Document Document Title
US07682533B2 Injection molding process for forming a retroreflector
An injection process for forming a retroreflector on a matrix mold having a plurality of prisms that each define a cavity. The process includes the steps of a) injecting a first layer of plastic on the matrix mold for partially filling up each prism up to a predetermined uniform thickness so as to define a recessed portion corresponding with each cavity of the prisms; and b) injecting a second layer of plastic onto of the first layer, the second layer filling up the recessed portion defined in each cavity of the prisms so that second layer defines a flat portion on an exterior side of the second layer.
US07682532B2 Process of dosing a starting material for optical lenses
A process of dosing a starting material (SM) for optical lenses, into a female mold half (2), comprises the steps of: positioning a dosing tip (1) at a start position (P2) above the female mold half (2) and close to the edge of or laterally outside that portion (20) defining the lens-shaping surface, creating a continuous flow of starting material (SM) through the dosing tip (1) into the female mold half (2), moving the dosing tip (1) from the start position (P2) towards an end position (P3) in the region of the center of the female mold half (2) once the starting material (SM) has contacted the surface (21) of the female mold half (2) with the dosing tip (1) being in the start position (P2), wherein the continuous flow of starting material (SM) through the dosing tip (1) and the movement of the dosing tip (1) from the start position (P2) to its end position (P3) are controlled such, that a continuous bead (B) of starting material (SM) is deposited on the surface (21) of the female mold half (2) and that the essential part of the overall volume of starting material (SM) dosed into the female mold half (2) is deposited within the female mold half (2) with the dosing tip (1) being in the end position (P3).
US07682530B2 Crystalline colloidal arrays responsive to an activator
A method of producing a radiation diffractive sensor that diffracts radiation according to Bragg's law is disclosed. The sensor is produced by forming an ordered periodic array of particles on a substrate, coating the array of particles with a polymeric matrix, curing the matrix to fix the array of particles within the matrix and contacting the fixed array with an activator, wherein the activator shifts the wavelength of radiation diffracted by the sensor from a first wavelength to a second wavelength.
US07682525B2 Material composition for producing blue phosphor by excitation of UV light and method for making the same
A phosphor material composition for producing blue phosphor by the excitation of UV light and a method for making the same. The phosphor material is an alkaline-earth silicates compound with a chemical formula of A2-xSiO4:Cex. A includes one or more elements selected from the collection of Ba, Sr and Ca alkaline-earth metals. The host is A2-xSiO4 and the activator is Ce3+. The characteristic of this invention is the blue phosphor material with a high luminescence intensity that can be excited by UV light. In addition, the material in this invention is easy and fast to prepare in a large amount, and the material itself has advantage such as color purity and thermal stability, so as to have a high industrial value.
US07682524B2 Phosphor for producing white light under excitation of UV light and method for making the same
A phosphor material for producing white light under excitation of UV light and a method for making the same. The phosphor material is an alkaline-earth silicates compound with a chemical formula of (A2-x-yCexEuy)SiO4. A is one or more elements selected from the collection of Ba, Sr and Ca alkaline-earth metals. The range of x and y correspond to 0
US07682522B2 Polymerizable menthol derivative
The invention includes compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein R represents hydrogen or methyl; A represents alkylene having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, wherein in the alkylene, arbitrary —CH2— may be replaced by —O—, —S—, —CH═CH—, —CO—, —COO— or —OCO—; X and Y each independently represent an aromatic ring or a cyclohexane ring, wherein in the rings, arbitrary hydrogen may be replaced by alkyl having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; Z independently represents a single bond, —O—, —S—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CON(R1)— or —N(R1)CO—, wherein R1 represents hydrogen or methyl; and m represents an integer of from 0 to 3.
US07682520B2 Composition and method for chelated scavenging compounds
There is disclosed herein a composition and method for removing a sulphur compound or carbon dioxide from a substance and methods for its use, said composition comprising a metal at between about 0.5 to 25 percent by weight, a base at between about 1 to 99 percent by volume, a chelating agent at between about 0.1 to 50 percent by weight and water.
US07682517B2 Method of processing substrate, and method of and program for manufacturing electronic device
A method of processing a substrate that enables the amount removed of a surface damaged layer to be controlled easily, and enable a decrease in wiring reliability to be prevented. A surface damaged layer having a reduced carbon concentration of a carbon-containing low dielectric constant insulating film on a substrate is exposed to an atmosphere of a mixed gas containing ammonia and hydrogen fluoride under a predetermined pressure. The surface damaged layer that has been exposed to the atmosphere of the mixed gas is heated to a predetermined temperature.
US07682516B2 Vertical profile fixing
A method for etching features in an etch layer is provided. A patterned photoresist mask is formed over the etch layer with photoresist features with sidewalls wherein the sidewalls of the photoresist features have irregular profiles along depths of the photoresist features. The irregular profiles along the depths of the photoresist features of the sidewalls of the photoresist features are corrected comprising at least one cycle, where each cycle comprises a sidewall deposition phase and a profile shaping phase. Feature is etched into the etch layer through the photoresist features. The mask is removed.
US07682515B2 Nano-imprint lithography method involving substrate pressing
The inventive method includes a preparation step during which the substrate is covered with a layer, a pressing step in which a mould including a pattern of recesses and protrusions is pressed into part of the thickness of the aforementioned layer, at least one etching step in which the layer is etched until parts of the surface of the substrate have been stripped, and a substrate etching step whereby the substrate is etched using an etching pattern which is defined from the mould pattern. The preparation step includes a sub-step consisting of the formation of a lower sub-layer of curable material, a step involving the curing of said layer and a sub-step including the formation of an outer sub-layer which is adjacent to the cured sub-layer. Moreover, during the pressing step, the above-mentioned protrusions in the mould penetrate the outer sub-layer until contact is reached with the cured sub-layer.
US07682509B2 Trap for removing material from a fluid stream
A buoyant material trap having a treatment tank with a base wall and a vertically-extending sidewall, a feed pipe to introduce fluid at a first location in the tank, and an exit pipe to remove at least a portion of the fluid from a second location in the tank. One or more wall structures form a circuitous passage between the first location and the second location. The wall structures are open at the top and substantially prevent fluid from passing below the passage, but allow buoyant material to rise above the passage. The walls may extend to the bottom of the tank to prevent fluid from passing beneath them, and may be removably installed in the tank to facilitate cleaning. An overflow chamber may be provided to receive buoyant material. The sidewall may have a spout and be adapted to empty the tank by tilting.
US07682498B1 Rotationally asymmetric variable electrode correction
A work piece is electroplated or electroplanarized using an azimuthally asymmetric electrode. The azimuthally asymmetric electrode is rotated with respect to the work piece (i.e., either or both of the work piece and the electrode may be rotating). The azimuthal asymmetry provides a time-of-exposure correction to the current distribution reaching the work piece. In some embodiments, the total current is distributed among a plurality of electrodes in a reaction cell in order to tailor the current distribution in the electrolyte over time. Focusing elements may be used to create “virtual electrode” in proximity to the surface of the work piece to further control the current distribution in the electrolyte during plating or planarization.
US07682497B1 Thermo-gelling matrices for microchannel DNA sequencing
Polymeric compounds and related methods and apparatus, as can be used in a wide range of RNA and DNA separations.
US07682495B2 Oscillating magnet in sputtering system
A processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate back and forth across an arc over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.
US07682493B2 Electrode cartridge and a system for measuring an internal stress for a film of plating
The electrode cartridge for measuring an internal stress of a film of plating includes a cathode support, an anode support, a shield plate and an anode shell. The anode support supports an anode plate so that the anode plate is opposite to the cathode plate with a predetermined spacing. The shield plate is interposed between the cathode and anode plates. A through hole is made in the shield plate in such a manner that the through hole confronts a plating section and has a geometry which is reduced by a first predetermined scale factor relative to a geometry of the plating section. An opening is made in the anode shell in such a manner that the opening confronts the plating section and has a geometry which is magnified by a second predetermined scale factor relative to the geometry of the plating section.
US07682492B2 Electrocoagulation system
An electrocoagulation device for removal of contaminants from a treatment stream including an elongated fluid treatment path in contact with a plurality of electrode plates, and a power supply electrically connected to the plates, wherein the device is configured so that it can provide a variety of electric field regimes to the treatment stream as it passes along the treatment path, and so that it can provide a variety of flow regimes along the fluid treatment path.
US07682489B2 Twin-wire press
A frame for a twin-wire press is disclosed including pairs of side members including upper and lower side members arranged on opposite sides of the press, between which upper and lower rolls are attached, a plurality of transverse beams arranged between the pairs of side members which themselves are sections of flat sheet metal and spacers for mutually releasably connecting the side members with the sheet metal being formed so that it permits a degree of curing in the vertical plane to facilitate access to the space between the upper and lower rolls. A method for exchanging wire in a twin-wire press of this type is also disclosed.
US07682487B2 Product for use in papermaking and preparation thereof
A paper sizing composition, comprising at least one first sizing component dispersed in water, the said sizing component being prepared of a reaction product of a maleic anhydride and a fatty acid component, and an aluminium component. The fatty acid component comprises an alkyl ester of one or more fatty acids selected from a vegetable oil based fatty acid mixture. The particle size of the particles in said first sizing component has been reduced so that in the dispersion at least 50% of the particles are <2.5 μm, at least 75% of the particles are <4 μm and at least 90% of the particles are <5 μm, preferably so that at least 50% of the particles are <2 μm, at least 75% of the particles are <3 μm and at least 90% of the particles are <4 μm.
US07682482B2 Plasma generation apparatus and work processing apparatus
A plasma generation apparatus is provided which includes: an apparatus main body which has a microwave generation section which generates a microwave and a plasma generation nozzle which generates and emits a plasma gas based on the energy of the microwave; a microwave detection unit which detects a microwave leaking from the apparatus main body; and a control section which stops the microwave generation section from generating a microwave if the detection unit detects a microwave.
US07682478B1 Vacuum infusion laminate adhesive
A vacuum infusion laminate adhesive that holds the laminate layers together as the catalyzed resin is sucked into a laminate structure. The adhesive includes properties that cross-link with polyester present in the laminate structure as it cures. Generally, the laminate layers include the assembly of polyester or vinyl ester resins that are reinforced with fiberglass.
US07682477B2 Radiation cross-linkable hot-melt contact adhesives
The invention relates to a radiation crosslinkable hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive comprised of a radiation crosslinkable polymer as component (A) based on epoxidized polyolefins, wherein the epoxy groups are not consolidated in blocks; a tackifying resin possessing no epoxy groups as component (B); optionally a low molecular weight oligomer as component (C) that possesses reactive groups that can react with the epoxy groups of component (A); and an additive comprising a photo initiator as component (D).
US07682475B2 Endovascular graft joint and method for manufacture
A joint and method for producing a joint in an endovascular graft. In one embodiment, a flap of a flexible material portion of an endovascular graft is folded about a portion of an expandable member to form a loop portion. The flap is secured in the loop configuration so that tensile force on the expandable member is transferred into a shear force on the fixed portion of the flap.
US07682470B2 Magnesium alloy
A magnesium-based alloy consists of 1.5-4.0% by weight rare earth element(s), 0.3-0.8% by weight zinc, 0.02-0.1% by weight aluminum, and 4-25 ppm beryllium. The alloy optionally contains up to 0.2% by weight zirconium, 0.3% by weight manganese, 0.5% by weight yttrium and 0.1% by weight calcium. The remainder of the alloy is magnesium except for incidental impurities.
US07682469B2 Piston made of aluminum cast alloy and method of manufacturing the same
A piston made of aluminum cast alloy having a main body section in an approximately cylindrical shape, atop face section provided and arranged so as to occlude one end of the main body section, and a pin boss section in which a pin hole is provided so as to penetrate through the main body section in a radial direction. The piston comprises an aluminum cast alloy containing Mg (Magnesium): equal to or less than 0.2 mass %, Ti (Titanium) 0.05-0.3 mass %, Si (Silicon): 10-21 mass %, Cu (Copper): 2-3.5 mass %, Fe (Iron): 0.1-0.7 mass %, Ni (Nickel): 1-3 mass %, P (Phosphorus): 0.001-0.02 mass %, Al (Aluminum): the remaining portions, and impurities.
US07682458B2 Aqueous based residue removers comprising fluoride
A composition and method comprising same for selectively removing residues such as, for example, ashed photoresist and/or processing residues are disclosed herein. In one aspect, there is provided a composition for removing residue wherein the composition has a pH ranging from about 2 to about 9 comprising: a buffer solution comprising an organic acid and a conjugate base of the organic acid in a molar ratio of acid to base ranging from 10:1 to 1:10; a fluoride, and water, provided that the composition is substantially free of an added organic solvent. In another aspect, the composition may further comprise a corrosion inhibitor.
US07682454B2 Perimeter partition-valve with protected seals and associated small size process chambers and multiple chamber systems
A seal-protected perimeter partition valve apparatus (450) defines a vacuum and pressure sealed space (401) within a larger space (540) confining a substrate processing chamber with optimized geometry, minimized footprint and 360° substrate accessibility. A compact perimeter partitioned assembly (520) with seal protected perimeter partition valve (450) and internally contained substrate placement member (480) further provides processing system modularity and substantially minimized system footprint.
US07682453B2 System and method for controlling hydrogen elimination during carbon nanotube synthesis from hydrocarbons
A system and method for producing carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition includes a catalyst support having first and second surfaces. The catalyst support is capable of hydrogen transport from the first to the second surface. A catalyst is provided on the first surface of the catalyst support. The catalyst is selected to catalyze the chemical vapor deposition formation of carbon nanotubes. A fuel source is provided for supplying fuel to the catalyst.
US07682448B2 High compressive strength silica mortar and manufacturing method thereof
A high compressive strength silica mortar to be used for the installation of constructs such as building inside and outside walls, the road pavement, a slope and planting trees in the roof and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The high compressive strength silica mortar is formed of 30 to 60 wt % of silica, 40 to 70 wt % of blast furnace slag, and the 15 to 35 weight parts of polycondensation regulator for 100 weight parts of dry mortar powder of these silica and blast furnace slag, and is solidified by generating C—S—H, C-A-H, amorphous Geopolymeric Matrix{Al2O3.mSiO2.nM2O.xH2O(M=K,Na,Ca)} and Zeolite in the mortar. In particular, the high compressive strength silica mortar exhibits the compressive strength of 70.0 MPa or more by vibration forming and curing for 12˜48 hours at 25 to 80° C. before removal of form and aging for 28 days, and can save energies because a firing process is not required. Accordingly, the high compressive strength silica mortar has excellent properties compared with conventional cement concretes or polymer cements, and further shows high compressive strength in initial stage, which could not be generated in such products.
US07682445B2 Powdered CBC system with improved reaction feature
The present invention deals with the initial hydration reaction of highly alkaline chemically bonded ceramic systems such as Ca-aluminate and Ca-silicate, exhibiting a controlled pH development, reduced from very high levels to be in a pH range of 7-9 by the use of an internal buffer system added to the CBC type biomaterial used. The invention is especially intended for endodontic, orthopaedic applications and/or soft tissue applications and/or drug delivery carrier applications.
US07682444B2 Process for preparing pigments
Process for preparing pigments of the formula (I) or tautomeric structures thereof and their hydrates, containing melamine as guest, characterized in that a mixture of the azobarbituric mono-cation salt (II) and the azobarbituric di-cation salt (III) is reacted with a nickel compound and melamine, in which cation1, cation2 and cation3 independently of one another are any desired univalent cations or the fraction of any desired multivalent cation that corresponds to a positive charge of one.
US07682439B2 Polyurethane dispersant
The invention relates to a dispersing agent comprising: the reaction product of A one or more polyisocyanates having an average functionality of from 2.0 to 5, with B a mixture from B1 monohydroxyl compounds, and B2 monohydroxy-, monocarboxylic acid compounds to form an intermediate, followed by reacting the intermediate with C an unsaturated monohydroxy functional anchoring group.
US07682435B2 Oil-based pigmented ink composition
The present invention relates to an oil-based pigmented ink composition containing at least a pigment, a polymer compound and an organic solvent, which contains, as the organic solvent, methoxybutyl acetate in an amount of 20 to 90% by weight based on the entire ink composition; and particularly to the above oil-based pigmented ink composition, which contains, as the other organic solvent, a nitrogen-containing and/or oxygen-containing heterocyclic compound in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight based on the entire ink composition and/or a (poly)alkylene glycol derivative in an amount of 1 to 50% by weight based on the entire ink composition; and to the above oil-based pigmented ink composition, which has a flash point of 61° C. or higher, a viscosity of 2.0 to 6.5 cp at 25° C., and a surface tension of 20 to 40 mN/m at 25° C.
US07682431B1 Plating solutions for electroless deposition of ruthenium
An electroless ruthenium plating solution is disclosed herein. The solution includes a ruthenium source, a polyamino polycarboxylic acid complexing agent, a reducing agent, a stabilizing agent, and a pH-modifying substance. A method of preparing an electroless ruthenium plating solution is also provided.
US07682428B2 Oxygen concentration apparatus
An oxygen concentration apparatus (300) according to the present invention has: pressure swing adsorption type oxygen concentration means (310); and a control means (350) that controls switching means (316) that switches between intake of pressurized air into an adsorption column (312) and exhaust from the adsorption column. The switching means is controlled based on pressure in oxygen concentrated gas in the conduit measured by pressure measuring means to adjust a cycle of adsorption and regeneration processes of the oxygen concentration means so that pressure at the upstream of flow rate adjusting means (340) can be controlled and, as a result, the need for a mechanical pressure regulating valve, that has been needed conventionally, can be eliminated. Further, there is also shown a gas supply apparatus that comprises ultrasonic type gas concentration and flow rate measuring means that comprises, in turn, two ultrasonic transducers that is disposed in an opposed manner in the conduit through which product gas flows so that a concentration value measured when the product gas output is stopped is determined to be a product gas concentration.
US07682420B2 Method for leaching gold
In a method for leaching gold from copper sulfides, the sulfide ores are first subjected to leaching of copper, thereby producing a leaching residue having 7.9% or less of the copper content. This leaching residue is mixed with a leach liquor, which contains the chloride ion and ferric ion and has 1.9 or less of pH. Gold and copper can be effectively leached from the copper sulfide ores. Ordinarily used oxidizing reagents such as hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid are not used. The gold, copper and iron can, therefore, be leached in a single process and by using an identical leaching liquor. The rate of gold leaching reaction can be enhanced by the co-presence of either copper or bromide ion or both together with the chloride and iron ion.
US07682419B2 Method for processing sulfide minerals and concentrates
Recovery of nonferrous, rare and precious metals from sulfide minerals and concentrates is described. The hydrometallurgical method of sulfide minerals and concentrates processing, involving sulfide minerals oxidation in aqueous medium using nitrogen oxides, provides that the sulfide materials containing slurry are subjected to oxidation of the sulfide which is realized under controlled conditions of the slurry acidity. Constant neutralization of sulfuric acid formed as a result of the sulfides oxidation is provided. The sulfuric acid is neutralized to acidity level, at which no formation of elementary sulfur occurs, while natural or artificial substances, such as CaC03, MgC03, Ca(OH)2, CaO, NaOH, CaHP04 etc., are used as acidity neutralizers. Oxidation of sulfide minerals is realized under agitation. Oxidation is realized in the range of 20-90° C., mainly in the range of 65-85° C. The liquid-to-solid ratio varies from 1:1 to 5:1, depending on effectiveness of the required precipitate formation and proceeding of the oxidation.
US07682415B2 Device for the intermediate storage of condensation water
A device for intermediate storage of condensation water includes a swirl body which causes an inflowing air-water mixture to rotate, and a venturi tube through which the air-water mixture leaves the device. A ring groove in which water accumulates because of the swirl is arranged downstream of the swirl body, and water accumulated in the ring groove is sucked into the venturi tube via one more suction pipes. An expansion zone has an expanded cross-section and a step shaped interior for generating increased surface adhesion. Separating metal sheets in the expansion zone brake the swirl, bind the accumulated gushing water by adhesion forces, and guide it by capillary forces to the interior surface of the expansion zone. Gushing water accumulated at the ends of the separating metal sheets is drained by one or more suction pipes, into the venturi tube.
US07682414B2 Dust collecting unit for use in cleaner
This dust collecting unit for use in a cleaner includes an inlet port through which air and dust is taken in, a dust catch room into which the air and dust taken in through the inlet port is led, an air flow path for separating a part of air taken in through the inlet port and ensuring air flow, an air outlet port through which the air having passed through the dust catch room and the air flow path is discharged, and a filter provided on the upstream side of the air outlet port for preventing dust from flowing to the air outlet port from the dust catch room and the air flow path.
US07682413B2 Air precleaner arrangement for an internal combustion engine comprising two cyclone filters
An air precleaner arrangement for an internal combustion engine comprises a screen, a shroud, a fan, a first cyclone filter and a second cyclone filter. The screen has air permeable openings sized to retain debris. A fan is cooperating with the screen to provide an air stream from an upstream surface through the openings of the screen to a downstream surface. The shroud encloses the fan and the screen. The first cyclone filter has an air inlet receiving air on the downstream surface of the screen, an air outlet and a scavenge port in communication with interior of the screen and thus with the air stream of the fan. The second cyclone filter has an air inlet connected to the air outlet of the first cyclone filter, an air outlet connected to the air inlet of the internal combustion engine and a scavenge port connected to an exhaust venturi in the exhaust stream of the engine.
US07682412B2 Multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus
A multi-cyclone dust collection apparatus is disclosed that comprises a first cyclone having an air inlet, in which the air introduced into the first cyclone through the air inlet is caused to swirl and ascend in the first cyclone so that dust is separated from the air; and a plurality of second cyclones arranged around the lower part of the first cyclone, in which the air discharged from the first cyclone into the second cyclones is further caused to swirl and ascend so that dust is separated from the air. Each of the second cyclones is provided with an air outlet through which the purified air is discharged. The air inflow port is provided at the bottom of the first cyclone and the outflow ports are provided at the lower ends of the second cyclones.
US07682409B2 Wave-shaped charge collection plate of fuel cells and method of making the same
A flow board suited for fuel cell applications. The flow board includes a body substrate formed by injection molding methods, which is resistive to methanol or chemical corrosion and has superior mechanical properties. The flow board further includes a wave-shaped reaction zone having thereon a plurality of independent fuel channels. The body substrate and the wave-shaped reaction zone may be monolithic. Alternatively, a punched electrode plate affixed on the reaction zone may define the plurality of independent fuel channels.
US07682406B2 Disazo dyes and dye compositions for shading white paper
The invention relates to novel dyes of the formula (1) in which D represents a phenyl or naphthalene residue which is substituted by one or two sulphonic Acid or carboxylic acid groups and, optionally, by one or two groups selected from C1-C4alkyl, hydroxyl and nitro, each R1 and R2, independently, represent hydrogen or, a C1-C4alkyl group, R′1 represents hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4alkyl or C1-C4hydroxyalkyl, R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl or phenyl, which is unsubstituted or substituted by one or two groups selected from C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4alkoxy, halogen, hydroxyl, —NH2, nitro, —SO3M and —CO2M and M represents hydrogen, an alkaline or alkaline earth metal, ammonium or ammonium that is mono-, di-, tri- or tetrasubstituted by C1-C4alkyl or C2-C4hydroxyalkyl or a polyglycolammonium cation and also known dyes of formula (5), in which D′ represents a phenyl or naphthalene residue which is substituted by one or two sulphonic acid or carboxylic acid groups and, optionally, by one or two groups selected from C1-C4alkyl and C1-C4alkoxy and R3 and M are as defined above, and their mixtures suitable for shading white paper, a process for shading, a process for the preparation of the novel dyes and white paper which has been treated with such shading components.
US07682405B2 Coloring composition comprising at least one pigment and at least one electrophilic cyanoacrylate monomer
The present disclosure relates to a dyeing composition comprising, in an appropriate dyeing medium, at least one pigment and at least one electrophilic cyanoacrylate monomer of formula (I) in which R is chosen from alkyl radicals and alkoxyalkyl radicals. Dyeing kits comprising said compositions and processes using same are also disclosed.
US07682404B2 Coloring keratin fibers with metal complexes
The present invention concerns coloring keratin fibers, especially human hair, with colored metal complexes.
US07682400B2 Non-soft tissue repair
An implant for filling and/or distracting a body region, particularly a non-soft tissue cavity, has a plurality of segments wherein at least two of the segments are flexibly connected. The segments have a crush-strength sufficient to create and/or maintain the distraction of two or more non-soft tissue body surfaces, and to maintain the stability of the body region. The implant may be inserted into a cavity by an applicator having a cannula with a distal opening, and a rotary driver for applying force to move the implant within the cannula.
US07682399B2 Acetabular shell
An acetabular cup assembly for a prosthetic hip joint is disclosed. This assembly includes an outer shell having at least one shell extension, an adaptor having at least one adaptor extension, and an insert. The inclusion of an extension on the outer shell and an extension on the adaptor allows for easier manipulation and implantation of the assembly.
US07682397B2 Revisable prosthetic device
A modular prosthetic device is described. The modular prosthetic device is provided with an anchoring device having first and second end members, the first and second end members cooperating to receive a prosthetic insertion device. The first and second end members each include a first surface, at least one vertebral-engaging member extending from the first surface, a second surface in an opposed relation to the first surface, and at least one flange extending from the second surface. The anchoring device is adapted to receive a variety of prosthetic insertion devices such that the modular prosthetic device can be revised into a variety of modular prosthetic devices. A stacking member is also provided for use with the anchoring device to provide a variety of modular, stackable prosthetic devices.
US07682392B2 Regenerative implants for stabilizing the spine and devices for attachment of said implants
The invention comprises flat, porous, bioabsorbable implants that are conducive to tissue ingrowth at spinal implantation site, and once absorbed, leave behind a functional ligamentous structure. A preferred material is small intestinal submucosa. Also disclosed are anchoring devices for attaching said implants to the vertebral bodies.
US07682387B2 Drug-delivery endovascular stent and method for treating restenosis
An intravascular stent and method for inhibiting restenosis, following vascular injury, is disclosed. The stent has an expandable, linked-filament body and a drug-release coating formed on the stent-body filaments, for contacting the vessel injury site when the stent is placed in-situ in an expanded condition. The coating releases, for a period of at least 4 weeks, a restenosis-inhibiting amount of the macrocyclic triene immunosuppressive compound everolimus. The stent, when used to treat a vascular injury, gives good protection against clinical restenosis, even when the extent of vascular injury involves vessel overstretching by more than 30% diameter. Also disclosed is a stent having a drug-release coating composed of (i) 10 and 60 weight percent poly-dl-lactide polymer substrate and (ii) 40–90 weight percent of an anti-restenosis compound, and a polymer undercoat having a thickness of between 1–5 microns.
US07682385B2 Artificial valve
Method and apparatus implementing and using techniques for controlling flow in a body lumen, including use of an implantable medical device. The device includes a membrane implantable in a body lumen and invertibly deformable between a first position and a second position. The membrane is invertible in response to the direction of fluid flow through the lumen and can be deformable by fluid flow in the body lumen.
US07682380B2 Kink-resistant bifurcated prosthesis
The invention consists of an endoluminal prosthesis adapted for placement at a bifurcation site within the body. The stent or stent-graft may be constructed to have segments of differing structural properties. A section of the stent-graft may be constructed to have a single-lumen tubular stent member covering a multilumen graft member. The stent-graft may comprise at least two modular components adapted for in situ assembly. An extended cylindrical interference fit may be used to seal the modular components.
US07682378B2 Bone treatment systems and methods for introducing an abrading structure to abrade bone
The invention provides instruments and methods for prophylactic treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). In one exemplary method, a probe system uses a high speed rotational elastomeric cutter having an optional expandable abrasive surface for abrading or cutting at least one path or region within vertebral cancellous bone. Irrigation and aspiration sources are included in the probe system for removing abraded bone debris. In one embodiment, the high speed rotational abrader uses a tissue-selective abrading surface that abrades or cuts bone but does not cut soft tissue. In another embodiment, an expandable abrading surface allows the treatment of bone with low pressures to create paths or spaces without explosive expansion forces known in prior art balloon procedures that are designed to crush and compact cancellous bone in a vertebra. After the creation of a path or space, an in-situ hardenable bone cement volume is introduced into each path or space to support the vertebra.
US07682377B2 Polyaxial bone screw
The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.
US07682368B1 Anastomosis tool actuated with stored energy
An anastomosis tool may include a tissue effector having an anvil and a staple holder movable relative to one another, where that tissue effector may be movable from an open position to a closed position. A fluid-driven actuator may be utilized to move the tissue effector between those positions, and/or to deploy connectors from the staple holder when the tissue effector is in the closed position. The fluid-driven actuator may utilize pressurized gas stored in a cylinder or reservoir within the anastomosis tool. A separate clip applier may be used to close the entry hole made by the anvil in a target vessel.
US07682363B2 Inserter for minimally invasive joint surgery
An acetabular impactor aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis having a central, female aperture. The impactor includes an impactor head, housing and a locking mechanism. The housing is attached to the impactor head, the housing enclosing a drive train having, at a far end, a prosthesis engaging thread, and at the opposite end, a handle which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.
US07682357B2 Tele-medicine system that transmits an entire state of a subsystem
A tele-medicine system that includes an input device which can control a medical system. The input device may be the handle of a surgeon console. The medical system may include a robotically controlled medical device. A transmitter may transmit information relating to each state of the input device over a communication network. The medical system receives the transmitted state information through a receiver. The medical system changes state in response to the received state information from the input device. The system sends information relating to an entire state of the input device over a sample period to insure that the medical system receives all commands, data, etc. necessary to operate the system.
US07682356B2 Osmotic delivery systems and piston assemblies for use therein
An osmotic delivery system is disclosed for delivering an active agent formulation to a fluid environment. The osmotic delivery system typically comprises a reservoir having a lumen that contains the active agent formulation and an osmotic agent formulation and a piston assembly positioned in the lumen to isolate the active agent formulation from the osmotic agent formulation. The piston assembly typically comprises a body constructed and arranged for positioning in the lumen. The body is typically made of a polymeric material that is, for example, resistant to leaching in an organic solvent. In one embodiment, the body is a columnar body having a rim at a distal end thereof for engaging and sealing against a wall of the reservoir and the piston assembly further comprises a spring retained at the distal end of the columnar body for biasing the rim of the columnar body against the wall of the reservoir.
US07682352B2 Catheter with curved distal section having reinforcing strip and method of making same
A catheter having an elongate hollow shaft with a curved distal section having at least one pre-curved reinforcing strip embedded therein. The pre-curved reinforcing strip comprises a relatively stiff material that is unaffected by the process of thermoforming a final curve in the catheter. Methods of making the catheter are also described.
US07682347B2 Fluid voiding apparatus
An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.
US07682345B2 Medical injector systems having an injector plunger that releasably engages a syringe hub upon retraction of the plunger
A medical injector system for injecting fluid from a syringe (300) into a patient, the syringe (300) having a barrel (300) and a plunger (310), the plunger (310) comprising an inner surface having an engaging portion (311) adapted to be releasably engaged by a plunger handle (130) which has a retention member (142) adapted to releasably engage the engaging portion (311) of the plunger (310); and a syringe holder comprising a cradle member (200) adapted to receive a barrel (300) of the syringe (300) and a pivotable catch (500) to releasably lock the syringe (300) in the cradle member (200).
US07682342B2 Syringe assembly
A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid.
US07682341B2 Indwelling needle
An indwelling needle is provided with an inner needle hub; an inner needle fixedly supported by the inner needle hub; a cover configured to cover the inner needle after use; and a flexible blood monitor being absorptive to blood, an end of which is linked with the inner needle hub.
US07682335B2 Non-compliant medical balloon having an integral non-woven fabric layer
A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a matted fabric layer composed of at least two matted fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.
US07682334B2 Breast cover insert
The invention relates to a breast cover insert comprising a truncated conical frame (1), which is provided as a double wall (1, 6) while forming a closed space (7), whereby at least the inner wall (6) can be elastically deformed, and the space (7) contains a preferably elastically deformable medium.
US07682332B2 Methods to accelerate wound healing in thoracic anastomosis applications
Methods for creating an anastomosis between a channel through the chest wall and an opening in the visceral membrane of a lung using a medical device. The methods include creating the channel through the chest wall into the pleural cavity; forming an adhesion between the chest wall and the visceral membrane of the lung; creating an opening in the visceral membrane of the lung which communicates with the channel; and inserting the medical device into the channel. The medical device has a compression structure which spans the channel. The methods include configuring the compression structure to apply a compressive force to tissue surrounding the anastomosis and/or applying agents and materials to the tissue of the anastomosis thereby accelerating the formation and healing of the anastomosis.
US07682330B2 Intestinal sleeve
A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.
US07682327B2 Mobile heart-lung machine
The present invention provides a heart-lung machine which can be carried by one person and can be used independently from an external power supply, consisting of at least three modules (1, 2, 3), wherein a first module (1) contains the blood circulating elements which are necessary for the function of a heart-lung machine, a second module (2) contains a pump drive (9) and an electronic measuring equipment and a control logic (11) and a third module (3) contains the programming unit (14), whereas the second unit is separably connected to the first and the third module.
US07682323B2 Coordinated cuff displacement in an orthotic device
An orthotic device for a human body joint at which a body appendage pivots includes a first member extending along the appendage on a first side of the joint, a second member extending along the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side, a connection joining the first member and the second member and having an axis about which the members articulate, a cuff spaced from the axis, and a mechanism displacing the cuff along one of the members in response to articulating the device at the connection.
US07682316B2 Implantable heart sound sensor with noise cancellation
An implantable medical device system senses a first signal using a first acoustical sensor adapted to be operatively positioned in a first internal body location for sensing heart sounds in a patient. The system includes a second acoustical sensor adapted to be operatively positioned in a second internal body location for sensing sounds in the patient and generate a second signal that is less responsive to the heart sounds than the first acoustical signal. An implantable medical device including a housing and a processor enclosed in the housing receives the first signal and the second signal and generates a corrected first signal by canceling non-cardiac signals in the first signal using the second signal.
US07682313B2 Implantable pressure monitor
A system and method for the intra corporal, telemetric measuring of blood pressure, particularly within the heart or a great vessel, includes a substantially rigid sensor chip mounted in a holder and an antenna. The holder is anchored within an appropriate location in the cardiovascular system, such as in the cardiac septum, via a catheter or other minimally-invasive procedure to position at least one capacitive pressure sensor on the chip in the blood flow to be sensed. Measured values are transmitted telemetrically from the chip to an extra corporal monitoring device.
US07682309B2 Ultrasound system for generating a single set of ultrasound pulse firings
An ultrasound imaging system configured to simultaneously acquire and process multi-mode and multi-band echo information from a single set of pulse firings is provided. Raw ultrasound signals are digitized and stored in an I/Q data buffer. The stored data are then parallel preprocessed as a function of frequency band or alternative encoding. Parallel preprocessing optionally includes manipulating the data in respect to different imaging modes. Outputs of the parallel preprocessors are coupled to separate area formers used to simultaneously reconstruct various desired echo information to form a multi-mode or multi-band image. The echo formation process is optionally performed in parallel.
US07682308B2 Method and system for assessing fall risk
A method and system for determining the fall risk of a patient is provided. The method includes the evaluation of a patient to determine whether the patient exhibits one or more intrinsic fall risk factors selected from a group consisting of confusion, depression, altered elimination, dizziness, male gender, antiepileptic/anticonvulsant prescriptions and benzodiazepine prescriptions. A specific point value is assigned to each of the intrinsic risk factors found to be exhibited by the patient. A mobility test is also performed on the patient to evaluate the patient's ability to rise from a seated position, and a specific mobility test point value is assigned to the patient based upon the patient's performance of the mobility test. Each intrinsic risk factor's specific point value is then summed together with the specific mobility test point value to achieve a total risk score, and the patient's fall risk is determined based on the total risk score. An intervention process may be developed for the patient based on the patient's fall risk.
US07682306B2 Therapeutic intervention systems employing implantable balloon devices
A method of treating a patient comprises: introducing to a physiological locus of said patient a balloon formed from two vacuum thermoformed half-sections of a multilayer film a layer of sealing film and at least one layer of thermoplastic polymer film, wherein the vacuum thermoformed half-sections are bonded together; and the balloon includes an inflation element (such as a self-healing valve and/or an effervescent material) adapted to permit inflation of the balloon at the physiological locus with a fluid.
US07682305B2 Methods and devices for cardiac surgery
Methods for performing minimally invasive heart surgery include accessing a heart of a patient through a first incision on the left thorax of the patient, contacting the heart through the incision with a heart stabilizing device and/or a heart positioning device, introducing at least one coupling device through a second incision on the patient located apart from the first incision, coupling the coupling device with the heart stabilizing device or the heart positioning device, and performing a surgical procedure on the heart. Systems may include a retractor device, a heart stabilizing device, and a coupling device, for enhancing cardiac surgery. Any suitable heart surgery may be performed using methods, devices or systems of the present invention. In one embodiment, a CABG procedure is performed.
US07682303B2 Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations
Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a dental implant are disclosed herein. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon the implant to form a hearing assembly. The electronic and transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.
US07682301B2 Rotary blood pump
Various “contactless” bearing mechanisms including hydrodynamic, hydrostatic, and magnetic bearings are provided for a rotary pump as alternatives to mechanical contact bearings. These design features may be combined. In one embodiment, a pump housing has a spindle extending from a wall of the pump housing into a pumping chamber defined by the pump housing. The spindle has a stepped portion adjacent the wall. In one embodiment, the stepped portion is defined by a change in spindle diameter. The lack of mechanical contact bearings enables longer life pump operation and less damage to working fluids such as blood.
US07682300B2 Method and machine for constructing a collapsible bulk bin
A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, a folding device for partially folding a bottom blank, a bottom insertion device for inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank, and first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank. The machine also includes second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank, wherein the erecting device collapses the partially erected body blank after the first fingers attach the major flaps to the bottom blank.
US07682299B2 Procedure for production of conical ice cream wrappers
This is a continuous mode procedure wherein in a first cutting operation an upper band (5) is obtained and a lower band (6), followed by a second cutting operation to obtain some separate trapezoidal segments (4), to finish with a third cutting operation on the curled side (10) of the segment (4) to obtain a circular side with only one radius of curvature, forming in this way a wrapper (11) of conical development.
US07682295B2 Multiple resistance curves used to vary resistance in exercise apparatus
Changing resistance patterns in an exercise machine is accomplished by moving a cable pivot point within a channel. The channel may take the form of numerous shapes. Multiple shapes may comprise one continuous channel. The placement of the pivot point and surrounding channel shape dictate the resistance pattern along the range of exercise motion. The pivot point is attached to two cables, one leading to a weight, the other leading to the user of the exercise machine.
US07682290B2 Stationary exercise apparatus
A stationary exercise device with adjustable members for varying the stride path and the exercise intensity of a user.
US07682281B2 Planetary transmission, especially dual-clutch planetary transmission
A dual-clutch planetary transmission comprising a plurality of planetary gearsets, two frictionally engaged gearshifting element for connecting various power trains to a power flux and a plurality of form-fit gearshifting elements for adjusting various gear ratios in the power trains. The frictionally engaged gearshifting elements and the form-fit gearshifting elements are arranged between the shafts of the planetary gearsets, a housing and a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft so that the gear ratio can be changed in a lower gear ratio range, via the frictionally engaged gearshifting elements, without any interruption of tractive force. At least one of the frictionally engaged gearshifting elements is a clutch. The form-fit gearshifting element, the frictionally engaged gearshifting elements and the planetary gearsets are positioned within the housing and can be interlinked so that the form-fit gearshifting elements can be actuated without insertion through rotating parts.
US07682276B2 Hydraulic control system for use in a motor vehicle and method for controlling the hydraulic control system
A hydraulic control system that includes a solenoid valve for supplying a prescribed fluid pressure; and a relay valve for selectively switching a destination of the prescribed fluid pressure between a first destination part and a second destination part. The relay valve has an input port supplied with a normally produced fluid pressure and an output port that selectively communicates with the input port. The hydraulic control system further includes a fluid pressure switch, provided in the output port of the relay valve, that is activated when the input port communicates with the output port to allow the normally produced fluid pressure to be supplied to the output port.
US07682273B2 Power transmission chain with ceramic joint components
Power transmission chains (10, 40, 60) which are suitable for automotive uses as well as other uses and which have a reduced susceptibility to wear and corrosion, in which such chains (10, 40, 60) are constructed to include a plurality of sets (12, 14) of links (11, 13) joined at overlapped ends (11a, 13a) thereof by a pivot (16) including at least one ceramic joint component (16), such as a pivot means (16). Such chains (10) also include means (18a, 18b) to drivingly engage sprocket teeth (37) of a sprocket drive (35).
US07682270B2 Knife and device for removing an archery arrow or arrowhead from a receiving support
A device to remove an archery arrow or arrowhead from a target or receiving support is fitted to a knife at one or more suitable points and comprises a gripper which can be fitted to and/or receive an archery arrowhead or arrow that penetrates the target or the receiving support. The device installed on a knife is employed to grip the arrow or arrowhead so that the knife can be pivoted like a lever such that the tip of the knife rests on the target or receiving support. In this way, the arrow or arrowhead can be removed by tilting the knife.
US07682269B1 Lacrosse head with vertical pocket attachments
A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a plurality of vertical attachment projections, and a pocket. The frame includes a pair of sidewalls with each sidewall including an exterior surface and an interior surface. The vertical attachment projections are spaced along each sidewall wherein each vertical attachment projection is vertically attached to the interior surface of one of the sidewalls. The pocket is then attached to the vertical attachment projections.
US07682268B2 Collapsible structures
Collapsible structures are disclosed having a central panel, a first support panel disengageably connected to the left side of the central panel, and a second support panel disengageably connected to the right side of the central panel. Each of the central panel and support panels includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric material substantially covering the frame member.
US07682266B2 Golf ball
Golf ball 2 has a spherical core 4, a mid layer 6 covering this core 4, a reinforcing layer 8 covering this mid layer 6, and a cover 10 covering this reinforcing layer 8. Base polymer of this mid layer 6 includes an ionomer resin as a principal component. Base polymer of this cover 10 includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer as a principal component. The cover 10 has a thickness Tc of equal to or less than 0.6 mm. The cover 10 has a hardness Hc as measured with a Shore D type hardness scale of equal to or less than 54. The cover 10 has a volume V of equal to or less than 3.0 cm3. A product obtained by multiplying the thickness Tc, the hardness Hc and the volume V is equal to or less than 90. The reinforcing layer 8 includes a thermosetting resin as a base polymer. The reinforcing layer has a thickness of 3 μm or greater and 50 μm or less.
US07682262B2 Metal wood club with improved hitting face
A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. Each material has a different tensile modulus of elasticity, where the center of the hitting face has a much higher tensile modulus of elasticity than the surrounding portions of the hitting face. This creates a stiff center and a more easily deflected concentric portion. In another embodiment, the materials have different yield strengths, where the center of the hitting face has a very high yield strength compared to the surrounding portions of the hitting face. The hitting face may then plastically deform around its periphery, while the center retains its original shape.
US07682258B2 Sound producing play apparatus
An apparatus includes a support member, a moveable member supported by the support member, a user support mechanically associated with the moveable member, and a sound producing mechanism that produces sound as a result of movement of the moveable member between a first position and a second position caused by the user's application of force to the urge the moveable member between the first position and second position. The applications include a play apparatus, wherein the user interacts with the moveable member with the result that the moveable member changes position and a selected sound is thereby produced.
US07682254B2 Cross joint and vehicular steering system including the same
A cross joint is provided which is adapted to prevent a shaft portion and rollers from being damaged when a bearing cup having the rollers on an inner periphery thereof is assembled to a cross shaft. The cross joint includes: a cross shaft 1 including four shaft portions 3; a closed-end cylindrical bearing cup 5; and plural needle rollers 6 having the first end portions thereof located on an opening side of the bearing cup 5 and arranged along the raceway surface of the bearing cup 5. An inner periphery of the bearing cup 5 includes a tapered surface portion. 11 increased in diameter toward the opening side. When the plural needle rollers 6 arranged along the inner periphery of the bearing cup 5 are fitted about the shaft portion 3, the tapered surface portion 11 allows the needle rollers 6 to incline as shifting the first end portions radially outwardly.
US07682248B2 Gaming system and method for enabling a player to select progressive awards to try for and chances of winning progressive awards
The present disclosure provides a gaming device, a gaming system and a method for operating a gaming device or gaming system with a plurality of progressive awards. The gaming device enables a player to select one of the progressive awards. The player's selection of which progressive award to play for is based, at least in part, on a relative probability of the player winning the selected progressive award compared to the relative probabilities of the player winning the non-selected progressive awards. After selecting which award to play for, the gaming device either provides the selected progressive award to the player or modifies the relative probability that the player will win the selected progressive award with one or more of any award selections remaining. Such a configuration enables the player to strategically select which award to play for and the order that the player will play for the awards.
US07682246B2 Gaming device and method having free activation mode and free activation mode with free activation retrigger
A gaming device including a free activation mode having a predetermined number of free activations wherein the probability of extending the free activation mode is increased by a triggering event which triggers an unlimited number of free activations. A termination event terminates the unlimited fee activations. A freezing event freezes the number of remaining free activations. A resetting event resets the number of remaining free activations. A locking event causes at least one symbol or at least one card to remain unchanged or lock during the unlimited free activations. The gaming device generates a plurality of symbols while not changing the locked symbol or re-deals the remaining cards an unlimited number of times until a termination event occurs.
US07682244B1 High granularity promotion-based awards and use in gaming environments
A system and method for determined, issuing, and using promotion based awards and games based on those awards that encompass granularity and diversity of individually enforceable options, such as individual games at specified locations, heretofore not achievable in a gaining environment.
US07682242B2 Slot machine and playing method thereof
In a base game, when a combination of symbols, that would be a winning combination of all “BAR”s if a remaining symbol of the combination of the symbols were the “BAR”, has come to a stop on a payline L and the symbol “BAR” neighbors the symbol other than the “BAR” (=the remaining symbol) on the payline, same payout as that when the winning combination of all “BAR”s comes to a stop on the payline L is provided.
US07682235B2 Threshing device for harvesting machines
A threshing device for harvesting machines having a cut front header for cutting plants to be harvested. The threshing device includes a feeder rotor, at least two threshing rotors, and a grille located underneath of the threshing rotors. The threshing rotors are placed adjacent to each other and only one is located adjacent to the feeder rotor. The feeder rotor feeds the plants to the threshing rotor nearest the feeder rotor. The grille runs continuously through all the threshing rotors and includes a plurality of waves parallel to each other and defining peaks and valleys. The valleys match the peaks of the adjacent waves. On each valley the corresponding threshing wheel is located.
US07682227B1 Meat cutting assembly
A cutting assembly for cutting a meat or food product passing along a path of travel and comprising a blade roller having a plurality of blades transversely connected thereto in aligned relation to the path of travel. A mate roller, an in-feed roller and an out-feed roller interact with the plurality of blades to assure removal of meat portions from the blade and mate rollers during the cutting procedure. The mate roller comprises a plurality of mate roller sections each separated from one another by a first predetermined space and variably or adjustably positioned along the length of the mate roller by interaction with a stabilizing assembly to accommodate receipt of the blades within the first predetermined spaces during concurrent rotation of the blade and mate rollers. The cutting assembly may include a modular construction disposable within and removable from an operative position along a processing line associated with the path of travel.
US07682226B2 Vane pump
A vane pump for delivering pasty masses, in particular sausage meat, with a pump case 6 and a rotatably held rotor 3 comprising vanes 2 held so as to be radially movable which form delivery cells 4 together with the wall 5 of the pump case 6, with a suction area, a pressure area and a sealing area separating the pressure area from the suction area. For a better sealing between the suction area and the sealing area, in particular in case of high pressures in the pressure area, and for increasing the service life of the vane pump, in the sealing area at least one sealing element is provided for sealing a gap between the rotor and the wall of the pump case.
US07682222B2 Variable rate method of machining gears
A method of machining gears or other toothed articles wherein the workpiece feed rate and/or the tool shifting is varied so as to produce an irregular surface pattern on tooth surfaces with a resulting reduction in mesh noise. The method is particularly applicable to grinding spur and/or helical gears with a grinding worm.
US07682221B2 Integrated endpoint detection system with optical and eddy current monitoring
A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method can use an eddy current monitoring system and an optical monitoring system. Signals from the monitoring systems can be combined on an output line and extracted by a computer. A thickness of a polishing pad can be calculated. The eddy current monitoring system and optical monitoring system can measure substantially the same location on the substrate.
US07682219B2 Undergarments made from multi-layered fabric laminate material
Feminine undergarments, particularly brassieres and other body shaping garments that are fabricated using a multi-layered fabric laminate that is formed by gluing multiple fabric layers together, preferably to permit body shaping garments to be substantially fabricated from a single main piece of material or blank cut from the multi-layered fabric laminate and which has finished edges which do not require separate binding or narrow edge finishing, together with a method of making such garments, both on an individual, batch basis, as well as an automated process for making the fabric laminate and multiple garments on a continuous basis, are disclosed. Multi-layer composite fabric laminate materials wherein different portions of at least one fabric layer thereof are made of different fabrics, and a method for making them, are also disclosed.
US07682215B2 Novelty candy device
The present invention is a candy lollipop device that can be converted to a humanoid or character figure with a wobbling head after consumption of the candy. The device comprises a lower body have a flat base and an upper body with a wobbly head. The lower body further houses a candy or similar confection. Both the upper and lower body portions are modeled to mimic fanciful or commonly known characters and personalities, and may include information imprinted on the flat base and at other suitable locations on the device.
US07682214B2 Recreational flying disk apparatus for enhanced flight enabling and traversing land and water surfaces
An accessory for affixmentation to a recreational flying disk is disclosed in the form of a separate apparatus that is readily compatible and adaptable to any flying disk that will greatly enhance the flight distance length and the other flight characteristics of that retrofitted disk because of the centrifugal power, ballast stabilization and lift capability that the disclosed invention apparatus transmutes to the said flying disk. The disclosed apparatus, in conjunction with it being the aforementioned aerodynamic catalyst that it becomes once it is affixed to the said thrown flying disk, also can transform the said disk into a flying disk that can skip across the surface of a body of water not unlike a flat stone used for centuries for the same results—that same body of water that would render an ordinary flying disk as immobile upon contact with it now can be considered as just another obstacle to cross just as easily as flying aerially. The many variations of embodiments that are possible and probable are capable of being manufactured in an inexpensive method or manner such as by plastic molding or injection in and as a lightweight composite, which is a proven material both in the durability and safety factorage in the art of recreational flying disks.
US07682213B2 Method of manufacturing an electron emitting device by terminating a surface of a carbon film with hydrogen
An electron emission device is provided which has sufficient on/off characteristics and is capable of efficiently emitting electrons with a low voltage. An electron emission device includes a substrate, a cathode electrode, a gate electrode, which are arranged on the substrate, an insulation layer covering the surface of the cathode electrode, and a dipole layer formed by terminating the surface of the insulation layer with hydrogen.
US07682210B2 Organic electroluminescent device and the manufacturing method
An organic electroluminescent device is disclosed. The device can include a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a partition wall next to the first electrode, an organic luminescence media layer including an organic luminous layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode which is on the organic luminescence media layer and facing the first electrodes, wherein the partition wall comprises a first partition wall and a second partition wall, the first partition wall covers a part of the first electrode, and the second partition wall is located on an inner side of the first partition wall.
US07682209B2 Safety structure for disassembling and positioning an airbag
A safety structure for disassembling and positioning an airbag device comprises an actuating device having an air bottle and pivotally connected to a positioning member. A quick male and female connection means is provided between the airbag device and the corresponding structure, and a safety device is used to engage and disengage with the quick male and female connection means. A check device is disposed at an air tap of the airbag device, such that the airbag device keeps in the inflation state after being disassembled. The positioning member is disposed with an engaging member corresponding to the engaging structure of the actuating device to adjust the tightness between the positioning member and the actuating device. A retaining device comprises a vent rod and an airtight stopper, which allows the airbag device to deflate or inflate, such that the airbag device can be used repeatedly.
US07682208B2 High-power electrical quick connector
A quick connector assembly for high power electrical applications is disclosed. The quick connector assembly has a first connector and a second connector constructed to form an electrical connection that can be quickly coupled and decoupled. The first connector has a collar portion connectable to a welding cable and a stem portion having a shank section and a threaded section. The second connector has a recess constructed to receive the stem portion of the first connector and electrically engage both the shank portion and the threaded portion of the first connector. The stem portion of the first connector has a channel formed therein, and the second connector includes a pin extending into the recess of the second connector and constructed to engage the channel formed in the stem portion of the first connector.
US07682203B1 Communications jacks having contact wire configurations that provide crosstalk compensation
Communications jacks include a housing having a plug aperture that is configured to receive a mating plug that is inserted along a horizontal plug axis and a vertically-oriented wiring board that is mounted substantially normal to the horizontal plug axis. First through fourth contact wires are mounted in the vertically-oriented wiring board, with the first and second contact wires forming a first differential pair of contact wires and the third and fourth contact wires forming a second differential pair of contact wires. At least a portion of the first differential pair of contact wires is positioned between the contact wires of the second differential pair of contact wires, and deflectable portions of the third and fourth contact wires include a crossover. Additionally, the fixed portions of the third and fourth contacts are spaced further apart vertically than are the fixed portions of the first and second contacts.
US07682202B2 Connector assembly for implantable device
A header for an implantable pulse generator includes a header body having a bore formed therein, at least one header contact located within the bore to contact a corresponding contact of a lead terminal inserted in the bore, and a rigid component located within the bore.
US07682201B2 Cable connector plug having contact with curved extension portion
An exemplary cable connector plug (20) includes a first contact (21). The first contact includes a contact portion (210) and an extension portion (211) extending from the contact portion along an axis of the cable connector plug. The extension portion includes a first columnar portion (2111), a neck portion (2112) and a second columnar portion (2113). The neck portion interconnects the first columnar portion and the second columnar portion. A periphery of a junction where the neck portion connects with the second columnar portion is curved from a point of the periphery distal from the second columnar portion to a point of the periphery distal from the neck portion. The cable connector plug has a relatively good mechanical strength and durability.
US07682194B2 Electrical card connector assembly with a PCB mounted shield
An electrical card connector assembly (100) includes an electrical card connector and a printed circuit board (PCB) (4). The electrical card connector includes an insulating housing (2), a plurality of terminals (31) received in the insulating housing and a metal shield (1) covering the insulating housing to define a card receiving room. The insulating housing forms an upper face (20), a lower face (21) and two lateral walls (22) and defines at least one cavity (24). The lateral walls form a plurality of blocks (221). The metal shield includes a base (11), a pair of sidewalls (12) and at least one elastic piece (110) extending along a card insertion direction. The sidewalls define openings (121) receiving the blocks of the sidewalls and form at least one retention portion (120). The base forms a baffle (13) at a rear edge thereof. The PCB is attached with the lower face of the insulating housing and electrically connected with the terminals. Both the retention portion and the baffle press against a lower surface of the PCB and the elastic piece extends into the cavity by a horizontal movement of the metal shield relative to the insulating housing and the PCB.
US07682192B2 Electrical receptacle and circuit board with controlled skew
An electrical coupler includes a connector receptacle having multiple modules. The modules each include a pair of signal conductors and a ground plane or shield, held together by a dielectric module body. The shields are between the pairs of conductors in adjacent modules, and provide electrical shielding between the pairs of signal contacts of different modules. The signal conductors and the shields may be coupled to a board, such as a circuit board. The receptacle may be an angled receptacle, such as a right angle receptacle. The signal conductors of each pair in the receptacle may have a predetermined amount of skew, having different effective electrical lengths. This may allow signal paths through the receptacle and the board to have a combined electrical path that is substantially the same for the signal conductor pair of one of the modules.
US07682190B2 Electrical connector having board lock
An electrical connector comprises a dielectric housing, a plurality of conductive contacts respectively secured in the dielectric housing, a first lock and a second lock respectively secured in the dielectric housing. The dielectric housing defines a tongue board defining an engaging face located in a first plane and opposite tongue back face. Each conductive contacts comprising a contacting section extending on the engaging face. The first lock is secured in the first end of the dielectric housing; the second lock is secured in the second end of the dielectric housing. Each of the first and second lock comprises a retaining section secured in the dielectric housing and a holding section extending down beyond the dielectric housing. The first plane intersects the holding section of the second lock, but a center of the holding section of the first lock is apart from the first plane and at the same side of the first plane where the tongue back face located.
US07682189B2 Dummy connector
A dummy connector includes a main body including an opening into which a real connector is to be inserted, and a first holding portion and a second holding portion installed respectively on surfaces which face to each other in the opening, and for holding the real connector by sandwiching from a direction of height of the real connector.
US07682188B1 Fastening structure of signal connector
The present invention relates to a fastening structure of signal connector, comprises: a connector main body, which is a round-column shaped member, an insert orifice is provided on a top end of the connector main body and a signal terminal is provided in the connector main body, a middle portion of the connector main body has a combining ring-shaped surface, a positioning slot is provided on the combining ring-shaped surface, a bottom portion of the connector main body is provided with a positioning section; the connector main body is passed through a through hole preset on a base seat of an electronic equipment and the positioning section thereof is connected to a jointing section provided at a bottom end of the through hole; and a latching ring, an arched connecting sheet is provided between a top ring member and a bottom ring member for connection, and the latching ring is sleeved on the combining ring-shaped surface via the top end of the connector main body, so the bottom end of the bottom ring member is against the base seat and the connecting sheet is positioned in the positioning slot; when the top ring member is punched and downwardly moved, the connecting sheet is compressed and deformed and is latched in the positioning slot, so the connector main body is stably and tightly fastened on the base seat.
US07682185B2 Supporting device of a socket
A supporting device of a socket is located around a socket for supporting the electronic device and the transmission wire. When the plug located at the end of the transmission wire of the electronic device is plugged into the socket to connect with a power source or transmit data via the Internet, the supporting device of the present invention supports the electronic device to prevent the transmission wire and the plug from being pulled and dragged due to the electronic device being far away from the socket. The problem of the electronic device being damaged due to the electronic device being pulled and dragged is also overcome. The electronic device is protected and continues operating so that it can connect with a power source or transmit data via the Internet.
US07682184B2 FFC connector with enhanced structure
An FFC connector according to the present invention includes a FFC (1) and an insulator (3). The FFC defines upper and lower surfaces (10) and (11) opposite to each other, a number of gold fingers (101) formed with the upper surface and exposed outside to contact with a complementary connector, and a reinforcement plate (4) held on the lower surface and supporting the gold fingers during mating with the complementary connector. The insulator abuts against the upper surface of the FFC and has a receiving room (310) for receiving the FFC.
US07682183B2 Electric junction box
An electric junction box where a connector receiving section is provided in a case that receives an internal circuit, and where a connector that is connected to a wire harness terminal is fitted in the connector receiving section. In the electric junction box, a peripheral wall of the connector receiving section is of a square frame shape, a flexible section is formed by cutting the peripheral wall, a locking hole is formed in the flexible section, a locking claw is provided at the connector fitted in the connector receiving section, the claw being at a position that faces the locking hole of the flexible section. When the locking claw of the connector is inserted into and engaged with the locking hole of the flexible section, the connector is joined in a locking manner to the connector receiving section.
US07682182B2 Electric connector
An electric connector includes an insulative housing of such a shape as to be engageable on a front side thereof with a mating connector, a contact group including a plurality of contacts, a shield cover for surrounding outer surfaces of the housing, and a metal shield plate for impedance matching. The contacts are arranged in a widthwise direction of the connector so as to correspond to contacts of the mating connector. Proximal ends of the contacts are held and fixed in terminal insertion holes formed in the housing and leading ends of the contacts being exposed from the terminal insertion holes. The metal shield plate has a width thereof corresponding to a lateral length of the contact group and is disposed between the shield cover and the contact group and facing the contact group.
US07682179B1 Electrical connector having elastic card-ejecting member
An electrical connector disposed on a main board and connected to and engaged with a circuit board includes a plastic base, terminals, a board engaging structure and an elastic card-ejecting member. The plastic base is fixed to the main board and formed with a connection slot having an opening. One end of the circuit board may be inserted into the opening. Each terminal disposed on the plastic base has a projecting connection point disposed on the connection slot. The board engaging structure has an engaging portion, which can engage with the circuit board when the circuit board is inserted into the connection slot. The elastic card-ejecting member enters a forced state when the circuit board is inserted into the connection slot by a stroke, and pushes the circuit board out by another stroke so that the circuit board is engaged with the engaging portion when the elastic card-ejecting member bounces.
US07682177B2 Connector with an anti-unlocking system
A connector comprising: a body for plugging in or on the body of a complementary connector along a plugging axis X-X′; connection means for co-operating with complementary connection means of the complementary connector so as to connect together electrical or optical conductors; and a locking sleeve that surrounds the body of the connector and that is adapted to co-operate with the body of the connector and with locking means provided by the complementary connector in such a manner as to block relative movement between the connector and the complementary connector in the plugging direction, the locking sleeve being movable in rotation about the axis relative to the body of the connector between an unlocking position in which the connectors can be separated and a locking position in which the connectors cannot be separated; wherein the connector includes a brake ring that co-operates with the body of the connector by being movable at least in rotation about the axis between a braking position in which the ring opposes any turning of the locking sleeve and a disengaged position in which the ring does not oppose any turning of the locking sleeve.
US07682176B2 Locking mechanism for locking a removable data carrier
A locking mechanism is provided for locking a removable data carrier in a support structure of an electronic device. The locking mechanism includes a movable locking element, indicating unit and a locking element control unit. The movable locking element is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, where the locking element, in its locked position, prevents the removal of the data carrier from the support structure.
US07682175B2 Burn-in socket
A burn-in socket includes a base, a sliding plate mounted to the base and having a number of pin holes, a number of contacts secured to the base and an actuator mounted on the base. The contacts each comprise a base portion and a pair of arms received in the pin holes of the sliding plate. The actuator includes a frame and a number of actuating portion for driving the sliding plate to move in a transversal direction. The sliding plate includes a number of projections adjacent to contacts. Each projection and the pair of arms of an adjacent contact together define a receiving space and located at three sides of the receiving space, respectively.
US07682172B2 Electrical connector assembly with ESD protection
An electrical connector assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is provided. The electrical connector assembly comprises an insulative housing in which a plurality of contacts retained. The contacts include a plurality of signal contacts and at least one grounding contact. Furthermore, the electrical connector assembly includes an electrostatic discharge device which electrically interconnected with the contact.
US07682168B2 Shielded memory card connector
An electrical card connector (100) adapted for receiving an electrical card comprises an insulative housing (1), a plurality of terminals (3) received in the insulative housing, and a shell (2) assembled on the insulative housing. The insulative housing comprises a front wall (12) and a pair of lateral walls (18) extending from the opposite ends of the front wall. The insulative housing defines a card inserting opening (101) opposite to the front wall along a card inserting direction. The shell comprises a main portion (21) and a pair of lateral portions (22) extending downwardly from the opposite sides of the main portion, each lateral portion only defines a soldering plate (226) extending inwardly therefrom at the distal end thereof adjacent to the card inserting opening.
US07682166B2 Electronic device with grounding mechanism
A grounding mechanism (20) is electronically connected to a main circuit board (52), a subsidiary circuit board (53) and a key conductive member (55). The grounding mechanism includes an elastic member (30). The elastic member includes a mounting portion (31), a conductive portion (32) and a resisting portion (35). The mounting portion is electronically fixed to the main circuit board. The conductive portion extends from one side of the mounting portion for electronically connecting to the key conductive member. The resisting portion extends from another side of the mounting portion for resisting the subsidiary circuit board.
US07682159B2 Electrical connector and camera device having the same
An electrical connector for electrical connecting a camera module with a circuit board includes an insulative casing and a number of signal terminals. The insulative casing includes a bottom wall and a number of side walls. A receiving space is defined between the bottom wall and side walls for receiving the camera module. The bottom wall defines a receiving opening thereon. The signal terminals are fixed on the side walls and extending beyond the bottom wall configured for electrically connecting with the camera module and the circuit board. The present invention also relates to a camera device having the same.
US07682158B2 Electrical card connector for different size cards
An electrical card connector includes: a plastic base having one row of first terminals and a first slot; and an upper cover, which has a top surface and covers over the plastic base. A partition baffle is disposed below the top surface of the upper cover. Each side of the partition baffle is formed with a side portion. A first inserting port is formed below the partition baffle. A second inserting port is defined and enclosed by the partition baffle, the two side portions and the top surface of the upper cover. When a first card is inserted into the first slot from the first inserting port, connection points of the first card are in direct contact with the first terminals. When a second card is slantingly inserted from the second inserting port, connection points of the second card are lowered and thus in direct contact with the first terminals.
US07682157B2 Card edge connector
The present invention provides a card edge connector. The card edge connector comprises a bar insulator base which is provided with a plurality of sockets, a group of connecting terminals arrayed in parallel, and two arm base supports arranged between both ends of the insulator base. The connecting terminals are inserted into the sockets of the insulator base to constitute a group of socket electrodes electrically connected with a circuit board. The arm base supports are respectively provided with an auxiliary supporting bracket connected with the circuit board. Each auxiliary supporting bracket is mutually sheathed, articulated and connected with one respective arm base support.
US07682154B2 Balance practicing machine
A balance practicing machine that provides effective balancing practice through the compound movement of an adjustable seat that comfortably accommodates various body types. The balance practicing machine is equipped with a saddle-shaped seat upon which a user sits, a drive unit that imparts a swinging motion to the seat, expandable and contractible elements on the surface of the seat, and a mechanism to expand and contract the expandable and contractible elements.
US07682152B2 Force distributing dental implant assembly
A dental implant assembly (20) including a core body (40, 140, 240, 340, 440) for engaging a tooth-replicating device (52). The core body (40, 140, 240, 340, 440) is disposed in an anchor body (24, 124, 224, 424), and a screw cap body (58) is disposed about the outer attachment surface (30, 130, 230, 430) of the anchor body (24, 124, 224, 424). The screw cap body (58) engages the bone (22) of a person to support the dental implant assembly (20) and holds the core body (40, 140, 240, 340, 440) and the anchor body (24, 124, 224, 424) together.
US07682143B2 Modular mounting device for concrete casting machines
Mounting device for a flexible constructed retainer means for retention of a casting upper part in a concrete casting machine of the type which typically is used for the production of casting items in the form of concrete blocks for pavements and wall constructions. Typically, two or three fixer flutes (10) are applied for each casting upper part, the length of the fixer flutes are adapted the depth of the casting upper part. In the invention, a flexible mountable fixer flute (10) consisting of two identical halves (12) is described. When the height of these fixer flute-halves exceeds a certain height, spacers (14) are mounted by means of bolting. The design of the fixer flute (10) leaves a space where the forks of fork lift trucks can be passed through, thus using the fixer flutes to also lift the casting upper part.
US07682132B2 Double jet film cooling structure
A film cooling structure includes a wall surface which faces a gas-flow passage for high-temperature gas. One or more than one pair of jetting holes are formed on the wall surface so as to respectively jet cooling media into the gas-flow passage. The pair of jetting holes respectively have jetting directions in which the cooling media are jetted from the pair of jetting holes into the gas-flow passage. The jetting directions of the pair of jetting holes are respectively set so as to respectively form swirls in directions in which the cooling media are mutually pressed against the wall surface.
US07682127B2 Dynamically self-balanced fluid turbine
A system and method for orienting first and second reaction turbines relative to an axis of rotation responds to a fluid flow having a flow orientation axis. The fluid flow is received in a casement. The casement has first and second endplates situated parallel and spaced apart along the axis of rotation. A first half of the fluid flow drives the first reaction turbine to rotate with a first spin orientation in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation to produce a first torque about the axis of rotation. The second half of the fluid flow drives the second reaction turbine, offset from the casement plane relative to the first reaction turbine, with a second spin orientation opposite the first spin orientation to produce a second torque about the axis of rotation. The casement is oriented about the axis of rotation in response to the first and second torques.
US07682125B2 Device for receiving and for transporting an article
Device for receiving and for transporting an article, which device has receiving means which can be slid under the article by a sliding unit, characterized in that the receiving means are formed by rollers (10) which are arranged transversely to the direction in which they are slid under the article (1) by the sliding unit (20) and are driven in such a way that their circumferential velocity is equal in amount, but opposite in direction, to the speed at which they are slid under the article (1).
US07682124B2 Tractor with backhoe
A tractor with a backhoe is disclosed. The backhoe is mounted to a rear portion of the tractor. The backhoe has a boom, an arm pivotally supported to a leading end of the boom, a bucket pivotally supported to a leading end of the arm, a boom cylinder for operating the boom, an arm cylinder for operating the arm and a bucket cylinder for operating the bucket. The tractor includes a frame attached to a rear portion of the tractor, a swing bracket supported to a rear portion of the frame to be pivotable about a vertical axis, a control valve unit having control valves for controlling the boom cylinder, the arm cylinder and the bucket cylinder and a hose unit for feeding pressure oil from the control valve unit to the boom cylinder, the arm cylinder and the bucket cylinder. The wing bracket includes a first opening open to the front side and a second opening open to the rear side. The control valve unit is disposed, in its plan view, on an extension line of the first opening and the second opening. The hose unit extends substantially linearly from the control valve unit through the first opening to the second opening.
US07682123B2 Compact apparatus and method for storing and loading semiconductor wafer carriers
An improved apparatus and method is provided for storing semiconductor wafer carriers, and for loading wafers or wafer carriers to a fabrication tool. The apparatus preferably provides an elevated port for receipt of wafer carriers from an overhead factory transport, allows for local interconnection among a plurality of the inventive apparatuses, and enables independent loading of the factory load port and the tool load port. An inventive wafer handling method which divides a lot of wafers into sublots and distributes the sublots among tools configured to perform the same process is also provided.
US07682121B2 Hay bale accumulator
A drag-behind square hay bale accumulator that groups ten (10) bales of hay is claimed. The grouping configuration has the advantage of providing the first two bales of hay turned at right angles to the remaining bales, to provide for improved stacking of the hay bales. The accumulator is comprised of an open framework within which channels for routing the bales are positioned. After a group of ten (10) bales is collected, the accumulator leaves the bales on the field in a grouping that can be mechanically picked up and stacked.
US07682120B1 Positive locking machine screw mechanism
A positive locking machine screw mechanism comprises a screw having a head and a body wherein the body includes male threads formed thereon wherein the threaded body has at least one longitudinal segment devoid of threads. A work piece defines a hole having female threads formed therein for receiving the screw and further defines in a portion of the hole, at least one longitudinally extending segment devoid of female threads. The longitudinal screw segment devoid of male threads and the longitudinal hole segment devoid of female threads are arranged such that the screw body is longitudinally received in the hole without engagement of the male screw threads with the female work piece threads.
US07682119B2 Screw for fastening wooden materials
A screw includes a shank portion including a tapered bottom section having a tip, a head on top of the shank portion, and first and second helical threads. The first helical thread extends helically around the shank portion in a first direction between the tip and the head, and has a first end distal from the head, and a second end opposite to the first end. The second helical thread extends helically around the shank portion in a second direction between the first helical thread and the tip, and has a third end proximate to the second end of the first helical thread. The first and second directions are opposite to each other. A non-helical ridge extends around the shank portion between the first and second helical threads.
US07682117B2 Work piece isolating assembly
An isolating connector between a first work piece and a second work piece each defining a hole therein includes first and second spring members that capture the first work piece between flanges of the spring members and establish a column between the second work piece and a head of a bolt extending through the first and second spring members and anchored in the second work piece.
US07682116B2 Anchor device of wooden or metal structures to a wall
An anchor device includes an expansion bolt and a fastening screw. The bolt has a tubular body. The tubular body further has a central shank and a head, which is integrally made with the central shank and has a full solid body on which a pair of longitudinal reciprocally perpendicular through slots are made which delimit four anchor segments adapted to spread outwards under the bias of the fastening screw. The central shank has a first portion arranged next to the head on which a plurality of longitudinal through slots define longitudinal anchoring tabs which expand radially outwards under the bias of the fastening screw following the spreading of the four anchor segments.
US07682115B1 Reconfigurable load-binding system and apparatus
A load binding apparatus for mounting an object comprising a frame assembly suitable for supporting at least one object, at least one channel coupled to the underside of the frame assembly, the channel further comprising at least one receiving aperture, and a securing assembly for releasably coupling an attachment to the frame assembly through the receiving aperture.
US07682112B2 Process and a device for the machining of panels
A machining tool for machining a panel is arranged in a working area of a machining surface of the panel. A holding element is arranged in a support area located on a holding surface of the panel, opposing the machining surface and on an opposite side in relation to the panel to the working area. The operating machining tool and the holding element are displaced on the panel in a co-coordinated manner according to movement presenting at least one component tangentially to the surface of the panel in such a way as to maintain the opposition of the support area and the working area during the displacement of the tool in order to machine at least a part of the machining surface.
US07682111B2 Bore cutter
First and second bore blade portions are provided on the outer periphery of a rotary shaft at intervals in the circumferential direction with a rotation axis as the center. A first bore blade portion has a continuous blade and a second bore blade portion has a discontinuous blade having protruding blade edges and indented blade edges, which are alternately provided. The distance in the radial direction of the protruding blade edges is set so as to be greater than or equal to the distance in the radial direction of a continuous blade, and the distance in the radial direction of indented blade edges is set so as to be smaller than the distance in the radial direction of the continuous blade. Accordingly, the cutting resistance of the bore cutter can be reduced.
US07682109B2 Cutting tool, tool body and cutting insert therefor
A cutting tool has a tool body and a cutting insert releasably retained in a pocket of the tool body. The cutting insert has first and second rear insert abutment surfaces and a third forward insert abutment surface and the pocket has first and second rear pocket abutment surfaces and a third forward pocket abutment surface. The first and second abutment surfaces are separated from the third abutment surface by a bore. The third forward pocket abutment surface can be either a socket recessed in a pocket base surface or a protrusion protruding from the base surface; and the third forward insert abutment surface can be correspondingly either a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the insert or a socket recessed in the inner surface.
US07682104B2 Culvert inlet protection device
A temporary culvert barrier for placing across the mouth of a culvert for blocking litter and debris from entering or exiting the culvert and for filters to block silt or sand from clogging the culvert or the drain area. The filters may also be selected to absorb oils salts or other chemicals. The temporary barrier is easy to install and remove. The barrier plates and filters fit to the size of the culvert mouth and have adjustment slots for different width mouths. The culvert barrier may be used to prevent pollution at construction sites and be temporarily or permanently attached to culvert mouths. The filters may be changed or cleaned as required.
US07682089B2 System and method for positioning a probe
An adapter couples a length of optical fiber to a hollow probe and to an optical coherence tomography instrument. The length of optical fiber may be greater than the length of the adapter itself. The optical fiber is fixed to an optical coupler at a proximal end of the adapter and may be maintained in a curved configuration by features located in an internal cavity of the adapter. An optical fiber advance mechanism be used to advance and/or retract the length of optical fiber to align it within the hollow probe.
US07682083B2 Bearing system
A bearing system includes a bearing, a shaft extending in the bearing, and a layer of nano-structured coating coated on one of the bearing and the shaft. A space is formed between the bearing and the shaft, and a lubricant is filled in the space. The lubricant is made of polymer material with hydrophilic and hydropholic properties. The nano-structured coating has a high surface tension which results in the coating being capable of adsorbing the lubricant to form a layer of lubricant film between the coating and the other of the bearing and the shaft, thereby reducing possibility of direct contact between the lubricant and the other of the shaft and the bearing. Thus, loss of the lubricant is reduced to avoid contacting frication between the shaft and the bearing. Accordingly, noise generated by the bearing system is decreased and life of the bearing system is extended.
US07682081B2 Sliding bearing with improved surface topography
A sliding bearing comprises two opposite bearing surfaces (3, 4) which enclose a gap (6) containing a lubricant film (5), the bearing surfaces (3, 4) being moveable with respect to each other in a generally parallel fashion, at least one of the surfaces (4) being provided with at least one cavity (10), the cavity having a depth (h3) which is at least equal to the lubricant film thickness. One of the length (Bp) and width (Lp) dimension of the surface area of the cavity (10) amounts to at least 100 μm.
US07682076B2 Temperature sensor
A temperature sensor including a housing and a temperature sensing element at least partially disposed in the housing. A particulate media, which may include a blend of differently sized particles, is disposed in the housing and at least partially surrounds the temperature sensing element. The particulate media may entrain oxygen to avoid a reducing atmosphere in said housing.
US07682073B2 Radiation measuring apparatus, and method and device for testing proper functioning of said radiation measuring apparatus
A conventional radiation thermometer encompasses an infrared radiation sensor and a heatable and/or coolable radiation incidence window. The method and radiation thermometer according to the invention use the established dependence of the sensor signal U of the infrared radiation sensor on the temperature Tw of the radiation incidence window W (or any other heatable or coolable optical element in the beam path) for verifying its proper functional operation. Applying the method according to the invention, the radiation incidence window (or perhaps another optical element in the beam path) is heated up or cooled by activating an associated electric heating or cooling device. The resulting change ΔUw in the sensor signal U is detected, preferably in continuous fashion, as a function of the window temperature Tw and analyzed or verified for any deviation from an acceptable value or permissible range.
US07682072B2 Method of measuring thermal conductivity of honeycomb structure
The method for measurement of thermal conductivity of a honeycomb structure according to the present invention comprises the steps keeping the whole honeycomb structure in a steady temperature state with keeping two ends of the honeycomb structure at given different temperatures; and measuring a thermal conductivity of the honeycomb structure in the steady state. According to the present invention there is provided a method for measurement of thermal conductivity of a honeycomb structure, which can measure the thermal conductivity of a honeycomb structure in the shape of the honeycomb structure per se or in a predetermined block shape without preparing, for example, a test specimen of particular shape.
US07682070B2 Timepiece with stabilizing bezel
A wrist-worn timepiece may have a case, a timing element, and a wristband. The case includes a body, a crystal, and a bezel. The body may define a depression and a channel. The timing element is positioned within the depression, and the channel is located to extend at least partially around the depression. The crystal is located within the depression and adjacent to the timing element, and the bezel is at least partially located within the channel. The body may be formed from a polymer material and the bezel may be formed from a metal material.
US07682069B2 Tracking and monitoring system
A tracking device is incorporated into a watch. The tracking device appears as an ordinary watch, but cannot be removed by the individual wearing it. If necessary, the location of the tracking device can be determined by a central server and reported to the authorities or to the individual's family.
US07682066B2 Method for recycling waste sulfuric acid
The recycling apparatus of waste sulfuric acid for collecting waste sulfuric acid generated at a source site A, transporting it by a carrier B, and recycling it for reuse at a user site C, the recycling apparatus of waste sulfuric acid including a receiving tank for receiving virgin sulfuric acid (a) and waste sulfuric acid (b) having a concentration different from that of the virgin sulfuric acid, and including (1) a mixer alone, (2) a mixer and a concentration monitor, or a mixer and a cooler in combination, or (3) a mixer, a concentration monitor, and a cooler in combination.
US07682065B2 Backlight module having holding device for holding light source
An exemplary backlight module (20) includes a light source (23), a light guide plate (21), a light source reflector (22), and a holding device (24). The light guide plate includes a light incident surface (211). The light source is disposed adjacent to the light incident surface. The light source reflector attaches to the light guide plate, and includes a fixing hole (224). The holding device engages with the light source reflector at the fixing hole and restrains the light source in position a predetermined maximum distance away from the light source reflector.
US07682062B2 Illuminating device
An illuminating device for backlighting flat displays, in particular displays for mobile applications, is provided. The illuminating device includes a light source and a light guiding member into which light emitted from the light source is coupled in and is coupled out therefrom at an exit surface. The exit surface has a surface structure including diffractive surface elements for light propagation, wherein all surface elements have a surface structure with a constant amplitude.
US07682056B2 Mirror mounting bracket with illumination means
An exterior rearview mirror including a mirror mounting bracket for attachment to a vehicle, and at least one perimeter light with a light source arranged on a thermally conductive carrier (e.g. a printed circuit board) in thermally conductive connection with the mirror mounting bracket. The light source is preferably an LED.
US07682055B2 LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a bracket and a heat sink mounted on a top side of the bracket. The heat sink includes a base. A plurality of LED module assemblies is mounted to a bottom surface of the base of the heat sink. Each of the LED module assemblies includes a heat absorbing plate located below the bottom surface of the base of the heat sink, an LED module mounted on a bottom surface of the heat absorbing plate and a heat pipe interconnecting the bottom surface of the base and a top surface of the heat absorbing plate. The heat pipes are U-shaped and horizontally positioned and have different heights.
US07682054B2 Illuminating apparatus with efficient heat dissipation capability
An illuminating apparatus (20) includes a lamp cover (200), a solid-state light emitting component (23) and an air tank (24). The lamp cover has a first end and an opposite second end. The lamp cover tapers from the first end to the second end. The lamp cover defines therein an air channel (25) running from the first end to the second end of the lamp cover. The solid-state light emitting component is disposed in the lamp cover at the second end thereof. The air tank has a chamber (240) therein in thermally contact with the solid-state light emitting component. The air tank has a plurality of first and second air vents (244, 245). The chamber is communicated with the air channel via the first air vents, and is communicated with an ambient environment via the second air vents. The first and second air vents are disposed at different altitudes.
US07682053B2 Light-emitting device with a long lifespan
A light-emitting device includes a housing, a light-emitting unit, a cup-shaped reflector, and a plurality of leads. The light-emitting unit is disposed in the housing. The cup-shaped reflector is disposed in the housing, and includes a base wall that is formed with a plurality of holes therethrough, and a surrounding wall that diverges from the base wall thereof and that surrounds the light-emitting unit. Each of the leads extends into the housing and is coupled electrically to the light-emitting unit.
US07682049B2 LED lamp
An LED lamp includes a first heat sink, a plurality of LED modules and a connecting member. The first heat sink has base plate and a plurality of first fins arranged on the base plate. The LED modules are attached to a bottom surface of the base plate. Outer ends of the LED modules are located at a level higher than that of inner ends of the LED modules. The mounting base is alternatively fixed to one of a top and a bottom of the first heat sink so that the LED lamp can be selectively used as a floor lamp or a pedant lamp.
US07682047B2 Backlight module with a heat dissipation device
A backlight module including a light box, a plurality of light source sets, and a heat dissipation device is provided. The light box has a bottom and a light-emitting section. The bottom has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The light source sets are disposed on the first surface, and each of the light source sets includes a substrate disposed on the first surface and a plurality of point light sources disposed on the substrate. The heat dissipation device is disposed on the second surface. The heat dissipation device includes a thermal assembly and at least one fan, and the thermal assembly includes a plurality of covers. Each of the covers is individually disposed on the second surface at a position below one of the light source sets, and an air flow channel is formed between each cover and the bottom.
US07682043B2 Wirelessly controlled light emitting display system
A light emitting assembly, and wirelessly controlled light emitting assembly for use in a lighted display having a housing body configured to receive a light emitting device having a plurality of wirelessly controlled light emitting elements. The housing body includes at least one mounting feature arranged and disposed to maintain a relative positioning of the light emitting assembly with respect to another light emitting assembly.
US07682042B2 Illumination device
Disclosed is an illumination device for projecting a substantially uniform light at a remote distance. The illumination device comprises a mounting assembly divided into a plurality of sections, each section comprising a plurality of light emitting sources arranged substantially equi-distant along a circumference of said assembly at an angle to project a light image at the remote distance, an contact plate connected via a central axis with, and fixed to, the mounting assembly, the contact plate providing an electrical contact to each of the light emitting devices, a plurality of lensing assemblies equal in number to plurality of sections axially aligned with the mounting assembly, the lensing assembly aligned with a select one of the light emitting sources in a corresponding section, the light emitting source being positioned in front of a focal point of the lensing assembly, each lensing assembly comprising at least one optically transparent lens determining said lensing assembly focal point, and means for shifting said contact plate and mounting assembly to align a select one of said light emitting devices with a corresponding lensing assembly. In another aspect of the invention, the lens assemblies may be positioned linearly and light emitting sources are positioned along an edge of the mounting assemblies, wherein the LEDs are positioned in front of the lensing assemblies by shifting each of the mounting assemblies.
US07682038B2 Portable light having multi-mode reflector
A portable light is provided having a reflector assembly configured to create multiple modes of light reflection. The reflector assembly surrounds a light source and has first and second reflectors that together define a substantially continuous reflective surface. The second reflector is mounted for axial movement relative to the first reflector. Thus, different modes of light reflection can be produced. In an exemplary embodiment, the second reflector is disposed within a central opening defined by the first reflector, and the reflectors combine to define a substantially parabolic reflective surface, with the light source disposed at a focal point.
US07682033B2 Polygonal chemiluminescent lighting device
A chemiluminescent illuminated device employing a light-filtering injection molded polygonal shaped container that is scalloped to form an augmented illumination surface. The shaped housing includes a round shaped or form following chemical holding section. The lighting effects generated by the chemiluminescent chemical is enhanced by the polygonal shape and the inherent optical properties.
US07682032B2 Apparatus for pivoting a mirror assembly
A bearing apparatus for pivotally moving a carrying arm relative to an anchorage is provided. The carrying arm may carry a mirror for a vehicle, the anchorage mountable to the vehicle. The bearing apparatus has a bushing located between the carrying arm and the anchorage in which a pivot bearing apparatus is moveably disposed. In one embodiment the pivot bearing apparatus has a control component and a come-along part relationally disposed about a shaft and movably connected to the control component. When the shaft is rotated, the come-along part moves along the shaft to rotate the control component. In turn, the control component transfers its rotation to pivot the carrying arm.
US07682029B2 System and method for projector lamp door thermal safety latch
An information handling system projector lamp door includes a thermal safety latch that secures the lamp cover panel if the temperature of the projector interior exceeds a safety limit associated with potential harm to an end user. A thermostatic spring expands at a predetermined temperature to interfere with movement of a latch so that the latch is locked to secure the cover panel in a closed position. Below the predetermined temperature, the thermostatic spring retracts to allow movement of the latch so that the cover panel is released to move to an open position. An override interfaces with the thermal safety latch to allow manual release of the cover panel by retracting the thermostatic spring.
US07682022B2 Ophthalmic apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus capable of observing an examinee's eye even during switching of measurement modes comprises a first measurement unit, a second measurement unit, an up-and-down movement mechanism, a display device, mode switching means which generates a mode switching signal for switching between a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode, and a control unit which drives and controls the up-and-down movement mechanism to change a state in which a first center axis and the eye are placed at substantially a same height into a state in which a second center axis and the eye are placed at substantially a same height by moving a main body of the apparatus, and controls to display the image outputted from a first image-pickup element and the image outputted from a second image-pickup element simultaneously on the display device during a shift from the first measurement mode to the second measurement mode.
US07682019B2 Methods for rotationally stabilizing contact lenses
The invention provides contact lenses which have improved dynamic stabilization and that utilize one or more thin zones in the lens' periphery.
US07682018B2 Eyeglasses with detachable adjustable electronics module
A detachable adjustable electronics module may be removably or permanently connected to eyewear. The module may include electronics for processing audio and/or video signals. The module may be provided with an adjustable arm, for adjustably carrying a speaker. The module and/or the speaker may be adjusted relative to the wearer in any of the anterior-posterior direction, the inferior-superior direction and laterally. Rotation adjustments may also be accomplished. Eyewear may be provided with only a single module, on a single side, or with two modules, one on each side, such as to provide stereo audio or dual mono sound.
US07682016B2 Stably operable image-forming apparatus with improved paper conveying and ejecting mechanism
An image-forming apparatus includes an endless conveyor belt, a counter roller, and a clutch part. The endless conveyor belt is rotatable to convey paper with a surface of the conveyor belt being charged. The counter roller holds the paper between the conveyor belt and the counter roller and conveys the paper. The clutch part is caused to slip by the difference in velocity between the conveyor belt and the counter roller. The counter roller is driven through the clutch part.
US07682007B2 Ink cartridges
An ink cartridge includes a movable member which includes a sliding member and a float portion. The sliding member includes a signal blocking portion, and the signal blocking portion is configured to move in a first direction from a first position within a translucent portion to a second position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. Moreover, the float portion is operationally coupled to the sliding member, and the float portion is disposed within the ink chamber. The float portion is configured to move independent of the first portion in a second direction from a third position to a fourth position based on the amount of ink within the ink chamber. For example, the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction or may be slanted with respect to the first direction.
US07682006B2 Liquid container
A liquid container detachably mounted on a liquid consuming device, the liquid container includes: a liquid containing portion; a liquid supply portion that is connected to the liquid consuming device; a liquid guide path that guides a liquid stored in the liquid containing portion to the liquid supply portion; and an air communicating hole that introduces air from the outside into the liquid containing portion according to consumption of the liquid in the liquid containing portion, wherein the liquid containing portion includes a first inner wall surface, a second inner wall surface that crosses the first inner wall surface, and a liquid containing portion outlet port that is provided in the first inner wall surface close to the second inner wall surface so as to cause the liquid containing portion to communicate with the liquid guide path.
US07682005B2 Ink tank configured to accommodate high ink flow rates
A removable ink tank configured to be mounted to a printhead assembly includes a floor having an ink output port A free ink chamber is located above the floor. A suspended ink chamber is located above the floor and around the ink output port. The suspended ink chamber is separated from the free ink chamber. At least one ink suspension body is contained in the suspended ink chamber. A fluid communication port is formed between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber to facilitate a fluid communication between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber. A filter device is positioned to cover the fluid communication port. The filter device has a porosity selected to establish a desired bubbling pressure between the free ink chamber and the suspended ink chamber.
US07682001B2 Piezoelectric actuator inkjet head and method of forming the same
A piezoelectric actuator of an inkjet head and a method of forming the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator is formed on a vibration plate to provide a driving force to each of a plurality of pressure chambers. The piezoelectric actuator includes a lower electrode formed on the vibration plate, a piezoelectric layer formed on the lower electrode at a position corresponding to each of the pressure chambers, a supporting pad formed on the lower electrode, the supporting pad contacting one end of the piezoelectric layer and extending away from the one end of the piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode extending from a top surface of the piezoelectric layer to a top surface of the supporting pad. The upper electrode is bonded to a driving circuit above the supporting pad to receive a voltage from the driving circuit. The piezoelectric layer may have substantially the same length as the pressure chamber. The supporting pad may be formed of a photosensitive polymer and may have substantially the same height as the piezoelectric layer. The upper electrode may include a first portion formed on the piezoelectric layer and a second portion formed on the supporting pad, and the second portion may be wider than the first portion.
US07681999B2 Ink-jet printing head
An ink-jet printing head having a cavity unit, the cavity unit including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting an ink, a plurality of pressure chambers communicating with the respective nozzles, a common manifold chamber for distributing the ink into the plurality of pressure chambers, and a flexible plate having the plurality of nozzles and including a wall portion which partly defines the common manifold chamber and which constitutes a damper portion, wherein the damper portion absorbs a pressure wave of the ink propagating from each selected one of the pressure chambers to the common manifold chamber, when the ink in each selected pressure chamber is pressurized to eject the ink from the corresponding nozzle.
US07681997B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus comprises an inkjet recording head, an ink-testing unit having an ink-test chamber, a pressure-vibration generating unit that generates a pressure vibration in the ink-test chamber, a pressure-vibration detecting unit that detects the pressure vibration, an ink inlet that introduces ink into the ink-test chamber and an ink outlet through which ink is discharged from the ink-tester chamber. Failures of ink ejection can be prevented by detecting cavitation cores by the ink-test chamber and removing ink containing the cavitation cores from ink supplied to the inkjet recording head.
US07681996B2 Liquid ejection head, method of manufacturing liquid ejection head, and image forming apparatus
The liquid ejection head includes: a piezoelectric body which generates pressure for ejecting liquid; a pressure chamber which is connected to a nozzle; a common liquid chamber which is arranged across the piezoelectric body from the pressure chamber and has at least five molded walls that are integrally molded from a resin material; groove-shaped wires which include a first wire and a second wire and are formed on at least two of the molded walls of the common liquid chamber; a liquid supply flow channel which is provided in one of the molded walls that is adjacent to the pressure chamber in such a manner that the liquid supply flow channel is connected with the pressure chamber; and an electronic circuit which is arranged on one of the molded walls of the common liquid chamber, wherein the first wire is connected to the piezoelectric body and the second wire is connected to the electronic circuit.
US07681994B2 Drop ejection device
Disclosed devices include a channel having a wall with a plurality of spaced apart projections extending therefrom. The projections substantially prevent intrusion of a liquid into the projections.
US07681991B2 Composite ceramic substrate for micro-fluid ejection head
A composite ceramic substrate for receiving an ejection head chip for a micro-fluid ejection head and a method for making the composite ceramic substrate. The substrate includes a high temperature previously fired ceramic base having a substantially planarized first surface and at least one fluid supply slot therethrough. A low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tape layer bundle having at least two LTCC tape layers is attached to the ceramic base at an interface between the LTCC tape layer bundle and the first surface of the ceramic base. The LTTC tape layer bundle has at least one chip pocket therein and at least one of the LTCC tape layers includes a plurality of conductors.
US07681985B2 Self-aligned precision datums for array die placement
A method and resulting device for accurately positioning an array of die modules in an imaging array, including larger partial width arrays and full page width arrays, is described herein. The method includes forming physical reference datum directly on an individual silicon die module, and positioning the individual die modules on a temporary holder. The temporary holder includes an alignment tool and singulated die are placed onto the temporary holder by abutting the physical reference datum against the alignment tool. A vacuum temporarily secures the die positioned on the temporary holder, and a permanent substrate is then attached to the die of the temporary holder. The temporary holder is released in favor of the permanent substrate having the accurately aligned die modules thereon.
US07681983B2 Image forming apparatus and vibration prevention mechanism of a carriage
An image forming apparatus having a print head that reciprocates along a guide rail includes a carriage on which the print head is mounted. The print head is supplied with ink through a tube from an ink cartridge that is arranged outside the carriage. The carriage includes an engaging portion that slidably engages the carriage with the guide rail, an urging portion that presses the guide rail against the engaging portion, and a base portion on which the urging portion is mounted. The urging portion includes an elastic member that is in contact with the base portion at one end thereof, and a wedge-shaped member that is connected to the other end of the elastic member and urged in a direction in which the guide rail is pressed against the engaging portion by the elastic force of the elastic member.
US07681976B2 Printer and print-condition setting method for the same
An interface, to which a recording medium storing at least one first setting information item is removably attached to a printer. A storage stores hardware specification data. A reader reads out the at least one first setting information item from the recording medium attached to the interface. A register judges whether the at least one read out first setting information item matches with the hardware specification data, and registers the first setting information item which matches with the hardware specification data as at least one second setting information item. A selector selects one of the at least one second setting information item as a print condition.
US07681964B2 Recording medium processing apparatus, printing method, and computer program
A recording medium processing apparatus is disclosed. The recording medium processing apparatus includes: a head unit which traces a track formed on a recording surface of a recording medium and reads a data signal; a signal processing unit which detects positional information of the recording medium on the basis of the data signal; and a printing unit which prints visible information on a non-recording surface of the recording medium by referring to the positional information.
US07681963B2 Braking system for a lift truck
A braking system for a lift truck performs all service braking using truck traction drive motors. Mechanical, spring applied, electrically released brakes are coupled to wheels on opposite sides of the truck with the mechanical brakes applying unequal braking forces to the wheels. The mechanical brakes perform park braking and, in the event an electrical system problem arises, backup braking as well that can be modulated by an operator of the truck regardless of the operating condition of the truck.
US07681962B2 Method for estimating master cylinder pressure during brake apply
A method for estimating master cylinder pressure during brake apply of a brake system of a vehicle, wherein the brake system includes a brake pedal. A first master cylinder pressure is estimated from brake pedal position during brake apply. A second master cylinder pressure is estimated from vehicle deceleration during brake apply. The master cylinder pressure is estimated during brake apply to be equal to the first master cylinder pressure when the vehicle deceleration is below a predetermined deceleration value. The master cylinder pressure is estimated during brake apply to be equal to a value which is less than the first master cylinder pressure and greater than or equal to the second master cylinder pressure when the vehicle deceleration is at or above the predetermined deceleration value. At least the estimated master cylinder pressure during brake apply is used to control the vehicle.
US07681961B2 Brake system for vehicle
A brake system for a vehicle includes an electrically operated parking brake drive device which generates an operating force for operating the wheel brakes or dedicated parking brakes in response to energization, and which operates even upon cancellation of the energization while in the operated state. A braking force related amount detector detects a physical quantity related to a braking force exhibited by each of the hydraulic pressure operated wheel brakes. When a detected physical quantity exceeds a reference value in a stopped state of the vehicle, a controller energizes the electrically operated parking brake drive device. Thus, the frequency of operation of the electrically operated parking brake drive device is decreased while eliminating inconvenient operations required to operate the electrically operated parking brake drive device, thereby reducing noise and improving durability.
US07681960B2 Method and system for improving the driving behavior of a vehicle
A method for a Sensitive Electronic Stability Program (SESP) presents a general approach for the correction of maneuvers of turning into a bend at low speed. It integrates existing methods as well as subsequent extensions. SESP supplements the standard active yaw control (AYC) function. This allows the SESP to use variables and mechanisms of AYC, on the one hand. On the other hand, AYC continues operating unimpeded in the background and will intervene as usual when SESP cannot stabilize the vehicle appropriately. When the standard AYC intervenes, SESP control operations are forbidden, or running SESP control operations are stopped. This stop can take place either abruptly or (which is more comfortable) by way of a moderate decrease of the correcting variables.
US07681958B1 Multi-piece wheel
A multi-piece wheel, which is assembled with multiple pieces of pre-made structural members, including an outer wheel ring, a central hub and multiple spokes. The outer wheel ring is comprised of a circular wall for affixing a tire on its inner surface and connecting spokes on its outer surface. The spokes are the wheel intermediate members which at their respective first and second end are connected to the respective outer wheel ring and the central hub. The central hub is a circular structure including a central bore and front circular arcuate surface, wherein multiple pockets are placed on the front surface for connecting the spoke second ends to the central hub. Various structural variations of the central hub and spokes regarding their connection are also disclosed, which results in various embodiments of the present invention.
US07681952B2 Chair with tiltable backrest
A chair having a base adapted to support the chair on a support surface, and a seat and backrest mounted on the base that includes a flexible backrest and a relatively simple tilt mechanism for tilting the backrest relative to the seat. The tilt mechanism includes a pair of dual cantilevered U-shaped springs mounted on opposite sides of the base and in communication with the backrest. The backrest is mounted to the tilt mechanism such that a rearward thrust applied by the user deflects an outer end of each U-shaped spring downwardly to enable rearward tilting of the backrest relative to the seat. Upon removal of the rearward thrust, the backrest elastically returns to its initial position under the biasing force of the U-shaped springs.
US07681951B2 Arrangement for accommodating passengers; vehicle for transporting passengers
A passenger compartment with first through fourth placement spaces that include first through fourth accommodation units, where the accommodation units are of a modular design. The first and second accommodation units are a first seat and a second seat which can both be changed between a sitting position and an essentially horizontal resting position. The first and second placement spaces are arranged in one placement plane facing each other. The third placement space is arranged beside the first placement space and the fourth placement space is arranged beside the second placement space. The arrangement includes a delimiting element arranged laterally beside the first and second placement spaces and extending to be perpendicular in relation to the placement plane. First and second couchette elements are affixable to the delimiting element such that passengers can be accommodated who are in positions lying down above the first and second placement spaces.
US07681950B2 Flip-up seat with rear seat storage
A seat assembly for a motorcycle includes a rider seat having a forward end and a rearward end, a mounting bracket pivotally coupling the forward end of the rider seat to a frame of a motorcycle, the rider seat being pivotable to raise the rearward end of the seat, and a support arm. The seat assembly further includes a rear seat support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being pivotally coupled to the support arm and the second end portion supporting a rear seat. The rear seat support is pivotal from a first position in which the rear seat is hidden from view below the rider seat to a second position in which the rear seat can support a passenger. The seat assembly also includes a stop feature for supporting the second end portion relative to the support arm and a lock feature for inhibiting pivoting of the rear seat support.
US07681939B2 Collapsible armrest for a vehicle door
Provided is an armrest assembly disposed on an inner door panel of a vehicle. The armrest assembly includes an armrest panel shaped to form the body of the armrest, and a support surface made of flexible skin. The armrest panel is fixed to a predetermined location on the inner door panel, and extends upwardly and away from the inner door panel to a proximal end. The proximal end is spaced apart and opposite the inner door panel to define an cavity. The flexible skin is attached to the proximal end and pulled taut over the cavity and fixed to the inner door panel to form the support surface for receiving the load of a passenger arm. The armrest assembly having the flexible skin for a support surface is able to fold into itself when the vehicle door is subject to a predetermined load, thus presenting no rigid structure posing a threat of being pushed into a passenger under said predetermined load.
US07681935B2 Vehicle cargo bed extender
An improved truck bed extender particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. When not being used to extend the truck bed, the extender is advantageously adapted to quickly and easily create a secondary storage area. In one embodiment, the extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a connecting wall, a first mount and a second mount. The connecting wall extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, and cooperates with the first side wall and second side wall to form a generally U-shape frame. The first mount is secured to the first side wall and includes a first interlocking member. The second mount is secured to the second side wall and comprises a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the first mounting station on the vehicle and the second interlocking member and the second mounting station on the vehicle cooperate to secure the truck bed extender to the vehicle so that the extender is rotatable about an axis between a first and a second position. In the first position, the connecting wall is in an upright position over the tailgate beyond the rear end of the bed. In the second position, the connecting wall is in an upright position spaced forward from the rear end of the bed and the tailgate.
US07681933B2 Shovel with crossbar handle
Disclosed herein is a shovel. The shovel may include a handle and a pivotable bracket for securing the handle to the shovel blade. The handle may include a horizontal crossbar grip portion and two vertical grip portions generally perpendicular to at least one of the crossbar grip portion and a longitudinally extending portion of the handle extending to a blade of the shovel. The shovel is suitable for moving and removing a variety of materials, including snow.
US07681930B2 Duct flange
A flange for ductwork is integrally formed at a distal end of a duct surface. A first flange portion is formed perpendicularly outward from the duct surface. A second flange portion is bent at a right angle from the first flange portion and substantially parallel to the duct surface. A third flange portion is bent back to be in substantial touching relationship with the second flange portion and towards the first flange portion. A fourth flange portion is bent at a right angle from the third flange portion to be in substantial touching relationship with the first flange portion. Finally, a fifth flange portion is bent at a right angle from the fourth flange portion to be in substantial touching relationship with the duct surface.
US07681928B2 Pipe fitting
A pipe fitting is made of plastic, such as polysulphone PSU or polyphenylsulphone PPSU. At least one end of the pipe fitting (1) comprises an external thread (2) for connecting the pipe fitting (1) to a mounting element, such as a pipe or a mounting piece, e.g. a tap. The thread (2) comprises a ridge (3). Between the ridges (3) there is a continuous helical groove (4). On the bottom of the groove (4) between the ridges (3) of the thread (2) there are protrusions (5).
US07681926B2 Method and apparatus for connecting small diameter tubing
A union for coupling two or more segments of tubing or optical fiber, having an elastomeric core with two or more tubular sections encased in a through bore of a union body, the ends of the union body bore having compression nuts having through bores for insertion of segments of tubing or optical fiber to be coupled, which, tubular sections, when compressed by the compression nuts, deform radially inwardly to hold and seal the segments of tubing or optical fiber inserted therein.
US07681924B2 Fused butt joint for plastic pipe
A method, apparatus, and design of a fusion welded pipe wherein the effects of an inner bead of the fusion weld are minimized. The internal shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured in several different shapes so that the beads or lips produced by the fusion welding process are unobtrusive and do not interfere with the function of the pipe. In a likewise manner, the outer shape of the pipe prior to welding may be configured so that the lips are unobtrusive on the external surface of the pipe.
US07681922B2 Connection between cooled pipe and uncooled pipe in a double-pipe heat exchanger
A union connection between uncooled pipe and cooled double-wall pipe in a heat exchanger comprising a double-wall pipe comprising in turn an internal pipe traveled by a fluid to be cooled and an external pipe defining with the internal pipe an air space traveled by a cooling fluid with one end of the double-wall pipe being connected to an inlet duct of the fluid to be cooled through a connection part also forming a bottom wall of the air space virtually transversal to the double-wall pipe extension and characterized in that the connection part has an annular form with U cross section to define two annular shanks extending longitudinally to the pipe with each shank being welded to one end of one of the two pipes of the double-wall pipe and in that the end of the inlet duct is welded to the connection part at said bottom wall of the air space.
US07681921B2 Automobile identification labeling and tracking system
A system, method, computer program, and business form that may be used to more quickly, accurately, and efficiently label, identify, track, and inventory new and previously-owned vehicles on an auto dealer's lot. Many aspects may also be used to track other objects such as hotel keys. The computer program and method include the steps of: receiving vehicle information for at least one vehicle to be delivered to the auto dealer; storing the vehicle information in a vehicle database accessible by the computer; receiving data obtained from the vehicle when the vehicle is delivered to the auto dealer; comparing the data to the vehicle database to determine if vehicle information has been received for the vehicle; and directing a printer to print at least a portion of the vehicle information on an identifier to be applied to the vehicle if the data corresponds to the vehicle information in the vehicle database.
US07681917B2 Sealing and reinforcing strips principally for airbag assembly joints
Highly-deformable sealing strips integrating with fabric assemblies (principally of airbags) are detailed. The strips reduce gas leakage from occurring. They also function as mechanical reinforcements of the assemblies.
US07681916B2 Gas generating system with axial flow filter
A filter for use in absorbing heat from gases generated in a gas generating system is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of discrete, continuous gas flow passages extending therethrough. In one embodiment, the filter is incorporated into an inflator used for inflating an inflatable element of a vehicle occupant protection system. A gas generator incorporating the filter and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the filter are also described.
US07681912B2 Airbag deployment disabling system
A system for inhibiting deployment of an airbag includes a rollover sensor and a circuit that are enclosed in an enclosure. The enclosure is mounted on a surface that is at a predetermined potential. The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface. The circuit inhibits deployment of the airbag when absence of the predetermined potential is detected.
US07681911B2 Serviceable assembly for seatbelt integrated deployable cushion
A serviceable seatbelt integrated airbag assembly that is removably attached to a vehicle seat includes an integrated deployable cushion, an inflation device, and a lap belt portion. A bracket may be provided that is removably attached to the seat. The lap belt portion is generally removably attached to the seat structure through connection with a bracket or structural member of the seat assembly and secured by a removable fastener. The airbag cushion is attached to, or contained within, a portion of the lap belt portion seatbelt webbing. An end of the lap belt portion fits through an interfacing joint element attached to one end of the primary seatbelt webbing. The airbag inflation device is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle. Removal of the serviceable seatbelt integrated airbag assembly is accomplished by disconnecting the electrical connector from the electrical system of the vehicle and seatbelt integrated airbag lap belt portion. The removable fastener is removed to disengage the lap belt portion from connection with the seat assembly and the lap belt portion is then released from connection with the primary seatbelt assembly by feeding an end of the lap belt portion through the interfacing joint element Attachment of the serviceable assembly is accomplished by reversing the described steps. Removal of the remaining portion of the seatbelt system, including the retractor and upper seatbelt guide may be achieved after decoupling the seatbelt integrated airbag lap belt portion from the seat structure and primary seatbelt system.
US07681909B2 Airbag device
An airbag device according to the invention is applicable to an airbag device having an airbag that is housed in a state of being able to inflate and deploy in front of an occupant. The airbag has a center chamber positioned in the vicinity of the center on the occupant side in a deployed state, and side chambers positioned on both the left and right sides of the center chamber. Moreover the airbag is provided with a gas supply section that supplies inflation gas to inside of the side chambers, and a means for introducing inflation gas to inside of the center chamber after the side chamber. Furthermore, the side chamber has; a gas introduction space into which inflation gas from the gas supply section is introduced, an upper space that extends upward from the gas introduction space, and a lower space that extends downward from the gas introduction space.
US07681907B2 Vehicle seats
An air-bag unit for a vehicle seat including a squab (2) and a back-rest (5). The back-rest (5) includes a frame which is covered with upholstery (7). An air-bag unit (22) has an inflatable air-bag (28) connected to an inflator (23) to inflate the air-bag 28. The air-bag unit 22 is mounted to the back-rest frame (6) so as to be located inboard of part of the frame (10) with the inflator (23) being located adjacent the rearmost region of the frame (6) and positioned to direct gas into the air-bag (28) in a generally forward direction. The arrangement is such that actuation of the air-bag unit (22) will cause the air-bag (28) to inflate so that at least part of the air-bag (28) lies between the frame (6) and the occupant (16) of the seat.
US07681904B2 Configurable snowshoe and ski device
A device is disclosed for a configurable snowshoe and ski device. The device includes a base member having a bottom for traversing over snow and ice covered terrain, a positionable axle rotatably coupling a mounting plate with the base member, and the axle positionable to enable one of a plurality of positions including a first position in which the mounting plate pivots above the plane of the base member and a second position in which the mounting plate pivots through the plane of the base member. The device may also include a plurality of wings coupled to the base member, the wings convertible between a skiing configuration in which the wings from a surface for gliding over snow and a snowshoe configuration in which the wings extend to increase the surface area of the base member.
US07681903B1 Trailer backup alignment guide
A trailer backup alignment guide apparatus (10) is taught for aligning a vehicle hitch ball (20) to a trailer coupler (22) for attachment therebetween. The apparatus consists of a vehicle ball mount (28) incorporating a ball mounting strap (36) encompassing a vehicle ball. A vehicle mast (58) is disposed within the hitch ball mount in a vertical position. A trailer hitch coupler mount (62) is attached to the trailer which includes an L-shaped base block (64) with a telescoping trailer mast (68) in a vertical position parallel with the vehicle mast. A coupler mounting strap (70) is attached to and circumvents the coupler mount. When the ball mount and hitch coupler mount are attached to the vehicle and trailer and the vehicle is maneuverably backed toward the trailer, the masts (58) and (68) may be visually aligned to guide the vehicle in a straight line until a vehicle mast designator (60) on the vehicle mast engages a trailer mast stop (78) on the trailer mast advising the vehicle driver that alignment has been achieved.
US07681897B2 Wheel suspension
A wheel suspension includes a working cylinder, a main spring in parallel with the working cylinder, and a piston rod extending from the working cylinder and having a longitudinal axis, the piston rod having fixed thereto a piston and a mount for fixing the piston rod against movement with respect to a vehicle body. The piston is mounted with freedom of axial movement in an adjusting cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into a space above the piston and a space below the piston, and an additional spring is located on the longitudinal axis for supporting the adjusting cylinder against the working cylinder. A shut-off element is located in a flow connection connecting the space above the piston to the space below the piston, whereby movement of the piston in the adjusting cylinder can be blocked when the vehicle rolls.
US07681893B2 Folding support for table machine
A folding support settable between an extended position and a received position is disclosed to include a rack for holding thereon a table machine, a pair of first legs and a pair of second legs respectively pivoted to the rack for supporting the rack above the floor, two first links respectively pivoted to the rack, and two second links respectively pivoted to the second legs and the first links. The first links and the second links are moved with the second legs toward the first legs when receiving the folding support, and at the same time the first links are stopped against the first legs, assuring safety of the receiving action.
US07681892B1 Wheeled military vehicle
The Invention is a wheeled military vehicle that may be stacked one on top of another for efficient transportation aboard an aircraft such as a helicopter. A tubular frame reinforces the fenders of the military vehicle, allowing a first vehicle to support the weight of a second vehicle and to withstand the load applied by rigging. A pintle hook is connected to the military vehicle by a hinge and has a deployed and a folded position. The hinged pintle hook allows a combination of the military vehicle and a trailer to be shortened selectably so that the combination will occupy a reduced space within the fuselage of an aircraft.
US07681890B2 Gasket
A gasket (201) includes one or more elastomeric sections (301, 305, 307) disposed on a metal substrate (303). An elastomeric ring (307) has an inner diameter (309) that is smaller than an outer diameter of a fastener (205). When the fastener (205) is inserted into the ring (307), the fastener (205) and gasket (201) are retained to each other. When a flange (101) for a device, such as an oil pick-up tube (100), is disposed between the fastener (205) and the gasket (201), the gasket (201) and fastener (205) are retained to the flange (101).
US07681888B2 Robust sealing system for power steering input shaft
A sealing system for sealing high liquid pressure and containing a wiper lip in either of two forms. The light pressure seal includes a seal casing, a seal body including a lip seal, a snap ring and a plastic back-up ring, and the wiper lip seals on either a radial or an axial surface. The casing may have radial and axial flanges or a radial flange only. The space between the two seals may be filled with grease.
US07681887B2 Target hanger and target support system
The present invention discloses novel hangers for hanging shooting targets such as clay targets in place for shooting practice. In addition it relates to a target system which includes hangers of the invention in combination with a horizontal support and optional support stands designed to hang one or more targets during target practice.
US07681881B2 Sheet aligning device and image forming apparatus
A sheet aligning device includes a sheet feeder that discharges a sheet in a first direction, a sheet tray on which the sheet is stacked, a sheet jogger that aligns the sheet on the sheet tray in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a sheet detection filler that detects a state of the sheet on the sheet tray. The sheet detection filler detects a position of a topmost sheet in the stack of sheets on the sheet tray and determines an alignment position from where the sheet jogger is to begin alignment of the sheets.
US07681880B2 Sheet delivery apparatus
Provided is a sheet delivery apparatus for delivering a sheet to a delivery tray, including: a pair of delivery rotary members for nipping and delivering the sheet guided by the guide portion; and a projection that rotates about an axis being the same as an axis of one of the pair of delivery rotary members, is abutted against a trailing end of the sheet, and pushes out the trailing end of the sheet toward a delivery tray side. The guide portion deforms the sheet so that the sheet does not contact the projection, and after the trailing end of the sheet has passed through the guide portion, the projection and the trailing end of the sheet are abutted against each other.
US07681877B2 Paper supply apparatus with brake lever controlled lifter for a printing device
An image forming device includes a paper supply apparatus including an adjustable knock-up plate to store a plurality of papers and having a lifter, a pick-up roller and feed roller to pick up each of the plurality of papers and feed each of the plurality of papers into the image forming device respectively, a motor to drive a plurality of units in the image forming device including the knock-up plate, and a brake unit to selectively transmit and disconnect power to the lifter. The lifting operation of the knock-up plate, to smoothly supply papers to the image forming device, is performed by receiving power from an existing arbitrary motor installed within the image forming device, and not from an exclusive motor that is solely used to drive and lift the knock-up plate.
US07681876B2 Printer having disengageably gear driven media pick-up roller
A printer comprising: a sheet media transport mechanism for transporting sheet media past a printhead; a pick-up roller arranged to be rotated so as to contact and pick-up sheet media from a supply of sheet media and deliver the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism; and a gear assembly for communicating a driving force of a motor to the pick-up roller so as to rotate the pick-up roller, wherein a first gear of the gear assembly is arranged to disengage from a second gear of the gear assembly substantially at the point of delivery of a leading edge of the picked sheet media to the sheet media transport mechanism so as to cease communication of the driving force of the motor to the pick-up roller.
US07681874B2 Sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveying unit to convey a sheet in a first sheet conveying direction, a second conveying unit to convey the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit in a second sheet conveying direction that is different from the first sheet conveying direction, a first sheet conveying path provided between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, a belt-type sheet conveying unit to the holding section of the second conveying unit, and a positioning control mechanism to move and position the first supporting member and the second supporting member in respective directions different from each other. The belt-type sheet conveying unit includes a belt, a first rotary belt holding member, a second rotary belt holding member, a first supporting member, and a second supporting member.
US07681865B2 Ball valve
A ball valve assembly comprises a housing with ball valve rotatably disposed in a valve chamber in the flow passage. The ball valve is rotatable between open and closed positions by a valve stem that is connected to the ball valve at one end. The ball valve has an open ended slot in which the end of the stem is received. During assembly the stem may be inserted into the housing first and then the ball valve introduced into the housing with the slot facing the stem and then moved in the direction of the slot so that that the stem is received in the slot. The arrangement enables the conventional bonnet in a ball valve assembly to be eliminated and therefore provides for a compact design.
US07681864B2 Adjustable actuator stop
A valve actuator including a body, a rotatable drive screw having an external thread over at least a portion of its length and extending through the body and projecting out at least one side of the body. An internally threaded member is captured on the drive screw on the interior of the body, the member being held against rotation during rotation of the drive screw, so as to cause the member to travel along a length of the drive screw as the drive screw is rotated in both a first and second rotational direction. At least one sleeve having an abutment surface engagable by the member upon a sufficient rotation of the drive screw in one of the two directions. The sleeve surrounds the drive screw and may be axially adjustable relative to the drive screw from the exterior of the body. The sleeve may be threadingly engaged with the drive screw and slidingly carried in the body such that a load created by the threaded member pressing against the abutment surface of the sleeve is transferred from the sleeve to the drive screw as a tensile load.
US07681859B2 Portable terminal device having supporting leg
A portable terminal device includes a supporting leg which makes it possible to watch television in a standing state of the terminal device. The portable terminal device comprises a main body having a mounting groove formed in a rear surface thereof to have a predetermined length, the mounting groove having a plurality of catching grooves formed in one inner side surface thereof; and a supporting leg assembly having an end rotatably supported in the mounting groove. The supporting leg assembly comprises a supporting leg including a leg portion having a predetermined length, and a hollow head portion formed at one end of the leg portion and having one side opened. A cam member is inserted and supported in the head portion of the supporting leg with a spring received therein to be movable within a certain section in an axial direction. The cam member has a cam protrusion protruding outward to be caught to one of the catching grooves by an elastic force of the spring.
US07681858B1 Preloading and flex resistant support board for a mechanical machine
A preloading and flex resistant support board for a mechanical machine comprises a support board body and at least one preloading bar. The support board body is formed with at one preloading groove in the side subjected to the compressive stress. The preloading groove is provided with two resisting surfaces. The preloading bar is also provided with two resisting surfaces. The preloading bar is assembled in the preloading groove of the support board body by screw, so as to provide a balance between the preloading capacity produced by preloading bar to the support board body and the flexing stress produced by the support board body.
US07681857B2 Portable sign and barricade assemblies and plastic molded uprights and light and flag mounts therefor
Plastic molded uprights and/or light and flag mounts may include stepped upper ends for mounting of a light thereon and/or laterally spaced apart oppositely downwardly angled flag mounting holes extending at least partway therethrough adjacent the upper ends thereof. One or more pairs of integral molded, axially spaced apart flanges may protrude outwardly from one of the front and back walls of the uprights for aiding in locating and supporting one or more barricade boards between respective pairs of flanges.
US07681854B2 Device for securing an insert in a structure
The invention concerns a device for securing an insert in a structure having a first opening, the insert having a principal body (20) inserted in the first opening, the body (20) having a second opening having a principal axis, the device including a shaft (23) designed to pass through the second opening and at least one detachable or non-detachable head (24, 42).According to the invention, this device includes at least one roughly planar part (25, 26, 43) having a third opening, the part being designed to be positioned on an outer face of the structure (21, 22) so that the third opening is centered on the second opening for the passage of the shaft (23), the part (25, 26, 43) locking the insert in the first opening, a system for blocking the part (25, 26, 43) from rotating relative to the principal body (20), and an element for joining the head onto the part (25, 26, 43) for locking the head onto the part, the head being designed to be supported against the part (25, 26, 43) to secure the part against the outer surface.
US07681852B2 Vehicle cup and plate holders
A system of multifunctional food and beverage holders for use in motor vehicles and other locations. The components of this system facilitate safe, convenient and flexible handling of food and beverages in automobiles and other vehicles utilizing tray/plates for holding food that can attach to a handle, rest on a flat surface or be secured in the vehicle by attachment to a cup holder adaptor that can be temporarily locked in a vehicle cup holder.
US07681850B2 Tree ladder stand tray
A tree ladder stand tray 10 including a tray area 100 and tray supports 110, 120, 130, 140 on each of four sides with a bottom tray 150 attached to the four tray supports within the area formed by the tray supports, such that the supports form an edge to help prevent articles from falling off the tray area; and a bracket 160 including a forward and rear brace 170, 180 attached to the tray area such that the distance between the forward brace and the rear brace is such that the bracket will fit under a tree ladder stand 102 and the tree ladder stand tray may be attached with the tree ladder stand. The tree ladder stand tray may include a second tray area 200 with the tray areas on each side of the tree ladder stand. The tree ladder stand tray may be in combination with a tree ladder stand.
US07681846B1 Steadying camera support platform
A support platform for a video camera allows cushioning of jostling attendant to walking motion so that the video quality is unaffected by the photographer's movements. A sphere of TEFLON polymer floats in a socket plate permitting hand movements about the roll and pitch axes of ±60° and ±360° about the yaw axis without jarring the camera. A second embodiment affords the ability to mount an additional camera to provide shots in a plurality of directions on a single take. Yet another feature of the invention is a hands-free support arm usable with the support platform.
US07681842B2 Device for artificially restoring an opposing force for a device for remotely controlling aircraft control surfaces
A device for artificially restoring an opposing force for a device for remotely controlling an aircraft control surface, the device comprising: an actuator member (1) mounted to pivot about an axis (2) and entrain a rotary shaft (3); a stationary finger (8) parallel to said shaft (3) and supported at a radial distance from the shaft; a moving finger (5) secured to the shaft and supported at the same radial distance as the stationary finger, both fingers being parallel to the shaft; a slab (9) supported at the same radial distance as the fingers and disposed beside them; a first spring (11) between the stationary finger and the slab; and a second spring (10) between the moving finger and the slab.
US07681841B2 Method and system for spacecraft power acquisition using single-axis slit sun sensor
A method for spacecraft power acquisition is provided using single-axis slit sun sensors for both wing-stowed and wing-deployed spacecraft configurations. The method for wing-deployed spacecraft includes initializing a solar wing of the spacecraft to search for sun; rotating the spacecraft about a search axis substantially parallel to a slit sun sensor field of view; monitoring the slit sun sensor for a time of arrival signal; and wherein, if the time of arrival signal occurs, the spacecraft is rotated along the search axis to an orientation where the time of arrival signal occurred and the spacecraft is placed in stable rotation about an axis substantially parallel to a solar wing longitudinal axis; and for a non-occurrence of the time of arrival signal, the spacecraft is slewed about a keyhole axis substantially perpendicular to the search axis to move the sun away from a keyhole.
US07681837B2 Method and apparatus for closing a swing tail on an aircraft
A method and apparatus for aligning a swing tail cargo door. An alignment system comprises an alignment ramp, a set of pull-in hook mechanisms, and a set of lock trains. The alignment ramp may be configured for initial alignment between a swing tail cargo door and an aircraft fuselage during closing of the swing tail cargo door. The set of pull-in hook mechanisms may be disposed along an interface between the swing tail cargo door and the aircraft fuselage and may be capable of a final alignment between the swing tail cargo door and the aircraft fuselage during the closing of the swing tail cargo door. The set of lock trains may be disposed along the interface and may be capable of locking a plurality of latch actuators in the latched position.
US07681829B2 Non-twist tail for joining tape ends
A non-twist tape transfer system for interconnecting the trailing edge of tape from a first roll of tape to the leading edge of tape from a second roll of tape includes a first element which is attachable to the trailing edge of the tape on the first roll and a second element which is attachable to the leading edge of the tape on the second roll. A spindle which is attached to the holder the first roll is mounted on rotates with the roll and has a slot which releasably receives the first element in a manner such that the first element rotates with it. The second element attachable to the first element in a manner such that it does not rotate with the first element. When the tape starts to feed from the second roll the first element pulls out of the slot and proceeds with the tape.
US07681826B2 Chalk line device
One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.
US07681824B2 Webbing retracting device
A webbing retracting device that may prevent entering of an end-lock state when a spool rotates in the pull out direction on rebound just after completion of taking up of the webbing belt. A restriction weight is provided on a V gear. The restriction weight moves in the pull out direction relative to the V gear by acceleration when the V gear is rotated in the take up direction, and furthermore, the restriction weight pivots about a support pin under centrifugal force due to rotation of the V gear and attains a contact position. In such a state, even if the inertial mass attempts to displace toward the lock activation direction, the restriction weight interferes with the inertial mass and restricts displacement of the inertial mass toward the lock activation direction.
US07681823B2 Positioning structure of a single-pull reel
A positioning rod structure for a single-pull reel which will be positioned upon pulling out of cord from the reel and will restore to its original position if the cord is pulled for a second time. When the cord is pulled for one round, a positioning of the cord is done, and the pulling of the cord provides multi control of the cord, accordingly, the pulling of cord is precisely controlled.
US07681821B2 Demonstration mode for electronic fishing reel
A fishing reel is provided with an electronic demonstration feature that allows for electronic features of said reel to be activated, but which prevents prospective purchasers from unnecessarily depleting battery life of the device. An on/off switch is provided for selectively closing the circuit. A “try me” switch is also provided for temporarily activating the electronics. The “try me” switch prevents manipulation of the on/off switch into the “on” position but allows for the electronic feature to be temporarily activated. After purchase, the “try me” switch may be is removed to allow the on/off switch to function without interference.
US07681819B2 Disc adjustment system for chipper apparatus
An adjustment mechanism for a rotary disc chipper apparatus includes an axially displaceable shaft attached to a chipper disc, at least one gear disposed in relation to the axially adjustable shaft and a drive member engageable with the at least one gear to produce axial movement of the axially displaceable shaft and the chipper disc.
US07681816B2 Wood crusher
A wood crusher having a crushing apparatus includes a crushing rotor for crushing target wood to be crushed, a second screen detachably mounted on the outer peripheral side of the crushing apparatus and a screen support member disposed on the outer peripheral side of the second screen and holding the second screen in a position on the outer peripheral side of the crushing apparatus. A link mechanism is coupled to the screen support member, and a hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the link mechanism to advance and retract the screen support member relative to the crushing apparatus with extension and contraction thereof. Time and labor required for work of replacing the sieve member can be greatly reduced as a result.
US07681815B2 Device for chopping food, in particular pieces of ice
A device for chopping food, including ice, has a container with a bearing pin on its bottom. The container is divided into an upper processing zone and a lower collecting zone. For reducing the food, the processing zone accommodates a chopping tool formed by a rotary cutting blade and a tool spindle. A sieve separates the processing zone from the collecting zone. The lower end of the tool spindle is rotatably mounted on the bearing pin. A stirring tool (34) may be provided which is part of the chopping tool and is formed by a rotary stirring blade.
US07681806B2 Vapor dispersing device and method
A passive vapor dispersing device which may be used for freshening or otherwise treating the air, characterized by both rapid and substantially linear delivery of volatizable fragrance or other materials. The device uses a packaged combination of liquid reservoir, wick and emanator which is assembled and shipped with the wick and emanator out of contact with each other, but is activated when the user opens the package and places the wick and emanator in contact. The housing for the device provides guide means for assisting the user in placing the wick and emanator in proper contact, and irreversible lock means for holding the components in contact and preventing access to the wick and emanator once activation has been achieved.
US07681800B2 Handheld security document scanner
A sensing device for use with a security document having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document, with the sensing device including a housing adapted to be held by a user in use, a radiation source for exposing at least one coded data portion, a sensor for sensing the at least one exposed coded data portion and a processor for determining, using the at least one sensed coded data portion, a sensed identity.
US07681797B2 Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, program, and storage medium
One type of code that cannot be decoded in a certain apparatus is converted into another type of code that can be decoded in the certain apparatus. More specifically, a first type of code in an image obtained by reading a sheet including the first type of code is decoded to obtain information. The information is encoded to form a second type of two-dimensional code.
US07681788B2 Apparatus and method for integrated payment and electronic merchandise transfer
Payment transactions using a payment infrastructure are efficiently combined with e-merchandise transactions using an e-merchandise infrastructure, while allowing each infrastructure to concentrate on its primary function. An electronic payment device configured according to the payment infrastructure is interrogated by a payment module (also configured according to the payment infrastructure) of a first terminal to obtain financial data. Electronic merchandise-related information is generated by an electronic merchandise module (configured according to the electronic merchandise infrastructure) of the first terminal, and such information is transferred to the electronic payment device within a transaction conducted in accordance with the financial data and the payment infrastructure.
US07681781B2 Octagonal bulk bin with self-locking gusset-fold bottom flaps
An octagonal bulk bin has sidewalls, end walls and diagonal corner panels interposed between adjacent sidewalls and end walls. Bottom flaps are foldably joined to a bottom edge of the sidewalls, end walls, and diagonal corner panels, and gusset panels connect adjacent side edges of the bottom flaps, facilitating set up of the bulk bin and spacing flap cuts from the corners of the bin to minimize or eliminate initiation of tears in the vertical corners of the bin. A plastic pallet tray has an upstanding lip around its periphery, shaped and sized to closely receive the bottom end of the octagonal bin to reinforce the bottom end and facilitate handling of the bin.
US07681780B2 Foldable postcard form having a removable label
Methods and apparatus for a double folded postcard form having a removable label are disclosed. An example form includes a quadrate sheet having parallel top and bottom edges, parallel first and second side edges perpendicular to the top edge and first and second faces. The example form also includes at least first, second, and third fold lines parallel to the top and bottom edges dividing the sheet into at least first, second, third and fourth panels, the first and fourth panels being substantially the same size and the second and third panels being substantially the same size. There is also an opening in at least one of the first, second, third and fourth panels, a liner attached to the first face of the at least one panel to cover at least a portion of the opening, and a label removably disposed on the liner in the opening. Furthermore, the form includes first adhesive areas provided on the second face of at least one of the first and fourth panels, and on the second face of at least one of the second and third panels for adhering mutually facing portions of the second and third panels together as respective first and second postcard plies when the sheet is double V-folded about the fold lines.
US07681776B2 Methods and apparatus for efficiently generating profiles for circuit board work/rework
A system includes a first module to store times and temperatures for phases in a profile to rework a populated printed circuit board (PCB) for a first integrated circuit (IC) on the PCB and a second module to store suggestions for modifying one or more of the times and the temperatures in the profile to generate a revised profile, the suggestions being associated with pass/fail indications determined from actual temperature information for the profile.
US07681769B2 Dual position backpack
A backpack having a harness configured to be secured to the torso of a user, and a movable storage compartment pivotably connected at a first end to a first location on the harness. A second end of the storage compartment is releasably secured to a second location on the harness so that motion of the storage compartment with respect to the harness is restrained. The storage compartment is secured to the harness such that it can be released from a stowed position to a frontal location on the harness that is accessible to the user. With the second end of the storage compartment free from constraint, it can be pivoted about its first end from its stowed position to a frontal position on the user, wherein the frontal position allows access to articles contained in the storage compartment without removing the backpack from the user's body.
US07681768B2 Cushioned article holder
A cushioned holder device for holding articles includes an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure and a holding member configured to receive and hold an article therein. The holding member is coupled to the attachment base and includes two generally upright arms which collectively define a containment area therebetween. A cushion is associated with the holder at a lower portion of the containment area to provide a cushioned interface between the article and the holder. The cushion includes an upper contact surface and an opposing lower contact surface, with an intermediate riser extending therebetween.
US07681760B2 Liquid cartridge
A liquid cartridge for supplying liquid to an external device connected therewith is provided with a casing, a partition member movably fitted in the casing, which partitions the casing into a first chamber and a second chamber, an outlet port communicating between the first chamber and the external device and a pressure unit housed in the second chamber, which presses the partition member so as to discharge the liquid out of the outlet port.
US07681758B2 Gas cartridge
In a gas cartridge, inside of an outer can 1 is arranged with an inner bag 2 charged with a gas, and a space between the outer can 1 and the inner bag 2 is charged with a compression gas G2 for pressing to crush the inner bag 2 in accordance with consumption of the gas. The outer can 1 is integrally formed with a deformation introducing portion P1 for producing an initial deformation at the inner bag 2.
US07681757B2 Method for transport of heat-sensitive liquids
A specially designed flexible tank is installed in a standard 20 foot overseas shipping container or in a standard trucking dry van trailer. A conductive heat serpentine plastic tubing system is also installed underneath the flexible tank allowing heat to liquefy the honey near the bottom discharge location. Nitrogen is introduced through an upper air purging valve and flow is controlled by a regulator allowing tank to stand and not be conducive to cling of product on the roof or the sidewalls and to assist in discharging product without need of a pumping mechanism. Due to the continued shape of the flexible tank there will be very little product loss allowing virtually all product to be expelled. The discharge valve will remain open when the heat is started and this allows the honey to be removed as quickly as it becomes liquid. The method permits bulk shipped honey to be unloaded without substantial increase in HMF levels or air entrainment caused by pumping which could lead to crystallization, and avoids substantial product loss due to clinging on the inside of the tank. The invention also provides substantial labor savings along with freight savings compared to the prior honey industry method of shipping honey in 55 gallon drums.
US07681755B2 Container with snap-in closure
A container comprising a snap-in closure disposed between an upper part and a lower part of the container, the snap-in closure having a relatively strong holding or locking force and able to be opened relatively easily. The snap-in closure comprises a snap-in tab constructed out of the wall of one part of the container and detached along three sides, with a snap-in key disposed at the upper free end of the said snap-in closure and able to engage in a coordinated snap-in slit at the opposite container part.
US07681753B2 Hybrid hydrogen storage container and method of storing hydrogen in container
A pressure container 1 composed of a reinforcing layer 2 and a liner layer 3, with a hydrogen charging pressure of 30 MPa or higher; and a hydrogen absorbing material and a carrier for holding said hydrogen absorbing material (hydrogen absorbing material portion 4) contained in the pressure container 1 are included, and a volume fraction X of the hydrogen absorbing material with αm≧100 kg/m3 with respect to an internal volume of the pressure container 1 is 5(%)≦X≦20(%), where αm denotes a maximum hydrogen absorption amount per unit volume of the hydrogen absorbing material (kg/m3); X=100 ·Vm/Vi (%); Vi is an internal volume of the pressure container (L); and Vm is a volume of the hydrogen absorbing material in the pressure container (L).
US07681752B2 Animal-resistant system
An animal-resistant system for inhibiting access to refuse containers by animals is disclosed. The system comprises at least one latch mechanism, at least one actuation member, at least one shroud member, and a cover defining an opening which permits access to the actuation member. The actuation member communicates with the latch mechanism so as to move the latch mechanism between the latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the latch mechanism secures the container lid to the container base, substantially inhibiting access to the container. The access hole and actuation member are dimensioned and positioned on the container in a selected manner so as allow human hands access to the actuation member and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals. The shrouds are further configured to inhibit forcible entry into the container when the system is latched.
US07681751B2 Collapsible container for the transport of air cargo
What is disclosed is a collapsible container for the transport of air cargo, consisting of a bottom panel, a cover panel and four side walls which are detachably connected to said bottom panel and said cover panel, wherein the bottom panel and the cover panel adjoin each other in the collapsed position of the container, retaining the four side walls between them. The bottom panel is provided with profiled members at two opposed first edges, which profiled members can be inserted into complementary profiled members at two corresponding opposed first edges of the cover panel by moving said profiled members in longitudinal direction relative to each other, and two first opposed side walls are provided with profiled members at their horizontal edges, which profiled members are complementary to the corresponding first opposed edges, which profiled members can be inserted into complementary profiled members at the corresponding vertical side walls by moving said profiled members in longitudinal direction relative to each other.
US07681750B2 Closure for a container that holds a free-flowing product
The invention relates to a closure for a container that holds a free-flowing product. The container is characterized by the following: a fixed lower part which can be fastened to a container neck that surrounds a container opening in order to seal said neck; a cover comprising a protruding connecting piece that forms a passage for the free-flowing product; a displaceable upper part which can be coaxially displaced on the lower part in and against the direction of the container between an outer resting position and an inner actuating position; a breaker or dish-shaped diaphragm valve which has a base consisting at least of a flexible elastic material and whose upper edge seals the underside of the upper part; perforations in the base of the diaphragm valve which are closed in the testing position of the upper part; and a diameter of the base that is greater than the inner cross section of the connecting piece. The outer end of the connecting piece continuously supports the base of the diaphragm valve, and the latter continuously pre-tensions the upper part in the direction of its resting position in such a way that, when axial pressure is exerted on the upper part in the direction of the container, the diaphragm valve is bent outwards, thus opening the perforations in the base.
US07681746B2 Multiple level product divider
A system for dividing a series of products within a display case, such as a freezer. The system includes a base positionable within the display case between products that are to be separated. The base is preferably formed from molded plastic and includes a series of horizontally extending support legs. The base includes a pair of parallel support arms that extend perpendicular to the support legs and are spaced from each other to define a receiving gap. The receiving gap is sized to receive a divider that can be positioned within the receiving gap. The base includes a series of support tabs each extending from the bottom wall of the base into the receiving gap to reduce the effective depth of the receiving gap. Each of the support tabs can be selectively removed from the base to increase the depth of the receiving gap. The depth of the receiving gap controls the amount of the divider extending past the top edge of the base. One of the support arms includes a locking member to securely hold the divider within the base.
US07681745B2 Merchandising system
A merchandising system provides for the presentation and storage of articles comprising a base having a front and a back, the base being configured to support the articles and defining a first space for containing the articles. In addition, the merchandising system comprises an assembly for advancing the articles toward the front of the base, wherein the assembly comprises a member configured to extend beyond the base to create a second space for containing the articles in addition to the first space.
US07681741B2 Functional polyarylethers
Membranes comprising functional polyarylether having structural units of formula II are useful for hemodialysis and hemofiltration: wherein X is selected from Br, NR4R5, OOCR6, OR7, NR4COR5, NR4CONR5R6, NR4COOR5R6 and combinations thereof; R1, R2 and R3 are independently at each occurrence H, X, halo, cyano, nitro, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; R4 and R5 are independently H, a C1-C10 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic 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; Q is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical or a combination thereof; Z is a direct bond, O, S, CH2, SO, SO2, CO, phenylphospinyl oxide, alkenyl, alkynyl, a C1-C12 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic 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.
US07681739B2 Filter device
A filter device includes a filter housing (10), a filter inlet (12), a filter outlet (14), and a filter element (16). The filter element divides a filter area (18) into two partial areas (20, 22). One partial filter areas is conical in form with the cross-section of that partial area (20) being tapered from the filter inlet (12) to the filter outlet (14). The partial areas are separated from each other by the filter element. This arrangement results in an optimum residence time distribution inside the filter device at a uniform flow rate, which is particularly useful for highly viscous fluids such as polymer melts or similar.
US07681735B2 Self-locking pallet assembly
A paperboard container is formed from a base unit, a flat floor unit, a self-supporting side unit, and a lid. The side unit is foldable inside the base unit for shipping and storage. The side unit can be unfolded and the parts readily assembled to form a paperboard container.
US07681727B2 Package for smoking articles and the like
A packet comprises an outer shell (0) and an inner shell (I) connected by a spring member (12). The outer shell (0) defines a cavity for receiving the inner shell (I) and comprises a bottom wall (4B), a front wall (1) and two side walls (3R, 3L) upstanding from respective edges of the bottom wall. The inner shell (I) comprises a front wall (11), a rear wall (7) and two side walls (8R, 8L), the rear wall being connected to the bottom wall of the outer shell. The spring member (12) is hingedly connected by a first hinge (H 1) at a lower portion of the front wall (11) of the inner shell and is hingedly connected by a second hinge (H2) to the inner surface of the front wall of the outer shell. The inner shell (I) is hingedly connected to the outer shell (0) by a third hinge (H3) at the said bottom wall such that the inner shell moves with spring action between closed and open positions.
US07681720B2 Device for transporting containers
The device for transporting containers comprises a cogged belt which extends along a ring-wound trajectory and is wound on at least a pair of cogged wheels which are rotatable on vertical axes, and a plurality of regularly distanced support means borne on the external surface of the cogged belt, which receive respective containers. The cogged belt bears a plurality of skates constrained to the internal surface thereof which engage with guide means that are solidly restrained to a fixed structure of the device, in order to constitute a lateral constraint which prevents transversal movements and deformation of the cogged belt.
US07681716B2 Work conveying apparatus, method for producing work and method for producing image forming apparatus
A work conveying apparatus including at least one movable work conveying device to support a work, a drive device capable of reciprocating by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction, and a latching portion formed on at least one of the working conveying device and the drive device and configured to latch the working conveying device with the drive device and move the work conveying device when the drive device is moved in one direction in the reciprocating direction.
US07681715B2 Method and apparatus for discharging material at spaced intervals
A method and apparatus for discharging material at spaced intervals each provide a conveying tube and a conveying mechanism for moving material from a first end of the tube toward a second opposite end. Discharge openings are provided spaced along the tube at different heights thereon. Openings near the first end are at a higher elevation on the tube than those near the second end, corresponding to downward slope of material upon initial entry and conveyance within the tube. The decreasing elevation of discharge openings and corresponding slope of material act to delay discharge near the first end, by requiring a build up of material height to reach the opening, and hasten discharge near the second end, by eliminating the need to fill drop tubes or metering devices before conveying material further along the tube. This reduces lag time between progressive discharge openings thereby providing more even material distribution therefrom.
US07681714B2 Apparatus for dispensing gravel
Gravel is fed into and spread onto the floor of a newly constructed basement by a hanging frame which attaches to a window sill and supports a hydraulically driven conveyor belt with a feed spout at a feed end of the conveyor belt and a guidance belt mounted on top of the conveyor belt. The hanging frame converges to a front post which pivotally supports a frame of the conveyor belt for movement side to side about an upright axis through the feed spout and carries an adjustable brace which raises and lowers the conveyor. A feed chute is located outside the window. The conveyor includes a guide conveyor on top and is driven by a power source and pump located outside the building.
US07681707B2 Drawerless point of sale system and associated methods
A drawerless point of sale system includes a point of sale terminal and a currency changer device in communication with the point of sale terminal. The currency changer device is adapted to accept cash in bulk for a cash transaction and includes a housing, a coin accepting tray, a coin sorter, a plurality of respective coin bins, and a coin dispenser. The currency changer also includes a bill accepter/dispenser carried by the housing for accepting, sorting and dispensing bills, and a plurality of bill cassettes carried by the housing and in communication with the bill accepter/dispenser for receiving a respective plurality of similar bills from the bill accepter and for dispensing a respective plurality of bills responsive to said point of sale terminal.
US07681704B2 Electromagnetic inertia brake for a power input shaft of a power transmission mechanism
An electromagnetic brake for an input shaft of a vehicle transmission is disclosed. The brake includes an armature separated from an electromagnetic coil pole face by a controlled air gap. A spring release feature ensures precise armature disengagement when the brake is deactivated. A wear compensation feature maintains uniformity of the air gap.
US07681703B2 Procedure and a control apparatus for the safe division of a drivetrain
The invention concerns a procedure and a control apparatus for the control of a drivetrain, which comprises at least one automatic clutch, at least one automatic shifting transmission, one control apparatus for the control of the at least one automatic clutch and of at least one automatic shifting transmission as well as at least two transmission idling positions in the drivetrain. In order to avoid dangerous situations, which could arise from an improper automatic input of a neutral position of a transmission and a thereto connected automatic closure of the clutch. The proposal is, that the control apparatus, by way of the shifting of an automatized shifting transmission into a neutral position, to at least two transmission idling positions, the neutral position is put into action.
US07681699B2 Self-pumping hydropneumatic vibration damper
A self-pumping hydropneumatic vibration damper with internal level control, especially for motor vehicles, has an oil-filled working cylinder under the pressure of at least one gas cushion. The working cylinder is divided into two working spaces by a working piston mounted on a piston rod. A piston pump, which is driven by the sprung movements of the vehicle and thus conveys damping oil from a low-pressure chamber into the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber. The pump cylinder of this piston pump is formed by the hollow piston rod, which connects the working space connected to the high-pressure chamber to the low-pressure chamber. An axially movable stepped pump piston is provided in the pump cylinder.
US07681694B2 Energy storage system for elevators
An elevator system and a method for reducing total power in an elevator system are provided. The elevator system includes at least one elevator without counterweight for moving people and/or goods. The elevator without counterweight comprises a power converter unit, an elevator motor, a traction sheave, a set of hoisting ropes and an elevator car. The elevator system also includes means for storing mechanical energy and discharging an energy storage.
US07681693B2 Method for performing an elevator rescue run
Method for performing an elevator rescue run in an emergency situation, the elevator comprising and elevator car, a counter weight, a rope suspending the car and the counterweight, a drive motor, an emergency brake for stopping the car in an emergency situation, and a motor drive unit for supplying drive power to and for controlling the drive motor, having the following rescue run sequence steps: (a) operating the motor drive unit in a zero speed demand mode for holding the car at its present position; (b) lifting the brake, while holding the car in the zero speed demand mode; (c) determining the preferred movement direction of the car based on the power data as obtained by the motor drive unit; and (d) performing the rescue run in the direction of the determined preferred movement direction.
US07681692B2 Drive motor for an elevator installation and method of mounting a drive motor
An elevator installation includes a drive unit moving a car and a counterweight in an elevator shaft. The drive unit has a drive motor and a brake coupled to a drive shaft and mounted on a crossbeam in the elevator shaft or on the shaft ceiling. The drive unit has two spaced-apart drive zones and the drive motor is arranged to the left or the right of the two drive zones with the brake on the same side or the opposite side of the drive zones.
US07681690B2 Noise abatement device for a pneumatic tool
Noise-abatement devices are provided for a pneumatic tool that can include a housing having a first end and a second end. An expansion chamber is defined within the expansion chamber. At least one tube is located at least partially within the expansion chamber in which the tube has at least a perforated portion, and an outlet defined therein. The device also includes a port outlet in fluid communication with the expansion chamber in which the port outlet and the outlet are located near the second end of the housing.
US07681689B2 Vibration damping device and bucket for construction machine
A vibration damping device capable of maintaining high vibration damping effect, and a bucket for a construction machine. The vibration damping device has a laminated plate (20) having at least its inner region fixed in a noise-emitting base material (11), the inner region being a region (G) other then a region which becomes a loop in a vibration mode when the base material (11) is vibrated in a vibration mode with a predetermined frequency.
US07681684B2 On-vehicle component fixation-release apparatus
To readily remove on-vehicle components from a vehicle body, suitably reflecting the state of the vehicle or occupant in addition to the will of the operator.The safety confirmation device 11 determines whether or not to permit actuation of the separation actuator 13, that is, whether to set the switch 12 to the ON state to allow an electrical connection from the power supply 14 to the separation actuator 13, based on the signals input from the external input receiving portion 21, the occupant protection device 22, the status quantity sensor 23, and the input portion 24, and outputs a gate signal corresponding to this determination result to the switch 12. Electrification of the separation actuator 13 from the power supply 14 via the switch 12 releases the fixation of an on-vehicle component by disassembling the fixation member that fixes the on-vehicle component to the vehicle body.
US07681680B2 Frame assembly for a motorcycle
A motorcycle body frame includes a main frame including a head pipe for supporting a front suspension at the front end thereof, a single leading frame portion extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a rear frame portion for supporting a rear wheel suspension. The rear frame portion extends substantially downwardly from a rear part of the leading frame portion. The main frame, cast from an aluminum alloy, includes two component parts arranged front-to-rear. For example, a front frame portion is provided, and a rear frame portion is fixed to the rear side of the front frame portion. The leading frame portion has a small section portion, where the main frame is smallest in sectional area, disposed substantially centrally in the longitudinal direction thereof. The two component parts of the frame are joined at a coupling portion of the main frame situated in back of the small section portion.
US07681678B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle that reliably supports a load imposed on a seat while increasing charging efficiency. An intake pipe is provided in a center area in a width direction and extends rearward across and beyond an upper cross member. Left and right seat rails are provided on opposite sides of the intake pipe, and are connected to left and right main frames at portions forward of a point at which the intake pipe exceeds the upper cross member in height.
US07681676B2 Electric hybrid vehicle conversion
An assembly is described for converting an Internal Combustion (IC) vehicle to an IC-electric hybrid vehicle comprising a battery, a battery charger, a controller, an electric motor and a power transmission means involving a flexible rotational speed reduction to connect the motor to a drive shaft of the vehicle. The system can be made available in the form of a kit allowing those skilled in automobile mechanics to perform the conversion. Regenerative braking and provision of AC power from the vehicle can be made available as options.
US07681675B2 Hybrid drive powertrains with reduced parasitic losses
An apparatus for reducing parasitic losses in a hybrid electric powertrain of a vehicle includes a drivetrain, an electric motor, and a connecting mechanism operative to selectively engage and disengage the drivetrain and the electric motor.
US07681670B2 Two-cone drill bit
A two-cone drill bit with a hydraulic arrangement that can be used for one or more of the following: cleaning roller cones, impinging on a hole bottom, or inducing a helical flow field. A two-cone drill bit having a bit body formed from two leg sections and two spacing members; methods of manufacturing a two-cone drill bit; and methods of improving hydraulics of a two-cone drill bit are disclosed.
US07681669B2 Polycrystalline diamond insert, drill bit including same, and method of operation
Polycrystalline diamond inserts are disclosed. For example, a polycrystalline diamond insert may comprise a polycrystalline diamond layer affixed to a substrate at an interface. In addition the polycrystalline diamond layer may comprise: an arcuate exterior surface, a first region including a catalyst and a second region from which the catalyst is at least partially removed. Further, the arcuate exterior surface may be defined by a portion of the first region including the catalyst and a portion of the second region from which the catalyst is at least partially removed. In another embodiment, the polycrystalline diamond layer may include a convex exterior surface for contacting a subterranean formation, wherein at least a portion of a catalyst used for forming the polycrystalline diamond layer is removed from a region of the polycrystalline diamond layer. Subterranean drilling tools (e.g., percussive drill bits) including at least one polycrystalline diamond insert are disclosed.
US07681665B2 Downhole hydraulic control system
A purely mechanical hydraulic control system includes at least one drilling fluid chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. A system pressure spring is deployed in one of the drilling fluid chamber(s) between a positioning piston and a system pressure piston. The spring is disposed to pressurize oil in the hydraulic fluid chamber via applying a spring force to the system pressure piston. When the system is actuated (e.g., via turning on the mud pumps), the positioning piston is urged in place against a stop (e.g., a shoulder) thereby compressing the system pressure spring and pressurizing oil in the hydraulic chamber. The invention advantageously converts highly variable drilling fluid pressure to a near constant pressure hydraulic fluid.
US07681663B2 Methods and systems for determining angular orientation of a drill string
Preferred methods and systems generate a control input based on a periodically-varying characteristic associated with the rotation of a drill string. The periodically varying characteristic can be correlated with the magnetic tool face and gravity tool face of a rotating component of the drill string, so that the control input can be used to initiate a response in the rotating component as a function of gravity tool face.
US07681661B2 Electric power tool
A cover which covers outer peripheries of fastening screws are disposed on an outer periphery of a hammer case. A stopper which detachably positions and fixes the cover to the outer periphery of the hammer case is disposed.
US07681658B2 Pneumatic impact tool
A pneumatic impact tool includes a housing, an accumulation chamber, and a piston. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway with a rear end and a front end and a passageway gas port. The accumulation chamber has a accumulation chamber gas port connectable to a gas supply and a inner gas port in fluid communication with the longitudinal passageway. The piston is inserted in the longitudinal passageway and slides between a rest position wherein the piston is juxtaposed to the rear end of the longitudinal passageway and an impact position wherein the piston is juxtaposed to the front end of the longitudinal passageway. The piston moves from the rest position to the impact position when gas is inserted in the longitudinal passageway through the passageway gas port and is propelled therebetween by pressurized gas contained in the accumulation chamber.
US07681657B2 Debris guard
A debris guard is provided for an assembly having a variable length cylinder coupled to a housing. The cylinder has a barrel pivotally coupled to the housing and a rod which extends and retracts with respect to The barrel. The debris guard includes a body of flexible material filling a space between the barrel and the wall of the housing and preventing debris from entering the space. The body compresses as the barrel moves toward the housing wall and expands as the barrel moves away from the housing wall. The body of flexible material is bonded to a surface of the barrel and to the wall of the housing. The flexible material is molded and comprises a closed cell elastomeric material.
US07681654B1 Isolating well bore portions for fracturing and the like
An apparatus and method for isolating a portion of a well bore and providing pressurized fluid thereto includes an upper packer, a lower packer, and a sliding sleeve between them. A seat is defined at the open bottom end of the lower sleeve and a sealing element is configured to seal the seat. A bias force urges the sliding sleeve toward a closed position. The apparatus moves along the bore and the lower packer is set at a desired location, and then an opening force is exerted on the tubing to move the sliding sleeve to the open position. After the lower packer is set and the sliding sleeve is open, the upper packer is set to isolate a portion of the well bore between the packers with the sliding sleeve in the open position to provide a flow path from the tubing string to the formation between the packers.
US07681648B2 Method of monodiameter well construction
A method and apparatus for completing a well through expansion of tubing enable construction of the well or at least part of the well with a mono-diameter or substantially no inside diameter reduction with subsequent casings/liners. Prior to lining an extended section of the borehole, forming a discrete enlarged portion of the extended section with a relatively larger inner diameter than the remainder of the extended section of the borehole occurs where overlapping tubing sections are to be located. For some embodiments, an open-hole clad expanded in the enlarged portion of the extended section of the borehole provides an inner surface for receiving a bottom of a first expanded liner and optionally a top of a second expanded liner.
US07681647B2 Method of producing drive fluid in situ in tar sands formations
Methods of treating a tar sands formation are described herein. Methods for treating a tar sands may include providing heat to at least part of a hydrocarbon layer in the formation from one or more heaters located in the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heaters to at least a portion of the formation such that a drive fluid is produced in situ in the formation. The drive fluid may move at least some mobilized, visbroken, and/or pyrolyzed hydrocarbons from a first portion of the formation to a second portion of the formation. At least some of the mobilized, visbroken, and/or pyrolyzed hydrocarbons may be produced from the formation.
US07681645B2 System and method for stimulating multiple production zones in a wellbore
A system and method for selectively stimulating a plurality of producing zones of a wellbore in oil and gas wells, the system being cemented within the wellbore. The system includes a plurality of modules connected in a string wherein the modules can be selectively actuated to stimulate producing zones adjacent the modules. Each module includes a sleeve shiftable between a closed position and a treating position where a plurality of radial passageways are exposed to the central passageway of the assembly. The system includes a wiper plug that is adapted to pass through ball seats of various sizes in the plurality of modules and an acid solution pumped into the string to break down the cement at the producing zones. The system may include at least one natural rubber wiper ball to remove residual cement from the string.
US07681641B2 Plunger lift controller and method
A method of controlling a plunger lift system for a well. The method including the steps of: defining a threshold value for a trigger event, the trigger event initiating operation of the control valve by the controller; defining event-value conditions upon which adjustment of the trigger event is adjusted; determining, upon a calling-event, if the event-value conditions have been satisfied; and adjusting the trigger event threshold value upon satisfaction of the event-value conditions.
US07681638B2 Wellbore treatment for reducing wax deposits
A method of reducing wax deposition in an oil wellbore tubing includes providing an aqueous bioslurry comprising at least one microbe capable of degrading paraffin wax at about 20-45° C. and a nutrient medium containing one or more carbon source and an oxygen slow-releasing compound. The method further includes providing an oil wellbore completion having a production tubing with an interior surface including a zone that is susceptible to wax deposition when the well is operated to produce oil. The method further includes, while oil production from the well is stopped, incubating the biological slurry in the wax-deposition zone tubing for a sufficient time to multiply the microbe(s) and form a biofilm on at least the wax-susceptible zone.
US07681637B2 Self-orienting guide shoe
A guide shoe that utilizes an eccentric nose attached to a cylindrical body that has spiraled, ridged blades extending outward from the body. An orientation system is attached between the body and a hollow shaft. The orientation system is designed to allow free rotation of the body and nose about the shaft during the insertion of the tubing into the hole. It does this by providing clearance between a pawl and notches on the cylindrical body. Indexing of the eccentric nose is provided by a slight retraction of the tubing string in the well hole. Friction between the well hole and ridged blade causes the cylindrical body to rotate about the shaft and lock into an oriented position. The guide shoe is attached to the tubing string by a threaded female connection mating to the matching male connection on the tubing string.
US07681635B2 Methods of fracturing sensitive formations
An example of a method includes providing a hydrajetting tool in a well bore in a formation; injecting a fluid through the tool into a first region of the formation at a velocity sufficient to form one or more perforation tunnels; maintaining the flow of fluid into the perforation tunnels at a pressure greater than the fracture closure pressure, so as to create one or more fractures in the first region; plugging at least partially the fractures with an isolation fluid; injecting a fluid through the hydrajetting tool into a second region of the formation at a velocity sufficient to form one or more perforation tunnels in the second region; and maintaining the flow of fluid into the perforation tunnels in the second region at a pressure greater than the fracture closure pressure, so as to create one or more fractures in the second region.
US07681634B2 Apparatus for wiping the interior of pipes
An apparatus is provided for cleaning a drill string of drilling mud during tripping, the apparatus being provided with a mass and a volume such that it is able to float on a surface of the drilling mud in the drill string during the tripping operation. The apparatus includes a wiper device which is bellows-shaped, and a weight which is fastened to the top of the wiper device.
US07681632B2 Integrated top drive and coiled tubing injector
An apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations, comprising a base, a mast mounted on the base, and an integrated unit comprising a top drive and a coil tubing injector carried by the mast for longitudinal movement therealong. The top drive has an opening therethrough whereby coil tubing from the injector can pass through the top drive. There is a guide for coil tubing, the guide being selectively releasably connected to the coil tubing injector and mounted on the mast and selectively movable between a first position wherein coil tubing from the guide can be stabbed into the injector and a second position wherein coil tubing from the guide is out of alignment with the coil tubing injector.
US07681631B2 Automatic false rotary
A method and apparatus for remotely performing a pipe handling operation is provided. In one aspect, the method and apparatus includes a false rotary table capable of supporting one or more tubulars during the pipe handling operation which is moveable between a position for landing one or more tubulars to a position for running one or more tubulars into a wellbore. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for remotely connecting elevator links alternatingly between interchangeable elevators which are capable of axially engaging one or more tubulars above the wellbore.
US07681630B2 HVAC system for a work vehicle
An HVAC system for work vehicle having an operator compartment for an operator is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a pressurizer blower and an air-conditioning system coupled to an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is configured to reduce the output of the pressurizer blower when the operator selects a high output from the air-conditioning system. The HVAC system is also configured to provide defog operation in both a manual mode and an automatic mode of operation. The HVAC system is configured to reset the defog operation when the vehicle ignition is turned off or turned back on. The HVAC system is also configured not to reset the defog operation when the operator switches rapidly between the automatic mode and the manual mode of operation.
US07681628B2 Dynamic control of back gate bias in a FinFET SRAM cell
The present invention provides dynamic control of back gate bias on pull-up pFETs in a FinFET SRAM cell. A method according to the present invention includes providing a bias voltage to a back gate of at least one transistor in the SRAM cell, and dynamically controlling the bias voltage based on an operational mode (e.g., Read, Half-Select, Write, Standby) of the SRAM cell.
US07681627B2 Primary shaping method for a component comprising a microstructured functional element
A method is disclosed for molding a component with at least one microstructured functional element, which is configured intentionally with a defined structure, in relief, at a defined point on the surface of the component in order to specifically fulfill a function. The element has a characteristic dimension in the micrometer range in at least one spatial direction. The component is shaped from a substantially metallic material using a mould. At least one functional element is formed in a negative impression that is configured on the surface of the mould.
US07681625B2 Filament winding for metal matrix composites
A wet filament winding method and apparatus for producing a consolidated metal matrix composite is described. The methods are directed to winding a softened metal infiltrated fiber bundle and layering the resulting softened metal infiltrated fiber bundle onto a rotating mandrel in a prescribed pattern on the surface of the mandrel to form a consolidated metal matrix composite. Upon cooling, the matrix metal solidifies and the resulting consolidated metal matrix composite may be removed from the mandrel. The consolidated metal matrix composites may be produced in a variety of shapes, such as cylinder, a tapered cylinder, a sphere, an ovoid, a cube, a rectangular solid, a polygonal solid, and panels.
US07681622B2 Heterogeneous composite bodies with isolated lenticular shaped cermet regions
A heterogeneous body having ceramic rich cermet regions in a more ductile metal matrix. The heterogeneous bodies are formed by thermal spray operations on metal substrates. The thermal spray operations apply heat to a cermet powder and project it onto a solid substrate. The cermet powder is composed of complex composite particles in which a ceramic-metallic core particle is coated with a matrix precursor. The cermet regions are generally comprised of complex ceramic-metallic composites that correspond approximately to the core particles. The cermet regions are approximately lenticular shaped with an average width that is at least approximately twice the average thickness. The cermet regions are imbedded within the matrix phase and generally isolated from one another. They have obverse and reverse surfaces. The matrix phase is formed from the matrix precursor coating on the core particles. The amount of heat applied during the formation of the heterogeneous body is controlled so that the core particles soften but do not become so fluid that they disperse throughout the matrix phase. The force of the impact on the surface of the substrate tends to flatten them. The flattened cermet regions tend to be approximately aligned with one another in the body.
US07681621B2 Pinch free panel system and method
An articulating door generally includes a first door panel having a bottom section, the bottom section defining a first bottom portion, a second bottom portion and a first bottom channel therebetween. A second door panel is coupled for rotation with the first door panel. The first door panel and the second door panel moving between an open condition and a closed condition. The second door panel has a top section proximate the bottom section of the first door panel. The articulating door also includes a blocking member having a ramp portion. The blocking member extends from the top section of the second door panel. At least a portion of the blocking member is received by the first bottom channel of the first door panel in the closed condition. The ramp member is disposed between the first bottom portion of the first door panel and the top section of the second door panel.
US07681617B2 Linear multiple feeder for automatic surface-mounting device positioning apparatuses
A linear multiple feeder for use with an apparatus for automatically positioning surface-mounted devices (SMDs) collected from a tape wound on a reel. The tape has a protective film coating removably attached thereto, for enabling the device to be picked-up. The feeder comprises a support structure, a plurality of reels of tape carrying the device or component rotatably mounted to the structure, motor-driven wheels for retrieving the protective film being detached from the tape to expose those devices or components that are ready for collection, and a plurality of relatively parallel lanes on the support structure. Also provided is a device for forward linear delivery of the tape along the lanes. The lanes are provided with respective elements for separating the film coating entrained axially by the film-retrieving wheels in a direction opposite to that of delivery of the corresponding tape, thereby detaching the film coating from the tape as the latter moves forward.
US07681616B2 Correction tape applicator tip with cylindrical projection
A transfer tape dispenser comprises a housing and a supply spool and a take up spool disposed within the housing. A carrier ribbon has a first end and a second end, with the first end connected to the supply spool, and the second end connected to the take-up spool. An applicator tip is partially disposed within the housing and includes a platform with a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a top surface, a bottom surface. A first wall is adjacent to the first side edge and a second wall is adjacent to the second side edge. At least one protuberance extends from the applicator tip and is adapted to maintain outer edges of the transfer tape adjacent to the top surface of the platform.
US07681615B2 Tow width adaptable placement head device and method
A replaceable tow alignment path kit for a tow placement device may include a tow alignment tray to guide a predetermined width of tow along a tow path of a tow placement head. The tow alignment tray may include a channel having a width corresponding to the predetermined width of tow and a connector to releasably engage the tow placement head.
US07681614B2 Run flat support body for pneumatic tire
A run flat support body for a pneumatic tire, including an annular shell and elastic rings, where the elastic rings are composed of a composite elastic material made by compounding reinforcement fillers with an elastic material so as to provide anisotropy to an effect of reinforcement thereof. Additionally, the compressive rigidity of the elastic rings in a radial direction of the tire is made larger than that of unreinforced elastic rings in the radial direction, and the bending rigidity of the elastic rings in an axial direction of the tire is made substantially equal to that of the unreinforced elastic rings in the axial direction. Preferably, the elastic rings include a layered body formed by alternately laminating layers of a composite elastic material in which short fibers are aligned in a circumferential direction and layers of a composite elastic material in which short fibers are aligned in the axial direction.
US07681613B2 Pneumatic tire and noise damper assembly
A pneumatic tire and noise damper assembly comprises a pneumatic tire manufactured by vulcanization using an expandable bladder for molding an inner surface of the tire, the bladder with at least one vent groove extending on its outer surface, the inner surface of the tire being provided with at least one projecting stripe molded by the vent groove of the bladder, and a noise damper being attached to the inner surface of the tire and extending in the circumferential direction of the tire, wherein the projecting stripe comprises at least one first projecting stripe extending in an adhesion region to which the noise damper is attached, and the first projecting part has a height of from 0.2 to 1.0 mm, a width of from 0.4 to 1.6 mm and an virtual section area of from 0.08 to 1.00 mm2.
US07681611B2 Tire cavity resonance restricting device and pneumatic tire
A tire cavity resonance restricting device to be mounted on the inner surface of the tread portion facing to the cavity of a pneumatic tire. The tire cavity resonance restricting device includes a cross-sectional area changing member for changing the cross-sectional area of the cavity in tire meridian cross section, and an elastic fixing member in the form of a ring for fixing the cross-sectional area changing member to the inner surface of the tread portion. The elastic fixing member has an attachment portion to which the cross-sectional area changing member is attached and a non-attachment portion to which the cross-sectional area changing member is not attached. The non-attachment portion is greater in mass than the attachment portion.
US07681609B2 Multi-application wood working knife and clamping assembly
A wood working knife for use in a wood working machine, comprising a knife body having a first cutting edge and an opposed second cutting edge, the knife body having a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface. The first clamping surface has opposed clamping features separated by a middle section, the opposed clamping features and the middle section being sized and shaped such that, upon the knife body being inserted into a clamping assembly, the clamping forces are localized towards the opposed cutting edges and away from the middle section.
US07681604B2 Gas cooling method using a melting/solidifying media for high pressure storage tanks for compressed natural gas or hydrogen
A system for increasing the overall efficiency of a high pressure gas fueled vehicle and refilling station infrastructure wherein the compression heat of high pressure refueling of an on board tank is absorbed by a temperature dependent melting/solidifying media within the interior of an on board tank and may be dispersed through an external radiator.
US07681601B2 Inner casing of a rotating thermal machine
An inner casing (10) of a rotating thermal machine, in particular a steam turbine, has essentially the form of a hollow cylinder and is divided in a parting plane (20), which extends through an axis (11) of said casing, into a lower casing part (12) and an upper casing part (13), which casing parts (12, 13) are detachably connected to one another in the parting plane (20). The thermomechanical properties are improved with respect to casings provided with flanges in that the two casing parts (12, 13) have, in the region of the parting plane (20), two overlapping areas (14, 15) which lie opposite one another and in which the two casing parts (12, 13) overlap one another and are detachably connected to one another with overlapping sections (17, 18), in that the two casing parts (12, 13) have a predefined wall thickness (d), and in that the sum of the thicknesses of the overlapping sections (17, 18) is approximately the same as the wall thickness (d) of the two casing parts (12, 13) in the overlapping areas (14, 15).
US07681598B2 Device for dynamic control of a water flow
The disclosure relates to a device for dynamic control of a water flow, including the following items in a body: a feed chamber, a discharge chamber and a piston arranged between the feed chamber and the discharge chamber. The piston can be displaced from a first position, which is offset towards the feed chamber and wherein the piston narrows the flow between the feed chamber and the discharge chamber, and a second position, which is offset towards the discharge chamber and wherein the piston does not narrow the flow between the feed chamber and the discharge chamber.
US07681594B2 Control valve having “C” seal
A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.
US07681590B2 Process apparatus and transportation system thereof
A process apparatus including a chamber, a pump, and a transportation system set between the chamber and the pump is provided. The transportation system has a pipe, a pressure control valve, and a shielding unit. The pipe has an input end connected to the chamber and an output end connected to the pump to pump fluids out of the chamber through the pipe. The pressure control valve between the input and output ends is disposed on the pipe and has a valve plate to adjust a fluid flow in the pipe. The shielding unit between the input end and the pressure control valve is disposed on the pipe and has a shielding plate to be switched between an original position and a shielding position. The shielding plate at the shielding position permits conveyance of fluids in the pipe and prevents certain liquid particles of the fluids floating in the pipe.
US07681588B2 Pressure regulator
Pressure regulator with partial volumes for regulating the operating pressure of fluids, in particular adhesives, at the inlet of a consuming device, the first partial volume (14) being connectable to a fluid source and the second partial volume (24) being connectable to the fluid inlet of the consuming device, wherein the second partial volume (24) has a cylindrical section(24a) of variable size, a connecting channel (22) connecting the first (14) and the second (24) partial volumes, a valve disposed in the first partial volume for opening and closing the connecting channel, said valve having an insert (23) and a movable sealing piston (32), the front end of which forms a sealing body (34) for closing the connecting channel and the rear end of which is sealed against the first partial volume. A working piston (54) is disposed in the cylindrical section (24a) for changing the volume thereof, with a front end (59) facing the cylindrical section and the sealing piston, and with a piston rod (56) for moving the sealing piston, said piston rod (56) engaging the front end (59) of the sealing piston and forming an endstop for same. The rear end of the sealing piston and the front end of the working piston are exposed to the pressure of the fluid in the second partial volume (24) while a movable adjuster piston (92) is provided to which compressed air can be applied and which is coupled to the endstop that determines the extent to which the valve opens between its closed and its open positions.
US07681587B2 Gas bottle valve stem protective sleeve
A protective sleeve for use in connection with valve stems for gas bottles is provided, the protective sleeve being comprised of an elongated body of such length as to extend along at least a portion of the length of the valve stem. A projection extends from an interior surface of the protective sleeve and is adapted to physically engage with an orifice in an opposing surface of the valve stem in locking engagement whereby the protective sleeve is prevented from being easily removed from the valve stem upon being placed thereover due to engagement of the projection with the orifice. At least one tear strip is provided within at least a portion of at least one side surface of the protective sleeve, whereby at least a portion of the side surface of the protective sleeve may be removed by tearing the tear strip so as to permit disengagement and removal of the protective sleeve from the valve stem.
US07681586B2 Double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system
A double-walled flexible dispenser sump connection system prevents fuel leaks into a dispenser sump located below a fuel dispenser. An inner flexible connector and an outer flexible connector are configured such that the dispenser sump connection system may be installed on newly constructed fuel delivery systems or be retrofitted onto existing fuel delivery systems in order to bring them into compliance with recently environmental regulations.
US07681583B2 Double-walled contained shear valve, particularly for fueling environments
A double-walled contained shear valve comprises of an inner housing forming a fuel flow path, and a containment housing surrounding the inner housing, either partially or wholly, to provide a secondary containment. An interstitial space is formed between the inner housing and the containment housing as a result, and may be placed under a vacuum or pressure level to monitor for leaks. A vacuum actuator coupled to the interstitial space automatically opens and closes the fuel flow path of the shear valve in response to the vacuum level in the interstitial space to prevent leaks to the environment. The shear valve may contain a flange for connection to internal fuel dispenser piping that either does or does not includes interstitial space orifices to couple the shear valve interstitial space to the fuel dispenser piping interstitial space to monitor the vacuum or pressure level in these interstitial spaces as one contiguous space.
US07681582B2 Multiple spray arm dishwashing apparatus and method for assembling same
A dishwasher includes a cabinet, an upper rack and a lower rack disposed within the cabinet. The upper and lower racks support articles to be cleaned. The dishwasher also includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The first and second spray arms are operated based on a wash cycle. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second spray arms for controlling the wash cycle. The controller is configured to operate the first and second spray arms independently of one another, and the controller is configured to control the wash cycle based on a usage condition of the water being washed.
US07681576B2 Multiple cannula systems and methods
The preferred embodiments provide, e.g., a high quality flexible tracheostomy tube assembly including an outer tracheostomy cannula and a disposable, flexible inner cannula. In preferred embodiments, the product provides a single patient use, sterile device.
US07681575B2 Breathing assistance apparatus
A patient interface is described which is reduces the pressure of the mask on the users face. The patient interface has a sealing interface having an inner sealing member and an outer sealing member. The inner and outer sealing members are adapted to seal around the facial contours of a user providing a sealed fluid communication to the user's respiratory tract. The inner and outer sealing members are at least continuously in contact with each other around the portions where the sealing interface contacts the users facial contours. The inner sealing member may be provided with cut outs to provide additional flexibility to particular areas, such as the nasal bridge, upper lip or cheek regions and may be provided with a contoured edge to better fit the facial contours of a user.
US07681572B2 Method and devices for administration of therapeutic gases
Methods for administering medical gases include providing the medical gas in compressed gas cartridges containing an amount of the medical gas preferably corresponding substantially to a unit dose of the medical gas and providing a patient with access to the medical gas from the gas cartridge upon need therefor. Apparatus for administering medical gases also includes a housing, a cassette associated with the housing containing at least one compressed gas cartridge preferably containing at least an amount of the medical gas substantially as required for a single dose and a patient supply interface to provide the medical gas to the patient.
US07681569B2 Medical liquid processor apparatus and method
Some embodiments and aspects presented herein provide methods and apparatus for vaporizing and/or mixing medication with air or other gases for oral delivery to a patient. Some methods and apparatus may include breaking liquid medications down to particle sizes no larger than about 1.0 to 3.0 micrometers in diameter. Such small particle diameters can be introduced directly to a patient's bloodstream via the lungs by crossing the alveoli membranes.
US07681568B2 Barbecue cooking apparatus with ash scraper assembly
A barbecue apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprises: a firebowl having an open topside and a bottomside which has a circumference smaller than a circumference of the topside of the firebowl, and the bottomside of the firebowl comprises at least one central aperture situated adjacent at least one peripheral aperture; a base frame comprising a top end, a bottom end, and a central cavity, and the peripheral aperture of the firebowl leads to the central cavity of the column, and the top end of the column is connected to the bottomside of the firebowl; and an ash scraper assembly comprising a frame having at least one arm designed to cover and uncover the peripheral aperture and an actuator pivotally attached to the frame and designed to rotate the arms to cover and uncover the peripheral apertures and scrape the bottomside of the firebowl.
US07681561B2 Fuel delivery system for multi-fuel engine
A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine and a method of operating the fuel delivery system are provided. An example embodiment of the method includes: transferring at least some fuel from a first fuel storage region to a second fuel storage region via a pump during a first condition; draining at least some fuel from the second fuel storage region to the first storage fuel region via gravity during a second condition; and delivering fuel from the first fuel storage region to a first fuel injector of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and delivering fuel from the second fuel storage region to a second fuel injector of the cylinder.
US07681558B2 System and method to control fuel vaporization
A method for improving fuel heating is presented. The method can reduce system complexity and cost when fuel is heated within a fuel injector. In one embodiment, the method independently heats and injects fuel by changing the direction of current flow through a fuel circuit.
US07681548B2 Method and apparatus for lubricating cylinder surface in large diesel engines
There is described a method and an installation for lubricating cylinder surfaces 6 in large diesel engines. The installation includes a lubricating apparatus 3 with a number of piston pumps 4 which via connecting lines 5 are connected with lubricating points 6 in the cylinder walls 7. In order to enable electronically controlled regulation of the lubricating oil portion, there is provided an electronic control unit 9 which is connected with a flow regulator 8. The flow regulator includes redirecting valves 12 which are inserted in connecting lines 5 between the lubricating apparatus 3 and the lubricating points 6.
US07681547B2 Method for reducing torque required to crank engine in hybrid vehicle
A method of operating a hybrid powertrain system is provided for a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine having an engine output to drive the vehicle and a motor having a motor output to drive the vehicle. The motor is operatively connected to the engine and operable to crank the engine. The method includes the steps of reducing compression in at least one engine cylinder and operating the motor to crank the engine. A hybrid powertrain system for a hybrid vehicle is also provided.
US07681540B2 Control apparatus for an internal combustion engine
Provided is a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which controls the internal combustion engine in such a manner as to prevent excessive overshoot of an actual phase angle at a time of phase angle feedback control. The control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes: a unit for detecting an actual phase angle of a camshaft based on a crank angle signal and a cam angle signal; a unit for setting a target phase angle of the camshaft based on an operational state; and a unit for performing phase angle feedback control calculation such that the actual phase angle coincides with the target phase angle, to calculate an amount of operation for the hydraulic pressure control solenoid valve, in which: the phase angle feedback control calculation is started for a first time after a KEY is turned ON with an initial value of an integral term set to a predetermined value; the phase angle feedback control calculation is performed using a control gain obtained by multiplying a control gain at a time of normal control when a control difference is equal to or larger than a preset value during the phase angle feedback control; and the phase angle feedback control calculation is performed using the control gain at the time of normal control when the control difference is smaller than the preset value during the phase angle feedback control.
US07681539B2 Method for improving operation of an electrically operable mechanical valve
A method to improve the performance of an electrically operable mechanical valve actuator is described. The system is capable of providing heat to targeted areas of an actuator so that valve performance may be improved during at least some operating conditions.
US07681536B2 Low maintenance fluid heater and method of firing same
A fluid heater constructed of rectangular tubing through which fluid to be heated is circulated in a circuitous path. The floor and walls of a combustion chamber of the heater are constructed of the rectangular tubing. A tubular coil stack is positioned over the combustion chamber and surrounded by coil stack chamber walls constructed of the rectangular tubing. Consequently, all surfaces of the fluid heater exposed directly to flame are constantly cooled by the fluid to be heated. A combustion unit of the fluid heater is removable to facilitate maintenance.
US07681534B1 Vehicle mounted gate
A gate is operatively secured to the three-point hitch of a vehicle such as a tractor or the like and is movable between a forwardly extending transport position at one side of the vehicle, a substantially vertically disposed second position, and a third rearwardly extending position to close an opening in a fence or the like. The gate may be moved by an electrical motor/gearbox or a hydraulic motor/gearbox and is radio controllable.
US07681532B1 Expandable carrier for an animal
A carrier for an animal providing expanded and collapsed configurations. The carrier may include an inner shell and an outer shell with respective openings that are co-positioned when the carrier is in the collapsed configuration. A moving wall may effectively block one of the openings when the carrier is in the expanded configuration.
US07681531B2 System for assessing habitat value
A system for quantifying or assigning values to habitats and/or species occurring within a geographic site. In one implementation, for example, a baseline habitat value is assigned to a geographic site prior to the performance of a proposed activity impacting the site, such as development or construction. The baseline habitat value is based at least in part on the specific types of habitats found in the site, the number of species found in the site, and the key ecological functions associated with each species. The baseline habitat value can be adjusted to account for the potential presence of invasive plant species within the site. A future habitat value for the site following the performance of the activity also can be determined. A debit value associated with the proposed activity can be determined by subtracting the future habitat value from the baseline habitat value.
US07681526B2 Watering device for poultry
A watering disc for use in a nipple assembly of a watering line system has an outer rim portion and an upper surface extending inwardly from said outer rim portion to an aperture provided through a center of the watering disc. The upper surface defines a plurality of separators and a plurality of individual compartments in an alternating manner about a circumference of the watering disc. The plurality of separators generally extend from proximate the center of the watering disc to the outer rim portion in order to define each individual compartment between the outer rim portion and two adjacent separators. Each individual compartment is substantially formed in a concave manner and are configured to receive and retain water from the watering line system. The watering disc is formed of plastic and has reflective particles integrally formed therein for attracting poultry to the watering disc.
US07681524B1 Recreational cat house
An apparatus for the recreational use of pets, which is durable, lightweight, made with a versatile construction that has replaceable components, and is aesthetically appealing. Several aspects are comprised such as a structural frame support, sleeping platforms, a basket area for storing items, a litter box storage area, and an open floor storage area. Doors may be added to enclose the floor storage area. A scratch pad may be optionally mounted onto the frame.
US07681520B2 Functional droplet coating apparatus, display, and electronic device
A functional droplet coating apparatus includes a functional droplet discharge head for discharging a functional droplet, a stage for setting thereon a board to be coated with the functional droplet discharged from the functional droplet discharge head, and a drying unit for covering one or entire part of the board set on the stage, the drying unit for drying the functional droplet ejected from the functional droplet discharge head.
US07681519B2 Apparatus for coating a photoresist layer
Embodiments relate to an apparatus for coating a photoresist layer and a photolithography method using the apparatus. In embodiments, the apparatus may include a rotatable wafer support for supporting a wafer to be coated with a photoresist layer, a beam nozzle for performing WEE (Wafer Edge Exposure) with respect to a photoresist layer at an edge of the wafer on the wafer support, and a spray nozzle for spraying an alkali solution onto an edge of the wafer exposed through the beam nozzle.
US07681517B2 Actively lit pointer
A pointer for an instrument panel which is actively lighted and, more specifically, an actively lighted pointer including a flex circuit.
US07681515B1 Life raft launcher
A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.
US07681511B2 System for loading and unloading of hydrocarbons in ice prone waters
System for loading and unloading of hydrocarbons in waters with varying conditions, comprising an icebreaking vessel (10) moored to a sea bed (12) by a turret buoy (11) and where a tanker (16) by at least one hawser (17) is moored with its bow to the aft end of the icebreaker either at a distance from the icebreaker (10) in situations without influence from ice, or in physical contact with the icebreaker in situation when ice is present. The system further comprises at least one hose (24) and valve system for transferring hydrocarbons from the icebreaker (10) to the tanker (16).
US07681510B2 Embroidery frame for use with embroidery sewing machine
An embroidery frame holding workpiece cloth for embroidery sewing includes a lower frame receiving a lower side of the workpiece cloth and having a cloth clamping side, an upper frame holding the workpiece cloth in cooperation with the lower frame between the frames and having a cloth holding side, a clamp mechanism pressing the upper frame against the lower frame and retaining the upper frame in a pressing state, and a hold assisting member enhancing hold of the workpiece cloth and detachably attached to the cloth holding side of at least one of the upper and lower frames.
US07681505B2 Station design for personal rapid transport systems
A station (2) in a personal rapid transit system has a platform (14), the edge of which defines bays (20) for parked vehicles (10). The parked vehicles are out of the path of travelling vehicles moving in a transit path extending between an entry section (4) and an exit section (6). The bays (10) include parking sections (22) alongside which the vehicles may park to enable easy transfer of passengers into and out of the vehicles. The disposition of the parking sections (22) allows the steered vehicles (10) to park close to the platform edge. The stations comprise bypass tracks (36) branched off the main track (30) and disposed in various configurations.
US07681501B1 Emergency flare case and stand and method of use thereof
The invention discloses a container and support stand for conventional road flares, thereby allowing said stand to support flares during use. The device consists of multiple round flare holders or tubes, which are snapped around a central core holder. The core holder will accommodate four (4) to six (6) flares dependent upon the model. Each flare tube has a waterproof cap. To use, a person would select one or more flare tubes from the central core, remove each cap, and slide out the flare. A locking system to prevent the flare from falling all of the way back into the tube is then activated, along with a spring-levered two-foot support stand. The stand is then deployed with the flare ignited and dropped into the tube. When finished, the spent flare can be discarded, a new one placed in the holder, the cap replaced, and the holder snapped back into the central core holder, thus making the device ready for the next use.
US07681500B2 Method for logging a plurality of slave devices
A method for logging a plurality of slave devices is suggested, comprising the following steps: a) connecting a plurality of slave devices each having an identity and a pyrotechnic charge to an electrical conduit; b) after step a), connecting a logging device comprising a power supply, an electrical interface, and a memory and c)causing the logging device to communicate with each of the plurality of slave devices while the plurality of slave devices is simultaneously connected to the electrical conduit.
US07681497B2 Method and apparatus for charging and discharging a cycle press with a board
The invention concerns a method for feeding and removing a board to/from a gap of a periodically operating press. The board to be pressed is fed grip-supported to the gap of the press from one side and a board pressed in the previous operating cycle is removed grip-supported from the same or from the opposite side during the opening cycle of the press. The movement feeding the board to the press and the movement removing the board from the press are performed at least partially staggered with each other.
US07681496B2 Method and device for strapping goods
In a method to seal/lock a strap (44) including a metal strap (44d) which is fitted at least in the zone of seal with a protective layer (44c), the packing strap is laid in the form of a loop around the package and is held, in particular, clamped, in place before and/or during production of the seal. The seal is implemented on the packing strap (44) by resistance welding and the protective layer (44c) of the packing strap (44) shall be pierced before and/or during production of the seal.
US07681493B2 Outdoor smoking system
An outdoor smoking system including a smoking device coupled to a cooking vessel. The smoking device includes a feed chute for continuously supplying fuel to a burning chamber without user intervention. The feed chute is positioned above the burning chamber to gravity feed the fuel into the burning chamber. A grate positioned in the bottom wall of the burning chamber allows ash created by the burning to fall out of the chamber into an ash tray. As ash leaves the chamber through the grate, additional fuel in the feed chute is allowed to enter, maintaining a substantially constant burning mass in the burning chamber.
US07681489B2 Extendable pipe unit for frame floor pump
A frame floor pump includes a cylinder having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, an extendable pump unit having an outer pipe with a first end installed to a side of the second end of the cylinder and a second end, an inner hose disposed through the second end of the outer pipe and received in the outer pipe and a nozzle provided to couple to an end of the inner hose against the second end of the outer pipe; wherein the inner hose of the extendable pipe unit could extend to various lengths from the outer pipe of the extendable pipe unit while operating the frame floor pump; while the frame floor pump is collapsed and not used, the inner hose could be received in the outer pipe so as to be easy to stow.
US07681484B2 Shrapnel and projectile containment systems and equipment and methods for producing same
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a blast-resistant panel may include a layer of a pre-cured elastomeric material having a predetermined thickness, a body portion, and a plurality of flanges, each of the plurality of flanges having a substantially equal width and depending away from a same side and at approximately equivalent right angles to the body portion. The blast-resistant panel may also include a plurality of fastener elements for securing the pre-cured elastomeric material layer to a surface of a structure through the plurality of flanges of pre-cured elastomeric material layer.
US07681480B2 Blind and shade cutting center for cutting two different window covering products
A sizing center for sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on the sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. The sizing center includes a squaring block for orienting a window covering on the sizing center. The squaring block includes a first side and a second side. A cutout for receiving a plurality of slats of a window covering is located in a top surface of the squaring block, the cutout extends from the first side of the squaring block to the second side of the squaring block.
US07681477B2 Adjustable pliers
The present invention discloses pliers including first and second members having first and second jaw members, respectively, and a first handle and a second handle. The jaws have first and second workpiece engaging surfaces constructed and arranged to generally correspond to first and second surfaces of a standardized workpiece, such as a hexagonal nut. A pivot assembly is provided to interact between the first and second members, which includes a plurality of pivot retaining regions disposed on the first jaw member and a pivot structure disposed within the second member. The pivot structure is engageable at a selected one of the retaining regions to adjust a relative position of a pivot axis between the first and second members so as to adjust an extent of relative spacing between the first and second jaws of the pliers. The second member and the pivot structure are capable of relative movement with respect to one another so that the first workpiece engaging surfaces and the second workpiece engaging surfaces orient themselves into engagement with the first and second surfaces of the standardized workpiece, respectively.
US07681474B2 System for adjusting the pedals of a vehicle
A system for adjustably positioning foot pedals with respect to a vehicle chassis, such as to improve ergonomics or to appropriately space a vehicle occupant with respect to a vehicle safety system. The system includes first and second electromagnetic actuators, first and second controllers, and a device, which may be a switch disposed on the vehicle chassis, provides a signal to change spacing between the vehicle chassis and the plurality of pedals. The first electromagnetic actuator displaces a first pedal with respect to the vehicle chassis, and the second electromagnetic actuator displaces a second pedal with respect to the vehicle chassis. The first controller operates the first electromagnetic actuator in response to the configuration of the device, and the second controller operates the second electromagnetic actuator in response to the first controller operating the first electromagnetic actuator.
US07681470B2 Threaded drive with resilient catch nut
In a threaded drive having a load-bearing nut and a catch nut, for securing against a load-bearing nut, the catch nut is urged by a spring against an axial bearing face of the load-bearing nut.
US07681465B2 Method to protect the integrity of small analytical samples
This invention provides a method to protect an analytical sample from being diluted or otherwise contaminated during the analytical procedure.
US07681462B2 System and method for measuring interaction of loads
A test system for measuring a rotary load comprises a stepper motor drives a gear box that is mounted at one end of a frame. A torque sensor provides a measurement signal transmission. The gear box's output shaft is connected to one of the torque sensor's stubs by means of a universal joint coupling. On the other side of the torque sensor a second universal joint coupling connects the sensor to a stainless steel shaft. A low friction flange bearing is used to provide support for the shaft. An angle encoder is disposed on the end of the shaft distal to the gear box. The gear box's output shaft, the torque sensor's cylindrical shaft hubs and associated couplings are arranged such that they are directly aligned with the shaft. The test system has been designed to take automated torque and angle readings from a shaft capable of rotary motion. The measurement arm configuration with the stepper motor directly connects the torque and angle sensors to a PC based data acquisition card for acquisition and processing of data. The system operates according to a method used to make a true torque measurement of a rotary actuated shaft or wheel in a process where a first data set is acquired with the system unloaded as the shaft or wheel is actuated through the defined travel path. The actuation force applied by the stepper motor is accurately controlled through a computer interface. Torque data is measured at each angular step as the wheel is actuated in a first direction. Torque data is then measured at each angular step as the wheel is actuated in the opposite direction. A load is then placed on the test system. With the load on the system, torque data is acquired/measured at each angular step through the defined travel path. Torque data is then measured at each angular step as the wheel is actuated in the opposite direction through the defined travel path. Ultimately, the true torque, i.e. torque less the effects of friction and the system baseline mechanical profile, is determined by adjusting measurement data to virtually eliminate these two effects.
US07681460B2 System and method for detecting pressure variations in fuel dispensers to more accurately measure fuel delivered
A system and method for enhancing the accuracy of fuel flow measurement by a fuel dispenser are provided. Pressure sensors positioned in the fuel flow path detect pressure in the fuel flow path and communicate pressure signals to a control system in the fuel dispenser. The pressure signals are used by the control system to enhance the accuracy of the fuel flow rate and fuel dispensed that the control system determines by converting meter signals from a meter. In particular, the pressure signals are used by the control system to determine whether a non-steady state condition exists in the fuel flow path and compensate the fuel flow rate and fuel dispensed due to the non-steady state condition.
US07681459B1 Multi-scale & three-axis sensing tensile testing apparatus
A tensile testing apparatus is provided, and generally includes an X-Y automated stage, and a first specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a specimen to a first portion of a specimen. The first specimen holder is operatively supported by the X-Y automated stage. A Z-automated stage, a multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, and a second specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a second portion of the specimen is further provided. The second specimen holder is operatively linked to the Z-automated stage via the nanotensile transducer head assembly. Variable displacement modalities, and non-Z alignment assessment and adjustment are enabled by the multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, as well as the X, Y, and Z automated stages.
US07681458B2 Apparatus, method, and medium for adaptively setting reference sensing boundary of touch sensor
Provided are an apparatus for and method and medium of adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a touch sensor. The apparatus for adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary includes a reference sensing boundary setting unit adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a capacitance using a signal generated by a reference touch sensor; a determination unit determining whether or not a value measured by a device control touch sensor controlling a device to which the reference touch sensor is attached is within the set reference sensing boundary, by sensing a change in the capacitance; and an output unit outputting the measured value if the determination result indicates that the measured value is within the reference sensing boundary. Accordingly, the reference sensing boundary of the touch sensor is automatically recalculated without a user's intervention and a sensitivity and threshold of the touch sensor are adaptively changed so that the operational reliability of the touch sensor can be enhanced.
US07681451B2 Passage detection apparatus of object
Disclosed herein is a passage detection apparatus capable of detecting a passage of an object in a specific space. The passage detection apparatus includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a shielding member. The transmitting device is provided with a vibration generating source. The receiving device is arranged at the position corresponding to the transmitting device across the specific space. The shielding member has a through-hole, and is arranged so as to be interposed between the transmitting device and the receiving device. The vibration transmitted from the transmitting device reaches the receiving device via the through-hole and a passage route of the object. On the other hand, the reception of the vibration, reflected in the specific space, by the receiving device is suppressed by the shielding member.
US07681449B2 Metal loss rate sensor and measurement using a mechanical oscillator
The present invention is a mechanical oscillator metal loss sensor for use in a corrosive or erosive environment. The elements include a mechanical oscillator that is mechanical excited with two regions that corrode differently, where the regions are determined to affect specific influences on the resonance parameters, wherein said mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency, f, and a quality factor, Q. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical oscillator has the shape of a tuning fork.
US07681447B2 Liquid level detection apparatus
A liquid level detection apparatus of the present invention includes contacts provided at a distal end portion of a contact plate, and resistance plates which are formed on a wiring board, and have respective conductor portions over which the contacts can slide, respectively, so as to detect a liquid level. Conductor patterns other than the conductor portions are formed on those regions of the wiring board which the contacts at the distal end portion of the contact plate contact during the time when an arm holder is mounted on the wiring board.
US07681446B2 Liquid container
Provided is a liquid container having an outer surface and an interior container from which the level of liquid in the container is not visible; the liquid container having a detecting unit having a liquid amount detecting means and a liquid temperature detecting means which are inserted into the inner container and detect a liquid amount and a liquid temperature. A unit outer package located on the outer surface of the container displays the liquid amount and the liquid temperature detected by the detecting means. All detecting and display components are included in a single unit.
US07681443B2 Apparatus for detecting hunting and angle of attack of a rail vehicle wheelset
An apparatus and method for estimating the angle of attack of wheels, wheelsets, trucks and railway vehicles traveling over a track employing a wayside system having a plurality of sensors, adjacent to the rails of the track, for detecting the passing of each wheelset of each truck. Each sensor communicates its moment of activation and length of activation caused by a passing wheel to a sensor monitoring unit for use in determining the angle of attack of the passing wheel, wheelset, truck and railway vehicle. The estimated angle of attack of the wheelset at different locations along the track may be used to detect a hunting wheelset, truck or railway vehicle.
US07681437B2 Device for determining the viscosity of fluids
A device for determining the viscosity of fluids. The device includes an injector, which has a piston and a hollow cylinder with a nozzle. The device further includes a cannula. The device also includes a forward-feed device with the aid of which the piston is displaceable at a uniform speed.
US07681432B2 Calibrating force and displacement sensors of mechanical probes
Concepts presented herein relate to a portable device that includes a frame and a fixture for engaging a mechanical probe to be calibrated. The fixture can be a platform of hard material that receives pushing action of the mechanical probe. A displacement sensor senses position of the platform with respect to the frame. An actuator is coupled to the displacement sensor and a controller is coupled to the actuator. The controller operates the actuator to cause the platform to move to a position (as indicated by the displacement sensor), while the force required to cause the displacement is measured with a force sensor.
US07681428B2 Forging method, forged product and forging apparatus
A forging method for upsetting end portions of a raw material as diameter expansion scheduled portions includes: providing an upsetting apparatus having a fixing die, guides each having an insertion passage for inserting and holding an end portion of the raw material in a buckling preventing state, and punches each for axially pressing the end portion of the raw material inserted in and held by the insertion passage; inserting end portions of the raw material with the end portions protruded from the fixing die into the insertion passages; and moving the guides in direction opposite to moving direction of the punches such that length of exposed portion of the raw material becomes equal to or less than buckling limit length at cross-sectional area of the exposed portion of the raw material while simultaneously axially pressing the end portions of the raw material with the punches.
US07681423B2 Column lock assembly
A column lock assembly for a vehicle including a steering shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. A first abutment defining a plurality of recesses and a second abutment are mounted to the steering shaft. A sleeve is disposed between the abutments with a locking member movable between a locked position preventing rotation of the sleeve and an unlocked position allowing rotation of the sleeve. The sleeve includes a body portion and a first protrusion engaging one of the recesses to couple the sleeve to the steering shaft for concurrent rotation about the longitudinal axis with the body portion being deformable along the longitudinal axis to move the first protrusion from one of the recesses to an other one of the recesses for allowing rotation of the steering shaft relative to the sleeve when the locking member is in the locked position.
US07681421B2 Electrical panel lockout
An electrical panel lockout that locks the electrical panel door closed and prevents the panel cover from being removed. Two telescoping hollow tubes extend between two panel screws. Two slots in the ends of the hollow tubes slide under the screw heads of each of the loosened panel screws. The outer hollow tube and inner hollow tube extend across the panel door keeping it locked closed. The shackle of a padlock is inserted into one of the openings of the inner hollow tube to keep the device locked in the extended position onto the panel screws. The screw heads are encapsulated by the device rendering them inaccessible and preventing the electrical panel cover from being removed. Hollow tube extension fittings can be employed to increase the length of the device for use on electrical panels of larger widths. A guide screw attached to the inner hollow tube rides in a slot in the outer hollow tube to keep both tubes from separating.
US07681420B2 Washing machine and method of controlling the same
A washing machine and a method of controlling the same are provided. The washing machine includes an exhaust port, a filter, and a nozzle. Humid air in a tub is exhausted through the exhaust port to the outside. The filter filters is provided to the exhaust port to filter lint. The nozzle sprays air to the filter. The lint filtered by the filter is automatically removed, so that use convenience safety is enhanced and dry efficiency of the washing machine is improved.
US07681418B2 Water supply control for a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance using a temperature sensor
A fabric treatment appliance comprises a steam generator having a chamber configured to hold water; a supply conduit configured to transport water to the steam generator chamber; a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature representative of the steam generator chamber at a predetermined water level in the steam generator chamber; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and configured to control flow of water through the supply conduit based on the sensed temperature to control the level of water in the steam generator chamber. The disclosure provides methods of water supply control that can employ the temperature sensor.
US07681417B2 Heat-resistant fabric and garment and heat-resistant glove using the same
A heat-resistant fabric according to the present invention is a knitted or woven fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn and a fancy twist yarn. The heat-resistant fiber yarn is present more on one surface, and the fancy twist yarn is present more on the other surface. A heat-resistant glove according to the present invention is formed of a knitted fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn (11) and a fancy twist yarn (12). The knitted fabric is a knit, and the heat-resistant fiber yarn (11) is present more on an outer surface, and the fancy twist yarn (12) is present more on an inner surface. The heat-resistant fabric, a garment, and the heat-resistant glove have air permeability and good workability and are washable. Further, there is provided a heat-resistant fabric as a knitted or woven fabric including a heat-resistant fiber yarn and a fancy twist yarn, in which the heat-resistant yarn is arranged on a surface and the fancy twist yarn is arranged in a structure so as to allow much air to be contained. As a result, the heat-resistant fabric has high heat insulation, heat resistance, flame proofness, flame retardancy, and protection. Further, there are provided a garment and a heat-resistant glove using the above-described heat-resistant fabric.
US07681406B2 Ice-making system for refrigeration appliance
An ice-making system is adapted to operate within a section of a refrigeration appliance where the ice-making system and the ice made in the ice-making system are exposed to a temperature greater than zero degrees Centigrade. When installed in the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator that also has a freezer section compartment, the refrigeration system furnishes a cooling effect to the freezer compartment sufficient to maintain the freezer compartment at a temperature of zero degrees or less and separately furnish to the ice-making unit a cooling effect sufficient to freeze water for making ice in the ice-making unit of the ice-making system. The ice-making system can include a reservoir that is operatively associated with the ice-making unit of the ice-making system for delivering water to the ice-making unit and for receiving water returned from the ice-making unit.
US07681405B2 Insulated shipping container systems and methods thereof
An insulated shipping container system for transferring a temperature sensitive product comprising a substantially hollow insulated body having inner walls and outer walls defining a payload cavity to receive a payload and supports to space the payload from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. The insulated shipping container system further comprises a heat transfer element cavity configured to receive a heat transfer element and supports to space the heat transfer element from the insulated body thereby defining an internal air filled space to facilitate heat transfer. Also provided are methods for shipping temperature sensitive products and goods comprised of packing and assembling the insulated shipping container system disclosed herein.
US07681399B2 Turbofan engine cowl assembly and method of operating the same
A turbofan engine assembly is provided. The turbofan engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine, a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine, a nacelle positioned radially outward from the core cowl, a fan nozzle duct defined between the core cowl and the nacelle, and an inner core cowl baffle assembly positioned within the fan nozzle duct. The inner core cowl baffle assembly includes a first core cowl baffle coupled to a portion of the core cowl within the fan nozzle duct, a second core cowl baffle coupled to a portion of the core cowl and positioned a distance radially inward from the first core cowl baffle, and an actuator assembly configured to vary the throat area of the fan nozzle duct by selectively repositioning the second core cowl baffle with respect to the first core cowl baffle. A method for operating the turbofan engine assembly is also provided.
US07681398B2 Combustor liner and heat shield assembly
Impingement hole patterns are provided in a combustor dome panel to provide efficient cooling of a combustor dome heat shield. The impingement holes are substantially aligned or located above partial height protuberances provided on the back face of the heat shield.
US07681393B2 Hydrostatic drive axle with two hydrostatic axial piston motors utilizing a swashplate design located next to each other
A hydrostatic drive axle has two hydrostatic axial piston motors utilizing a swashplate design located coaxially next to each other, the control sides of which face each other. Tubular terminal segments (1a) of the drive axle are in the form of axial piston motors (2) and are shaped and fitted on a center segment (1b), in which there is a control base seat (3) that is common to the two axial piston motors (2). To make possible easy assembly and disassembly, the control base seat (3) is shaped and fitted in the center segment.
US07681392B2 Hydraulic drive system with aggressive clutching
A hydraulic drive system for storing and releasing hydraulic fluid includes a high pressure storage device, a low pressure storage device, and a pump-motor operating at a range of pump-motor speeds for converting between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy. The pump-motor is disposed between the high pressure device and the low pressure device. In normal operation, the hydraulic drive system enters a motoring mode where hydraulic energy is released from the high pressure storage device and converted to mechanical energy using the pump-motor. It also enters a pumping mode where mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy. A neutral state exists where hydraulic energy is neither stored nor released from the high pressure storage device. An approach for facilitating the application of a clutch when it is not a simple on/off mechanism provides an enhanced interface for the conversion between hydraulic energy and mechanical energy, thereby improving efficiency within the hydraulic drive system.
US07681391B2 Hydrodynamic coupling
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic coupling comprising an impeller (1), which propels a drive machine and a turbine wheel (2), which propels a drive machine. The turbine wheel and its rotationally fixed coupling shell (4) form a coupling housing (5). A centrifugal force valve (6) comprising a valve body (6.1) that is actuated using centrifugal force, is located in the outer peripheral region of the coupling housing, said valve being mounted in an outlet (7) for working medium from the working chamber, in such a way that the valve body essentially or completely seals the outlet when the centrifugal force valve is closed and releases said outlet when the valve is open, allowing the working medium to flow out. The valve body of the centrifugal force valve is supplied with working medium exclusively on its radial inner face and its radial outer face is subjected exclusively to the action of an elastic, mechanical pressure element (6.2), which acts in the closing direction of the centrifugal force valve.
US07681388B1 Agricultural harvester with simultaneous and independent seed and biomass processing
A harvester for crops including biomass crop material and seed heads. The harvester includes a base unit, a biomass harvester sub-system for harvesting the biomass crop material, and a seed harvester sub-system for harvesting the seed heads. The biomass harvester sub-system includes a biomass harvester carried by the base unit. The seed harvester sub-system is carried by the base unit and operable independent from the biomass harvester sub-system, whereby the biomass crop material and seed heads are processed independently from each other within the harvester.
US07681387B2 Tilt out corn head end fender
A corn head end fender is configured to tilt outwardly in a direction transverse to the direction of travel to provide access to a row unit covered by the end fender during normal operation.
US07681382B2 Adjusting arrangement for the tongue of an agricultural baler
An agricultural baler is provided having an adjusting arrangement between a tow bar and a frame, that maintains the spatial relationships existing in the baler constant so that there is no effect upon the flow of the crop. The use of a sensor and a positioning arrangement provides the assurance that the repositioning is not dependent upon the capability of an operator, and finally the arrangement of the sensor in the region of the take-up device sees to it that the signals are transmitted at the exact time, not too soon and not too late.
US07681381B2 Apparatus and method for loading an end-loadable carton
A substantially tubular end-loadable carton (200) comprising a top wall (212), an inwardly-extending structure (X2) foldably adjoining said top wall (212) stowable in a substantially flat-face position with an underside of said top wall (212), and a top end flap (X1) connected to said inwardly-extending structure is translated in a direction (F) and a flap deflector (310) is disposed to engage and deflect the end flap (X1a) downwardly and thereby cause the inwardly-extending structure (X2a) to pivot upwardly inside the carton (200) into substantially flat-face position with the underside of the top wall (212) of the carton (200).
US07681376B2 Manufacturing method for electronic, electric or other products such as flat-panel display devices and package therefor
A method for manufacturing electronic, electric or other products such as flat-panel display devices, for coping with change of product size and for curbing damage on the products and dust generation by smaller cost of packaging, according to one embodiment, comprising; sequentially placing first products as to be sandwiched by a resin-sheet band and as to be arrayed in a row while forming joined areas as to form receptacles respectively for the first products, thus forming a band-shaped package; winding the band-shaped package around a shock-absorbent core and placing them into an inner box as non-displaceable; placing the inner box in an outer box as to be supported from inner face of the outer box through partitions or spacers; and then transporting or storing in such a state while keeping the resin-sheet face as substantially vertical, as to be used for producing second products.
US07681374B2 Device for producing packing units from at least two packs
A method and device to form packing units (12) consisting of at least two packs (10, 11). To this end, the successively conveyed packs (10, 11) are tilted by 90° in the region of a turning line (20) in such a way that the associated packs (10, 11) are oriented towards each other in the correct relative position for the packing unit (12). Every second pack (11) is delayed during the turning process so that it can be oriented towards the associated pack (10).
US07681373B2 Structural support for manufactured housing type structures
A method for supporting manufactured home structures by preventing their deterioration and devaluation through the installation of a robust foundation system. The foundation system comprises of a concrete footing, long lasting wall panels and roof panels made from steel and cellular concrete. The manufactured home can be modified to accommodate the said installation. The wall panel is attached to both the manufactured home and foundation footing below the manufactured home to provide foundational supports for the manufactured walls of the manufactured home. Roofing panels can then be installed to the top of the manufactured home and newly installed wall panels for further protection. The benefits of this method allows the owner of the newly retrofitted or installed manufactured home to claim their home as real property instead of personal property thus allowing them qualify for long term mortgages.
US07681370B2 Suspension systems
An easily installed, aesthetically pleasing island ceiling system is provided. The system includes a soft fiber panel having a top surface, a bottom surface and an edge extending therebetween. The top surface includes a routed channel which does not extend to the edge of the panel. The system also includes suspension hardware which supports the panel in both the longitudinal and cross axes when suspended from an overhead ceiling or wall.
US07681365B2 Head-of-wall fireblock systems and related wall assemblies
The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.
US07681364B2 Decorated two component window assembly and method of manufacture
A plastic window assembly includes a substantially transparent plastic panel and an opaque plastic frame adhered to the perimeter of the panel, which bounds and defines an effective viewing area of the panel. A transition step of the frame extends upward from the surface of the panel to a raised surface of the frame. Provided on the surface in the effective viewing area of the panel is an image. In order to print the image such that the outer edges of the image extend to an interfacial area defined by the juncture of the transition step and the second surface of the panel, a MIT printing process and specialized membrane construction is used.
US07681360B2 Sash window assembly
A sash window includes two window frames disposed in lateral juxtaposition and each including a head member, a sill member and a pair of jamb members connected together into a rectangular configuration, and a pair of upper and lower sashes supported within a respective one of the window frames. A sill nose is mounted to exterior sides of the sill members and extends continuously from an outer end of one sill member to an outer end of the other sill member. Each of the upper sashes is fixed to the respective one of the window frames by attachment members.
US07681358B1 Floral pot cover with elegant, brushed matte finish
A pot cover with a matte finish is formed from a series of layers laminated together. The layer comprise a biaxially oriented film layer having a heat sealable matte finish skin on one side and is laminated to a corona treated side of a polyethylene film interlayer with a heat sealable layer on the other side thereof. An aluminum foil is then laminated to the heat sealable able layer of the interlayer. This laminated product may then be formed under heat and vacuum using coming molding techniques to a most desirable pot cover for flowers or plants.
US07681356B2 Irrigation apparatus
A method and apparatus (10) for irrigating a plant, the method including the step of placing an end of a fibrous wick (50) in communication with a source of water (21) with the wick (50) delivering the water to a moisture zone proximal to a subterranean root structure of the plant. The deliver of this water is controlled by constricting the wick (50) to a predetermined degree by means of a constriction member (30) in order that the irrigation of the plant is substantially self regulating.
US07681350B2 Flat panel display having holding structure for thin insertions
An exemplary flat panel display (1) includes a main body (10) and a transparent holding structure (12) fixed to the main body. The holding structure is configured to hold one or more thin insertions by itself at a side thereof and or by cooperation with the main body wherein one or more thin insertions are held between the holding structure and the main body at a side of the holding structure.
US07681349B2 Hand operated traffic signal device
A hand-held ground-supported display device for warning passersby is disclosed. Included is a self-supporting sign panel and a plurality of at least three mast sections telescopically interfittable, one within the other. A coupler is attached to the sign panel, with a socket for releasably engaging the top mast section. The mast sections have progressively smaller internal diameters and progressively shorter lengths, with the outermost mast section having the largest internal diameter and the longest length. Middle mast upper and middle mast lower stop members are attached to upper and lower ends of the middle mast section, respectively. In one example, the middle mast upper stop member has an end wall with first and second sidewalls extending downwardly therefrom with lower free ends for interfering with stop members associated with the top and the bottom mast sections. A kit including the display device is also disclosed.
US07681348B1 Variable signaling device
An improved device for signaling traffic on roadways including a fixed display surface with one or more additional display surfaces rotatably attached, such that different indicia can be displayed to motorists. A rotation grip allows an operator to manually change the position of the additional display surfaces. This manual adjustment ensures the operator is displaying the appropriate messages not only to oncoming traffic but also to traffic approaching from the rear.
US07681347B1 Edge lit sign with illuminated image
A sign is edge lit and illuminated by an array of light emitting diodes disposed along an edge of a light transmissive panel. A light diffusion surface, which can be formed by a series of serrations on the panel edge, disperses light from the discrete light emitting diodes in the array. A geometric figure, which can be text or graphics or both is formed on one face of the panel by grooves, which redirect diffused light so that an illuminated image, corresponding to the geometric figure, can be seen on the front of the panel. The grooves forming the figure and the light diffusion surface comprise parts of a one-piece panel, and the grooves and the light diffusion surface can be formed when the panel is injection molded.
US07681341B2 Double cam taper lock connector pin apparatus
A hammerless connector pin assembly is insertable in the aligned connector openings in telescoped ground engaging wear and support members and is releasably lockable therein. The inserted assembly has opposite end portions that block removal of the wear member from the support member. Each of the two end portions has a laterally projecting cam member disposed thereon which is positioned within opposite ones of the two opposed wear member connector openings. As the interior surface of the wear member becomes worn from use and is able to shift further rearwardly along the support member, the cam members may simultaneously be rotationally adjusted to maintain contact with the wear member to prevent forward movement thereof away from its rearward shifted position, and then locked in their rotationally adjusted positions.
US07681340B2 Electronic control device
An electronic control device is disclosed for controlling a plow. The control device includes a pendant control structured and arranged such that an operator of the plow is permitted to control the plow by operation of the pendant control. A plurality of switches is mounted on the pendant control for selective operation by the operator. At least one of the switches of the plurality of switches being a multi stage switch which permits the operator to activate to different current driven settings.
US07681337B2 Plow with blade wing
A plow assembly comprises a blade, structure attached to the blade and adapted to be attached to a vehicle for mounting the blade to and supporting the blade from the vehicle, and a wing attached to an end of the blade. The wing has a first portion mounted to the blade for translational movement relative thereto, and a second portion mounted to the first portion for rotational movement relative thereto. An actuator has a cylinder and first and second oppositely movable piston rods. The first piston rod and the cylinder operable to move the first portion of the wing relative to the blade, and the second piston rod and the cylinder are operable to move the second portion of the wing relative to the fist portion of the wing.
US07681334B2 Snowplow and mount assembly
A snowplow and mount assembly comprising a mount frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle, and a snowplow frame. One of the mount frame and the snowplow frame has first and second arms and the other of the mount frame and snowplow frame has first and second receivers, the first and second receivers receiving the first and second arms, respectively. Respective ones of first and second latch pins removably secure the first and second arms in the first and second receivers. A latch lever is operably associated with the first and second latch pins and simultaneously actuates the latch pins to latched and unlatched positions. The snowplow frame includes a jack stand movable to and between an extended ground contacting and snowplow frame supporting position and a retracted ground noncontacting and snowplow frame nonsupporting position. The latch lever operably frees the jack stand for movement into the extended position when the latch pins are in the unlatched position and operably prevents jack stand movement maintaining the jack stand in the retracted position when the latch pins are in the latched position.
US07681332B2 Post pedicure shoe
A post-pedicure shoe according to the present invention includes a sole having front and rear ends and upper and lower surfaces. A foam cushion is situated atop the sole upper layer for comfortably accommodating a person's foot. The shoe includes a toe cover pivotally coupled to the front of the sole and is movable between open and closed configurations. The toe cover includes a configuration for protecting a person's toe nails from debris or contact with the shoe while still enabling the person to walk around. The shoe also includes a plurality of toe separators adjacent the sole front end for keeping the toes from touching one another while the shoe is worn.
US07681331B2 Sandals with adjustable center post assemblies
Sandals with adjustable post assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a sandal can include a sole assembly and a first strap coupled to the sole assembly. The first strap is positioned to engage a forefoot area of a wearer's foot. The first strap includes an aperture proximate to an intermediate portion of the first strap. The sandal also includes an adjustable post assembly extending through the aperture. The post assembly includes a post portion coupled to the sole assembly and one or more flexible second straps projecting from the post portion and configured to be releasably coupled to the first strap. The first strap is movable along at least one of the post portion and the one or more flexible second straps to adjust the position of the first strap relative to the sole assembly for engagement with the wearer's foot.
US07681328B2 Uniform delivery of compositions
A system for uniformly delivering treatment compositions to fabrics in a fabric article drying appliance. The system also provides for efficient delivery of treatment compositions to fabrics in a fabric article drying appliance. A method is also provided for the uniform and efficient delivery of treatment compositions to fabrics in fabric article drying appliances.
US07681313B2 Heat exchanger plates and methods for manufacturing heat exchanger plates
A method for forming heat exchanger plates (10) comprises formation of a fluid flow channel (28) along the edges (22) of a sheet metal strip or blank, and formation of a pair of raised end bosses. The raised end bosses (32) are elongated in the longitudinal dimension and are formed within the final width dimension of the plate so as to avoid the need for trimming of excess material along the edges of the plate. The method generates less scrap than prior art processes using progressive stamping, and also permits variation of the plate lengths.
US07681311B2 Routing of power and data from a voltage source to multiple electrically powered tools in a multi-tool processing station
A multi-tool process station includes a tool sub-station having a plurality of electrically powered tools moveable between an operating position and a ready position; a voltage source spaced therefrom by a distance; at least one controller spaced from the tool sub-station and in communication with the tools; a cable structure extending across the distance and having not more than one outer cable sheath at any point along the distance, the cable structure supplying power from the voltage source to a plurality of the tools and further carrying control signals to the plurality of tools. The cable structure may consist of a single continuous cable, or may comprise multiple cable segments, such as first and second cables connected in series. The tool sub-station may be disposed proximate a vehicle manufacturing line and the plurality of tools comprise at least a plurality of screw spindles.
US07681308B2 Fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated circuit device uses a mold which is provided with a plurality of air vents and movable pins which are formed such that the movable pins include grooves in the distal ends thereof which project into the air vents. By clamping the mold in a state such that the distal ends of the movable pins are pushed against a multi-cavity board at the time of clamping the mold, resin can be filled while leaking air inside the cavity through the grooves formed in the distal ends of the movable pins by setting the depths of the respective air vents to a fixed value irrespective of the irregularities in thickness of the multi-cavity boards. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent insufficient filling of resin in the cavity, the leaking of resin or defective welding, whereby the yield rate of products can be enhanced.
US07681306B2 Method of forming an assembly to house one or more micro components
Formation of a structure with through-holes includes attaching two sub-structures to one another. The resulting structure may be used in a sub-assembly for various types of micro components and may serve as a lid or base of a housing that encapsulates one or more micro components. The techniques may provide greater flexibility in the shape of the through-holes and may reduce costs compared with other known techniques.
US07681305B2 Method of making ignition wire with grafted coating
An ignition wire includes a conductive core, an insulation layer surrounding the core, an insulating jacket surrounding the insulation layer and a coating layer which is grafted and bonded to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the insulating jacket. The coating layer and insulating jacket are preferably formed of silicone materials. The coating layer is operative to provide enhanced resistance to heat and abrasion, as well as other benefits to the exterior surface of the insulating jacket. The coating layer may be transparent and provide an aesthetically pleasing clear coat, or may be tinted or colored to produce various other cosmetic or decorative characteristics to the outer surface of the ignition wire. The coating layer provides these enhanced protections without the diminishing electrical or mechanical performance properties of either the insulation layer or the insulating jacket. The coating layer is also adapted to provide protection to a cosmetic layer which may be applied to the exterior surface of the insulating jacket.
US07681304B2 Membrane electrode assembly and method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly
A method for fabricating membrane electrode assembly includes providing an anode side diffusion layer structure and a cathode side diffusion layer structure with a layer of membrane electrolyte therebetween. The diffusion layer structures include diffusion segments, which are coupled to each other by a first engaging member having one or more portions configured for engagement with a feed or aligning mechanism. Also, one or more of the segments of the diffusion layer structures may be connected to other segments or the first engaging member by one or more bridges. Bridges of each diffusion layer structure may be offset to avoid electrical contact with each other in response to diffusion layer structures being assembled with each other and with the layer of membrane electrolyte.
US07681301B2 RFID silicon antenna
The system of producing an RFID antenna using the silicon in an integrated circuit as the resonant antenna material for the purpose of reducing the cost of an RFID system and for the purpose of increasing the range and selectivity of the RFID system. According to this invention the base silicon sheets which make up the primary building material of the silicon chip (integrated circuit) is subjected to a laser ablation process. This creates three dimensional nano structures on the surface of the silicon thereby raising its absorption rate of electro magnetic signals. On the reverse side of the same silicon sheet a directional antenna is etched using standard photographic reduction techniques and standard semi conductor industry manufacturing methods. The two sides of the silicon are connected through doping aluminum or copper impurities into these same base silicon sheets causing conductivity within the sheet of silicon.
US07681297B2 Duct fastseam
A seam for ductwork has a male end portion integrally formed at a distal end of a duct wall and a female end portion integrally formed at another distal end of the duct wall. The female end portion includes a first fold and a second fold which define a female groove for accommodating the male portion. A distal end of the second fold is bent transverse to the female groove prior to the male portion being inserted into the female groove.
US07681295B2 Method of making improved large diameter seals
A large diameter seal having a band of elastic material on its outer diameter to insure a complete and effective sealing in the counterbore and a method for manufacturing this large diameter seal having elastomeric material on its outer diameter.
US07681292B2 Method of reducing and uniformly distributing compressive forces on an automobile seat
There is provided a seat cover for accommodating a child safety chair upon a seat. The seat cover comprises a lower protective member which is disposable upon a seating portion of the seat. This lower member can accommodate the child safety chair when positioned in a rearward-facing direction to prevent it from permanently compressing the seating portion. The seat cover further comprises an upper protective member that is disposable against a seat-back portion of the seat. This upper member is selectively attachable with and detachable from the lower member. By doing so, the upper member can further prevent the chair from permanently compressing the seat-back portion when it is repositioned in a forward-facing direction and placed in contact therewith.
US07681291B2 Piezoelectric resonator and method for manufacturing thereof
A piezoelectric resonator includes a resonator substrate, a base substrate supporting the resonator substrate, a lid substrate covering a surface of the resonator substrate, the surface being on an opposite side of a surface facing the base substrate, a first excitation electrode formed on the surface of the resonator substrate facing the lid substrate, a second excitation electrode formed on the surface of the resonator substrate facing the base substrate, and a third electrode provided on the surface of the resonator substrate facing the base substrate, the third electrode being electrically connected to the first excitation electrode through a concave portion which is formed on a side surface of the resonator substrate.
US07681286B1 Device for storing a cargo strap
A machine for storing a strap with a bag attached to the fixed strap of a ratchet-buckle assembly.
US07681283B2 Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly comprising a movable member 5 and a fixed member 6 rotatably connected to each other and a coiled spring (not shown) biasing the movable member 5 toward the fixed member 6. A receiving recess 11 is formed in an opposing surface 5b of the movable member 5 facing the fixed member 6. A spherical body 8 is received in the receiving recess 11 such that the spherical body 8 is movable in a circumferential direction of the movable member 5. A first cam portion 13a is formed in an opposing surface of the fixed member 6 facing the movable member 5. Rotation of the movable member 5 in a direction of an arrow causes the cam portion 13a to be abutted against the spherical body 8. The cam portion 13a converts a biasing force of the coiled spring into a rotational biasing force. The rotational biasing force causes the spherical body 8 to be rapidly abutted against a first hitting portion 11a of the receiving recess 11 and thereby to generate a clicking sound.
US07681281B2 Wedge assembly
A vehicle door wedge assembly has an elastomeric wedge connected to a first member, and a second member. A wedge perimeter wall has exterior facing and engagement portions, and an interior wall equidistantly spaced from the engagement portion. The interior and engagement walls define an interior cavity. The exterior facing wall deflects into the interior cavity during engagement of the first and second members.
US07681279B2 Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body 3; an elongate handle 5 connected to the cleaner body, the elongate handle being movable between an extended position, extending outwardly from the cleaner body, and a stowed position, in which the elongate handle is positioned substantially adjacent to the cleaner body; wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises a carry handle 11 which becomes accessible for use when the elongate handle is moved from the extended to the stowed position.
US07681271B2 Constant radius dock leveler hinge
A dock leveling system adapted to be disposed in a pit is disclosed. A hinge member with a hinge pin receiving area and a hinge pin disposed in the hinge member defines a center of rotation. A deck that is rotatable about the hinge pin includes a curved portion with a constant radius and a center of curvature substantially similar to the center of the hinge pin. The curved portion defines an elevation that remains constant as the deck rotates about the hinge pin.
US07681270B2 Mattress with features for improved support and comfort
A mattress includes features that improve support and comfort. The mattress may include one or more of a head section positioned to support a user's head, a torso section coupled with the head section via a first multi-plane bond, and a foot section coupled with the torso section via a second multi-plane bond. The foot section may be retractable, and the torso section may include a cross-linked foam part and a seat ledge. The seat ledge is positioned to define a catch point for the user upon articulation of the mattress.
US07681267B1 Collapsible and portable baby changing table
A collapsible and portable baby changing table has a collapsible frame and a changing pad. The collapsible frame has two sets of opposing sides. Each side has at least one pair of crossing support beams. The pair of crossing support beams is hinged where the crossing support beams cross. The crossing support beams have top ends and bottom ends. The collapsible frame is configured to be folded to a first position and unfolded to a second position. The changing pad is supported by the collapsible frame. When the collapsible frame is unfolded to the second position, the changing pad is contoured to cradle a baby's body when the baby is placed on the changing pad.
US07681266B2 Adjustable recliner bed
An adjustable reclining infant bed apparatus having a head base with at least one elevating wedge attachable on a center side surface of the foot base is shown. The elevating wedge operates to elevate the head base at an angle. A foot base is shown comprising a lower body support surface having a modified S curve shape. Head and foot base are connected at center sides with hook and loop fastener. Connecting flaps attachable to the head base and the foot base reinforce connection of the head base to the foot base. The connecting flaps are configured to provide ports to the head base and the foot base. A triangular harness having one attachable point for attaching to the foot base and two attachable points for attaching to the head base and three attachable points to separate mattress pad is shown. The triangular harness is configured to support a torso of an infant.
US07681262B2 Patient incline device having centerline spinal support
A patient incline device includes a base member, an inflatable incline ramp located on an upper surface of the base member, an incline ramp adapted to support a patient such that the patient's upper torso is elevated with respect to the base member, an inflatable head support pillow and a wedge-shaped inflatable spinal support air chamber located on the incline ramp and angling upward in a direction away from the incline ramp, and aligned with a centerline of the incline ramp, wherein the peak end of the wedge extends to about the region of the patient's lumbar curve so that the buttocks are not raised upon inflation.The wedge-shaped spinal support chamber may also include a pop-up air chamber having internal air vents to the spinal support chamber such that when the spinal support chamber inflates, the pop-up chamber rises as pressure accumulates and lifts a thoracic curve portion of the patient's spine.An accessory lift device is provided for use in situations where raising the patient's buttocks and pelvis is wanted. The accessory is an inflatable air chamber having side lobes adapted to lie along each lateral side of the inflatable pad base and a seat portion that crosses transversely over the inflatable base pad beneath the patient's buttocks.
US07681259B2 Knock down headboard
A ready to assemble, expandable headboard that is capable of fitting different size mattresses and is packaged compactly so that a store and the resulting customer can easily carry the packaged headboard. A ready to assemble headboard and kit where the headboard is expandable yet easily assembled to result in a cushioned, fabric slipcovered headboard with a custom look.
US07681252B1 Moisture-diverting sweatband
A continuous loop, elastomeric band for encircling a portion of a user's head, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a main body including a center hub and a plurality of curved fins, each fin having a curved shape tapering to an outer tip and at least one pair of adjacent fins cooperatively defining a moisture-collecting channel. Each fin includes a convex side and opposite thereto a concave side. The moisture-collecting channel being defined by the convex side of one fin and the concave side of an adjacent fin.
US07685645B2 Security containers for document components
Methods, systems, computer program products, and methods of doing business whereby document components are secured or controlled using “security containers” which encapsulate the components (and other component metadata). A “security container” encapsulates the component (i.e., content) that is to be controlled within a higher-level construct such as a compound document. The security container also contains rules for interacting with the encapsulated component, and one or more encryption keys usable for decrypting the component and rules for authorized requesters.
US07685642B2 System and method for controlling rights expressions by stakeholders of an item
A system and method for controlling a rights expression specifying a manner of use of an item, including specifying by a provider of an item a rights expression indicating a manner of use of the item by a recipient of the item and a condition for use of the item by the recipient, the condition indicating that the use by the recipient of the item is subject to control; associating the rights expression with the item; and controlling the use by the recipient of the item based on the condition in the rights expression. In further exemplary embodiments, the use by the recipient of the item is subject to control by a stakeholder and/or a provider of the item and can be used to provide consumer protection based on parameters of use.
US07685635B2 Systems and methods for multi-level intercept processing in a virtual machine environment
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multi-level virtualizer that is designed to remove much of the intercept-related functionality from the base-level virtualizer (that exists outside of each partition) and, instead, incorporate much of this functionality directly into each partition. For several of the embodiments, certain intercept handling functions are performed by an “external monitor” that runs within a partition and responds to specific intercept events, and the base-level virtualizer installs these external monitors within each partition and thereafter manages the external monitors for both single-partition and cross-partition intercept events. This distributed approach to intercept handling allows for a much less complex virtualizer and moves the intercept functionality up into each partition where each external monitor uses the resources of the corresponding guest operating system in that partition to resolve the intercept event.
US07685633B2 Providing consistent application aware firewall traversal
Implementations of the present invention relate to a communication framework that is readily adaptable to a wide variety of resources intended to be accessible through a firewall. In general, a communication framework at a gateway server can provide a specific connection to a requested resource in accordance with a wide range of resource and/or network access policies. In one instance, a client requests a connection to a specific resource behind a firewall. The communication framework authenticates the connection, and quarantines the connection until determining, for example, that the client is using an appropriate resource features. If appropriately authenticated, the communication framework can pass control of the connection to an appropriately identified protocol plug-in processor, which facilitates a direct connection to the requested resource at an application layer of a communication stack.
US07685627B2 Unified networking diagnostics
A method and system for unified diagnosis of a network incident is provided. The unified diagnostics system is comprised of a monitoring tool, a network layer including a firewall, and a policy engine. The monitoring tool is invoked by a user in order to diagnose a network incident. The network layer and the policy engine generate various events that provide a history of their processing, and the monitoring tool collects these events. When the user attempts a network activity that fails, the network layer places an event notification in a notification queue. Then the monitoring tool analyzes the event notifications to identify events that are related to the same network incident. After analyzing the network incident and event information, the user can take the necessary action to correct the problem that caused the incident.
US07685626B2 Information management system
An information management system is described comprising one or more workstations running applications to allow a user of the workstation to connect to a network, such as the Internet. Each application has an analyzer, which monitors transmission data that the application is about to transmit to the network or about to receive from the network and which determines an appropriate action to take regarding that transmission data. Such actions may be extracting data from the transmission data, such as passwords and usernames, digital certificates or eCommerce transaction details for storage in a database; ensuring that the transmission data is transmitted at an encryption strength appropriate to the contents of the transmission data; determining whether a check needs to be made as to whether a digital certificate received in transmission data is in force, and determining whether a transaction about to be made by a user of one of the workstations needs third party approval before it is made. The analyzer may consult a policy data containing a policy to govern the workstations in order to make its determination. The information management system provides many advantages in the eCommerce environment to on-line trading companies, who may benefit by being able to regulate the transactions made by their staff according to their instructions in a policy data, automatically maintain records of passwords and business conducted on-line, avoid paying for unnecessary checks on the validity of digital certificates and ensure that transmissions of data made by their staff are always protected at an agreed strength of encryption.
US07685624B2 Receiver unit and method of setting the same
Satellite receiving channel data 810 are described in a network information table (NIT) in a random fashion. Frequencies in the redelivering facility in a community receiving system are arranged in order of increasing frequencies for each of the networks. In a receiver unit, the frequencies 753 of the satellite receiving channel data 810 are rearranged in order of increasing frequencies and are registered to the receiving frequencies 831 in a frequency conversion table 830. The receiver unit selects the frequency according to wire frequencies 822 of a wire channel 821 in a wire frequency table 820 and registers the wire frequency of a channel that can be normally received to a conversion frequency 832 in the frequency conversion table 830. Therefore, the frequency data contained in the broadcast signals before being redelivered are corresponded to the redelivering frequency of signals really transmitted through a cable on the receiver unit side in the community receiving system.
US07685617B2 Method and system for selectively and multiply routing media stream to a media appliance
A method for selectively and multiply routing a media stream input to a media appliance is provided. The method includes receiving the media stream. Further, the method includes distributing the media stream onto a plurality of individual media paths within the media appliance. Furthermore, the method includes routing the media stream on at least a first one of the media paths to a first media processor within the media appliance, while simultaneously routing the media stream on at least one other of the media paths to at least one additional media processor within the media appliance.
US07685616B2 Strategies for coalescing control processing
Strategies are described for coalescing the processing tasks associated with a series of control events that occur relatively close together in time. The coalescing can involve eliminating redundant tasks by more directly advancing to a terminal control state. One exemplary application of the control coalescing is in the playback of media content information in a networked environment. When a user enters a series of commands to repeatedly change the channel, or repeatedly seek new positions within a single stream, the control coalescing comes into play by aggregating these control events so that it requires fewer control processing tasks to perform. This provision helps reduce the latency associated with handling multiple control events that occur close together in time.
US07685613B2 Combination storage extracting and biasing system
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for a combination storage extracting and biasing system. The method and apparatus comprise an enclosure having a first surface and a second surface inside the enclosure. The method and apparatus also comprise at least one random access memory device adapted to be disposed substantially in the enclosure having a third surface and a fourth surface. The device comprises at least one device contact located at the third surface and adapted to be electrically linked with at least one corresponding enclosure contact located at the first surface. The at least one spring member attached to the device and interposed between the second surface and the fourth surface wherein the spring member is adapted for use as a handle to remove the device from the enclosure and to provide pressure on the contacts.
US07685612B2 Disk apparatus
To provide a disk apparatus including a disk guide for guiding movement of a disk in a disk insertion direction; wherein the disk guide includes a platy guide member, a convex portion provided in vicinity of opposite ends of a platy guide member, and an engagement portion disposed on the same surface as the convex portion of the guide member. By engaging and fixing the engagement portion to a platy disk guide fixing member, which is disposed in a chassis of the disk apparatus, and bringing into contact with the convex portion on this platy disk guide fixing member, the disk guide is inclined in a direction far from the disk fixing member with an inclined angle increased from the center part of the guide member toward respective ends and the disk guide brings into contact with only an outer circumferential portion of the disk in inserting.
US07685610B2 Disk device with restricting mechanism for driving unit
A disk device includes a driving unit and a restricting mechanism that are disposed in a housing. The driving unit moves between a withdrawal position and a driving position. The withdrawal position is separated from an outer peripheral edge of a disk that is positioned in the housing, and the driving position is where the disk is rotationally driven. When the driving unit is at the withdrawal position, the restricting mechanism restricts movement of the driving unit toward the driving position.
US07685608B2 Data processing apparatus and a method of operating data processing apparatus for generating representations of availability status for application programs
A system and a method are disclosed for a data processing apparatus (200) is described which comprises a plurality of application programs (206, 210) configured to utilize an availability status of a user; and a presence engine (208). The presence engine (208) is configured to receive data representative of the availability status of the user and generate one or more representations of the received availability status suitable for one or more of the plurality of application programs (206, 210). The one or more representations of the received availability status are made available to the corresponding one or more of the plurality of application programs (206, 210).
US07685598B1 Desktop application framework
Systems and methods of providing a desktop framework. The desktop framework may include an application framework component that includes a set of core libraries that provide desktop applications access to data and services, a download component that maintains versions of the desktop applications and core libraries installed on a computer, and a license component that tracks data use and access. The application framework exposes APIs to provide the desktop applications with access to the data and services. The application framework serves as a platform upon which the desktop applications share common data and logic.
US07685596B1 Deploying and distributing of applications and software components
A self-contained virtual file system is disclosed for deploying and distributing an application and/or software component. Executable files relating to the application are included in a distributable composite file. The composite file and a user front end application are deployed and distributed to an application user where the application is executed. An application provider can tag the composite file with the version information and other useful meta-data of the files for the application. The format of the composite file may support the storage of any kind of file types and associated meta-data. The composite file may contain the hierarchical directory structure of the files for the application so that the hierarchical directory structure is installed in the application user's electronic device.
US07685593B2 Systems and methods for supporting multiple gaming console emulation environments
Multiple versions of a runtime system, such as a software emulation application that emulates a legacy hardware architecture, are allowed to co-exist in the memory of a new hardware architecture. The operating system software of the new hardware architecture reads configuration data from a database or table to decide which version of the runtime system is desirable for an application program or game that is being loaded or is currently running, and, if a match is found, only that runtime system is invoked. To reduce storage footprint, the different versions of the runtime system may be stored using “differential patching” techniques. In this configuration, the operating system will always launch the same basic runtime system binary, but it will select a different differential patch to apply at run-time based on the title as determined during the database lookup. In this fashion, future changes to the runtime system to correct software bugs, incompatibility issues, and the like only need to be tested for the relevant target application programs or games.
US07685591B2 Customizing a software application through a patch file
An integrated application setup enables the implementation of application customizations through patch technology. A customization patch extends a typical patch file format such that the customization patch serves as a container for application customization data useful for customizing an application using different underlying technologies. The contents of the customization patch can include transforms, cabinet files, and XML content containing customization information.
US07685588B2 Platform independent binary instrumentation and memory allocation method
Embodiments of the present invention provide for platform independence, low intrusiveness, and optimal memory usage of the binary instrumentation process by means of employing one procedure (interceptor function) implemented in a high-level programming language to intercept an arbitrary number of functions or blocks of code. Each time a function or code block needs to be intercepted a new copy of the procedure from a provided memory region may be associated with the address of the function or block of code by means of a memory region descriptor and an intercepted function address table. Once activated, the interceptor function may retrieve its current address and, by searching memory region descriptors, determine the region the current address belongs to; the region's base address may then be obtained. A reference to the intercepted function address table may be fetched from the region descriptor; and an index to the intercepted function address table may be computed. Finally, the address of an intercepted function corresponding to the active copy of the interceptor function may be read from the intercepted function address table.
US07685587B2 Automated instruction-set extension
Commercial data processors are available that include a capability of extending their instruction set for a specified application, i.e. of introducing customized functional units in the interest of enhanced processing performance. For such processors there is a need for automatically forming the extensions from high-level application code. A technique is described for selecting maximal-speedup convex subgraphs of the application dataflow graph under micro-architectural constraints.
US07685585B1 Creating an explicit flow control in an implicit flow programming environment
Creating explicit control flow in an implicit control flow development environment. A set of explicit functions is defined in a library associated with the implicit control flow development environment. Each of the explicit functions in the set is associated with a sequence of implicit functions, such that by calling the explicit function, the sequence of selected implicit functions are called to programmatically perform the task defined by the explicit function. Property types may be designated for the explicit functions, wherein the property types are used by the sequence of implicit functions in performing the task. The explicit functions are exposed to a developer using the implicit flow development environment. The developer selects the desired explicit functions and properties for creation and execution of the application.
US07685583B2 Obstruction-free mechanism for atomic update of multiple non-contiguous locations in shared memory
We present a technique for implementing obstruction-free atomic multi-target transactions that target special “transactionable” locations in shared memory. A programming interface for using operations based on these transactions can be structured in several ways, including as n-word compare-and-swap (NCAS) operations or as atomic sequences of single-word loads and stores (e.g., as transactional memory).
US07685577B2 System and method for translating an asset for distribution over multi-tiered networks
The present invention provides a system and method for translating an asset for distribution to a multi-tiered network node. An asset may represent network and/or application components (e.g., data, objects, applications, program modules, etc.) that may be distributed among the various resources of the network. In an embodiment, an asset has a logic/data section and an extended environment section. The logic/data section defines a function of the digital asset along with the asset's type, while the extended environment section supports the function of the logic/data section within at least one source environment. The asset type is determined and a process asset adapter, associated with the asset type and a target environment, is selected. The asset is then translated into a processed asset having a processed extended environment section supporting the function of the logic/data section in the target environment.
US07685576B2 System and method for model based system testing of interactive applications
A method and device with instructions for testing a software application include creating a system model for the software application, wherein the system model includes an activity diagram, and applying one or more test annotations to the activity diagram to control test generation for testing the software application. Further, test annotations and the system model are processed to create one or more test cases, and the software application is tested using a test execution tool that uses the test cases.
US07685575B1 Method and apparatus for analyzing an application
A method for analyzing an application involving obtaining a thread dump of a plurality of threads executing the application, analyzing the thread dump to obtain a result using an aggregation mechanism, and determining a potential error location in source code of the application using the result.
US07685574B2 Constrained execution regions
Authored code may include a notification that no tolerance for failure or corruption is expected for an identified sub-set of the code. Any potential failure point, which may be induced by a runtime environment routine or sub-routine, that is associated with the identified sub-set of code may then be identified and hoisted to a point apart from the identified sub-set of code.
US07685572B1 Method of static analysis for race condition detection
A method for detecting a race condition using static analysis that includes determining a first permit set and a second permit set, and performing a static analysis, wherein the static analysis comprises using the first permit set and the second permit set to detect a race condition, wherein the static analysis is performed before accessing critical data and includes determining whether the intersection of the first permit set and the second permit set is empty, and if the intersection of the first permit set and the second permit set is empty, then outputting a value indicating the detection of a race condition.
US07685565B1 Run time reconfiguration of computer instructions
Systems, methods, and computer program products for reconfiguring computer instructions to accelerate a given instruction set. At run time, during the loading of a class (in the context of objected oriented programming, for example), method invocations that have arguments that meet certain conditions are replaced by faster processing methods, which are made available in a support class that replaces the originally invoked class. In one embodiment, conditions to be met by arguments include that an argument refer to a constant value, be at a specified position in an argument list, or exhibit a pre-determined pattern, form, or type (e.g., be an alpha-numeric string only, an integer in a given range, or a specific integer).
US07685560B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring exposure process
An exposure process monitoring method capable of performing quantitative monitoring of an exposure amount and a focusing position which are major process parameters during exposure using a Levinson phase shift mask in semiconductor lithography processes is disclosed. During exposure using the Levinson phase shift mask, the focus position is influenceable by optical intensity distribution characteristics so that it can vary from its minus (−) to plus (+) directions by in a way depending upon the pitch width and line width of a line-and-space pattern. In such case, there exist a pattern in which the cross-sectional shape of a resist changes from a forward taper to reverse taper and a pattern in which the sectional shape changes from the reverse to forward taper.
US07685551B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit, standard cell, standard cell library, semiconductor integrated circuit designing method, and semiconductor integrated circuit designing equipment
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first transistor which is formed of a first gate extending in a first direction and a first diffusion region and which is capable of being active, a second transistor which is formed of a second gate extending in the first direction and a second diffusion region and which is arranged adjacent to the first transistor in a second direction intersected at a right angle with the first direction, and a third gate which extends in the first direction and which is arranged adjacent in the second direction to the first transistor on an opposite side to the second transistor. A space between the first gate and the second gate is larger than a space between the first gate and the third gate.
US07685549B2 Method of constrained aggressor set selection for crosstalk induced noise
A preliminary static timing analysis run is performed to calculate the delay and slew as well as timing windows for each net in the design, followed by coupling analysis for each given aggressor-victim combination, and to calculate the noise effect on the timing of victim net. Given a set of functional groups that relate the coupled aggressors to each other, the worst set of aggressors are calculated that satisfy the constraints from the functional groups, based on the calculated impact of each aggressor on the victim. Similarly the set of aggressors which contribute to the maximum amount of inductive coupling noise effect on timing are calculated. Furthermore, the coupling noise impact of the reduced set of aggressors on the given victim line and adjust the delay value calculated in the preliminary static timing analysis run.
US07685547B1 Method, system, and computer program product for generating automated assumption for compositional verification
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for computing an exact minimal automaton to act as an intermediate assertion in assume-guarantee reasoning. In one embodiment, the computing an exact minimal automaton is performed by using a sampling approach and a Boolean satisfiability. The methods described herein may be used as part of a tool for formal verification.
US07685545B2 Methods and devices for independent evaluation of cell integrity, changes and origin in chip design for production workflow
The technology disclosed relates to granular analysis of design data used to prepare chip designs for manufacturing and to identification of similarities and differences among parts of design data files. In particular, it relates to parsing data and organizing into canonical forms, digesting the canonical forms, and comparing digests of design data from different sources, such as designs and libraries of design templates. Organizing the design data into canonical forms generally reduces the sensitivity of data analysis to variations in data that have no functional impact on the design. The details of the granular analysis vary among design languages used to represent aspects of a design. For various design languages, granular analysis includes partitioning design files by header/cell portions, by separate handling of comments, by functionally significant/non-significant data, by whitespace/non-whitespace, and by layer within a unit of design data. The similarities and differences of interest depend on the purpose of the granular analysis. The comparisons are useful in many ways.
US07685543B2 Simulation apparatus and simulation method used to design characteristics and circuits of semiconductor device, and semiconductor device fabrication method
Disclosed is a simulation apparatus including an input unit, storage unit, arithmetic unit, controller, and output unit. The input unit inputs a first potential at the source end, which corresponds to the gate end of a TFT, on that surface of a thin polysilicon film which faces the gate, a second potential at the source end on the back surface of the thin polysilicon film on which the gate is formed, a third potential at the drain end, which corresponds to the gate end of the TFT, on that surface of the thin polysilicon film which faces the gate, and a fourth potential at the drain end on the back surface of the thin polysilicon film. A drain current is calculated by performing an arithmetic operation on the basis of the first to fourth potentials, and a model is formed by including defect states.
US07685541B1 Translation of high-level circuit design blocks into hardware description language
Translation of high-level design blocks into a design specification in a hardware description language (HDL). Each block in the high-level design is assigned to a group. A set of attributes is identical between the blocks in a group. For each group of blocks, a respective set of parameters having different values on subblocks of at least two blocks in the group is determined. An HDL specification is generated for each group. The HDL specification for a group has for each parameter in the set of parameters, a parameter input.
US07685539B2 User interface for stylus-based user input
Systems and methods for a user interface for stylus-based user input is described. In one aspect, a stylus-based user input is received. Responsive to receiving the input, a menu is displayed. The menu includes selectable items to allow a user, by selecting one of the selectable items, to direct the computer system to generate right-mouse button input or to interpret one or more subsequent stylus-based user inputs as hover cursor input, keyboard-like input, or handwriting input.
US07685528B2 Programming toolkit with aligning clipper windows for use in the development of knowledge enhanced electronic programs
A graphical programming interface for use in developing computer programs uses a structure of graphically displayed elements representing positions, arguments and linkages to enable the development of computational decision making programs. The present invention provides new functionality to a clipper element that allows for simple division of a range of input values into contiguous sub-ranges, such as may be used to define a curve or other function.
US07685527B2 Method and apparatus for controlling view navigation in workflow systems
Embodiments of an apparatus, method, and article of manufacture for controlling view navigation in a workflow environment are disclosed herein. View navigation is controlled by incorporating and utilizing a user-interact operation in a workflow editing application. A workflow process designer may define the user-interact operation from one or more pre-designed views provided for the particular business objectives associated with the workflow process. In one embodiment, users may be navigated to specific views to gather information necessary to the completion of the workflow process, or to facilitate the processing of information across the workflow process to accomplish the business objectives embodied in the workflow process.
US07685526B2 Providing navigation in a browser
When a user clicks a Back button or a Forward button while reviewing an application page in a browser, the client performs an action in response which is specified by a server. The Back and Forward buttons may be controlled by the server and may be used to provide real undo and redo functionality for stateful server applications. The functionality may be implemented using invisible pages loaded in the browser. If it is determined that undo or redo cannot be performed, the client may continue to display the application page, optionally with a message to the user.
US07685525B2 Interactive transaction center interface
A transaction module having a summary interface is provided as part of a software suite for enabling viewing and manipulation of multiple categories of aggregated data compiled from a plurality of data sources and accessible through a single interfacing node operated on a data-packet-network. The transaction module comprises, an interactive main interface accessible through the summary interface, the main interface for listing new transactions related to registered financial accounts, an interactive history link embedded in the main interface for providing access to a secondary interface for viewing transaction history, an interactive menu provided within the main interface for assigning categories to the listed transactions, an interactive save feature for saving category assignments to the listed transactions; a interactive bill-payment link provided within the main interface for linking the interface to a bill-payment module and an interactive transfer-funds link provided within the summary interface of the module for linking the summary face of the module to a secondary interface for transferring funds from one account to another. A user operating the main interface from a remote node having access to the data-packet-network may view all transactions according to option of category, account, and time period.
US07685521B1 Information searching apparatus, method and memory medium therefor
Range of the object of search is specified without specific designation by the user. In case changing of the image is instructed by an image operation portion, an image changing portion changes the image and displays such image on an image display portion, and the displayed image is held in a scope holding portion as the range of the object of search. The operation from a map operation portion also is similarly processed, whereby the range of the document constituting the object of search can be specified without specific designation by the user.
US07685513B2 Optimization of storage and delivery of markup language files
A method receives a request at a server from a browser for at least one markup language page. The method can then determine which CSS classes are used with the requested markup language page using a usage map. Then, the method loads the markup language page and loads only the CSS classes that are used with the markup language page to the browser.
US07685508B2 Device monitoring via generalized markup language
A request to view statistic data of a system is received. One or more forms are generated to carry the statistic data. The one or more forms are to carry the statistic data pulled from the system. Based on data fields on the one or more forms, the requested statistic data is pulled from the system. The one or more forms are filled with the pulled requested statistic data. The pulled requested statistic data on the one or more forms is converted to a generalized markup language (GML) format.
US07685507B2 System for editing query conditions, calculations, formulas and equations
Editing query conditions, calculations, formulas and equations, or any other parts of a form includes providing a hyperlink for an element in the form to indicate to a user that a control is available for the element. Upon a selection of the hyperlink by the user, the control is presented for user interaction. Upon completion of user interaction with the control, the element is replaced with a new element responsive to user action. The control can be a list of choices, such as a pull-down menu, a dialog box, or a text entry field. The hyperlink can be color coded and underlined.
US07685503B2 Fast decoding of Reed-Solomon code
A technique to perform fast decoding of a Reed-Solomon code. A first multiplier unit multiplies a matrix Bh with a column vector v using common adders to produce a column vector v1. The vector v represents one of an error locator polynomial, an error evaluator polynomial, and a derivative polynomial for a (n, k) Reed-Solomon code. The matrix Bh is over GF(2) including first h columns of a matrix B. A second multiplier unit multiplies non-unity components of a column vector A with non-zero components of the column vector v1 component-wise in GF(q) to produce a column vector v2, q being equal to n+1. A third multiplier unit multiplies diagonal sub-matrices of a matrix C with corresponding components of the column vector v2 in GF(2) to produce a column vector v3.
US07685501B2 Wireless communication system, receiving apparatus with a plurality of antennas, demodulating method for such wireless communication system, receiving apparatus, and program for such demodulating method
A receiving apparatus has two or more reception antennas, a data reproducer, and a likelihood information generator. The receiving apparatus operates selectively in a first reception mode and a second reception mode depending on the features of signals sent from a transmitting apparatus. In the first reception mode, the receiving apparatus reproduces data and generates likelihood information. In the second reception mode, the receiving apparatus reproduces data using the likelihood information generated in the first reception mode.
US07685499B2 XOR circuit, RAID device capable of recovering a plurality of failures and method thereof
An XOR circuit, a RAID device which can recover several failures and method thereof are provided. A Galois field data recovery circuit having two or more sets of Galois Field engine circuits which are used in the XOR circuit, is one which can generate high efficient parity engine and high efficient flow data route and which at the same time correct the three or more failures during operation of the RAID device.
US07685496B2 Data transmission method and data transmission device for transmitting data through a transmission line that is integrated with a plurality of links
In a method for data transmission, which transmits data through a transmission line, which integrates a plurality of links into one transmission line, a first link group, which transmits information data by at least one link out of a plurality of links, a second link group, which transmits parity data generated by the information data by at least one link out of a plurality of links, which are different from the first link group, and a third link group, which generates an error check data related to an error correction from the information data or the parity data, when an error occurs in the information data or the parity data, and transmits by at least one link out of a plurality of links, which are different from the first link group and the second link group, are integrated and transmitted.
US07685494B1 Error correction coding for varying signal-to-noise ratio channels
An error rate sensitive error correction (ERSEC) system that applies a level of error correction that is inversely related to susceptibility to error as indicated by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) profile of a channel. The SNR profile is estimated, detected or retrieved from an external source. The ERSEC system can be used with any channel for which the SNRs vary spatially, temporally or both.
US07685493B2 Buffer compression in automatic retransmission request (ARQ) systems
A method and system for improving buffer compression in automatic retransmission request (ARQ) systems includes both a compander and decompander for further processing data. A received data string k bits in length is first companded according to a predetermined companding scheme. The companded data string is reduced to a length of k−1 bits for more efficient storage. Upon receipt of a request for retransmission, the stored companded data string is loaded and decompanded back to a length of k bits. Once decompanded, the data string is combined with a retransmitted data string to produce a single data string with an increased likelihood of being correct. By companding the data string before storage, a smaller memory block can be used for the storage of the data string.
US07685489B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit and testing method
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: an input/output cell that is included in a path captured during propagation delay testing and that has an output-stage buffer on an output bus; and a terminal connected to the output bus and an input bus of the input/output cell. An external load or a testing device is connectable to the terminal. The input/output cell has a switching part that is capable of switching between a first path that loops back at an output side of the output-stage buffer and a second path that loops back at an input side of the output-stage buffer. The first path is selected during normal operation and the second path is selected during the propagation delay testing.
US07685487B1 Simultaneous core testing in multi-core integrated circuits
Various embodiments of methods and systems for simultaneously testing multiple cores included in an integrated circuit are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit may include two or more logic cores. The IC may also include structural scan test hardware coupled to the cores. This structural scan test hardware may be capable of inputting scan test vector data into scan registers associated with each of the logic cores, simultaneously executing a scan test on the logic cores included in the IC, and outputting the results of the scan tests for multiple cores to automated test equipment (ATE) simultaneously. In one embodiment, elements of the results of testing for multiple cores may be interleaved on a single output line such that an element of test result data from each core is present on an input channel to the ATE during each strobe window.
US07685486B1 Testing of an embedded multiplexer having a plurality of inputs
Functional testing of an integrated circuit (IC) is a part from a more comprehensive and thorough testing. An IC including an embedded select circuit module coupled to receive numerous input signals. The IC may also include control circuit coupled to receive input control signals, where at least one input control signal of the input control signals is a mode signal. Asserting the mode signal may operate the select circuit module in a test mode.
US07685481B2 Bitmap cluster analysis of defects in integrated circuits
A system and method for defect analysis are disclosed wherein a defect data set is input into the system. A radius value is selected by a user, which is the maximum number of bits that bit failures can be separated from one another to be considered a bit cluster. When a defect data set is received, the system and method start with a fail bit and search for neighboring fail bits. The specified radius is used to qualify the found fail bits to be part of the bit cluster or not. If a minimum count of fail bits is not met, the system and method will stop searching and move to the next fail bit. If a minimum count of fail bits is met, the search continues for the next fail bit until the maximum fail bit count specified by the user is reached. Aggregation is provided such that once bit clusters have been classified, the number of clusters that have the exact match or partial match to each other is counted. The user may set the partial match as a threshold count to establish a match.
US07685479B2 Telecommunications network testing
On a test apparatus for a telecommunication network a plurality of quality rules are defined as a function of the results of counts of events for a plurality of test parameters. The events relating to the plurality of test parameters during the performance of a test are counted. A plurality of statistics are created from the results of the counts. The statistics and quality rules which belong together are compared. A display is generated on a display unit in accordance with the results of the comparisons showing success or failure for each test run. Details of errors that caused any failure may be displayed using a drill-down technique so that test runs may be run rapidly without requiring expert knowledge of the test apparatus.
US07685476B2 Early notification of error via software interrupt and shared memory write
A method of providing error notification in a storage subsystem includes writing a first defined value by a host adapter of the storage subsystem to a system management interrupt (SMI) register to generate a hardware interrupt, registering and handling the hardware interrupt by a kernel module of the storage subsystem, writing a second defined value to a shared memory location of the storage subsystem by the kernel module, and reading a shared memory offset value by the host adapter. A system for providing error notification in a storage subsystem includes a controller including a serial management interface (SMI) register subcomponent, a first processing component connected to the controller having a kernel module, and a second processing component connected to the controller executing host adapter software.
US07685474B2 Failsafe computer support assistant using a support virtual machine
A computer running a host operating system in a host virtual machine includes a support operating system running in a support virtual machine. A support module running in the support operating system identifies and remediates defects associated with the host operating system. A monitoring module running in the support operating system identifies a defect associated with the host operating system and notifies the support module responsive to identification of the defect. A user interface is provided for the support module. The user interface can be through a web server or a support button associated with an input device of the computer. The user interface can be supported through input/output virtualization hardware of the computer. A host agent module executing in the host operating system can interact with the support module to remediate a defect associated with the host operating system.
US07685472B1 Method and apparatus for testing object-oriented-programming methods
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates testing object-oriented programming (OOP) methods. During operation, the system receives a request from a client at a test-automation framework to execute a test case for the OOP methods. In response to the request, the system executes the test case in the test-automation framework. (Note that in this system, a class that includes the OOP methods inherits from an originally intended parent class, and calls to a test class are made via reflection.) The system then determines an outcome of executing the test case. Finally, the system reports the outcome of executing the test case.
US07685466B2 BIOS for saving and restoring operational state in the absence of AC power
A system is provided with a basic input/output system (BIOS) with the ability to intervene, when a suspend process is initiated in response to an AC failure condition to place the system in a suspended to memory state, to initiate a number of data transfer operations to save a persistent copy of an operational state of the system. The BIOS is further equipped to check one or more times whether the data transfer operations are completed, and causing a processor of the system to operate in a reduced power consumption mode at least one time period while the BIOS is not performing the checking.
US07685463B1 Disk drive management system
A disk drive management system includes a data storage device including an array of disk drives and a host computer for controlling the operation of the data storage device. The array of disk drives includes an operational drive pool including a number of online disk drives having data written to and read from by the host computer; a spares drive pool including a number of disk drives that are configured to be included in the operational drive group, but are offline while in the spares group; and a maintenance drive pool including a maintenance manager for testing faulty disk drives from the operational drive pool. When a faulty drive is transitioned from the operational drive pool upon the occurrence of a particular error, a disk drive from the spares drive pool is transitioned to the operational drive pool to take the place of the faulty drive.
US07685462B1 Technique for coherent suspension of I/O operations in a RAID subsystem
A method for operating a data storage system is described. The method first constructs an I/O tree representing a logical configuration of storage devices coupled to the storage system, the I/O tree representing a flow of I/O operations to the storage devices. Elements of the I/O tree are represented by objects. A freeze condition is imposed on a selected object of the I/O tree in order to disable a portion of the storage devices serviced by the selected object. Configuration management operations are performed on the portion of the storage devices serviced by the selected object. The freeze condition is removed from the selected object in response to completion of the configuration management, in order to resume I/O operations to the portion of the storage devices serviced by the selected object.
US07685453B2 Method, system, and apparatus for receiving power from a docking station and feeding back protected power
The present disclosure relates to circuit protection within an information handling system and a media resource unit. In one form, an information handling system can include a first external input power port and an information handling system docking interface operable to be coupled to a media resource unit interface of a media resource unit. The media resource unit can include a second external input power port. The information handling system can also include a protection circuit including a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal can be coupled to the first external power port and operable to receive input power from the second external power port of the media resource unit. The second terminal can be coupled to the information handling system docking interface and operable to output protected power to the media resource unit interface.
US07685450B2 Power management of computer peripheral devices which determines non-usage of a device through usage detection of other devices
A system and method for monitoring usage of peripheral devices and placing a second peripheral device in a low power state when the usage indicates that a second peripheral device is not being used. For example, if a computer system detects that a user's current typing rate indicates the user probably has both hands on a keyboard, the computer system may generate a signal to the computer mouse to enter a low power state. The computer system may use prior usage for a user to determine when current usage indicates that the second peripheral device is not being used. After the second peripheral device is placed in a low power state, the computer system may generate a signal to the second peripheral device to return to a normal power state when the computer system determines that the user no longer has both hands occupied.
US07685449B2 Communication device, semiconductor integrated circuit device, and communication system
A disclosed communication device performs bidirectional serial communication by using a clock line and a data line. The communication device includes a starting condition detecting unit configured to detect a communication starting condition based on levels of the clock line and the data line and generate, in response to detecting the communication starting condition, a wake up signal for waking up another circuit in the communication device from a standby status; a clock sending/receiving unit connected to the clock line and configured to send/receive a clock signal; and an output control unit configured to fix the clock line at a predetermined level by using the clock sending/receiving unit so as to suspend the bidirectional serial communication after the wake up signal is received from the starting condition detecting unit and until a standby status cancel instruction indicating that the other circuit has woken up from the standby status is received from the other circuit. The bidirectional serial communication is performed with another communication device via the clock line and the data line after the other circuit has woken up.
US07685448B2 Computer system sleep/awake circuit
A computer system sleep/awake circuit includes an infrared sensor for detecting a presence or absence of a user before a display of the computer system, and outputting a corresponding detecting result; a time circuit connected to the infrared sensor for receiving the detecting result and outputting a corresponding result after a certain delaying time; and a control circuit connected to both the infrared sensor and the time circuit for receiving the detecting result from the infrared sensor and the delayed result from the time circuit, and electrically connected to a control board of the computer system for outputting a corresponding control signal to control sleep/awake states of the computer system.
US07685444B2 Power saving in circuit functions through multiple power buses
A method to manage power in an electronic device having at least one circuit function is provided. The method includes: the at least one circuit function determining a current performance requirement of the at least one circuit function; and the at least one circuit function selecting at least one power bus from a plurality of power buses. Each power bus of the plurality of power buses has a different voltage and the selected at least one power bus provides the current performance requirement with a smallest amount of voltage relative to other one or ones of the plurality of power buses.
US07685442B2 Method and systems for a radiation tolerant bus interface circuit
A bus management tool that allows communication to be maintained between a group of nodes operatively connected on two busses in the presence of radiation by transmitting periodically a first message from one to another of the nodes on one of the busses, determining whether the first message was received by the other of the nodes on the first bus, and when it is determined that the first message was not received by the other of the nodes, transmitting a recovery command to the other of the nodes on a second of the of busses. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention also provide for a bus recovery tool on the other node that re-initializes a bus interface circuit operatively connecting the other node to the first bus in response to the recovery command.
US07685430B1 Initial password security accentuated by triple encryption and hashed cache table management on the hosted site's server
A method for remote services authentication in an internet hosted environment includes a high level process and functionality for a secure, practical and logically optimized inter-network authentication mechanism by employees, partners and customers of an enterprise into the hosted Internet site. The lightweight authentication and authorization mechanism can be most effectively implemented in Java as part of the application or web server servlet. The method for remote services authentication includes initial secure password establishment, subsequent authentication and authorization, as well as authentication and authorization upon resuming previously run sessions with the hosted server using Internet cookies.
US07685429B2 Signature-generation method, signature-verification method, public-key distribution method, and information-processing apparatus
To generate and verify signature data using a known signature algorithm whose safety is ensured from the viewpoint of calculation quantity and ensuring the authenticity thereof over a long time period. A message to be signed is transmitted, a padding-data item is added to the message, and a signature-data item of the message with the padding-data item added thereto is generated by using a hash function and a public-key cryptosystem. The addition step and the generation step are performed a predetermined number of times by using the signature-data item, as the padding-data item, and the signature-data items generated the predetermined number of times and the padding-data items added the predetermined number of times are externally transmitted with the message.
US07685428B2 Transmission of event markers to data stream recorder
An information stream (media stream) can be “bookmarked” with event markers to note points in time in the information stream of occurrences of interesting events. Repeat occurrences of an event are noted with the same event marker. The events of interest need not be a priori determined. In fact, unexpected events can be readily noted.
US07685422B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program
An information processing apparatus has an authentication/key exchange unit, a round trip time measuring unit, a common key transmitter, a contents key transmitter and a contents transmitter. The round trip time measuring unit sends a round trip time measuring request generated to the communication apparatus through the first communication connection to measure the round trip time, and check whether the measured round trip time is within a predetermined time and whether a transmitting source of the round trip request response is the communication apparatus sharing the first key. The common key transmitter encrypts a second key used for contents transmission by using the first key and transmits the encrypted second key through the first communication connection when the round trip time measuring unit succeeds in the checking. The contents transmitter encrypts the contents requested by the communication apparatus by using the second key and sends the encrypted contents to the communication apparatus through the second communication connection.