiment also replaces the sheet interface unit including the sheet retainer. |
| US07669627B2 |
Pneumatic sealing ring having an inner tube and expandable liner for a tube-type tire
A tube-type tire to be mounted on the rim of a (e.g., spoke-type) wheel such as that commonly used by a bicycle or a motorcycle, whereby the tube-type tire will operate without a conventional inner tube and as if it were tubeless. The tire includes a main tire section that is seated upon the generally flat shelf of the rim and a pneumatic sealing ring having an inner tube that is seated upon the beadwell of the rim. An air chamber of the inner tube of the sealing ring is inflated to a greater pressure than an air chamber of the main tire section so as to isolate the air chamber of the main tire section from the rim and force the main tire section against the vertical lip of the rim. The sealing ring also has an outer inflatable liner that is located in surrounding engagement with the inner tube to separate the inner tube from the air chamber of the main tire section. The outer liner has one or more O-ring seals projecting outwardly from the side walls thereof and a centering lip projecting downwardly from the side walls. The O-ring seals are moved into sealing engagement with the inside of the main tire section when the air chamber of the inner tube is inflated and the liner is expanded. The centering lips of the liner are seated upon the beadwell of the rim to cause the liner to be automatically centered over the inner tube. |
| US07669625B2 |
Asymmetrical pneumatic tire
A pneumatic radial tire has a carcass and a tread. The carcass has at least one carcass reinforcing ply and opposing bead portions. Each bead portion has a bead core and a bead apex radially. The apexes in each bead portion having the same radial height (HA), as measured from a bead base line (B). The tire has a bead reinforcing ply comprising aramid fiber reinforcing cords located in only one bead portion of the tire, with the bead reinforcing ply being adjacent to the carcass reinforcing ply. |
| US07669624B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having circumferential grooves
A pneumatic tire includes a tread surface on which a plurality of circumferential groove portions is formed. From among circumferential groove portions, a circumferential groove portion situated closest to a shoulder portion side in a tire width direction has a center of a groove-bottom innermost portion at a portion where a groove width in at least a tire circumferential direction is the narrowest, positioned closer to an equatorial surface in the tire width direction than a center of the groove width. An angle between a virtual extension portion of the tread surface and a groove wall on the equatorial surface side is equal to or less than an angle between the virtual extension portion of the tread surface and a groove wall on the shoulder portion side. |
| US07669623B2 |
Elastic wheel and method of manufacturing the same
An elastic wheel comprises a rim for mounting a tire, a disk to be fixed to an axle, and a connecting apparatus for connecting elastically between the rim and disk, the apparatus comprising a pair of axially spaced internal flanges each provided on an inner circumference side of the rim and extending circumferentially, an external flange provided on a radially outer portion of the disk, the external flange disposed in a space between the internal flanges with an axial gap on its both sides and extending circumferentially, a pair of rubber dampers each disposed in the axial gap and connecting between the internal and external flanges, wherein each internal flange is provided on its axially inner side with a first groove, the external flange is provided on its both sides with a second groove so as to face each first groove, axial ends of each damper are inserted into the first and second grooves, and a radial gap is provided between the external flange and the inner circumference side of the rim in the space. |
| US07669622B2 |
Jointer/planer with internal sawdust collection system
A jointer/planer with an internal sawdust collection system, includes a machine frame having a board inlet end and a board outlet end, a rotating cutter mounted to the frame for rotation in an axis located transverse to a board feed direction, a dust collector hood disposable on the frame in a first position for jointing, and a second position for planning, a dust collecting impeller disposed in an impeller housing on the frame, a conduit having a first end in communication with the hood and a second end in communication with the impeller housing regardless of being in the first position or the second position, and a power source associated with the frame and constructed and arranged for powering the cutter and the impeller. |
| US07669619B2 |
Electric pencil sharpener
An electric pencil sharpener includes a frame, a first motor, a first transmission mechanism driven by the first motor, and a continuing feeding mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes a roller, a feeding wheel rotatably mounted to the frame and driven by the first transmission mechanism, and a driving assembly. An end of the driving assembly is driven by the first transmission mechanism, and the other end of the driving assembly is connected to the roller. The roller defines a groove in a bottom thereof, for pencils falling through. The feeding wheel defines a plurality of receiving slots each for receiving a pencil. The roller is driven by the driving assembly to swing, when the groove of the roller aligns with one of the receiving slots of the roller. Thus, a pencil falls into the receiving slot. |
| US07669618B1 |
Wood processor attachment for skid steer loader
A wood processor attachment for skid steer loader for efficiently cutting and splitting logs. The wood processor attachment for skid steer loader generally includes a pivotally mounted support structure including a receiving end, a working end opposite the receiving end and a loading apparatus. A conveying member, a cutting unit, a ram and a wedge are attached to the support structure. The loading apparatus extends from the receiving end, wherein the loading apparatus transfers a log to the conveying member. The conveying member travels between the receiving end and the working end, wherein the cutting unit, the ram and the wedge are adjacent the working end to selectively cut and split the log. The support structure may be pivotally mounted upon various objects, such as but not limited to a skid steer loader or a tractor. |
| US07669608B2 |
Substrate treating method, substrate-processing apparatus, developing method, method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and method of cleaning a developing solution nozzle
There is disclosed a substrate treating method comprising supplying a treating solution onto a substrate, and continuously discharging a first cleaning solution to the substrate from a first discharge region disposed in a nozzle, while moving the nozzle and substrate with respect to each other in one direction, wherein a length of a direction crossing at right angles to the direction of the first discharge region is equal to or more than a maximum diameter or longest side of the substrate, the nozzle continuously spouts a first gas to the substrate from a first jet region, and the length of a direction crossing at right angles to the direction of the first jet region is equal to or more than the maximum diameter or longest side of the substrate. |
| US07669606B2 |
Make up case easy to discharge powder
A make up case for discharging a powder includes an upper body including a cap insert member; a support jaw ring; an upper inside thread member; and a lower inside thread member, a lower body including a perpendicular rod body having a support member and a perpendicular rod wherein the perpendicular rod includes a closing jaw ring and a moving guide groove and the support member includes a plurality of through-holes therein; a reservoir; and an outside thread member, a middle member including an inner hole; an insert coupler; a support plate; and a cone resilient member, a discharge guide including a brush cover; a discharge hole; and a brush, and a cap, wherein the cone resilient member is pressed to open the inner hole in the state where the brush cover touches and pushes the support plate. |
| US07669604B2 |
Filtered cigarette incorporating an adsorbent material
A filter element incorporating an adsorbent material is provided. The filter element may comprise a first section of filter material and a second section of filter material spaced apart to form a compartment therebetween. The compartment may be filled with one or more adsorbents or the compartment may be divided into two regions, wherein one compartment region is filled with an adsorbent and the other compartment region is either filled with an ion-exchange resin or remains empty. The section of filter material adjacent to the tobacco rod may include one or more channels therethrough for passaging smoke directly from the tobacco rod into the adsorbent-filled compartment. The mouth end section of filter material may contain a breakable capsule, wherein the breakable capsule is filled with a flavoring agent capable of altering the taste characteristics of mainstream smoke. |
| US07669603B2 |
Pharyngeal wall treatment
A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. |
| US07669600B2 |
Endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an irregular configuration on an exterior surface, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow. |
| US07669592B2 |
Solar power plant
A collector for solar energy is disclosed having a closed hollow partially spherical container with a window for permitting solar energy to enter the container. The container has a reflective inner surface for retaining the energy. The collecting lens focuses the solar energy. Central tubing is provided and a pump circulates fluid through the tubing to a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the fluid in the tubing to a utilization device. |
| US07669591B2 |
Steam generator for cooking apparatus
According to the invention, a steam generator is provided with a housing for forming a steam generating chamber, the housing having a steam outlet port. A heater plate is supported by the housing within the steam generating chamber. A water inlet valve is fluidly connected to the housing for selectively supplying water into the steam generating chamber whereby water is directed to the heater plate for conversion to steam. The heater plate forms a bottom wall of the steam generating chamber and is arranged to have a high point. The water inlet valve is opened and closed in accord with a duty cycle which alternates between two phases: a fill phase duty cycle and a steady state duty cycle. |
| US07669590B2 |
Gas cooking surface
A gas cooking surface, including at least one gas burner and a control device for adjusting the heating capacity stages of the burner. The gas burner operates depending on the heating capacity stage adjusted in a continuous mode in which the gas burner is continuously supplied with gas, or in a clocked mode in which the gas burner is supplied with gas in an intermittent manner. In order to allow for a user-friendly handling of the cooking surface, the control device, for adjusting the desired heating capacity stage, is provided with at least one touch contact that switches, without respect of the mode of operation, between the different heating capacity stages when actuated by the user. |
| US07669578B2 |
Method of operating an internal combustion engine
A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber with a piston and a spark plug, comprising during a first mode, bringing the temperature of the combustion chamber to auto-ignition temperature by adjusting engine operating conditions and producing auto-ignition in said combustion chamber without requiring spark from said spark plug; and during a second mode, bringing the temperature of the combustion chamber close to auto-ignition temperature by adjusting engine operating conditions, forming a small cloud of stratified air-fuel mixture near said spark plug, igniting said fuel cloud by a spark form said spark plug, and then causing cylinder pressure to rise, thereby producing auto-ignition at other sites in said combustion chamber wherein said first mode is implemented in a first operating range and said second mode is implemented only in a second operating range where engine speed and load are lower than said first operating range. |
| US07669574B2 |
Accessories arrangement structure of internal combustion engine for motorcycle
An accessories arrangement structure for an internal combustion engine for securing a banking angle, increasing a degree of the freedom of the layout, concentrating heavy accessories and an overhanging part of the internal combustion engine, enhancing the maneuverability of the vehicle and reducing the size of the engine. An accessories arrangement structure of an internal combustion engine for a motorcycle includes an oil cooler and an oil filter that are attached together with a balancer in a lower part wherein the front of a crankcase that journals a crankshaft directed in a vehicular width direction, in which the oil cooler and the oil filter are attached to the front in a vehicular traveling direction of the crankcase project with a balancer, the oil cooler and the oil filter being adjacent in a front view of the vehicle and arranged abreast in parallel with a crankshaft. |
| US07669568B2 |
Valve timing controller
A valve timing controller has a shaft body as an output rotor, a torque generating system which generates the controlling torque outputted from the shaft body, and a planet carrier as an input rotor connected with the shaft body. A phase adjusting mechanism adjusts the relative rotational phase between a crankshaft and a camshaft according to the control torque inputted into the planet carrier from the shaft body. A bearing rotatably supports the planet carrier. The planet carrier forms a cylindrical input wall press-inserted in an inner circumference of the bearing. The input wall is provided with a fitting recess on its inner surface for engaging with the shaft body, the input wall is provided with a thin-wall portion of which thickness is reduced in a radial direction, and the fitting recess and the thin-wall portion are circumferentially arranged apart from each other. |
| US07669562B2 |
Multi-cylinder engine with cylinder pausing function
In a multi-cylinder engine provided with a cylinder pausing function, a hydraulically-operated valve-pausing mechanism is capable of selectively suspending operation of at least one intake or exhaust valve of one or more selected cylinders, depending on engine operating conditions, such that the suspended valve is temporarily held in a closed state. A hydraulic-pressure control device, for controlling hydraulic pressure supplied to the valve-pausing mechanism, is disposed on an engine body so as to minimize an amount of protrusion of the hydraulic-pressure control device from the engine body, while situating the hydraulic-pressure control device near the valve-pausing mechanism. A recess portion is formed on an external surface of a cylinder head or a head cover, and the hydraulic-pressure control device is disposed on the engine such that at least part of the hydraulic-pressure control device is accommodated in the recess portion. |
| US07669555B2 |
Self-cleaning pet litter box assembly with reciprocating bars
A self-cleaning pet litter box has a conveyor to incrementally transport clumped litter material and solid pet waste to a waste receptacle. The conveyor has one end configured to extend into a pet litter container of the self-cleaning litter box and an opposite exit end. The conveyor is configured for reciprocating movement to lift the clumped litter material and solid pet waste from below, transport it some distance along the conveyor, place the material down again, return to its original position, and repeat the motion again to incrementally move the material along the conveyor toward the exit end for subsequent disposal. |
| US07669554B2 |
Dog drinking device
A dog drinking device has a trapezoidal water container with a top cover. A rotatable round drum made of plastic or stainless steel is rotatably mounted in the water container. A plurality of transverse grooves formed on the round surface of the drum. A top portion the round surface of the drum is exposed through a rectangular access opening of the cover. A long ear dog may drink the water by standing at the narrower front end of the device with its ears falling on the outside of two forward converging sides of the trapezoidal shape water container and licking the water carried to the exposed round surface of the drum by the transverse grooves without water splashing on its face and floor area around the device or to its ears to cause potential ear infection. |
| US07669551B2 |
Pet activity system
A pet activity system for releasably joining a plurality of parts. These parts include bases, extenders and attachments wherein each is characterized as having either the male or female portion of at least one snap connector whereby the parts are releasably connectable to one another. As a preferred embodiment, multiple connectors are employed each requiring different forces to disengage those portions of the activity system that they connect from one another. |
| US07669544B2 |
Display apparatus
To provide a display apparatus which is intended to improve the miniaturization and illumination efficiency, an indicator 8 is disposed on the rear surface side of a transparent display panel 3. A printed board 5 mounts a movement 7 on the front surface thereof so as not to overlap the movement 7 and the transparent display panel 3 and mounts the indicator 8 on the rear surface thereof. LEDs 6 for the transparent display panel are mounted on the front surface of the printed board 5 so as to oppose to the outer peripheral surface of the transparent display panel 3. |
| US07669541B2 |
Configurable multi-function vessel
A configurable, multi-function vessel that comprises first and second pontoon barges and a plurality of interconnecting barges. The first and second pontoon barges have a plurality of connection members disposed on the inboard sides thereof. The plurality of interconnecting barges are disposable between the inboard sides of the first and second pontoon barges so that a plurality of connection members disposed on opposite sides of the interconnecting barges are adjacent to the connection members on either said first or second pontoon barge. A plurality of connectors releasably couple adjacent connection members so that the pontoon barges and the interconnecting barges form a unitary, oceangoing vessel. |
| US07669537B1 |
Knife opener for use with an agricultural implement
A knife opener includes a pair of flared blades designed to cut spaced, but paired furrows. The knife opener is particularly well-suited for use in no-till or minimum-till agricultural operations primarily in conjunction with seed and/or fertilizer placement adjacent a soil cut-line generally in the direction of travel. In addition to being angled away from the main body of the knife, one of the blades is angled forward and the other blade is angled rearward. Seed and/or fertilizer dispensing receivers may be associated with each of the blades. |
| US07669535B2 |
Boiler gas flow distribution fin apparatus and method
A boiler gas flow distribution fin includes an elongated flow distribution fin protruding from a back wall of a flow distribution channel into a hot gas flow path from a boiler combustion chamber. The flow distribution fin can include a leading segment with a leading ridge, a medial segment with a medial ridge, and a trailing segment with a trailing ridge. A gap between the fin ridges and a set of convective fins in an adjacent flue passageway segment can vary from a larger gap at the leading ridge to a smaller gap at the trailing ridge, transitioning along the medial ridge. The flow distribution fin can aid in directing a hot gas flow from a combustion chamber into the flue passageway segment, resulting in a substantially balanced mass flow rate through each of a series of flue passageway sections. |
| US07669530B2 |
UV curing assembly having sheet transfer unit with heat sink vacuum plate
A sheet transfer assembly for use above an ultraviolet curing unit in a flexographic printing press used for printing corrugated sheets includes a vacuum plate with heat sinks. The vacuum plate includes openings for rollers that extend through the vacuum plate to drive printed sheets across the bottom of the transfer assembly. Heat sinks are formed on the top surface of the vacuum plate between rollers to remove heat from the vacuum plate. Heat from the UV curing unit is effectively dissipated from the vacuum plate into the air used to hold printed substrates against the rollers in the transfer assembly. |
| US07669525B2 |
Multi-purpose culinary implement
A food preparation apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a main frame having a central opening for receiving a food preparation implement and having opposing ends; and at least one interchangeable food preparation implement designed to be inserted within the central opening and locked onto the main frame during usage and being removable for cleaning and storage during non-use, the food preparation implement is selected from a group consisting of mandolins, graters, cutting devices, potato fry cutters, slicers, corers, peelers, pressing devices, food mashers, food presses and mixtures thereof. |
| US07669520B2 |
Fryer
The fryer (1) comprising a rotatable cooking basket (4) and an oil container (3) has air heating means (19) and forced circulation means (13) of the heated air through the basket for at least partially cooking the food product contained in the basket. |
| US07669519B2 |
Spray head
A spray head for use with or in combination with a beverage making apparatus. The spray head receives liquid from a liquid dispensing path of the beverage making apparatus and distributes liquid over a beverage making substance retained in close proximity to the spray head. The spray head includes a body portion (14) having a lip (15) extending generally from a periphery of the body portion. A plurality of holes (20) are formed extending through at least the lip portion. A connector (49) is provided for removably attaching the spray head to the beverage making apparatus. The spray head is removable from the beverage making apparatus for facilitating direct contact cleaning of the surfaces of at least the body of the spray head to remove particles and mineral deposits therefrom. |
| US07669518B2 |
Espresso coffee machine
Espresso coffee machine comprising a reservoir for the water (20), a pump (21) for delivering the said water to a boiler (24), a hot water supply unit (2, 102, 122, 4, 304), and filter holder means (1, 301, 3, 103) for housing a portion of ground coffee (16), preferably pre-packaged, and provided with coffee delivery means (201; 203), characterized in that the said supply unit (2, 102, 122, 4, 304) and the said filter holder means (1, 301; 3, 103) are coupled together with a seal and the trajectory of the coupling movement lies on a plane substantially perpendicular to the median plane of coupling of the said supply unit (2, 102, 122; 4, 304) and the said filter holder means (1, 301; 3, 103), the facing surfaces of the said supply unit (2, 102, 122; 4, 304) and the said filter holder means (1, 301; 3, 103) coming into contact only at the time of their coupling. |
| US07669513B2 |
Multiple weapon system for armored vehicle
Land vehicle weapon system including a base mount coupled with a land vehicle, a weapon mount, a plurality of weapons coupled with the weapon mount, a weapon moving mechanism coupled between the base mount and the weapon mount, a plurality of moving elements coupled with at least one of the base mount, the weapon mount, the weapons, and with the weapon moving mechanism, a sensing mechanism coupled with at least one of the weapon mount, the weapons and the base mount, and at least one user interface coupled with the weapons, the weapon moving mechanism, the moving elements, and with the sensing mechanism, the user interface enabling a user to remotely operate the weapons, the weapon moving mechanism being operable to move the weapons between a plurality of configurations. |
| US07669506B2 |
Shingle removal tool
A shingle removing tool includes, among other possible things, a handle, a shaft connected to the handle, and a base connected to the shaft. A length of the shaft is adjustable. The base includes a blade portion that is configured to separate one or more shingles from a support structure to which the shingles are affixed. |
| US07669505B2 |
Pin lock pliers
A hand tool for gripping a workpiece can include a first lever having a first handle and a first jaw and a second lever having a second handle and a second jaw. A locking assembly can include a pivoting lever, a locking pin and a blocking member. The pivoting lever can be pivotally coupled to the second lever. The blocking member can be coupled to the first lever. The pivoting lever can be movable between an unlocked position, wherein the first and second jaw move relative to each other and a locked position, wherein the first and second jaws are fixed relative to each other. In the locked position, the locking pin can be wedged against a contact surface of the blocking member precluding relative motion of the blocking member and the pivoting lever. |
| US07669503B2 |
Grip for parking brake operating lever
A grip for a parking-brake operating lever includes a tubular-shaped grip main body which is press-fitted on a lever main body of the operating lever so as to be mounted on an outer circumferential periphery of the lever main body, a grip cover which is mounted on a part of a circumferential periphery of the grip main body, an engaging tab which projects from an inner surface of the grip cover and which is inserted through an insertion hole provided in the grip main body and is held in engagement with an engaging portion provided in the lever main body, such that the engaging tab is movable relative to the engaging portion in a longitudinal direction of the lever main body, and a fitting protrusion and recess which are respectively provided in the inner surface of the grip cover and the outer circumferential surface of the grip main body, and which are held in fitting engagement with each other for positioning the grip cover in a predetermined relative to the grip main body. |
| US07669491B2 |
Current tank systems and methods
There is disclosed a current tank system comprising a first current tank adapted to produce a first current in a first direction; a second current tank adapted to rotate to produce a second current in a second direction; a sample adapted to be exposed to the first current and the second current. |
| US07669490B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing filters in a clean room
To provide a filter test apparatus that can easily and efficiently test parallel filters in a clean room, a plurality of filters for purifying air supplied into the room are disposed in parallel, and a moving frame oriented along the exit surfaces of a filter group is disposed in the clean room, in which the exit surfaces of the filter group are used as the ceiling surfaces or side surfaces of the room, so as to allow movement in the direction along the exit surfaces of the filter group in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the moving frame. The moving frame is disposed so as to span opposing room walls and in a position near the exit surfaces of the filter group in the room. A filter test device is movably mounted on the moving frame in the longitudinal direction of the moving frame. |