Document Document Title
US07686961B1 Apparatus for removing dissolved and suspended contaminants from waste water
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treatment of waste water, particularly for the treatment and/or reduction of floating pollutants in storm water waste streams. The apparatus of the invention achieves a high containment level of floating pollutants compared to conventional oil/gas traps available for catch basin use. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is a catch basin trap that arrests the flow of pollutants, particularly floating pollutants. The trap is designed and installed in such a manner that a sealed system is created, ensuring that all fluid flow (e.g., storm water discharge) must pass through the trap and cannot bypass the trap due to unreliable trap attachment mechanisms or unsealed joints. Containment of floating pollutants is achieved.
US07686960B2 Multistage process for treating water utilizing in one stage magnetic seed to sorb dissolved contaminants, and in another stage utilizing magnetic seed to clarify the water
A multi-stage process for removing dissolved contaminants and suspended solids from water employing a magnetic separation technique. The process includes two tanks and magnetic seed. In the first tank, water is clarified by magnetic technologies and in the second tank dissolved solutes are sorbed on magnetic seed.
US07686958B2 Method for the production of a chemical reaction product with the aid of a fixed-bed reactor
Disclosed is a method for producing at least one chemical reaction product by chemically reacting one or several reactants that is/are optionally dissolved in one or several solvents and is/are supplied as a feed stream by bringing the same in contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in a continuously operated fixed-bed reactor which is filled with a particle bed, a continuous annular chromatograph (CAC) that is filled with the particle bed being used as a fixed-bed reaction in which the at least one reaction product is formed and purified while the at least one purified reaction product as well as optionally provided secondary products and/or non-reacted reactants are withdrawn at a different, predetermined azimuthal position of the annular chromatograph, respectively. The inventive method is characterized in that only one type of particle material is used in a single particle bed as both a formation catalyst and a chromatographic medium for purifying the at least one reaction product in the particle bed.
US07686954B2 Device for treating a flowing liquid
A device for treating a flowing liquid comprises a chamber containing a treatment medium, having an inlet through which liquid enters the chamber and an outlet through which liquid leaves the chamber. A plate is provided in the outlet, having at least one opening extending through it positioned such that liquid passing out of the chamber passes through the opening for discharge from the device. The outlet includes a skirt located downstream of the plate so that the plate is recessed from the outlet end of the device defined by the edge of the skirt, and a peelable protective cover which is attached to the edge of the skirt at the outlet end of the device to prevent ingress of contaminants into the device at its outlet end.
US07686953B2 Supporting structures for preparative chromatography columns
The plunger used as the upper enclosure in a preparative chromatography column is suspended by one or more rods that are supported by a frame through coupling connections on the frame that can fix the position of the rod(s) relative to the frame, while the position of the rod(s) is controlled by a motorized drive system that is suspended above the column. The drive system is mounted either to the column lid or to a functional plate positioned a short distance above the column lid. These constructions allow the plunger to be raised and lowered so that the column and its parts can be exchanged, all without the need for a hoist or crane.
US07686950B2 Water purification system and method, and module for the system
The invention relates to a method and a system for purifying water whereby: the water to be purified is pressurized; a pressurized flow of said water is directed onto at least one selective permeability membrane to divide (11) the flow of pressurized water into a permeate flow and a retentate flow; the permeate flow is electrodeionized (12) to produce a flow of purified water consisting of the electrodeionized permeate flow; the flowrate of the retentate flow (19) is reduced; a substantially constant predetermined pressure (21) is maintained on the selective permeability membrane(s); and a substantially constant predetermined permeate flowrate is maintained and also relates to a suitable tangential filtration module system.
US07686948B2 Method of removing sulfur from sulfur-containing hydrocarbon streams
The use of one or more alkali metals, preferably sodium, to remove sulfur from hydrocarbon streams containing up to about 100 wppm sulfur. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a reactor where it is contacted with one or more alkali metals. The treated hydrocarbon stream is then subjected to a water wash thereby resulting in an aqueous phase fraction and a hydrocarbon phase fraction. The aqueous phase fraction, which is separated from the hydrocarbon phase fraction contains water-soluble sodium moieties.
US07686945B2 Process to prepare water-white lubricant base oil
Process to prepare a water-white lubricating base oil having a saturates content of more than 90 wt %, a sulphur content of less than 0.03 wt % and a viscosity index of between 80-120 by subjecting a non-water-white hydrocarbon feed having a lower saturates content than the desired saturates content to a hydrogenation step, the hydrogenation step comprising contacting the feed with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the contacting is performed in two steps: (a) contacting the hydrocarbon feed with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature of above 300° C. and at a WSHV of between 0.3 and 2 kg of oil per litre of catalyst per hour, and (b) contacting the intermediate product obtained in step (a) with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature of below 280° C.
US07686944B2 Process for recovering power from FCC product
Disclosed is a process for recovering power from an FCC product. The dry gas is combusted and combined with FCC regenerator flue gas to raise the power recovery capability of the flue gas. The flue gas can be used to generate electrical power or steam. Alternatively or additionally, dry gas from an FCC product stream is separated and delivered to an expander to recover power before combustion.
US07686942B2 Method for preparation of ethylene and propylene by catalytic cracking using a fluid-bed catalyst
A method for preparation of ethylene and propylene by catalytic cracking using a fluid-bed catalyst. The main technical problems to be solved are a relatively high reaction temperature, and low activities and poor selectivities of the catalyst at a low temperature, during the reaction for preparing ethylene and propylene by catalytically cracking naphtha. The fluid-bed catalyst is a composition of the chemical formula Mo1.0VaAbBcCdOx based on stoichiometric ratio. The method using the fluid-bed catalyst has satisfactorily solved the above-mentioned problems, and is useful in the industrial production of ethylene and propylene by catalytically cracking naphtha.
US07686941B2 Simultaneous hydrocracking of multiple feedstocks
A process for simultaneously hydrocracking multiple feedstocks wherein a first feedstock is hydrotreated in a hydrotreating zone to produce a hydrotreating zone effluent which is separated to provide a first vaporous hydrocarbonaceous stream and a first liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream. The second feedstock and the first vaporous hydrocarbonaceous stream are hydroprocessed in a hydroprocessing zone to produce a hydroprocessing zone effluent. A third feedstock and the first liquid hydrocarbonaceous stream are hydrocracked in a hydrocracking zone to produce a hydrocracking zone effluent. The hydrocracking zone effluent and the hydroprocessing zone effluent are separated to recover hydrocracked hydrocarbons.
US07686937B2 Separator plates, ion pumps, and hydrogen fuel infrastructure systems and methods for generating hydrogen
Anode and cathode separator plates are suitable for use in ion pumps for converting an input stream such as reformate into a pressurized and purified hydrogen-rich gas stream. The plates may include a single cathode outlet opening forming a portion of cathode output gas manifold, an anode inlet opening forming a portion of an inlet gas stream manifold and being sized larger than inlet cathode outlet opening, the distance of the anode inlet opening to an edge of the plate being less than the distance of the cathode outlet opening from an edge of the plate, and the size of the fluid flow channel of the anode separator plate being smaller than the size of the fluid flow channel of the cathode separator plate. Methods for forming the plates and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.
US07686936B1 Method for inhibiting fouling of a submerged surface
A method for operating a system which inhibits the growth of marine organisms on a submerged surface causes a current to flow to one of two submerged surfaces over a time period that is selected as a function of the magnitude of the current and the area of the surface. In other words, the time period is determined as a function of the current density applied to the surface. In a particularly preferred embodiment the current density is maintained at approximately 35 milliamps per square foot and the time period is approximately four minutes. At the end of the time period, the current is reversed and a second submerged surface is polarized in a similar manner.
US07686933B2 Method and apparatus for purifying an oil-based fluid
An apparatus for electrophoretically removing contaminants from an oil-based drilling fluid includes a housing, a drum, a means for rotating the drum, and a scraper head. The drum is retained within the housing above the housing floor. The oil-based drilling fluid is directed along the housing floor, contacting both the housing floor and the drum. A negative charge is applied to the drum and a positive charge is applied to the housing, creating an electrical field through the fluid. Drilling fluid contaminants are attracted to and collect upon the drum outer surface. The means for rotating the drum turns the drum through the fluid and collected contaminants remain on the drum outer surface. The scraper removes the collected contaminants from the drum outer surface as it rotates. A method for removing contaminants from an oil-based drilling fluid includes directing the contaminated into the electrically charged housing, adjusting the drum height of the oppositely electrically charged drum so that it contacts the fluid, rotating the drum to remove the contaminants collected thereon from the fluid, and scraping the drum with a nonconductive scraper head to remove the contaminants.
US07686930B2 Secure meter
A compact multiparameter instrument for electrochemical measurements is described. The instrument facilitates rapid engagement and disengagement of a variety of sensor elements in such a manner as to prevent accidental mismatch of sensor elements and sensor input ports. Positive identification of specific sensors is ensured by including color marking or other indicia on the sensor connectors that are matched to corresponding markings on the meter body. Measurements of specific parameters such as temperature may readily be shared among all other sensors connected to the instrument. A method of rapidly reconfiguring the instrument to provide extended or different capabilities is described.
US07686928B2 Pressure switched dual magnetron
A dual magnetron for plasma sputtering in which two distinctly different magnetrons are mounted on a common plate rotating about a central axis in back of a target. At least one of the magnetrons is switched on and off by changes in chamber pressure or target power while the other magnetron, if it does switch, switches in complementary fashion. When the two magnetrons are mounted at different radii, the switching effects a effective movement of the magnetron such that different areas of the target are exposed to a sputtering plasma. In particular, a small unbalanced magnetron may scan the target edge to produce a highly ionized sputter flux and a larger magnetron positioned near the center can be switched on to clean sputter material redeposited on the target center.
US07686925B2 Silicon alloy coating of insulated wire
Method and apparatus for sputter coating an insulated wire with a silicon and metal alloy, to provide the wire with sufficient surface conductivity to protect against build-up of electrostatic charge. A sputtering target of silicon has a metal plate positioned close enough to the sputtering site on the target to permit metal atoms to be dislodged by sputtered silicon, and deposited with the silicon to form an alloy. In the disclosed form of the invention, the wire is insulated with a polyimide material and the metal alloyed with silicon in the sputtered coating is stainless steel.
US07686911B2 Process for making laminated and curved panels
A method for making curved panels including the steps cutting curved subunits to the appropriate size required to form the curved panel, applying adhesive to and assembling the plurality of curved subunits into a predetermined a unitary curved panel, and clamping the curved panel to a mold conforming in shape to curved panel. The mold and clamping provide for a flush curved surface upon bonding of the adhesive.
US07686910B2 Method and device for the automated application of paint film to bodywork parts
A method and a device for the automated application of a self-adhesive paint film to a three-dimensionally curved bodywork part, using a robotic application tool, the paint film being held ready in the form of a multi-layered film composite ready for picking up. After picking up has taken place, a protective strip on the adhesive side is removed from the film section, which is held taut, by means of a contact piece attached to the film composite on the end side and the adhesive side of the film section is thereby exposed. The paint film section is subsequently aligned above the body part to be covered, at a small distance from it, and is progressively pressed onto the bodywork part from the spaced-apart, taut position by means of a roller or doctor moving over the paint film. In order to be able to apply even large or curved paint film sections without creases and at justifiable tool costs, use is made of a rectangular film composite which protrudes on all sides over the bodywork portion to be covered and is secured on all four sides in a rectangular suction frame. As a result, during the application of the paint film, the latter is held under tensile stress in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction. To simplify the tool, the protective strip on the adhesive side is removed from the paint film in a stationary manner.
US07686900B2 Method for boltless heat treatment of thin flanges
A method for preventing distortion in a flange of a metal part during heat treatment is provided. A method of preventing distortion includes engaging a bottom surface of the flange with a first boltless ring, engaging a top surface of the flange with a second boltless ring, locking the first and second boltless rings into a fixed position relative to each other and relative to the flange, heat treating the part, unlocking the first and second boltless rings from each other, and removing the first and second boltless rings from engagement with the flange.
US07686898B2 Creep-resistant maraging heat-treatment steel
A maraging heat-treatment steel includes 8.5 to 9.5% by weight of Cr, 0.15 to 0.25% by weight of Mn, 2 to 2.7% by weight of Ni, 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of Mo, 0.4 to 0.8% by weight of V, 0.001 to 0.15% by weight of Si, 0.06 to 0.1% by weight of C, 0.11 to 0.15% by weight of N, 0.02 to 0.04% by weight of Nb, maximum 0.007% by weight of P, maximum 0.005% by weight of S, maximum 0.01% by weight of Al, iron and standard impurities, wherein a weight ratio of vanadium to nitrogen V/N is in a range between 4.3 and 5.5.
US07686893B2 Washer for tanks
A tank washer comprising a housing which supports reciprocating spray nozzles for spaying the walls of a tank which is to be cleaned with a cleaning liquid. The reciprocation of the spray nozzles is controlled by a piston that reciprocates in the housing under the force of the cleaning liquid. A piston assembly for use in a tank washer comprising a piston head and a connecting rod having one end connected to said piston head. The piston is mounted in a piston chamber for reciprocation.
US07686890B2 Dishwasher control system
A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.
US07686886B2 Controlled shape semiconductor layer by selective epitaxy under seed structure
A method for forming a structure of a desired cross-section on a substrate is provided. The method provides a seed structure comprising at least one support layer on the substrate. The support layer has a geometric shape related to the desired cross-section of the structure and is diffusive to a precursor constituent. The method further includes growing the structure by supplying at least one precursor constituent on the substrate. The desired cross-section of the structure is defined by the geometric shape of at least one support layer.
US07686885B2 Patterned nanorod arrays and methods of making same
In some embodiments, the present invention addresses the challenges of fabricating nanorod arrays comprising a heterogeneous composition and/or arrangement of the nanorods. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to multicomponent nanorod arrays comprising nanorods of at least two different chemical compositions, and to methods of making same. In some or other embodiments, the nanorods are spatially positioned within the array in a pre-defined manner.
US07686882B2 Titanium dioxide pigment having improved light stability
In various embodiments, methods and compositions are provided comprising titanium dioxide and silica spacers having improved light stability for use in paper, plastic and paints.
US07686881B2 Flame-hydrolytically produced titanium dioxide powder
Flame-hydrolytically produced titanium dioxide powder that is present in the form of aggregates of primary particles, and has a BET surface of 20 to 200 m²/g, a half width (HW) [nm] of the primary particle distribution of HW = a×BETf where a = 670×10−9 m³/g and −1.3 ≤ f ≤ −1.0 and the proportion of particles with a diameter of more than 45 &mgr;m lies in a range from 0.0001 to 0.05 wt. %. The powder is produced by a process in which a titanium halide is vapourised at temperatures of less than 200°C., the vapours are transferred to a mixing chamber by means of a carrier gas of defined moisture content and, separately from this, hydrogen, primary air, which may optionally be enriched with oxygen and/or preheated, and steam are added to the mixing chamber, following which the reaction mixture is combusted in a reaction chamber sealed from the ambient air, secondary air is in addition introduced into the reaction chamber, the solid is then separated from gaseous substances, and following this the solid is treated with steam. The titanium dioxide powder may be used for the heat stabilisation of polymers.
US07686880B2 Process for producing pigment complex and pigment-containing composition
A process for producing a pigment complex including the steps of dissolving a pigment in a supercritical state or subcritical state fluid and contacting the fluid containing the dissolved pigment with a polymer-containing solution.
US07686876B2 Ink composition for ink jet recording, recording method and recorded matter
There is provided an ink composition for ink jet recording that, even on printing paper for running-on, can realize excellent gloss and good color reproduction and, at the same time, is excellent in ejection stability and recovery from clogging. The ink composition for ink jet recording comprises at least a colorant, water, an alkanediol, and a surfactant, wherein the alkanediol comprises a water soluble 1,2-alkanediol and a slightly water soluble 1,2-alkanediol, and the surfactant is a polyorganosiloxane.
US07686875B2 Electroless deposition from non-aqueous solutions
A non-aqueous electroless copper plating solution that includes an anhydrous copper salt component, an anhydrous cobalt salt component, a non-aqueous complexing agent, and a non-aqueous solvent is provided.
US07686873B2 Air cleaner in all terrain vehicle
An air cleaner is provided in an all terrain vehicle in order to improve the control performance for effecting optimal combustion in an engine by accurately measuring the temperature of air introduced into the engine. The air cleaner includes an air cleaner case disposed behind an engine, a throttle valve disposed between the engine and the air cleaner case, and connecting tube for connecting the air cleaner case and the throttle valve with each other. A temperature sensor is disposed in either a front or rear face of the air cleaner case. Optionally, the temperature sensor is disposed in the connecting tube.
US07686864B2 Method for the manufacture of liquid-metal composite contact
A method of manufacturing liquid-metal composite contacts, where fabric of high-melting metal based wire is in the form of a strip, rolled into a cylindrical workpiece, and installed into a matrix. The workpiece is then pressed, reduced in an environment of hydride hydrogen in a vacuum furnace, and soaked with low-melting metal or alloy, where the soaking of the structure is performed with three metals, tin (Sn), indium (In) and gallium (Ga) within three sequential stages lasting 10 to 20 minutes each, namely, the structure is first soaked with liquid tin at a temperature of 750 to 1150° C., then with liquid indium at the temperature of 750 to 1000° C., and third with liquid gallium at the temperature of 700 to 900° C. The amount of liquid tin, indium, and gallium is proportional to eutectic mixture and volume of the pores in the structure.
US07686855B2 Method for transporting synthetic products
Disclosed are methods for transporting one or more synthetic products produced from a carbonaceous source, such as coal, natural gas, or biomass, which may be located in a location that is remote from markets for such products. The synthetic products may include lower molecular weight alcohols such as methanol, lower molecular weight ethers such as dimethyl ether, olefins and/or the products of a Fischer-Tropsch or other hydrocarbon synthesis. The methods include transport of such synthetic products via a pipeline in the dense phase state, either neat or blended with light hydrocarbons, such as natural gas.
US07686853B2 Apparatus for interconnecting battery cells in a battery pack and method thereof
A battery pack for a cordless power has a plurality of battery cells disposed in a housing. In an embodiment of the invention, battery cells are interconnected with a laminated plate structure having non-conductive layers interspersed with conductive layers, at least one of the conductive layers connected to the battery cells to interconnect them. In an embodiment of the invention, battery cells in a battery pack are interconnected with a flexible printed circuit board having conductive traces thereon that are attached to the battery cells to interconnect them. In an embodiment of the invention, a cordless power tool has one or the other of the foregoing battery packs. In an embodiment of the invention, the battery cells are Lithium Ion battery cells.
US07686852B2 Monoazo dyes
Compounds of the general formula (I) a process for their preparation and their use for dyeing and/or printing organic substrates.
US07686851B2 Concentrated dye solutions
The present invention concerns concentrated storage-stable aqueous dye solutions comprising a) 5% to 30% by weight of a dye of the formula  where K is a coupling component of the acetoacetanilide, pyridone, pyrazolone or pyrimidine series, and b) 0.1 to 0.9 mol of aminoalkoxy alcohols or monoalkanolamines per mole of dye of the formula (1) and c) 0 to 3 mol of trialkanolamine per mole of dye of the formula (1).
US07686844B2 Prosthetic valve for implantation in a body vessel
Prosthetic valves for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Prosthetic valves according to the invention comprise first and second frame members and a graft member at least partially disposed between the first and second frame members. The graft member forms a valve that permits fluid flow through the body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel in a second, opposite direction.
US07686842B2 Endovascular stent graft
A stent graft (10) with a stent frame (12) having a plurality of stents (16) connected together with monofilament line (22). A covering (14) of collagen having an extracellular matrix (ECM), such as small intestine submucosa (SIS), is disposed through the inside and over the outside of the stent frame. The covering (14) is affixed to the stent frame (12) such as by being sutured onto the stent frame at the ends of the stent frame and also at the connections of the stent bodies, such as at eyelets (24).
US07686840B2 Durable exothermic coating
A substrate that contains an exothermic coating is provided. More specifically, the exothermic coating includes one or more components (e.g., carbon, oxidizable metal, moisture-retaining particles, etc.) that are durably adhered to the substrate. To provide the desired durability, the exothermic coating includes the combination of a certain amount of a polymer latex and polysaccharide. When appropriately selected and incorporated into the exothermic coating, the present inventors have discovered that these components may interact synergistically to improve binding capacity.
US07686839B2 Phototherapy treatment devices for applying area lighting to a wound
Phototherapy treatment devices include a light emitter that is adapted to be placed in close proximity to a wound for applying light/heat energy to the wound to aid in the healing process. The light emitter may comprise a light guide that receives light from a light source or a light source that is affixed to a substrate used to position the light source over the wound.
US07686836B2 Bone distractor and method
A bone distractor having four bone plate attachment members for affixation to the posterior and anterior maxilla and/or zygomatic buttress and to the posterior and anterior mandible, the attachment members mounted onto a pair of parallel rods, one rod being a threaded drive rod and the other being a releasable guide rod, whereby rotation of the drive rod causes dimensional separation of the anterior attachment members from the posterior attachment members. The guide rod can be quickly removed such the superior attachment members joined to the maxilla and/or zygomatic buttress are physically separated from the inferior attachment members joined to the mandible such that the jaw can be opened.
US07686833B1 Ball jointed pedicle screw and rod system
A pedicle screw assembly includes pedicle screw having a plurality of spaced-apart posts. A ball collet having a ball collet bore is seated on the pedicle screw between the posts and a rod is gripped by an inner surface of the ball collet bore. The assembly also includes a cap that is coupled to the posts, the cap applying a compressive force to the ball collet against a seat of said pedicle screw. A free end of the rod may be provided with various structures to enable such free end to be retained by another pedicle screw.
US07686830B2 Suture anchoring device
A suture anchoring device comprising (1) a first retaining member having a first surface, a second surface and a first outer edge; where the second surface lies in a first plane; the first retaining member having an opening that extends from the first outer edge to at least partially through the second surface to an inner point of the first retaining member; (2) a second retaining member having a third surface, a fourth surface and a second outer edge; where the third surface lies in a second plane, the second retaining member having a holding means; and (3) a coupler having a third outer edge and a cross-sectional area taken in a plane parallel to the first plane that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first retaining member taken in a plane parallel to the first plane; where the coupler joins the first retaining member to the second retaining member at the second surface and third surface; wherein the second and third surfaces are parallel to each other and non-coterminous.
US07686829B2 Wound closure product
A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.
US07686821B2 Apparatus and method for positive closure of an internal tissue membrane opening
The invention provides a device having two components: a needle advancing apparatus slidable longitudinally along a catheter to advance needles into a tissue membrane, such as a blood vessel wall, around an opening in the membrane; and, a suture retrieval assembly insertable through the catheter beyond a distal side of the tissue membrane. The needle advancing apparatus advances suture through the tissue wall. The suture retrieval assembly grabs the suture on the distal side of the tissue membrane for extraction thereof through the opening in the tissue membrane. A method for suturing a membrane beneath the patient's skin is also disclosed.
US07686819B2 Flexible endoscopic surgical instrument for invagination and fundoplication
A surgical instrument used in an endoscopic fundoplication is disclosed. The instrument may include an elongated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal member coupled proximate the distal end of the tube and configured to fold a fundus of a stomach toward an esophageal wall, and a grasper configured to grasp at least a portion of the fundus or the esophageal wall. The grasper may be coupled to one of the elongated tube and the distal member.
US07686818B2 Locking nail and stereotaxic apparatus therefor
A stereotaxic apparatus for a locking nail which has two oscillating circuits which are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the locking nail. The apparatus has a guide sleeve to place a drill and/or bone screw which, when the stereotaxic apparatus is in an oriented condition, points to a cross-bore in the locking nail. The guide sleeve has three or more oscillating circuits arranged in a first plane that are equidistant each from a first center located in the plane; three or more oscillating circuits are arranged in a second plane extending in parallel with said first plane that are equidistant each from a second center located in said second plane. The first and second planes are arranged towards each other such that a face normal to one of said planes extends through the first and second centers. A pair of oscillating circuits are arranged at a distance from a straight line extending through the centers and the interconnecting straight line of which, in the aligned condition with the locking nail, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the locking nail.
US07686817B2 Occlusion device for asymmetrical uterine artery anatomy
An occluding device is disclosed for occluding a female patient's uterine arteries which have unsymmetrical anatomy with respect to the patient's uterine cervix. The occluding device has a pair of pivotally connected occluding members, with at least one of the occluding member having a movable occluding element on a distal shaft section of the occluding member. The position and orientation of the occluding elements on the distal shaft sections may be adjusted by operative members on the proximal shaft sections of the occluding members to accommodate for asymmetrical uterine artery anatomy. The occluding elements have pressure applying surfaces with one or more blood flow sensors such as Doppler chips which help the physician to better identify the uterine artery and to monitor blood flow therein. A tenaculum-like guiding element configured to be secured within the patient's uterine cervix, may be provided to guide the occluding device to the patient's cervix.
US07686812B2 Method for setting the rotational position of a femoral component
A method for setting the internal-external rotational position of a prosthetic femoral component with respect to the tibial comprises: forming a cylindrical surface on the posterior femoral condyles. The cylindrical surface is formed about an axis extending in a proximal distal direction with respect to the femur. A template is placed on the distal femur which has a cylindrical guide surface for engaging the posterior femoral condyles. When placed against a planar resected surface of the distal femur the guide surfaces contact the cylindrically shaped posterior condyles. The template is rotated on the cylindrical guide surface as the knee joint is moved from flexion to extension until the template cylindrical guide surfaces are in a position with respect to the tibial condyle surfaces to properly balance the knee ligaments.
US07686808B2 Fracture fixation device and implantation jig therefor
A fracture fixation device includes a plate portion and an intramedullary nail portion which is offset relative to the plate portion by a neck portion. The plate portion includes longitudinally displaced peg holes which orient pegs along an imaginary surface parallel to subchondral bone of an articular surface. The upper surface of the plate portion includes a dimple to reference a jig. The nail portion includes threaded screw holes oriented normal to an endosteal surface, and a smaller K-wire alignment hole parallel to the screw holes. The jig has a first portion which references with the dimple and a second portion in alignment over the screw holes of the nail portion. The back of the first portion of the jig is curved upward to facilitate maneuvering of the jig. The first and second portions of the jig includes K-wire guide holes which direct K-wires relative to holes in the device.
US07686806B2 Anterior cervical plate
An anterior cervical plate is adapted to engage at least two vertebrae along the anterior cervical spine. The plate comprises at least one cross connector member connecting two substantially parallel support bars. The anterior surface of the cross connector member is recessed for providing room for the esophagus. The posterior surface of the cross connector member extends slightly into the center of an intervertebral disc space for securing implanted bone graft material, and of course any other suitable intervertebral implant spacer. The preferred configuration of the cross connector member provides torsional resistance for the bone plate. At least two openings are formed in the plate for receiving a fastener therein for fixing the plate to the anterior cervical spine.
US07686804B2 Vessel sealer and divider with rotating sealer and cutter
An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto which defines a longitudinal axis therethrough. The instrument also includes first and second opposing jaw members coupled to the shaft, the first jaw member having a conductive surface and being movable relative to the second jaw member and the second jaw member being fixed relative to the shaft having an electrode rotatable along the longitudinal axis. The rotatable electrode has a sealing surface and a cutting edge. At least one non-conductive stop member is disposed on at least one of the first and second jaw members which controls the distance between the electrically conductive surfaces when tissue is held therebetween. The jaw member are connected to an electrosurgical energy source such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween.
US07686802B2 Junction of catheter tip and electrode
Junctions of ablation electrodes and catheters are disclosed. Electrophysiology catheter systems include a recessed region such as a channel at a junction of an electrode and a catheter shaft. The channel can help to reduce electrode hotspots, energy density and/or blood coagulation at the junction. The channel may be incorporated in a distal tip electrode or a ring electrode.
US07686799B2 Deployment system for myocardial cellular material
A catheter-based deployment system for deploying cellular material (22) into the heart muscle (25). The deployment system includes a guiding catheter (19) and a needle assembly (31) capable of sliding within the guiding catheter. The needle assembly (31) terminates in a tip (34) having at least one side with an opening (43) in communication with a lumen (20) disposed within the needle assembly (31). Once the guiding catheter (19) is positioned the needle assembly (31) is advanced until the tip (34) penetrates the muscle wall (25). At a predetermined depth the cellular material (22) may be deployed into the muscle wall (25) via a push rod (46) disposed through the lumen of the needle assembly (31).
US07686797B2 Biological fluid filtration system utilizing by-pass line and tube support device
An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.
US07686796B2 Absorbent garment and method for placing an absorbent garment on a wearer's waist
An absorbent garment for wear about a wearer's waist includes a waist belt, a garment shell and an absorbent assembly constructed to take in and retain body exudates released by the wearer. The absorbent assembly is releasably attached generally at front and back waist regions thereof to the waist belt. The garment shell is attached generally at front and back waist regions thereof to the waist belt, with the absorbent assembly generally disposed within the garment shell, whereby the front waist region of the garment shell is in opposed relationship with the front waist region of the absorbent assembly and the back waist region of the garment shell is in opposed relationship with the back waist region of the absorbent assembly.
US07686795B2 Pull-on diaper
A pull-on diaper includes a front waist region and a rear waist region joined together along joints defined by transversely opposite edges of these waist regions so as to form a waist-hole and a pair of leg-holes. The joints are adapted to be ruptured for disposal of the diaper which has been used. The front waist region and the rear waist region are joined together along the joints by means of joining members and each of the joining members is provided with a gripper formed integrally with this joining member and rupture guides extending from the gripper toward the waist-hole and the associated one of the leg-holes.
US07686793B2 Interlabial pad and wrapping body
An interlabial pad is provided that can be easily worn in the interlabial space. A wrapping body is provided that contains the interlabial pad. In the interlabial pad, a finger insertion cavity is formed along the longitudinal direction of a back side sheet between a mini-sheet piece and the side opposite to body on the back side sheet. An opening of the finger insertion cavity for inserting a finger leads to a finger insertion restriction portion which farther restricts the insertion of the finger.
US07686792B2 Modular absorbent article with overlapping portions
An absorbent article (20) includes a first pad section (26), and a smaller second pad section (28) which is operatively joined to the first pad section. The first pad section (26) includes a first body-side cover (30), a first backsheet (32), a first absorbent body (34) located between the first cover and the first backsheet, and a first garment-attachment mechanism (36) located on a garment-side surface of the first backsheet (32). The second pad section (28) includes a second body-side cover (38), a second backsheet (40), a second absorbent body (42) located between the second cover and the second backsheet, and a second garment-attachment mechanism (44) located on the garment-side surface of the second backsheet (40). In a desired arrangement, the first pad section (26) can overlap at least a portion of the second pad section (28), and at least a portion of the first garment-attachment mechanism (36) can operatively attach the first pad section (26) to the second pad section (28).
US07686791B2 Emesis container
A collapsible, hands-free emesis container is provided with improved portability, deployment and emesis reception characteristics. The container includes a receptacle for receiving emesis, a chute for directing emesis and a retainer to maintain desired positioning of the container about a support structure, which may be the neck of an impaired patient. The container may be provided in a package having size characteristics for easy storage and access by emergency medical service personnel.
US07686786B2 Dial-down mechanism for wind-up pen
The present invention relates to a dial-down mechanism for an injection device comprising a torsion spring for assisting injection of a dose of medicament from the injection device, the dial-down mechanism comprising dial-up cam arranged to receive and engage with a dial-up key, wherein the dial-up cam and the dial-up key are adapted to, upon rotation of a dose setting member in a first direction, cooperate to strain the torsion spring of the injection device, and a dial-down cam arranged to receive and engage with a dial-down key, wherein the dial-down cam and the dial-down key are adapted to, upon rotation of the dose setting member in a second direction, cooperate to release the torsion spring of the injection device, the second rotation direction being opposite to the first rotation direction.
US07686783B2 Perfusion and embolic protection
Disclosed is a combination perfusion and occlusion device that can have a perfusion member, an occlusive member and an elongate member. The perfusion member can be an elongate perfusion member that can have a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the perfusion member can be disposed around the elongate member. In the expanded configuration, the perfusion member can define a perfusion lumen. The occlusive member can have a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The occlusive member in the collapsed configuration can have a low profile that can facilitate insertion of the occlusive member in a body lumen. In the expanded configuration the occlusive member can be a structure that restricts the flow of fluids through a body vessel, for example a filter or another structure that restricts the flow of fluids. The occlusive member can be disposed on the elongate member, for example on a distal portion of the elongate member.
US07686782B2 Multi-chamber ampoule with bypass and piston seal
A multi-chamber ampoule including a housing with a longitudinal axis, at least one bypass operably associated with the housing, at least one front and one rear piston both of which can engage with the housing in a sealing manner outside the vicinity of the bypass and both of which may be displaced along the longitudinal axis, wherein the rear piston includes at least one material which can project into the bypass when the rear piston is in the region of the bypass.
US07686780B2 System and method for correction of intracerebral chemical imbalances
A method of treating a central nervous system (CNS) disorder, comprises the steps of inserting into a patient's body first and second conduits so that distal ends of the first and second conduits open to a portion of the patient's CNS with direct access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a proximal end of the first conduit opens into a first reservoir of material to be introduced into the CSF and a proximal end of the second conduit opens to drain CSF withdrawn from the CNS in combination with the steps of detecting and analyzing brain activity of a patient and determining a chemical imbalance present in the CSF by one of a microassay of a sample of CSF withdrawn from the second reservoir and the detected and analyzed brain activity. Based on the determined chemical imbalance, the patient is treated by one of supplying an agent to the CSF via the first conduit and withdrawing a quantity CSF via the second conduit. A system for treating disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), comprises first and second conduits, wherein, when in an operative position, distal ends of the first and second conduits open into a portion of a patient's CNS with direct access to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and wherein, when in the operative position, a proximal end of the second conduit opens to drain CSF from the CNS and a first reservoir imlpantable within the patient's body and holding material to be introduced to the CNS in combination with a first pump coupled to the first reservoir and the first conduit for introducing the material to the CNS via the first conduit and a brain wave detection unit for detecting and analyzing brain waves of the patient.
US07686777B2 Plasma lipids in-vitro filtering method and apparatus
An in-vitro blood plasma lipids filtering method includes the following steps: separating out the blood plasma from the blood collection; flushing a filtering device with saline solution; controlling the pressure of the separated blood plasma; passing the blood plasma to the filtering device for filtering out lipids; controlling the temperature of the filtered blood plasma; and feeding the blood plasma back to the blood. The method is clearly effective and accurate, quick response indication, securer and safer, more tolerant, and the treatment time is short.
US07686773B2 Injection distraction device
A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration.
US07686770B2 Discrete or continuous tissue capture device and method for making
Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.
US07686769B2 System for enhancement of neurophysiological processes
Treatment apparatus and method for the enhancement of neurophysiological processes of a patient's visual system utilizes a computer generated display that provides a patient simultaneously with passive visual stimulation images and visual cognitive exercises. The stimulation images include moving elements having edges or points of contrast. The exercises include visual and phonological elements. The invention is used to treat reading, writing and speech disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as having broader applications for example in sports sciences.
US07686764B2 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for calculating positions to determine IMT and lumen boundaries
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission unit that transmits at least one ultrasonic pulse from a surface of a skin of a subject toward a blood vessel (21) thereof, a reception unit (3) that receives an ultrasonic echo reflected by the blood vessel and converts the same into an electric signal to obtain a signal of the ultrasonic echo along a depth direction from the surface of the skin, a movement detection unit (5) that analyzes a phase of the ultrasonic echo signal in a direction traversing the blood vessel so as to calculate a movement amount in each of a plurality of parts included in a blood vessel wall constituting the blood vessel and a vicinity of the blood vessel wall, and a boundary detection unit (7) that detects a boundary position between the blood vessel wall and a blood flow region (22) in a lumen of the blood vessel through which blood flows based on a variation in the calculated movement amount in each part. Instability occurring when a brightness signal in image data is used can be eliminated, so that a state of a blood vessel, such as an IMT value, can be measured correctly using ultrasonic waves.
US07686761B2 Method of detecting proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor
A method detects proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor by measuring pressure pulses applied to the connection point. The method can include measuring for the pressure pulses at a second connection point on the endoscope processor and measuring for a beat frequency produced variations in the frequency of pressure pulses input at each connection point. The method can also include looking for echoes of the pressure pulsations from physical structures within a lumen of the endoscope connected to the connection point.
US07686760B2 Transobturator surgical articles and methods
Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for a transobturator surgical procedure are described.
US07686758B2 Cannula tip for a cardiac assist device
The present invention provides an inflow cannula tip that is shaped to prevent suction with the ventricular wall and adapted to prevent platelet adhesion. In particular, the inlet portion of the cannula tip comprises two projections extending from the cylindrical body of the cannula tip with gaps between the projections. The projections may have beveled edges. The inlet portion of the cannula tip can accept blood flow from either the gaps in the side or from the bottom of the tip. Even if the edge of the cannula tip is close to or even touching ventricle wall, a suction condition will not result, as blood is allowed to flow through the gaps between the projections.
US07686757B2 Position detecting apparatus, body-insertable apparatus system, and position detecting method
A position detecting apparatus 3 includes receiving antennas 7a to 7d to receive a radio signal, transmitting antennas 8a to 8d to transmit a radio signal for power supply to a capsule endoscope 2, a first linear magnetic field generator 9 that generates a first linear magnetic field, a second linear magnetic field generator 10 that generates a second linear magnetic field, a diffuse magnetic field generator 11 that generates a diffuse magnetic field, a processing device 12 that performs a predetermined process on the radio signal received through the receiving antennas 7a to 7d, and a magnetic field sensor 13 that functions as a body-size information detector. The magnetic field sensor 13 has a function of detecting magnetic field strength at an arranged position as body-size information, and the processing device 12 has a function of controlling the first linear magnetic field generator 9 and the like based on the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic field sensor 13. Thus, the position detecting apparatus is realized that is capable of generating a magnetic field for position detection having an optimal strength according to a difference in body sizes of subjects.
US07686755B2 Radiation therapy apparatus with selective shielding capability
Brachytherapy applicators incorporate various forms of selective shielding devices for controlling the direction and intensity of radiation directed at a patient's tissue. In some forms the applicators include a retractable sheath, in some a series of retractable fingers. In other forms the applicator, having an inflatable balloon, has a shield which is retractable from a position adjacent to the balloon or retracted from the balloon, or a shield can itself be inflatable, separately or together with the balloon.
US07686754B2 Drum for a creasing device
A drum for a creasing device, a resilient creasing ring and method are provided. The drum includes first and second drum parts that cooperate with one another to define a circumferential channel of the drum a base and two side wall for receiving a resilient creasing ring. At least one of the side walls includes recess for receiving a portion of the resilient creasing ring such that the resilient creasing ring cannot be removed radially from the channel. The creasing ring may be continuous or a split ring. A method of mounting the creasing ring includes mounting the resilient creasing ring on a first drum part and axially sliding a second drum part into cooperation with the first drum part to mount the creasing ring within a channel formed therebetween.
US07686750B2 Seated abdominal exerciser
An abdominal exerciser in which the body floats with respect to the exerciser frame, which leads to isolating the abdominal muscles. The exerciser includes a seat; a frame adapted to support said seat in a position that is raised off a floor; a seat pivot connecting said seat and frame, said pivot located under said seat; an upper body arm adapted to engage the upper body of a user; an upper body arm pivot connecting said seat and said upper body arm; and a lower body arm attached to said seat.
US07686747B1 Exercise device
A pelvic muscle strengthening device has a conical body with a hollow interior with an interior and an exterior surface. An end cap has a forward face formed with a threaded recess. A cylindrical stud extends into the body and has a trailing end formed with threads for removable coupling with the end cap. A plurality of weights are carried by the stud. A circular central opening with slits in a cross-like configuration in the body.
US07686746B2 Training apparatus
A training apparatus 1 includes a seat part 2, a load application part 3 having an adjustable load, right and left guide poles 4 extending vertically with a predetermined interval so that the seat part 2 centered between the guide poles, two lifting parts 5 movable up and down and respectively guided by the right and left guide poles 4, rotating parts 7 connected to shafts 6 fixed to the lifting parts 5, respectively, and are rotatable with respect to the lifting parts 5, pulling members 8 having one-side ends connected to the load application part 3 and having other ends connected to the lifting parts 5, and load transmission parts 9 connected to the other ends of the pulling members 8 in the lifting parts 5, respectively, and apply load to rotation of the rotating parts 5 about the shafts 6 by the load application part 3.
US07686742B2 Exercise desk
An exercise desk that may be attached to a piece of exercise equipment is disclosed that that has an adjustable desk top. By providing an adapter capable of independent adjustment of the desk top, horizontal position of the adapter and vertical position of the adapter, the exercise desk may be mounted to a variety of exercise devices. Furthermore, the desk top is selectively pivotable.
US07686740B1 Exercise device for the arm
This patent discloses an exercise device to strengthen and rehabilitate an arm. The exercise device may include a splint, a container, and a ball. The container may include a container shell having a container shell interior surface surrounding a container shell void. The container shell interior surface may form a spherical surface having a container shell interior center. The ball may be positioned within the container shell void and include a ball center where, when the exercise device is moved by the arm, both the container and the ball rotate together with the ball center additionally moving around a circumference that follows a circumference of the container shell interior surface. The container may be attached to the splint so that the container shell interior center may be positioned outside of a hand grab radius of a hand of the arm when the exercise device is attached to the arm.
US07686739B2 Climbing arrangement with climbing surface
The invention relates to a climbing arrangement that comprises a rotatable endless belt suspended on a frame structure and forming a climbing surface. The frame structure comprises a first side section that settles beside a first edge of the belt, and a second side section that settles beside a second edge of the belt. A support frame is arranged to support the frame structure. To make the space requirement of the climbing arrangement small and to make it mountable in different environments, the support frame is arranged to support the frame structure asymmetrically by means of a vertical support removably fastened to the support frame on only one side of the frame structure in such a manner that the vertical support is beside one side section only; the frame structure is arranged to fasten to the vertical support optionally on the side of the first side section or the second side section; and the support frame comprises first fastening means and second fastening means for fastening the vertical support to the support frame optionally at a first or a second point to settle the vertical support optionally beside the first side section or the second side section.
US07686729B2 Continuously variable transmission
A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.
US07686723B2 Hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain
A hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain includes an engine and an electric machine connected to each other in a power-split arrangement. The electric machine is operable as a motor or a generator, and is offset from the engine, thereby reducing the overall length of the powertrain. A power transfer arrangement includes a planetary gear set in which the carrier is directly connected to an output shaft of the engine. The electric machine is connected to the planetary gear set through an intermediate gear, thereby facilitating the offset of the electric machine and the engine and facilitating an easy change of gear ratio for the motor/generator.
US07686721B2 Bicycle chainring
A bicycle chainring is formed from a first member and an second member. The first member includes a center rotational axis, a crank attachment portion with a plurality of chainring attachment openings and an annular tooth portion with a plurality of chain engaging gear teeth. The second member disposed around the center rotational axis and is fixedly attached to overlie at least one of the crank attachment portion and the annular tooth portion to reinforce the first member without obstructing access to the chainring attachment openings.
US07686719B2 Tensioner with drainhole
A belt tensioner is provided for mounting on a mounting surface of a structure. The tensioner comprises a body, which defines a cavity, and a drain hole that is in communication with the cavity. The drain hole is located on the body so as to be facing the mounting surface of the structure when the tensioner is mounted on the structure. In this manner it is more difficult for contaminants to enter the body than to exit the body.
US07686717B2 Hydraulic tensioner
A tensioner for a traction drive includes a cylinder arranged in a housing at a distance to a housing wall to thereby define an interior space which contains hydraulic fluid. A piston is received in the cylinder for back-and-forth movement and bounds a pressure chamber containing hydraulic fluid. The piston has a cylinder-distal end which is operatively connected to a spring-biased tension roller supported on a traction member. Formed between the piston and the cylinder is a leakage gap, and a reservoir for hydraulic fluid is provided in an area of the leakage gap to prevent ingress of air into the pressure chamber, when the traction drive is at a rest.
US07686716B2 Drive sprocket wheel slide restricting structure of bicycle transmission
In a bicycle transmission, a driven sprocket wheel body includes a plurality of driven sprocket wheels which are connected with a drive sprocket wheel by an endless chain. A derailleur is provided for changing over the winding of the endless chain among the plurality of driven sprocket wheels. The drive sprocket wheel is prevented from moving beyond a given range even when an excessive external force is applied to the drive sprocket wheel at the time of traveling. A slide member is movable in the axial direction of a drive shaft and is provided between the drive shaft and a drive sprocket wheel. A drive sprocket wheel movement restricting member is provided which sandwiches the drive sprocket wheel position setting member and moves in the axial direction of the drive shaft together with the drive sprocket wheel.
US07686712B2 Soccer goal with sunshade
A temporary sunshade for a soccer goal which has a net and a goal frame for supporting the net in an outstretched configuration, the outstretched net having contiguous generally planar net surfaces including a horizontal top panel, upright end panels, and a sloping back panel. The sunshade preferably includes a removable flexible sunscreen connectable atop preferably all of the outstretched net as a sunshade for players during periods of soccer play inactivity. The sunscreen includes an airflow opening in a back panel thereof which permits moving air to flow there through for cooling players within the goal space of the soccer goal while remaining shaded. In one aspect, the opening may be an elongated slit formed along a substantial length of the back panel of said sunscreen. In another aspect, the opening may be a plurality of spaced U-shaped cuts through the back panel of the sunscreen each defining a flap movable by air movement thereagainst which produces an opening to permit air to flow there through.
US07686708B2 Metal-composite golf club head
A golf club head is formed with a crown having an aperture with an arcuate rear edge and a forward edge that is substantially parallel to the striking face. The aperture is transected by an arcuate rib that extends from a region proximal the heel end of the crown to a region proximal the toe end of the crown and is concave toward the striking face. A pair of linear ribs extend radially outward from the arcuate rib to join the arcuate rib to a perimeter region of the crown. Openings formed in the aperture by the ribs are filled with an organic-composite material such as graphite epoxy.
US07686707B2 Golf club head
This invention provides a hollow golf club head having a first viscoelastic body made of a first viscoelastic material and a second viscoelastic body made of a second viscoelastic material with a loss coefficient the temperature dependence of which is different from that of a loss coefficient of the first viscoelastic material.
US07686700B2 Laser aiming golf club
A golf club utilizing a columnated beam of light for providing a guiding target, all incorporated into a golf club, having a switch that de-actuates when the club handle is dropped or rotated to a position in excess of a predetermined safe angle from vertical. Such a system to be utilized in a practical, repeatable fashion during ball address and stroke, while preventing errant light tracing during follow through. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07686698B2 Storage bin for pin-spotter apparatus for bowling, and method of manufacture thereof
A bowling pin storage bin assembly for use as part of a bowling pin delivery system of a pinspotter apparatus, as well as a method of manufacturing such bin. The storage bin is molded as a one-piece article having a plurality of cavities or pockets for storing bowling pins in an essentially horizontal plane above a pin spotter and for delivering the pins to a plurality of pin cups or a pin spotter for spotting on a pin deck.
US07686697B2 Amusement ride
An amusement ride includes a support structure and at least one vehicle movably supported on the support structure for carrying one or more passengers at least partially along a length of the support structure. The vehicle is moved along the support structure by a drive mechanism and decelerated by a braking mechanism. A cable connects the vehicle with the drive mechanism and/or the braking mechanism and is guided by a guide mechanism which is constructed for passage by the vehicle as the vehicle moves along the support structure. The guide mechanism includes two guide wheels in spaced-apart confronting relationship for allowing the cable to pass in-between the guide wheels, with the cable partially running over one guide wheel, when the vehicle moves along a first section of the support structure, and partially running over the other guide wheel, when the vehicle moves along a second section of the support structure.
US07686693B2 Use of online messaging to facilitate selection of participants in game play
A method and system facilitating selection of participants in multiplayer online electronic games. The method provides an efficient procedure for players to host and join new instances of multiplayer online electronic games, as well as providing a scheme that enables players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The method is implemented through a gaming utility that runs on each player's electronic device (e.g. PC) and interacts behind the scenes with an online messaging service. Player hosts are enabled to select players from a list of contacts provided by the online messaging service who they want to invite to join a chat session. A selected multiplayer online electronic game is selectively launched on all of the player's computers through a single command issued by the host. Additionally, the gaming utility provides players with a list of existing chat sessions being hosted by other players so as to enable the players to join multiplayer online electronic games that are already in progress. The system includes a plurality of electronic devices linked in communication across a communications network, such as a LAN or the Internet. Each electronic device is operatively coupled to a headset having a pair of headphones and a microphone. The headset is worn by a player, enabling the players to verbally communicate with others in a verbal chat session.
US07686689B2 Basic wagering game having a continuously modified pay table
A method of playing a basic wagering game comprises conducting the basic wagering game at a gaming terminal in response to receiving a wager input. The method includes apportioning the wager input among a plurality of winning outcomes for the basic wagering game, such that the apportioning increases a payout amount associated with each of the winning outcomes. The method includes awarding the payout amount associated with one of the plurality of winning outcomes in response to a randomly selected outcome in the basic wagering game being that one of the plurality of winning outcomes. The method is implemented in a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming terminals and a controller. The controller is coupled to each of the gaming terminals and receives wager-input signals from the gaming terminals. In response to receiving the wager-input signal, the controller allocates a portion of the wager input among the winning outcomes.
US07686688B2 Method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to determine and/or update slot machine configurations using historical, and/or current, and/or predicted future data
An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage for automatically deciding slot machine configuration changes. Slot machine usage is electronically monitored and ideal settings are determined from the usage. Slot machines can then be updated electronically according to the ideal settings, either automatically or upon operator approval.
US07686686B2 Gaming machine having a selectable active symbol matrix (“what you see is what you get”)
A gaming device and method for playing a gaming device which provide awards for any and all symbols appearing within selected portions of a symbol matrix (“What You See Is What You Get” or “WYSIWYG”).
US07686684B2 Lottery based entertainment system
The present invention generally provides a sequential method for producing and/or casting a film, television, play or other form of entertainment. More specifically, a lottery based system is implemented so that the winning person obtains rights to be a subject in a play, television show, film or other form of entertainment. The winning person may actually act in the project or the winning person may elect to have an actor play him or her in the project. Audience members who obtain tickets to showings of the project are themselves given a lottery ticket to obtain the rights to be a subject in a subsequent play, television show or film. Further, the winning audience member may also obtain a prize, such as cash, for winning the lottery. The process repeats itself so that a subject of each new project is taken from the audience of the previous project. The cycle may continue until future audiences no longer support the running project.
US07686683B2 Method of playing a game with a multi-access selection feature
Method of playing a multi-access feature game played along with a primary game. The method comprises: a) playing a primary game, b) initiating feature-game play process upon occurrence of a trigger outcome in the primary game, and c) allowing a player to play the feature game. The latter comprises: i) determining an access type associated with the triggering outcome among many types associated with distinct permissions, ii) providing a feature-game representation composed of a plurality of selectable objects having values and positions, the objects being displayed according to a state based on previous plays of the feature game, iii) receiving a player selection of an object according to a determined permission, iv) affecting the selection according to permission associated with the access type, and modifying selected object status accordingly, v) registering the status and position of all of the feature-game selectable objects, and vi) resuming the primary game.
US07686681B2 Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with selectable odds
A system and method forms playing card markings on playing card media to provide playing cards based on a desired set of payout or house odds and/or house advantage. The playing cards may, for example, be printed in a random or pseudo-random order that is based on the selected payout or house odds and/or house advantage.
US07686679B2 Carcass processing apparatus and method
To shorten a long aging time required for meat processing and reducing the viable cell count of a carcass before being cooked, an electric stimulus is imparted by applying an AC voltage via from electrode needles to at least the neck and legs of the meat carcass. The AC voltage is turned on for a time Ton and then turned off for a time Toff, and the application of the voltage is repeated a predetermined number of cycles. The Ton period is not longer than the Toff period, although the first Ton period can be longer than the Toff period. The voltage is not higher than 100V, and the frequency is not higher than the commercial frequency (maximum, 60 Hz). The aging effect is improved by stimulating the entire meat carcass electrically from at most three points.
US07686677B2 Floor treatment machine with wheel assembly
A wheel assembly for a floor treatment machine is provided that aids the operator in maintaining positive control of the machine. The wheel assembly includes a body that can be removably attached to the floor treatment machine, and wheels that are configured to contact the floor, while the floor treatment machine is in use. The body of the wheel assembly can include a first end disposed below the base of the floor treatment machine, an intermediate region, and a second end extending beyond the base.
US07686668B1 Interior scenting of latex balloons
A method of coating the interior surface of a latex balloon with a gaseous fragrance or scented formula, using a micro infusion injector.
US07686665B2 Manufacturing method of a printed matter and a printed matter
The present invention is related to a printed matter on which thin film is formed by a printing method. Functional organic thin film is formed in little process with highly precise on a substrate without water absorbing property sectioned by partition walls. According to the current invention, the printing that accuracy is preferable can be achieved only by alignment in only one direction. In addition, yield of manufacture of printed matter is preferable. In addition, configuration of partition wall is configuration that printing plate is easy to approach one part of partition wall. Therefore, ink is transferred surely from printing plate to a substrate. Even more particularly, problem such as disconnection of the functional layer or substrate on partition wall when the functional layer or substrate is laminated on a top face of printed matter can be prevented.
US07686664B2 Method of manufacturing customized electroluminescent display
An electroluminescent display device contains an electroluminescent phosphor sandwiched between a pair of electrodes and a graphic arts element. The device is fabricated by bonding a generic electroluminescent base laminate containing an electrode and an electroluminescent layer, to a custom graphic arts film containing a graphic element and a corresponding electrode. The generic electroluminescent base laminate is made at a first location or time, and the custom graphic arts film is made at a second location or time.
US07686661B2 Connection enclosure assemblies, connector systems and methods for forming an enclosed connection between conductors
An enclosed connection system for connecting first and second elongate electrical conductors includes a transverse wedge connector and an enclosure. The transverse wedge connector includes an electrically conductive first connector member, an electrically conductive second connector member, and a clamping mechanism. The first connector member includes: a first body having inner and outer opposed ends; a first hook portion on the outer end of the first body, the first hook portion defining a first channel to receive the first conductor; and a first abutment portion on the inner end of the first body. The second connector member includes: a second body having inner and outer opposed ends; a second hook portion on the outer end of the second body, the second hook portion defining a second channel to receive the second conductor; and a second abutment portion on the inner end of the second body. The clamping mechanism is selectively operable to displace the first and second connector members relative to one another from an open position to a clamping position to clamp the first conductor in the first channel and between the first hook portion and the second abutment portion and to clamp the second conductor in the second channel and between the second hook portion and the first abutment portion to thereby form a connection. The enclosure is configured to receive and cover the connection and to protect the transverse wedge connector.
US07686656B2 Electrical connector with improved contacts
An electrical connector includes an housing having a base portion, a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion and a number of passageways, the tongue portion defining a front face, a first side face and a second side face; a metal shell enclosing the tongue portion to define a receiving room therebetween, and defines a top wall, bottom wall and a pair of side walls, a first receiving room being formed between the bottom wall and the first side face; a number of contacts received in the passageways respectively and including a plurality of first contacts and second contacts, the first contacts each defining a first contacting portion, a first soldering portion and a first retaining portion, the second contacts each defining a second contacting portion, a second soldering portion and a second retaining portion. Both the second contacting portions and the first contacting portions are positioned on a same side of the second side face to be exposed to the first receiving room, the first contacting portions extend beyond the first side face.
US07686652B2 Memory card connector with improved contact arrangement
A USB card connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a rear wall and a card receiving cavity located forward the rear wall. Each contact includes a contact portion protruding to the card receiving cavity. The contacts are divided into first and second contact groups with same contact arrangement in condition that each the first or the second contact group comprises four contacts for transmitting USB or similar-USB signals.
US07686649B2 Electrical connector with compensation component
An electrical connector includes a housing and a plurality of electrical mating contacts held within the housing. Each of the mating contacts extends from a first end portion to a second end portion. Each of the mating contacts has an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions. An electrical compensation component is held within the housing. The electrical compensation component includes a circuit board. The electrical compensation component is electrically connected to at least one of the mating contacts at a location along the intermediate portion that is spaced a distance from the first and second end portions.
US07686648B2 Electrical connector having an improved housing
An electrical connector (100) has an insulative housing (10) including a top wall (12), a bottom wall (13) and a pair of opposite side walls (14), an upper shell (31) and a lower shell (32) locking with the upper shell. The upper shell has a top plate (311) and a pair of side plates (312) at least partially enclose the bottom and the side walls of the housing. The upper shell has a bottom plate (321) and a pair of side wings (322) at least partially enclosing the top and the side walls of the housing. Each side wall of the insulative housing includes a flange portion (17) protruding outwardly therefrom. The side wing of the lower shell are guided onto the side plates of the upper shell by the flange portions and partially overlapping with the upper shell.
US07686645B2 Apparatus and method of zeroing a test instrument
An apparatus and method for shorting together a plurality of electrical leads. The apparatus includes an electrical conductor that extends between first and second ends and a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The electrical conductor includes a central bight that is disposed between the first and second ends and has a concave contour that defines a portion of the first surface. The electrical conductor also includes first and second bights that have convex contours that define portions of the first surface. The first bight is disposed between the central bight and the first end and the second bight is disposed between the central bight and the second end. The electrical conductor also includes a first and second contact segments that are respectively disposed between the first and second bights and the first and second ends.
US07686644B2 Battery connector
A battery connector has an insulative housing, a plurality of contact terminals mounted in the insulative housing and a washer mounted on the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a first surface, a second surface, a third surface and a plurality of notches defined through the third surface. Each notch communicates with a first opening and a second opening respectively defined on the first surface and the second surface. Each contact terminal has a flat base portion and a U-shaped resilient portion extending from the base portion. The base portion has a second contact portion. The resilient portion has a first contact portion. The washer encloses around the periphery of the insulative housing and is adjacent to the first surface. Therefore, when the battery connector is mounted to a circuit board, the washer prevents or moisture from getting into the battery connector.
US07686642B2 Wire harness interconnection and retention method and apparatus
A smaller conductor having an uninsulated portion and an insulated portion is positioned adjacent a larger conductor having an insulated portion and a conductive portion located within the insulated portion of the larger conductor. The two conductors are joined by a discontinuous metal band having respective ends extending across a top portion of the insulated portion of the larger conductor to make electrical contact with the uninsulated portion of the smaller conductor, then bending downward on one side of the conductor pair and then upward and through the insulated portion of the larger conductor such that a first of the ends of the metal band is positioned in contact with the conductive portion of the larger conductor; the metal band bending downward on the opposite side of the conductor pair and then upward and through the insulated portion of the larger conductor such that a second of the ends of the metal band is positioned in contact with the conductive portion of the larger conductor.
US07686638B2 Method and apparatus for coupling a cable to a socket
A cable coupling apparatus includes a base defining a connector channel. A connector coupling feature is located on the base and operable to couple a connector positioned in the connector channel to the base. A socket coupling member is resiliently coupled to and extends from the base. A securing member is located on the socket coupling member, wherein the securing member comprises a socket coupling member release surface that is oriented relative to a connector removal direction at an angle of greater than 90 degrees such that the socket coupling member may be deflected by the movement of the base in the connector removal direction and the resulting engagement of a socket surface and the socket coupling member release surface on the securing member in order to remove a connector coupled to the base from a socket. The apparatus may be coupled to a connector or may be fabricated as part of a connector and allows the connector to be removed from the socket by moving the connector in a connector removal direction and without a need to manually disengage the socket surface and the socket coupling member release surface.
US07686636B2 Socket connector having lever-engaging member
An electrical connector includes a frame (2) defining a substantially rectangular configuration and header and rear portions (22), a cover (3) moveably disposed on the frame and including a supporting surface (31) with a plurality of holes (311) defined therein, a lever (4) having a cam portion (42) disposed on the rear portion of the frame to drive the cover to move from a first position to a second position, a base (1) disposed within the frame and under the cover and an engaging member (6) retained in one side of the frame. The engaging member defines an engaging portion (63) at one end thereof which can engage with the lever when the lever arrives at a vertical position relative to the base.
US07686635B2 Terminal connected to lamp for liquid crystal display device and backlight assembly having the same
A terminal includes a supporting plate, a holding member, a connection portion and a receiving portion. The terminal is connected to a lamp for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The holding member protrudes from a side of the supporting plate to surround a wire. The connection portion protrudes from an upper portion of the supporting plate and is bent to hold an electrode of the lamp. The receiving portion protrudes from the connection portion and is bent to be held by the holding member with the wire. Therefore, separation of the lamp from the terminal is prevented.
US07686630B2 Connector including foreign body preventing unit including blocking sheet member and locking unit
A connector includes a male connector including plural male terminals, a first body provided with the plural male terminals, and a first terminal housing formed with a first housing opening facing respective ends of the plural male terminals, and a female connector including plural female terminals paired with the plural male terminals, a female terminal box formed with plural female terminal openings facing ends of the plural female terminals respectively, and a second body provided with the plural female terminals and the female terminal box. The connector further includes foreign body preventing means for preventing a foreign body from being mixed into the specified receiving space of the first terminal housing. The foreign body preventing means includes a blocking sheet member enclosed in the specified receiving space of the first terminal housing for blocking or substantially blocking the first housing opening, and plural male terminal openings through which the male terminals pass at specified positions respectively in the blocking sheet member.
US07686627B2 Rail-type grounding terminal structure having a spring latch
A rail-type grounding terminal structure composed of a metal grounding member and an insulating housing. The grounding member has better operation elasticity and can be easily tightly connected with a grounding rail. The grounding member includes a metal insertion leg mountable on a leaf spring mount, a bow section connected with the metal insertion leg and a first end and a second end respectively outward extending from the bow section and latched on a grounding rail. The metal insertion leg has a slightly outward deflected head end and a neck wall formed thereunder. When the metal insertion leg is mounted on the leaf spring mount, the leaf spring mount exerts a reaction force to urge the grounding member to tightly attach to lower side of the housing. Therefore, a gap is defined between the grounding member and the housing for a serviceman to separate the grounding member from the rail or connect the grounding member with the rail.
US07686626B2 Rail-type grounding terminal having a two piece spring latch structure
A rail-type grounding terminal structure composed of a metal grounding member and an insulating housing. The amount of waste material produced in manufacturing of the grounding member is reduced. In addition, the grounding member has larger contact face to increase current value. Also, the grounding member can be easily tightly connected with a grounding rail. The grounding member is divided into two parts with predetermined configurations respectively. The grounding member includes a metal insertion leg mounted on a leaf spring mount and a bow section connected with the metal insertion leg. The bow section has a first end and a second end. The first and second ends outward extend and are latched on the grounding rail. The metal insertion leg has a head end, a slope and a shoulder section. The slope and the shoulder section are formed under the head end. The grounding terminal is operable to separate from or connect with the rail.
US07686625B1 Grounding clip
The invention is directed to a grounding clip which can provide an electrical connection between a ground wire, a first panel and a second panel. The grounding clip has a wire terminating section for terminating a grounding wire thereto, a first panel receiving portion for terminating a first panel therein, and a second panel receiving portion for terminating a second panel therein.
US07686622B2 Plug connector with mating protection
A plug connector is disclosed that has a body portion and a circuit card extending forwardly of a mating face of the connector. The circuit card is protected in place by a protective flanges that extends forwardly from the body portion above the circuit card to protect it from stubbing and to provide a means for aligning the plug connector with a receptacle connector.
US07686620B2 Electrical connector configured by unit section
An electrical connector for electrically connecting an integrated circuit package to a circuit substrate includes a first and a second unit sections, and each unit section has a number of terminals received therein. Each unit section includes a mating surface, an opposed mounting surface, a fixing edge, and an engaging edge. The engaging edge of the first unit section has a protruding tongue, and the engaging edge of the second unit section defines a recessed portion for engaging the protruding tongue. An interlocking device is formed between the protruding tongue and the recessed portion, so that the protruding tongue is capable of overlapping and combined with the recessed portion via the interlocking device to make the first and the second unit sections become a unitary structure.
US07686618B2 Connector and connector device
A connector has a housing, contact modules accommodated within the housing and having transmission path patterns with ends which form a plurality of contacts, and a connecting surface. Each of the contacts is exposed at the connecting surface. The contacts of each of the contact modules are aligned in a first direction, and corresponding contacts of the contact modules are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that the contacts are disposed in a matrix arrangement. The lengths of adjacent transmission path patterns are identical within each of the contact modules but different among the contact modules.
US07686613B2 Narrow ceramic self-ligating orthodontic bracket
A ceramic orthodontic bracket has a centrally located clip for retaining an archwire in an archwire slot. The body of the bracket includes a mesial section, a distal section, and a bridge section, wherein the bridge section extends through, and retains, the clip. The bridge section also includes a recess adjacent to the bridge section that facilitates debonding of the bracket from a patient' s tooth. Preferably there are gaps on one or both sides of the clip to allow space for debonding of the bracket by applying a mesial-distal compressive force on the bracket and fracturing the bracket along the recess. This configuration allows the overall mesial-distal width of the bracket to be reduced, thereby facilitating the bonding of brackets to narrow and/or maloccluded teeth. Another embodiment includes a stop member that is connected to the base of the bracket and retains the clip on the bridge section.
US07686611B2 Flame straightening in a furnace
The present invention relates to a method and furnace for generating straightened flames in a steam methane reformer or ethylene cracking furnace where fuel-staged burners are used. Fuel staging may be used for reducing NOx emissions. Criteria for generating straightened flames are provided. These criteria relate to oxidant conduit geometry and furnace geometry. Techniques for modifying the furnace and/or burners to achieve these criteria are also provided.
US07686610B2 Mold and method for the manufacture of holders such as tub-shaped containers
The invention relates to a mold for the manufacture of holders, comprising at least two mold halves moveable relatively to each other in a first direction of movement and a mold cavity, the mold cavity, the mold being substantially defined by a female part and a matching male part, while at least the female part and/or the male part is arranged so as to be moveable such that within the mold, the male part and/or the female part can be brought into a first position wherein between a forward end, facing, in a first direction of movement, towards the mold cavity, and an opposite bottom part of the female part, there is a relatively large, first distance, and a second position wherein between said forward end and said bottom part there is relatively small second distance.
US07686609B2 Apparatus for molding proppants and method
An apparatus for molding a proppant is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first member comprising a manifold for channeling a plastic fluid to a cavity block, with the cavity block containing a plurality of semi-spherical cavities. The apparatus further includes a second member that comprises a movable plate for engaging with the first member, with the movable plate having an opening therein, and a core block positioned within the opening, with the core block containing a plurality of reciprocal semi-spherical cavities configured to engage the semi-spherical cavities of the cavity block so that a plurality of spheres are formed, with the core block further containing a plurality of arm cavities that link the plurality of spheres so that a star cluster (which links the proppants) is formed. A method of manufacturing proppants and a method of using the proppants is also disclosed.
US07686608B2 Apparatus and methods for distributing a substance
A system for distributing a substance includes a chamber configured to accommodate a mold surface and an inlet port in the chamber. The substance is introduced into the chamber through the inlet port. Flexible tubing is coupled between the inlet port and a reservoir containing the substance. A pump is used to compress a portion of the flexible tubing to move the substance through the tubing and inject the substance into the chamber.
US07686605B2 Device for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object
A device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers corresponding to the object is provided. The device comprises a building field, in which the solidification of the material in powder form takes place; an application element (61), that applies the building material in powder form in the form of a layer; and a drive mechanism (59) that moves the application element (61) across the building field in order to apply the layer of the building material. The drive mechanism (59) is configured such that for the application of layers it moves the application element (61) between a first end position on a first side of the building field and a second end position on an opposite second side of the building field on a circular path back and forth.
US07686602B1 Slippers for rollers in a roller vane pump
A roller vane pump that uses slippers on its rollers to create multiple seals. The roller vane pump has a fixed cam ring that has a rotor within. The rotor has openings that receive rollers that rotate about the inside of the cam ring. Each roller has a slipper rotatably connected thereto. The use of the slipper allows multiple seals to be created between the slipper, the rollers, and the cam ring and additionally allows for the roller vane pump to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise without the changing of parts.
US07686599B2 Scroll compressor with device to limit orbit radius
A scroll compressor has a device which may be actuated to limit the orbit radius of the orbiting scroll. The device is moveable between an unactuated position at which it is spaced from a hub for the scroll compressor, and an actuated position at which it limits the orbit radius of the hub. The device may be actuated when reduced capacity is desired.
US07686598B2 Downhole pumps with sand snare
A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger which reciprocate with respect to each other. The plunger has a first portion with a first seal, a second portion and a third portion with a second seal. The second portion is intermediate the first and second portions. A balancing chamber is formed between the plunger second portion and the barrel. The balancing chamber communicates with the plunger interior by way of an opening. A sand snare chamber is provided with respect to the opening so as to prevent sand from contacting the seals in the balancing chamber.
US07686596B2 Hydraulic pressure amplifier
A hydraulic pressure amplifier with a housing which has an end face at a low pressure side and an end face at a high pressure side and a circumferential wall between the two end faces, wherein an outlet valve is arranged adjacent the end face on the high pressure side, and an outlet duct for the hydraulic liquid which is under high pressure. In a pressure amplifier of the above-described type, the outlet duct opens into the circumferential wall or extends through a connection plug which is screwed into the end face on the high pressure side and closes off an assembly duct which receives the outlet valve.
US07686595B1 Diaphragm pump
A high pressure metering pump employs a flexible diaphragm extending radially from a piston as the moving pump element. The diaphragm is secured by an annular anvil at its periphery to form a high pressure seal, and the center of the diaphragm is driven reciprocally by a mechanically driven piston. A support assembly for the diaphragm includes a moveable metal ring concentric about the piston and an elastic, resilient ring concentric about the piston and interposed between the metal ring and the diaphragm. The elastic resilient ring is formed of a material such as neoprene, Viton, or the like to mediate and distribute the force between the diaphragm and the metal ring. This assembly allows the diaphragm membrane to support the high pressures that are prevalent in HPLC.
US07686589B2 Pumping system with power optimization
The present invention provides a pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool, including a water pump and a variable speed motor. In one example, a target volume amount of water and an operational time period is provided, and the operational time period is altered based upon a volume of water moved. In another example, operation of the motor is altered based upon the volume of water moved. In addition or alternatively, a target flow rate of water to be moved by the water pump is determined based upon the target volume amount and a time period. In addition or alternatively, a plurality of operations are performed on the water, and a total volume of water moved by the pump is determined. In addition or alternatively, an optimized flow rate value is determined based upon power consumption.
US07686582B2 Radial split serpentine microcircuits
A turbine engine component, such as a turbine blade has an airfoil portion with an airfoil mean line, a pressure side, and a suction side. A first region on the pressure side of the airfoil portion has a first array of cooling microcircuits embedded in a wall forming the pressure side. A second region on the pressure side has a second array of cooling microcircuits embedded in the wall. The first region is located on a first side of the mean line and the second region is located on a second side of the mean line.
US07686578B2 Conformal tip baffle airfoil
A turbine blade includes an airfoil tip with first and second tip ribs extending from a tip floor. The ribs extend along the opposite pressure and suction sides of the blade and are joined together at opposite leading and trailing edges. A tip baffle is nested transversely between the ribs, and conforms with the second rib to bifurcate the airfoil tip into first and second tip pockets extending along the corresponding pressure and suction sides.
US07686573B2 Vertically-oriented centrifugal pump
An apparatus for elevating a fluid includes: a pumping member rotatable about a vertical axis, the pumping member having at least one ramped path, the ramped path having a lowermost portion insertable below the surface of a fluid to be elevated, and an uppermost portion that is more distant from the vertical axis than the lowermost portion thereof; a catch chamber surrounding a circular trajectory of the uppermost portion as it rotates about the vertical axis and positioned to receive fluid expelled from the uppermost portion; and a motor coupled to the pumping member for imparting rotational motion to the pumping member about the vertical axis, the motor having sufficient power to generate a centrifugal force that will drive the fluid from the lowermost portion of the ramped path to the uppermost portion and into the catch chamber.
US07686571B1 Bladed rotor with shear pin attachment
A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine, the stator vane including an airfoil portion formed from a single crystal material and two platforms attached to the ends of the airfoil by shear pins that fit within slots formed between the platform and airfoil. The shear pin slots extend along the contour of the airfoil where the lowest stress levels are located. The platforms include openings having the same cross sectional shape as the curved airfoil. Because of the shear pin retainers between the airfoil and the platforms, the airfoil can be formed from a single crystal material while the platforms are un-coupled from the airfoil and can be made from a different material.
US07686569B2 Blade clearance system for a turbine engine
A blade gap control system configured to move a blade ring of a turbine engine relative to a blade assembly to reduce the gaps between the tips of the blades and the blade rings to increase the efficiency of the turbine engine is provided. The blade rings can be at an acute angle with respect to the rotational axis of the blade assembly. The axial movement of the blade ring can be done by a pressure differential supplied across the blade ring, the thermal expansion and/or contraction of a linkage or by a piston.
US07686567B2 Airfoil embodying mixed loading conventions
A high-lift airfoil embodying a combination of loading conventions in a single design specifically to reduce and control total pressure losses that occur in the flow channels between airfoils employed in turbomachinery applications is disclosed herein. The mixed-loading high-lift airfoil designs embody and exhibit the best total profile and secondary loss characteristics possessed by both aft-loaded airfoil and front-loaded airfoil conventions through controlling the development and interaction of boundary layers forming along the surfaces of the airfoils and the endwalls in such applications. The mixed-loading high-lift airfoil may be utilized in both rotating and non-rotating turbomachinery applications.
US07686564B2 Palletizing device
A device for palletizing objects containing a buffer device and a conveyor zone on which are provided a transposing device for assembling a layer and a pallet loader. To equip the device with effective buffering in a simple design, the conveyor zone and the buffer could optionally be loaded by the transposing device and optionally unloaded by the pallet loader.
US07686562B2 Lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle
A preferred embodiment of a lift and carrier assembly for a personal-transportation vehicle includes a first column, a second column telescopically disposed within the first column, a platform assembly pivotally coupled to the second column for supporting the personal-transportation vehicle, and a motor mounted on the first column and coupled to the second column so that the motor can lift the second column and the platform assembly, and a latch. The latch is movable between a first position, and a second position wherein the latch engages a pin mounted on the second column when the second column and the platform assembly are in a second position thereby securing the second column and the platform assembly in the second position.
US07686557B2 Device for backing book blocks
A device for backing rounded book blocks (2) clamped near the spine, by a pressing beam (9) and a slide (7) that accommodates the pressing beam (9) and can be alternately displaced along arc-shaped races (6) in a swinging fashion by driving means (17) in a height-adjustable supporting bearing (5) that is laterally supported against the effect of a spring element (29). Members are provided for controlling (21, 22, 32, 33) the lateral position of the supporting bearing (5) and for lowering and raising (10, 11, 12) the pressing beam into the starting position for its return stroke. An eccentric starting position is realized during the lowering of the pressing beam (9) on the spine (2a), in the form of a swinging position of the slide (7) that is offset toward the opposite side of the spine center (2b) referred to the respective side to be backed thereafter.
US07686548B2 Machine tool
A machine tool capable of removing chips from the machine with a simple structure. A continuous groove is formed at the lowest position of a splash guard surrounding a bed so as to extend from a rear end of the machine along one side portion, a front portion and the other side portion of the bed. Machining fluid brought into the groove from a coolant tank flows along the groove and is recovered into the coolant tank. A bottom of the groove has a continuous slope such that an inlet side where the machining fluid is brought in through the discharge port is highest (or the groove is shallowest) and a discharge side for the coolant tank is lowest (or the groove is deepest). The chips dropped in the groove are discharged together with the machining fluid into the coolant tank where the chips and the machining fluid are separated.
US07686544B2 Method and arrangement by a workover riser connection
A method and arrangement for well completion and intervention operations where a workover riser 4 projecting from a wellhead 6 and up to a vessel 2 is used, and where the upper portion of the workover riser 4 is designed to be displaced from an upper position to a lowered position favorable for rigging work, where at least the upper displaceable portion of the workover riser 4 essentially follows the heave motion of the vessel 2, whereupon the upper displaceable portion of the workover riser 4 is again raised to its upper position, the workover riser 4 being equipped with a telescoping connection 1.
US07686542B2 Method of protecting a surface of rock or soil
The surface of rock or soil, newly-exposed, for example, by tunnelling, and having the tendency to become friable on exposure to the atmosphere, can be protected by forming thereon a film by the process of combining on the surface at least one coagulable material and a coagulating agent therefor. The preferred coagulable material is an aqueous polymer dispersion, preferably one which has some degree of elastomeric properties, and preferably one which additionally is anionically stabilized.
US07686528B2 Device for packaging and applying a substance
A device for packaging and applying a substance may include a receptacle for containing the substance and an applicator. The receptacle may include a first part and a second part, with the second part being turnable by a user relative to the first part. The second part may define at least one surface in contact with the substance inside the receptacle. The applicator and the surface may be arranged in such a manner that turning the surface exerts pressure on the substance, causing the substance to move toward the applicator. The first part may define a backing surface and the surface may be arranged to come at least in part to face the backing surface at an end of turning of the second part.
US07686523B2 Information recording method, information recording medium, and information reproducing method, wherein information is stored on a data recording portion and a management information recording portion
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
US07686520B2 Fiber-optic premises wiring system
A premises wiring system (112) comprising a back-end interface (122) communicating with at least one communications system and a front-end interface (126) communication with disparate communications devices configured for electrical signalling. At least one fiber-optic pair (146) couples the front-end and back-end interfaces. The front-end and back-end interfaces convert electrical signals destined for transmission over the pair into optical signals prior to transmission.
US07686512B2 X-ray system and operating method for an x-ray system
X-ray system with an x-ray radiation source, a digital solid-state image detector with a calibration facility acquiring calibration data in order to ensure an optimum image quality, whereby the x-ray system has at least one sensor or interacts with a sensor which detects any person who may be present in the vicinity, whereby the acquisition of the calibration data is initiated when no person has been detected by the at least one sensor.
US07686511B2 Angular irradiation in an upright treatment system
An upright treatment system including a source housing including a radiation source operable to emit an orientated radiation beam, a source positioner operable to rotate the source housing through an elevation angle about a source housing elevation rotation axis which generally intersects a center of gravity of the source housing, and a target positioner operable to position a target linearly along a generally vertical target rotation axis for interception with the radiation beam, wherein the target positioner is further operable to rotate the target about the target rotation axis.
US07686510B2 Structure for a rod radiation source and its calibration phantom
A rod radiation source and its calibration phantom structure mainly have an anti-leak filter layer on one side of a lower lamination layer, and have the anti-leak filter layer evenly deposited with plural drops of liquid radiation sources with each drop of radiation source neighboring but not overlapping, and use an upper lamination layer to cover the anti-leak filter layer to protect each radiation source, and have the above assembly rolled into a rod as a rod radiation source. In another cylindrical container that has a stack of plural sheets, the rod radiation sources get evenly distributed along the axle center and pass each sheet to form a calibration phantom structure for a rod radiation source.
US07686507B2 Multi-module weighing system with temperature control
Multi-module weighing system with a holding structure serving to receive a plurality of weighing modules which are rigidly connected to each other in a given spatial arrangement and are operable independently of each other, wherein each weighing module comprises at least one load receiver, wherein the multi-module weighing system is connected to a temperature control device which is in thermal connection with each of the weighing modules.
US07686504B2 Performance testing apparatus for heat pipes
A performance testing apparatus for a heat pipe includes an immovable portion having a heating member located therein for heating an evaporating section of a heat pipe requiring testing. A movable portion is capable of moving relative to the immovable portion and has a heating member therein for heating the evaporating section of the heat pipe. A receiving structure is defined between the immovable portion and the movable portion for receiving the evaporating section of the heat pipe therein. A positioning structure extends from the immovable portion to ensure the receiving structure being capable of precisely receiving the heat pipe. Temperature sensors are attached to the immovable portion and the movable portion for detecting temperature of the heat pipe.
US07686503B2 Watch escapement
An escapement for a mechanical watch comprising: an escapement wheel (10) kinematically connected to a power source, a roller (14) mounted on a balance (16) including, on two different levels, a pin (23) and an impulse pallet (24) co-operating with said wheel (10); a limiting member (26) performing a periodic movement during which it co-operates with the pin (23) to limit the travel of said roller (14); a control member (30) provided with a rest lift (32) performing, from a stable position wherein said wheel (10) is pressed on the rest lift (23), a periodic movement during which the wheel is released and provides an impulse to the impulse pallet (24). The periods of the limiting member (26) and of the control member (30) correspond, respectively, to an alternation and an oscillation of the balance.
US07686499B2 Control system design for a mixing system with multiple inputs
A method for mixing at least two materials is provided. The method comprises introducing the at least two materials into a physical system and combining the at least two materials to form a mixture thereof. The method also comprises independently controlling a desired characteristic of the mixture and a desired parameter of the physical system, wherein the controlling is based in part on estimating a disturbance, wherein the estimating the disturbance is based on processing an error term determined by subtracting a modeled parameter of the physical system from a corresponding sensed parameter of the physical system.
US07686498B2 Support structure for a light source, a backlight unit for a display device having the support structure, and a display device
A support structure for a light source prevents the occurrence of a contact noise caused by contact of the light source with elements disposed around it due to vibrations. In the support structure, at the front of a backlight unit, cold cathode tubes as light sources and optical sheets for controlling the properties of light emitted from the cold cathode tubes are placed, and a frame substantially in the shape of a square with an opening is attached thereto from the front, so that rubber holders attached to the ends of the cold cathode tubes and the edges of the optical sheets are secured while disposed between the backlight unit and the frame.
US07686496B2 Light guide plate, surface light source device and image display
A light guide plate has an emission face provided with a plurality of projection rows. Each projection row consists of a pair of slopes, a first slope (a slope far from an incidence end face) and a second slope (another slope near to the incidence end face). An inclination angle of the first slope with respect to an imaginary plane perpendicular to a frontal direction decreases gradually in first region on the emission face (or back face) according to an increasing distance from the incidence end face, then increasing gradually in second region according to an increasing distance from the incidence end face. The inclination angle at an incidence-end-face-side end of first region is greater that at a distal-end-face-side end of second region. Variation of the inclination angle in the first region is greater that in the second region.
US07686493B2 Display
A display comprises a light source and an image display panel disposed in an optical path from the light source. The light source comprises a primary light source for illuminating a re-emission material which comprises at least a first nanophosphor material for, when illuminated by light from the primary light source, re-emitting light in a first wavelength range different from the emission wavelength range of the primary light source. The image display panel comprises a first filter having a first narrow passband or a first narrow absorption band, the first narrow passband or first narrow absorption band being aligned or substantially aligned with the first wavelength range. The combination of a narrow wavelength range emitted by the first nanophosphor material and the narrow passband or narrow absorption band of the filter allows a display with high efficiency and a high NTSC ratio to be obtained.
US07686488B2 Vehicle lamp and vehicle lamp system
Five lamp units with light emitting elements are supported by a common metal made support member. Heat generated by the respective light emitting elements is transferred to the metal made support member having a large heat capacity to restrain a temperature rise thereof. The lamp units including the light emitting elements having a relatively large heat generating amount are arranged on lower sides of the lamp units including the light emitting elements having a relatively small heat generating amount.
US07686483B1 Support assembly for a light fixture
The invention features an improved lighting fixture structure with temperature control and stray light reductions, together with a unique directional pivot/extension mounting mechanism.
US07686482B2 Lamp with sail-like overhead element, preferably for improving acoustics, room formation, and indirect lighting of workplaces
A light fixture shining light upward has a mast with a base or is attached to room or furniture systems. In order to improve the acoustics or a room, structure of a room, and/or for the indirect lighting of workplaces, a canopy element including a textile canopy and a frame stretching the textile canopy has at least one shaft-like element of the frame located eccentrically relative to the canopy, and is attached to the light-fixture mast or another part of the light fixture shining light upward.
US07686478B1 Bulb for light-emitting diode with color-converting insert
A bulb is adapted to fit over a light-emitting diode emitting a light of a first hue. The bulb is composed of a light-transmitting material and defines an inner cavity. The bulb includes a color-converting insert that is positioned in the inner cavity. The color-converting insert is also composed of a light-transmitting material and includes a light color-converting material. The light-emitting diode emits light of the first hue into the color-converting insert, which converts the light of the first hue into light of a desired hue, which is then emitted into the bulb and ultimately observed over a light-emitting surface of the bulb.
US07686468B2 Illuminated clipboard with LCD display and recorder and method of use
An illuminated clipboard, including a clipboard base, a license receiving area located on the clipboard base, and a license camera having a display for selectively displaying to a clipboard user an operator license that may be present at the license receiving area and an actuatable recording device for, when actuated, recording information present on the license present at the license receiving area.
US07686466B2 Electronic device illuminator
An electronic device illuminator comprises a light assembly pivotally coupled to a housing of an electronic device.
US07686464B2 Multi-faced conversation mirror
A conversation mirror assembly is provided for use in passenger compartments of motor vehicles. The conversation mirror assembly includes a mirror housing having a mirror support surface. A first conversation mirror face biased toward the driver is fitted to the mirror support surface. A second conversation mirror face biased toward the front seat passenger is fitted to the mirror support surface adjacent the first conversation mirror. The first conversation mirror face and the second conversation mirror face may be either spherical or aspherical. The first conversation mirror face may be separate from the second conversation mirror face. Alternatively, the first conversation mirror face and the second conversation mirror face define two facets of a single mirror.
US07686463B2 Viewing-angle control sheet
A view angle control sheet which can suppress a decrease in screen brightness is provided. Lens portions having trapezoidal shapes in cross section are arranged at predetermined intervals, and a wedge-shaped portion between the lens portions adjacent to each other is filled with the same material as the lens portion or with a material different from the lens portion. In the wedge-shaped portion, a bottom surface is provided on a screen image side while a leading edge is provided on an observer side, and at least a slope portion of the wedge-shaped portion is made of a material having a refractive index lower than that of a lens portion material.
US07686457B2 Projection image display apparatus and multi-projection system
A projection image display apparatus is disclosed which enable users to observe an image in an overlap area well. The apparatus comprises a first projector which projects a first image onto a projection surface, a projection area detector which acquires a projection area onto which a second projector projects a second image in a certain area of the projection surface. Further, the apparatus comprises a projection area controller which controls a projection area onto which the firs projector projects the first image, based on an input signal from the projection area detector.
US07686456B2 Image display apparatus and method
The disclosure is directed to image display apparatus and methods. In one example, an image display apparatus comprises a plurality of light source devices that supply color light components. A spatial light modulation device modulates the color light components from the light source devices according to an image signal. A control unit adjusts a display light emitted from the spatial light modulation device by controlling at least one of the light source devices or the spatial light modulation device. At the time of starting, the control unit adjusts the display light in accordance with an adjustment signal until an amount of light corresponding to at least one of the color light components reaches a predetermined reference value.
US07686454B2 Image combining system, image combining method, and program
A data processing unit calculates image conversions parameters corresponding to each partial image, geometrically converts photographed partial images on the basis of a current partial image based on the calculated image conversion parameters, and combines them to generate a mosaic image. Also, a display device displays each current partial image, and at least part of the generated mosaic image.
US07686446B2 Vertical desktop printer
A desktop printer having a relatively small “footprint” on a desktop is provided. It has a base and a print engine connected together by a substantially vertically extending body of the printer. A media supply and collector are provided on surfaces of the body so as to be substantially vertically disposed, where the media is supplied to the print engine for printing from the supply and is delivered to the collector after printing.
US07686445B2 Method for monitoring a transfer surface maintenance system
A method and system for monitoring a print drum maintenance system of an image producing machine is disclosed herein in various embodiments. A test pattern is printed on the print drum, and imaged with an image-on-drum detector to determine a printed pattern response. The print drum is then cleaned again imaged with the image-on-drum detector to determine a cleaned print drum response. A cleaning efficiency is computed by comparing the imaged test pattern response to the imaged cleaned print drum response and determining if a failure condition exists by comparing the computed cleaning efficiency to predetermined limits. A corrective process is performed if the failure condition does exist, the corrective process including changing parameters of the drum maintenance system according to the computed cleaning efficiency. The changed parameters are compared to predetermined thresholds and, if not exceeding the thresholds, the cleaning is repeated after the parameters are changed.
US07686444B2 Water-based ink for ink-jet recording and ink-jet recording method
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording and an ink-jet recording method allow the formation of sharp text and lines in high density black, and the formation of a high quality gradation image in which the graininess is reduced in a black image of a medium lightness to a high lightness (e.g., an achromatic image in dark gray to light gray) in ink-jet recording. The water-based ink combination for ink-jet recording comprises a black ink, and a color ink (A) and a color ink (B) that satisfy a color relationship of the following expression (I): about 120°≦|α−β|≦about 240°  (I) wherein α is the hue angle of the color ink (A) and β is the hue angle of the color ink (B).
US07686435B2 Acoustic fluid flow device for printing system
A printing system includes a liquid drop ejector, a fluid passage, and a fluid flow source. The liquid drop ejector is operable to form liquid drops having a plurality of volumes moving along a first path. The fluid passage includes a wall. A source of acoustic energy is associated with the wall. A fluid flow source is associated with the passage and is configured to provide a fluid flow through the passage. Interaction of the fluid flow and the liquid drops causes liquids drops having one of the plurality of volumes to begin moving along a second path.
US07686434B2 Inkjet recording system
An inkjet recording system including an inkjet recording head in which a part of wall face of a pressure chamber in which a nozzle is provided is formed of a piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element being activated and deformed to make pressure wave act on ink in the pressure chamber, thereby discharging an ink droplet from the nozzle, wherein surface of the piezoelectric element forming a part of wall face of the pressure chamber has a centerline average roughness Ra ranging from 0.05 to 2 μm, and contact angle θ with ink is 45 degrees or less, and the following expression (1) is satisfied; A cos2 θ>0.04  (1) wherein A represents centerline average roughness Ra (μm) of surface of piezoelectric element forming wall surface of pressure chamber, and θ represents contact angle of ink with respect to piezoelectric element.
US07686421B2 Fluid injection head, method of manufacturing the injection head, and fluid injection device
Provided is a liquid jet head, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liquid jet apparatus, in which liquid ejecting characteristics can be kept constant for a long period and in which nozzle blockage is prevented. In a liquid jet head including a passage-forming substrate (10) which is made of a single crystal silicon substrate and in which pressure generating chambers (12) communicating with nozzle orifices are formed, and pressure generating elements (300) for causing pressure changes in the pressure generating chambers (12), a protective film (100) which is made of tantalum oxide and has resistance to liquid, is provided at least on the inner wall surfaces of the pressure generating chambers (12).
US07686416B2 Print engine assembly having a rotatable platen providing different functional operations
A print engine assembly comprising an elongate chassis and a pair of bearing moldings operatively mounted to either end of the chassis. A rotatable platen extends between the pair of bearing moldings, the rotatable platen having more than one longitudinally extending surface region providing different functional operations. A printhead assembly is mounted to the chassis, the printhead assembly including an elongate printhead having a plurality of ink printing integrated circuits. A feed mechanism is mounted to the bearing moldings, and is configured to feed print media beneath the printhead during printing.
US07686411B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus for effecting recording by scanningly moving a recording head, wherein the apparatus is provided with a group of a plurality of arrays each including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the group is responsive to one-color recording data, includes selecting means for selecting a block of a predetermined number of the nozzles in the nozzle array in synchronism with cyclic signals; driving means for driving the nozzles in the block selected by the selecting means; managing means for managing information of the block selected by the selecting means, for each group of the nozzle arrays; generating means for generating, for each nozzle array, driving data including information indicative of a block to be selected by the selecting means and block data corresponding to the block, on the basis of the information of the block managed by the managing means; and transfer means for transferring the driving data generated by the generating means to the recording head.
US07686407B2 Printing method, printing system, and storage medium having program recorded thereon
The printing method includes the following steps of: preparing a printing apparatus that includes an element that is driven in order to form a dot, a first drive signal generation section that generates drive signals for driving the element, and a second drive signal generation section that generates drive signals for driving the element; at a certain timing, forming a dot of a predetermined size by generating a first drive signal with the first drive signal generation section and by generating a second drive signal that is different from the first drive signal with the second drive signal generation section; and at a separate timing, forming a dot of the predetermined size by generating the first drive signal with the second drive signal generation section. With this printing method, the first drive signal generation section and the second drive signal generation section can be made to generate an equal amount of heat.
US07686406B2 Structure for automatically shutting basket cover in refrigerator
A structure for automatically shutting a basket cover in a refrigerator is provided. The structure comprises an inclined portion formed at a front inner periphery of an inner case defining a storage space in a main body of the refrigerator such that a sectional area of the storage space is gradually increased toward an entrance of the storage space, a basket which is installed on a back surface of a door for and closing the storage space in order to store articles therein, and a basket cover for opening and shutting the basket, which includes a shutting-guide portion that is installed at a leading end thereof and guided along the inclined portion to shut the basket cover as the door is closed. A convenience in use of the refrigerator is enhanced and parts can be prevented from being damaged due to their interference.
US07686403B2 Methods and systems for balancing spoked wheels using weight behind a single spoke
Methods and systems for reducing imbalance in a wheel assembly are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a first plane, determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a second plane, and translating a component of the imbalance characteristic from the first plane to the second plane.
US07686401B1 Method for sub-glacial mineral reconnaissance and recovery
A method for sub-glacial mineral reconnaissance and recovery comprises analyzing silt and solutes in fluvial sub-glacial streams of a glacier. Boreholes are formed in the glacier and melt-water flow is analyzed to establish concentration gradients of minerals in the solutes and sediments. After significant mineral deposits are identified, conventional mining techniques may be used to recover minerals.
US07686400B2 Geosteering detectors for rotary-type continuous miners
The invention provides, in one embodiment, a detector for a miner comprising a gamma sensing element and a light sensing element coupled to the gamma sensing element. According to the embodiment, the detector is mounted on a rotary cutter of a boring-type continuous miner such that the gamma sensing element has a view of a geologic formation being mined. A mining control system is also provided, comprising a miner having at least two rotary cutters and a gamma detector on each of the at least two rotary cutters for receiving gamma emissions from a geologic formation. The mining control system also provides an accelerometer and a rate gyro, wherein the accelerometer and the rate gyro correlate the received gamma emissions with positions of the at least two rotary cutters, and a central module that utilizes the correlated readings to determine whether the cutters should be moved.
US07686399B2 Seating with shape-changing back support frame
A back includes an integrated articulating back frame and a back support. The back frame has a lower segment pivoted to a chair control, an upper segment for thoracic support, and links forming a four-bar linkage with the upper and lower segments, with a joint being formed at the lumbar region. The back support is stretchable in limited directions to accommodate shape change in the articulating back frame but to provide adequate support to a seated user. Upon receiving a rearward pressure on the lumbar joint, the back frame itself changes shape. The pivot locations in the four bar linkage create a mechanism that simultaneously controls rotational and translational movement of the upper segment during flexure of the lumbar. The back frame is close to the back support to provide significant design flexibility, but permit substantial lumbar flexure. Various back supports are contemplated that accommodate articulation of the back frame.
US07686398B2 Seat apparatus for vehicle
A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a first engagement member moving in association with an upper arm, a second engagement member pivotally moved between a first position and a second position for pivotally moving the upper arm from a first pivot position to a second pivot position and retaining the upper arm at the second position by an engagement between the first engagement member and an engagement portion of the second engagement member, and a tilting mechanism releasing a lock of a reclining mechanism for pivotally moving the upper arm to a third pivot position. The seat apparatus further includes a retaining mechanism provided at the second engagement member for retaining the second engagement member at the first position against a biasing force of a biasing mechanism for biasing the second engagement member in a direction from the first position to the second position.
US07686395B2 Chair with deformable backrest
A chair comprising a supporting structure having a seat and a backrest, in which the backrest comprises a deformable resting portion made of plastic material which has a non-planar resting surface provided with at least one weakened area which enables an elastic deformation of the resting portion so that the resting portion assumes a configuration bent backwards under the action of a thrust applied backwards by the user, two uprights formed integrally on the lateral sides of the resting portion, and two side connection elements, which connect the backrest to the supporting structure, formed integrally at the bottom ends of the uprights. The backrest is provided with elastic stiffening elements made of a material different from the material constituting the resting portion and arranged only in an area corresponding to the uprights so as to bestow upon said uprights a rigidity to bending higher than that of the resting portion.
US07686388B2 Wire/pipe support device of motorcycle
The present invention provides a wire/pipe support device of a motorcycle that can possess a sufficient space for accommodating a wire/pipe without increasing the degree of forming of a vehicle body frame. A wire/pipe support device includes a groove-shaped engaging portion that is engaged with a main frame that constitutes a vehicle body frame of a motorcycle and has a lower surface thereof opened. A groove-shaped accommodating portion receives the wire/pipe thereon and has an upper surface thereof opened. The engaging portion is mounted on the vehicle body frame by engaging the engaging portion with the vehicle body frame from above. The wire/pipe is placed on the accommodating portion. The wire/pipe support device is pushed from above by a fuel tank directly or by way of a cushion member thus preventing the floating of the wire/pipe support device from the vehicle body frame and the rotation of the wire/pipe support device about the vehicle body frame.
US07686385B2 Flexible truck skirt with floating mount
A vehicle skirt panel assembly includes a skirt panel comprising a thermoplastic material and including a plurality of panel sections each having one or more ribs on its exterior. The skirt panel is mounted to the vehicle so the skirt panel projects below the side of the vehicle and the skirt panel can move relative to the vehicle to allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the skirt panel without deforming the skirt panel. One or more struts are mounted between the vehicle and a lower portion of the skirt panel. The strut is adjustable and is deformable to absorb an impact to the exterior of the skirt panel. The strut is bendable by hand to allow the skirt panel to be returned to the original position.
US07686383B2 Retractable curved air dam
A retractable curved air dam assembly is provided for improving the aerodynamic characteristics of a motor vehicle. The air dam assembly is segmented to include a plurality of panel members each adapted to pivotably attach to the underside of the front-end vehicle structure. The panel members are configured to selectively transition between a deployed position, in which the panel members are preferably in a generally vertical orientation, and a stowed position, in which the panel members are in a generally horizontal orientation. The panel members are shingled (i.e., partially overlapped) such that pivoting a center panel from the deployed position to the stowed position thereby pivots the side panels to the stowed position, and such that pivoting a side panel from the stowed position to the deployed position thereby pivots the center panels to the deployed position.
US07686379B2 Removable door skin
A removable door skin for a vehicle for mounting on a door frame member and includes a flexible door panel that includes an edge and a flap. The flexible door panel may further include a fastening means having a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion is located on the flexible door panel and second portion is located on the flap.
US07686376B2 Motor vehicle with a movable cover section for the body
A motor vehicle with a roof that is at least partially moveable and can be stowed in the body beneath a cover section. The cover section can be moved upward in a pivoting motion, opening up toward the rear to reveal a stowage opening for the roof sections or for the entire roof. A drive element is provided that lies in a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle. When the drive element is in close proximity to its retracted position, it actuates a moveable power pull-down device for the cover which comprises at least one pivoting control arm disposed on the body by acting on the pivoting control arm.
US07686371B2 Thermoformed vehicle floor tray with tread-containing reservoir
A vehicle floor tray is molded from a thermoplastic polymer sheet such that it has high shear and tensile strength, an acceptable degree of stiffness and a high coefficient of friction on its upper surface. The floor tray has first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls integrally formed with the floor, which has a reservoir. The reservoir has a plurality of longitudinally and transversely oriented baffles standing up from the general surface of the reservoir portion to impede lateral movement of water.
US07686366B2 Vehicle entertainment system with a portable docking station
An entertainment system for a vehicle includes a cradle secured within the ceiling of the vehicle, the cradle including a first end and a second end, and a video system selectively secured to the cradle, the video system including a base having a first end and a second end. An attachment mechanism selectively secures the video system to the cradle. The attachment mechanism consists essentially of a first attachment structure at the first end of the base, the first attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with a first attachment structure at the first end of the cradle, and a second attachment structure at the second end of the base, the second attachment structure of the base being shaped and dimensioned for selective coupling with the second attachment structure at the second end of the cradle. The system further includes a portable docking station having a cradle shaped and dimensioned for receiving the video system.
US07686353B2 Cabinet catch for use in a cabinet latch assembly and a method for making the catch
A cabinet catch (10) consists of an integrally molded plastic clip (14) and bracket (12) for mounting to a portion of a cabinet structure. The clip (14) is manufactured from a first plastic material. The clip (14) is rotatable relative to the bracket (12) about an axis of rotation (20). The bracket (12) is formed from a second plastic material different from the first material. The first and second plastic materials are dissimilar to each other so they do not bond to each other. A method of manufacturing the cabinet catch (10) includes the steps of injection molding the clip (14) with a first plastic material and then injection molding the bracket (12) with a second plastic material different from the first plastic material so that the clip and the bracket (12) are integrally molded.
US07686344B2 Current insulation system for fluid systems
An electrical insulation system for a linear element forming part of a fluid system subjected to risks of possible external electrical discharges, such as an aircraft fuel system, using an insulating insert (12) between two parts (14, 16) of said linear element, consisting of providing said parts (14, 16) with grooved edges and in forming the insulating insert (12) between them preferably by an injection technique, such that the insulating insert (12) provides an inner duct for the passage of fluid between said parts (14, 16) and covers said grooved edges, assuring the leak-tight joint of the insulating insert (12) with said parts (14, 16).
US07686342B2 Pipe connector and torque tool
A connection system for connecting tubular members to each other includes a rotatable connector sleeve on one of the tubular members. A make-up tool has a curved rack of gear teeth that are engagable with the connector sleeve for causing rotation of the connector sleeve in unison with the rack. The make-up tool includes a power tool having a drive motor that rotates a drive shaft. A pinion gear mounted on the drive shaft engages the teeth of the rack to cause the rack to move in a rotational direction when the drive shaft is rotated. This movement causes the connector sleeve to rotate to make-up or break-out the connection.
US07686340B2 Occupant restraint system and method for restraining occupant in seat of vehicle
An occupant restraint system includes a rollover prediction unit, a rollover detection unit, primary and secondary pre-tensioner units, and a control unit. The rollover prediction unit is configured to predict a rollover of the vehicle based on a state of the vehicle. The rollover detection unit is configured to detect a rollover of the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle. The primary and secondary pre-tensioner units are configured to apply a tension to a seat belt so as to restrain an occupant in a seat. An operation force of the secondary pre-tensioner unit is stronger than that of the primary pre-tensioner unit. The control unit is configured to activate the primary pre-tensioner unit based on a prediction by the rollover prediction unit that a rollover occurs and activate the secondary pre-tensioner unit based on a detection by the rollover detection unit that the rollover occurs.
US07686339B2 Seat belt apparatus
A seat belt apparatus is disclosed that includes a rotatable spool connected to the seat belt webbing and at least one variable energy absorbing mechanism connected to an end of the rotatable spool. The variable energy absorbing mechanism may include a chamber configured to be filled with a fluid and a flexible member attached to an outer circumference of the rotatable spool within the chamber.
US07686336B2 Steering column assembly
A steering column assembly includes a steering column shroud which supports a steering shaft for a steering wheel. The column shroud includes an inner member and an outer member. The inner member being at least partially received within the outer member. A support bracket is fixed in position relative to a part of the vehicle. A clamp mechanism is movable between a locked position in which the clamp mechanism fixes the inner member and the outer member in position relative to the support bracket and an unlocked position in which the clamp mechanism permits movement of at least one of the inner and outer members relative to the support bracket. The clamp mechanism includes a clamp pin that passes through an opening in the support bracket and is connected to a loop plate. The loop plate includes at least one loop portion that loops a portion of the shroud and which is drawn towards the support bracket as the clamp mechanism is moved to a locked position, thereby to clamp the shroud in position relative to the support bracket.
US07686331B2 Fabrics, airbags and methods
This invention relates generally to abrasion resistant and/or puncture resistant fabrics, coated, layered and/or laminated inflatable fabrics, and methods. More particularly, it concerns airbag cushions to which films, fabrics, layers, and/or coatings have been applied and which exhibit enhanced abrasion resistance and/or puncture resistance. The inventive inflatable fabrics are especially suited for use in automotive restraint cushions that require abrasion resistance and/or puncture resistance (such as side curtain airbags).
US07686328B2 Motorcycle airbag system and motorcycle
A technique is provided effective in improving rider retraining performance of an airbag in a motorcycle airbag system to be mounted to a motorcycle. In a first form, an airbag system to be mounted to a motorcycle restricts the deployment of the airbag toward the rider's head in an early stage of the inflation of the airbag in the event of a head-on collision of the motorcycle using a webbing that tethers the airbag to the motorcycle.
US07686321B2 Highback with textile-like material for support
A highback is provided for controlling a gliding board, such as a snowboard, through leg movement of a rider. The highback is comprised of an upright support member to support a rear region of the rider's leg. The highback includes a textile-like material that extends across a portion of the support member to provide support for a portion of the rider's leg. The support member may have an opening therein with the textile-like material extending across the opening to assist in transmitting forces applied to that region of the support member as the rider presses against the highback during riding maneuvers. The textile-like material may help to distribute forces across a larger area of the rider's leg or boot so as to reduce pressure points against the rider's leg. The textile-like material may include one or more filaments, a fabric, or a fabric-like material that is coupled to the support member to support the rider's leg. The textile-like material may include a mesh fabric.
US07686318B2 Motorcycle passenger footrest structure
A passenger footrest structure (30) includes a footrest support bracket (31) for supporting a passenger footrest (33) and an accessory mount (37) formed therewith for supporting an accessory part (40, 50, 60, 70, 80) other than the footrest (33).
US07686316B2 Pedal drive mechanism
The pedal drive mechanism comprises a pedal arm immovably affixed across the secant of a drive gear, with the drive gear and attached pedal arm rotating through a partial revolution during operation. The drive gear meshes with a smaller pinion gear installed concentrically on the drive wheel axle. The pedal arm extends generally upwardly in its initial position prior to actuation of the mechanism, with operation requiring a rearward and downward kick or push. This is a natural motion for the operator of a scooter type vehicle, and the downward force also transfers a greater force to the drive wheel(s) for better traction during starting and operation. A return spring rotates the pedal arm, drive gear, and pinion gear back to their original starting positions when pressure is released on the pedal, with a one-way clutch disengaging the pinion gear from the drive wheel(s) during the pedal return stroke.
US07686315B2 Wheel drive motor and trailing arm suspension
A wheel drive assembly and suspension for a vehicle wheel includes a spindle, a wheel drive shaft that rotates relative to the spindle about an axis of rotation, and an electric motor that has a motor output shaft for driving the wheel drive shaft. A motor housing encloses a speed reducing planetary gear set that is driven by the motor output shaft. The motor output shaft and the wheel drive shaft are co-axial. A suspension arm extends in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation. The suspension arm includes a pivot end attached to a vehicle structure and an attachment end that is rigidly attached to the motor housing such that the electric motor is a structural part of the suspension.
US07686314B2 Linkage system for suspension
At least one end of a longitudinally extending control link arm includes a laterally extending tubular portion that receives a bushing assembly. The tubular portion is used to pivotally secure an end of the control link arm to a vehicle structure or axle component. The bushing assembly is positioned within the tubular portion such that radial stiffness is distributed away from a center of the tubular portion. This configuration provides a high conical rate and provides auxiliary roll stiffness such that a sway bar is not required.
US07686311B2 Systems, methods and apparatus of wheels for lateral motion of mobile C-arm X-ray devices
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a lateral motion of an imaging device is provided by at least one friction reduction device that provides motion in a direction that is lateral to main wheels of the imaging device.
US07686308B2 Fluid-activated shaft seal
Systems and methods associated with a fluid-activated shaft seal are provided. The system includes a housing and a seal disposed relative to the housing. The method reduces flow of a fluid between the shaft and the housing. The method involves installing the housing in an opening relative to the shaft and locating the seal relative to the housing. The seal includes a gel material that expands when exposed to a fluid. The seal reduces flow of the fluid through a gap between the housing and the shaft. Advantages of the system and method include reduced wear to the seal due to friction because the seal does not engage the shaft in the absence of a fluid. The seal engages the shaft in the presence of a fluid. Sealing quality is improved by increasing the pressure differential acting on the gel material. In some embodiments, the seal includes a lip portion.
US07686301B2 Printing apparatus, feeding apparatus, and feeding control method
A printing apparatus, a feeding apparatus, and a feeding control method supply an object accurately to a target position by servo control even though the load abruptly changes. In this printing apparatus, the conveyance position and conveyance speed of a printing medium are detected by using an encoder. The conveyance target position of the printing medium is generated at a predetermined period, and corrected. A PWM signal is generated on the basis of the generated or corrected conveyance target position, and the conveyance position and conveyance speed of the printing medium which are detected and fed back. A DC motor is servo-controlled by the PWM signal. At this time, the generated or corrected conveyance target position is compared with the detected conveyance position of the printing medium. Control is made to perform correction in accordance with the comparison result.
US07686297B2 Billing processing apparatus
In a bill processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, the bill P delivered in the bill press area 10 is moved toward the loading tray 60 at one side of the press plate 32 and then toward the loading tray 60 at the other side of the press plate 32. In other words, in the operation of pressing the bill, the pressing operation timings by the bill press device 30 are different at both sides of the bill P. In addition, by means of the operation of the swing press members 300, 302, the bill can be pushed in the loading tray 60 while changing a position of the press operating point along a longitudinal direction of the bill P.
US07686296B2 Sheet stacking device and image forming apparatus including the same
A sheet stacking device includes: an evacuation section for transporting and ejecting sheets; a sheet exit tray for stacking the ejected sheets; an arm supporting member; and a sheet presser arm including a supported end at one end, a free end at the other end which is capable of pressing the sheets stacked on the sheet exit tray directly or via a contact member attached to the free end, and a flexure portion having flexibility between the supported end and the free end. The supported end is attached to the arm supporting member. The arm can apply, by the flexibility of the flexure portion, a pressing force to the sheets stacked on the sheet exit tray and a repulsive force to each of the ejected sheets when a front end of the ejected sheet strikes against the arm.
US07686295B2 Paper ejecting device
Curling of a printed sheet is corrected, friction is reduced on a paper transport surface, and the shape of the printed and ejected sheet is adjusted to a predetermined shape.
US07686293B2 Spring-assisted print media feeder apparatus
A print media feeder apparatus suitable for use in an image-forming device is provided. The apparatus comprises an elevator tray holding a stack of print media connected to a housing by a transmission system. The housing comprises a hoist drum that is connected to one end of a shaft for connecting the housing to the transmission system. A spring enclosure encasing a spring is fixed on the other end of the shaft. The load of print media is transmitted to the hoist drum, from which it is further transmitted to the spring through the shaft. This results in the displacement of the spring and a corresponding vertical movement of the elevator tray to position the print media at the desired feeding level.
US07686290B2 Double inhibit mechanism
Described herein is a system and device for singulating mail pieces during mail processing and sorting. A double inhibit mechanism, mounted opposite a feed belt assembly and having at least two degrees of freedom at its downstream end, can maintain contact with mail in the mail path while separating overlapping mail pieces and allowing only single pieces to pass thereby.
US07686289B2 Vertical collating machine
There are provided a plurality of sheet feeding units 2a to 2d arranged in a vertical direction at spacing therebetween, a vertical sheet conveyance path G arranged oppositely with the sheet outlets 12a to 12d of the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d, conveyance means 1 and 6 for sequentially conveying the sheets fed from respective sheet feeding units 2a to 2d, vertically downward along the sheet conveyance path G, and control means controlling the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d and the conveyance means 1 and 6 in such a manner that the sheets fed from the sheet feeding units 2a to 2d are conveyed while at least partially overlapping the sheets which are fed from a sheet feeding unit of a next lower site on the sheets which are fed from the sheet feeding unit of an upper site. Imaging means 3a to 3d are arranged oppositely with the sheets conveyed on the sheet conveyance path G, and the control means controls the motions of the imaging means 3a to 3d and detects collation errors based on image data captured from the imaging means 3a to 3d.
US07686287B2 Method and device for positioning a workpiece
A device for positioning a workpiece includes a socket body rotatably held on a metallic ball by an array of permanent magnets arranged into a partial socket. An air delivery system controls a flow of air passing between the magnets and the ball to alter the friction between the socket body and the ball. A positive flow of air into the socket reduces the friction, allowing the workpiece to be more easily rotated during repositioning, whereas drawing air away from the socket produces a partial vacuum which increases the friction, causing the socket body to be locked in a single position on the ball.
US07686286B2 Variable thickness pin clamp
A pin clamp for use in a manufacturing line. The clamp including a body and a pin arranged on one end thereof. The clamp having a hook arranged within the pin. A first torque arm is connected to the hook and contacts a spring. A second torque arm contacts the spring and a link member. The clamp is capable of holding workpieces at various load strengths and workpieces having a variety of thicknesses.
US07686284B2 Aerator and mixer
A diffuser which includes a cylinder open at one end and closed at the opposite end, the open end of the cylinder being securable to air supply; the wall of the diffuser being formed with a plurality of holes therethrough, each hole having a larger diameter on the exterior of the wall of the diffuser than on the interior of the wall of the diffuser, the longitudinal axis of each hole being inclined at an acute angle to both the radius and the longitudinal axis of the diffuser, and the orientation of each hole with respect to the longitudinal axis of the diffuser being such that when the diffuser is rotated about it longitudinal axis in use, the leading edge of each hole is at a higher elevation than the trailing edge of each hole.
US07686283B2 High security gate assembly
A gate assembly prevents keyless ingress into, and enables keyless egress from, a gated area. The gate assembly comprises a gate frame and a gate. The gate frame comprises rectangular or 360 degree frame structure for maintaining a planar gate-receiving area despite ground deformations and the like. The gate comprises rectangular gate structure that defines a planar frame-engaging area. The gate-receiving area is greater in magnitude than the frame-engaging area. The gate further comprises a state of the art interior push bar latch for enabling keyless egress, and state of the art keyed lock for preventing keyless ingress into the gated or secure area. An inferior frame member is anchored in subterranean media for positioning the gate frame during installation for maintaining the gate-receiving area should ground deformations occur.
US07686276B1 Fishing rod and reel holder
A holder is provided for a fishing rod and reel combination and comprises a base and a locking mechanism. The base includes opposed side edges, front and rear ends, and a length. A guide is formed in the base and extends a selected distance along the base. The locking mechanism, which is slidably mated to the guide, is shaped and dimensioned to slide within the guide. The locking mechanism includes opposed sides edges and a latch hingedly connected to each of the opposed side edges. The latch is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the latches are moved to the closed position and the locking mechanism is slidably moved within the guide, the locking mechanism is retained in the closed position by the base so that the fishing rod and reel combination cannot be inadvertently removed.
US07686266B2 Three legs clip for windshield (article support)
An article support having a mount section comprising: a first engaging element (18) that has a pillar protruding from a base and a first hook extending from the pillar so that it can be displaced elastically; and a second engaging element that has a pillar protruding from the base and a second hook extending from the pillar so that it can be displaced elastically. The first hook and the second hook can be displaced elastically independently of each other and are disposed on the sides opposite to each other with respect to the pillars and. When the mount section is attached to an object, the pillar of the first engaging element bears a load on the object and the first hook and the second hook are engaged with the object to fixedly hold the article support on the object.
US07686265B2 Clip for a detachable component
A clip particularly adapted for releasably attaching a component such as an AV screen to a surface, wherein the component defines a channel having a base wall and a pair of opposed side walls each of which has a recess extending therealong and facing the opposed side wall. The clip has a base member adapted for attachment to the surface with a rear plane in contact therewith, and an arm projecting forwardly at an acute angle to the rear plane so as to be engageable into one of the component side wall recesses. A latch member is slidably supported on the base member and is spring urged away from the arm. The latch member has a leading portion configured for engagement in the recess of the opposed side wall of the component.
US07686260B1 Lawn and leaf bag holder
A lawn and leaf bag holder apparatus and method of use and manufacture comprising an arm holder and at least a pair of arms which are capable of holding a bag in an upright and open position. The bag holder adjusts to and holds a plurality of bag mouth sizes via elastic or spring separation, and provides for easy transport with a cart or dolly and easy storage especially for partially filled bags. The bag holder is especially suited for conventional biodegradable and recyclable lawn and leaf bags used to store or dispose of lawn or garden clippings or debris.
US07686259B2 Ringpost assembly
A ringpost is disclosed. The ringpost includes an outer member and an inner member secured within the outer member. The outer member has a rib along an interior surface, and the inner member has a groove along an exterior surface that receives the rib. The outer member rotates about the inner member after the inner member is secured within the outer member. A ringpost assembly is also disclosed.
US07686258B2 System for a greaseless switch assembly
In a railroad switch for use with intersecting railroad rails and having two switch points interconnected by a switch machine between two switch point assemblies and connected thereto by an operating rod at each end of the switch machine, a system for a greaseless switch point assembly having a mounting clip and a pivot pin for connecting each operating rod to its associated switch point, the greaseless switch point assembly having a bushing proximate a part of the pivot pin that fits within an opening in the mounting clip, and an insertion device extending into the opening proximate the bushing.
US07686253B2 Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices
Systems and methods for tracing aircraft vortices. One method includes directing a tracer from a first aircraft into a vortical flow generated by the first aircraft. The method can further include detecting a characteristic corresponding to the presence of the tracer directed into the vortical flow. Based at least in part on the detected characteristic, the method can include directing the flight of the first aircraft, or a second aircraft following the first aircraft, or both.
US07686252B2 Optical tracking system for airborne objects
An airborne tracking system including a radiation emitter, a radiation receiver and a signal processor. The radiation emitter is adapted to direct radiation to a positioning area a defined distance from the radiation emitter, the radiation carrying a modulated location signal containing information corresponding to positions within the positioning area. The radiation receiver is adapted to receive at least a portion of the emitted radiation carrying the modulated signal and output a signal to the signal processor indicative of the modulation of the location signal of the received radiation. Signal processor is adapted to process the outputted signal and identify a position within the positioning area indicative of the location in the positioning area of the received radiation.
US07686238B2 Powder processing method
In order to manufacture the compound powder or the porous granulated substance in an efficient manner, a powder processing apparatus has an accumulating face on which the processing target powder is to be accumulated and a processing face disposed in opposition to the accumulating face and convexly curved, and a moving means for moving the accumulating face and the processing face along the accumulating face relative to each other. The apparatus comprises an excitement treatment means capable of applying an excitation energy to the processing target powder accumulated on the accumulating face from an excitation energy supplying portion disposed in opposition to the accumulating face or an oscillation means for oscillating the accumulating face or the processing face in a direction intersecting the accumulating face.
US07686231B2 Secure product authentication method and system
A system for authenticating a secure product includes a an exposed first identification, an unexposed second identification, a database, and an interface. The exposed first identification and an unexposed second identification are adapted to affix to a secure product. The second identification corresponds to the first identification. The database stores the first identification and the second identification. The interface communicates with the database and is adapted to receive input of at least one of the first identification and the second identification, query the database in response to the input and receive an output of at least one of the first identification and the second identification from the database. A method for authenticating a product is also disclosed.
US07686228B2 Smart card with extended surface module
A smart card includes a card bearing a module that is made up of a support supporting at least an electronic chip. The support is fixed on one surface of the card. This surface extends up to at least one of the edges of the card.
US07686226B2 Digital imaging-based system having intelligent data communication interface to a host system
A digital imaging-based system for reading code symbols affixed to objects, including an imaging-based code symbol reading subsystem for capturing and processing digital images of code symbols affixed to objects, and reading said code symbols and producing symbol character data representative of read code symbols. A data transmission subsystem, operably coupled to the imaging-based code symbol reading subsystem, communicates such symbol character data to the communication interface of a host system over a communication link therebetween. The data transmission subsystem implements a plurality of different communication interfaces, and thus is capable of interfacing to a variety of different host devices in an automatic and error free manner with minimal human involvement, thus providing significant advantages over the prior art code symbol reading systems and devices.
US07686225B2 Wireless code symbol reading system with automatic communication range dependent control
A wireless code symbol reading system including a wireless hand-supportable code symbol reader in two-way RF communication with a base station operably connected to a host system, by way of an RF-based wireless data communication link having a predetermined RF communication range over which two-way communication of data packets can occur. The wireless hand-supportable code symbol reader is programmed to automatically detect when it is located inside and outside of the predetermined RF communication range. When the wireless reader is inside the RF communication range, then symbol character data is automatically transmitted to the base station, and when the wireless reader is located outside of the RF communication range, then symbol character data is automatically collected and stored in a data packet buffer, until the wireless reader has re-entered its RF communication range.
US07686224B2 Lensed dual diode-laser bar package
A diode-laser bar package includes two diode-laser bars mounted on a heat sink with slow-axes of the diode-laser bars aligned. Three spaced apart mounting bosses extend from the front of the heat sink. The package includes two cylindrical lens assemblies. Each lens assembly has an elongated cylindrical lens bonded to a rectangular mounting block. The cylindrical lenses are aligned with the diode-laser bars. Lateral faces of the mounting block are epoxy-bonded to lateral faces of the mounting bosses. Bonding is effected by injecting liquid epoxy between the faces to be bonded though holes extending through the mounting blocks from front to the lateral faces of the mounting blocks. The liquid epoxy is then cured to complete the attachment.
US07686223B2 Selectable aiming pattern for an imaging-based bar code reader
An aiming pattern assembly (60) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) including: a light source assembly (62) generating focused light; a pattern shaping assembly (66) receiving focused light from the light source assembly (62) and including a first area (66a) and a non-overlapping second area (66b), focused light passing through the first area (66a) creating a first aiming pattern (P1) projected toward a field of view (FV) and passing through the second area (66b) creating a second aiming pattern (P2) projected toward the field of view (FV); and a pattern selection assembly (68) receiving the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2) and passing at least one of the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2).
US07686222B2 Optical reader having a color imager
There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. A two dimensional image sensor can be a color image sensor adapting the hand held device for use in obtaining a color image having color imaging data. Color imaging data obtained can be subject to processing.
US07686220B2 Memory card detection circuit and method thereof
The invention provides a memory card detection circuit of a computer. The memory card detection circuit comprises a plurality of query pins through which a memory card is coupled to the computer and a plurality of latch circuits respectively coupled to each of the query pins. The latch circuits generates query signals indicating whether ground bounce occurs in the voltage of the query pins due to a voltage difference between two ends of the query pins shortly after the memory card is coupled to the computer through the query pins. The query signals identify the type of the memory card without waiting until ground bounce is resolved.
US07686219B1 System for tracking data shared with external entities
System and method for keeping inventories of sensitive data that has been shared with external entities. The system and method may be used particularly for identifying a source of an unauthorized release of sensitive data.
US07686215B2 Techniques and systems for supporting podcasting
Improved podcasts and techniques that facilitate their use are disclosed. The improved techniques can pertain to creating, publishing, hosting, accessing, subscribing, managing, transferring, and/or playing podcasts. According to one aspect, a client application can subscribe to podcasts and then automatically monitor the podcasts for updates to be downloaded. In the event that user interest in a podcast becomes inadequate, downloading of further updates can be restricted. According to another aspect, a podcast can be subscribed to through use of a portable subscription file. According to still another aspect, podcast feeds can be enhanced to include segment elements and other metadata.
US07686214B1 System and method for identity-based fraud detection using a plurality of historical identity records
A method for identifying a fraudulent account application includes receiving a new account application comprising a plurality of identity-related fields and linking the identity-related fields associated with the new account application with identity-related fields associated with a plurality of historical account applications. The links form a graphical pattern on which statistical analysis can be performed to determine the likelihood that the new account application is fraudulent. The statistical analysis can comprise comparing the graphical pattern to a known, or normal graphical pattern in order to detect differences, or anomalies occurring in the graphical pattern associated with the new account application.
US07686213B1 Cash withdrawal from ATM via videophone
Apparatus and method for purchasing cash from an ATM. The ATM has a unique identifier visibly located thereon. A customer phone includes a camera and a programmable memory. The camera can be used to capture an image of the ATM's identifier. The memory includes customer account data. A customer uses their phone to establish wireless communication with a transaction host. The customer can transmit to the host a request for cash from the ATM. The request includes the account data and the image. The host can use the account data in payment for the requested cash. The host uses the image to identify the particular ATM associated with the request. After payment, the host causes the identified ATM to dispense the requested cash.
US07686212B2 Automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records and with improved resistance to fraud
An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records has sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot. The sensing devices enable detection of a fraudulent card reading device.
US07686211B2 Automated banking machine system and method
A card actuated automated banking machine (152, 198, 200) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a display (182), a check imaging device (186) and at least one processor (190). The automated banking machine is operative responsive to receiving a check and certification data to dispense cash in exchange for the check. The person presenting the check need not provide user identifying inputs through input devices in order to receive cash for the check. A check recipient prior to presenting the check for payment is also enabled to verify that the check will be paid through communication with at least one computer (204) through at least one consumer interface device (208).
US07686209B2 Cash letter print streams with audit data
Producing print streams for efficiently generating properly formatted and ordered paper cash letters comprises print stream file that includes electronic form definitions for each cash letter document. The cash letter documents can include a cover page, one or more bundles of substitute checks, a bundle summary for each substitute check bundle, and/or a cash letter bundle summary. Information from an electronic image cash letter file can be input in data fields of the electronic form definitions. Printing the information in the print stream file results in a properly formatted and ordered paper cash letter including substitute checks and audit data. Each substitute check can include all of the MICR data provided on a corresponding, original paper check. The audit data includes the cover page, bundle summary(ies), and/or cash letter bundle summary, which can each detail the documents printed concurrently therewith.
US07686208B2 Simultaneous real-time presentation of financial information
The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments describe below include a method of simultaneously presenting user specific real-time financial information includes authenticating a user, for example by using a user-id and password. Then receiving an input from the user indicating the shareholder of interest. The user is then presented with a list of the shareholder's account information. The shareholder account information can be retrieved from several different record keeping systems. The record keeping systems can be maintained by different entities and can store the respective account information in different formats. The shareholder account information can be retrieved by broadcasting an account inquiry to the record keeping systems or by using a cross-reference table that indicates which record keeping systems the shareholder has accounts with. A combination of the broadcast and cross-reference table can be used. Once the shareholder account information is presented, the user can select an account, for example by a hyperlink tag, and receive detailed information about that account.
US07686207B1 Locking devices for storage boxes such as mailboxes
A multipoint locking mechanism for an enclosure such as a mailbox which is gravity biased into an unlocked position. The locking mechanism includes a cylindrical lock member that extends through the panel and engages with a multipoint locking member that is rotatable about an axis that extends substantially the width of the panel. The rotatable locking member includes a plurality of hook members that engage with receiving openings formed on the door and further includes an engagement member that engages with the cylindrical member so that the cylindrical member can urge the engagement member and thus the rotatable member into a locked configuration. By manipulating the cylindrical lock member into an unlocked configuration, the engagement member is gravitationally biased to rotate so that the hook members are removed from the engagement member on the door thereby unlocking the door.
US07686200B2 Mechanical method and apparatus for bilateral tissue fastening
A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface.
US07686199B2 Lower bumper configuration for a power tool
A tool with a driver, a structure, a motor assembly and a bumper. The driver has a plurality of bumper tabs, each of the bumper tabs having an arcuate first contact surface that is formed about a tab axis, each tab axis being generally perpendicular to a translation axis about which the driver translates. The motor assembly is coupled to the structure and configured to selectively translate the driver along the translation axis. The bumper abuts the structure and includes a plurality of bumper members. Each bumper member is located in-line with an associated one of the bumper tabs and includes an arcuate second contact surface that is formed about an axis that is generally orthogonal to the translation axis and the tab axis.
US07686197B2 Gas combustion type striking tool
In a gas combustion type striking tool which strikes a fastener supplied in a nose portion into a member to be fastened by burning mixed gas inside a combustion chamber above a striking cylinder in accordance with a pulling operation of a trigger lever to drive a striking piston and a driver by a pressure of the combustion gas thus generated, a topper is disposed so as to be able to protrude into a path of a feed pawl or a feed piston, and a stopper engaging member, which extends downward from the striking cylinder and is movable in a vertical direction, engages with the stopper when the stopper engaging member moves downward, thereby retracting the stopper from the path.
US07686189B2 Pocket sized fluid dispenser
A liquid cosmetic product dispenser that can allow a person to quickly and unobtrusively apply liquid cosmetic product includes a palm sized dispenser and the liquid cosmetic product is disposed in the dispenser under pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure. The dispenser includes a movable actuator button for controlling dispensing of the liquid cosmetic product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator button.
US07686187B2 Apparatus and method for open thread, reusable, no-waste collapsible tube dispensers with control ribs and/or detent
At least one collapsible tube for containing at least one product, comprising: external flexible thread form on flexible throat coupled to flexible shoulder. The flexible throat and flexible shoulder flatten to dispense essentially all the contained product. The flexible shoulder may include a raised detent for stopping a cap and/or raised flexible ribs to control the direction of flattening the flexible shoulder. At least one cap for the collapsible tube including an interior bulge or an interior rim, both for urging an included interior thread form to engage with an external flexible thread form included in the flexible throat, and further including a lower surface to engage with the raised detent, and/or internal ribs and/or internal posts to engage with the raised flexible ribs. Manufacturing methods for the collapsible tubes and caps, and these items as products of the manufacturing processes.
US07686181B2 Stackable egg-box, stack of egg-boxes and method for destacking said egg-box
A stackable tray obtained by vacuum molding of a sheet of plastic material, the tray comprising, in open position: a) a top and a bottom; b) at least one receiving cavity opened upwardly; c) a hinge portion dividing the tray into a cover portion and a base portion; the receiving cavity being at least provided in the base portion; d) spacing members to keep, in a stack of trays, the top portion and the bottom portion of neighboring trays at distance from each other to thereby prevent interlocking therebetween; and e) at least one two-part locking members, each part being provided in the top of the sheet and positioned to engage one into the other when the cover portion is folded over the base portion along the hinge portion to bring the tray into a closed position defining a box. A stack of the trays and a method using the trays are also provided.
US07686177B1 Uncoupling lever assembly
An improved lever assembly for uncoupling railroad cars having a coupler that includes a lock lifter. The lever assembly has a handle on one end that is pivotally connected to the railcar and a hook located at the other end of the lever assembly that is connected to the lock lifter. The assembly has levers that slide relative to each other. The levers are held adjacent to each other by enclosures through which the levers slide. The enclosures contain U-shaped glides held stationary relative to the enclosures. Typically made of plastic, the glides provide low friction sliding contact with levers sliding through them. The glides are longitudinally shorter than their containing enclosures providing protection from ultraviolet light.
US07686173B2 Modular shelving system
A modular shelving system including a number of separate, selectively inter-connectable pieces, and methods of assembling such a shelving system. The selectively inter-connectable pieces of the shelving system include vertical supports columns, cap shelves for attachment thereto, hanging rods, and adjustable shelves and drawers and selectively placeable support elements for supporting same.
US07686172B2 Storage bin
A storage bin for use in conjunction with slotwall panel storage systems that can be stacked and snapped together or hung on a slotwall or slot track storage system. The storage bin includes a downwardly opening J-shaped hook and one or more upwardly opening J-shaped hooks extending from the rear wall of the storage bin. When the storage bin is engaging the top edge of the slat the upwardly opening J-shaped hook or hooks can extend into the slot forming the bottom edge of a slat without engaging the bottom edge of the slat.
US07686169B1 Protective containment of valued articles
A container and method for containing a valued article protected against impact and shock during transportation and storage. The article is packed within an inner case and an inner frame is extended around the inner case, juxtaposed with the inner case at spaced apart locations along the exterior of the inner case. The inner frame is suspended within a circumambient outer frame and is spaced away from the outer frame by shock-absorbent suspenders placed at corresponding spaced apart corners of the inner and outer frames, with open gaps established between the spaced-apart suspenders. Cover members are juxtaposed with the outer frame to extend circumambient over the exterior of the inner case and cover the open gaps between the inner case and the cover members such that the open gaps deter the transmission of impacts from outside the container to the inner case.
US07686166B2 Packing box for photosensitive recording material
A packing box for photosensitive recording material comprising a box body 5 and a lid member 9, wherein the box body 5 includes a storage section 11 and a lid-covered portion 13; the lid-covered portion 13 includes a lid-covered fixed surface 15 and a lid-covered rotatable portion 19 rotatable outward and downward along a valley bending line 17, a first lid-covered end surface 21 having an upper corner portion formed into an arcuate shape and a second lid-covered end surface 23; and the lid-covered rotatable portion 19 is formed with an inner flap 43 on the side of the second lid-covered end surface 23.
US07686165B2 Packaging design with separate compartments
A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
US07686162B2 Cigarette carton blank with separable promotional sheet
A generally flat carton blank is arranged for assembly into a carton shape holding multiple cigarette packs. The carton blank has a defined periphery, and a generally flat promotional sheet overlies the carton blank within the outer periphery thereof. A portion of the promotional sheet is adhesively secured to the carton blank. In another embodiment a generally flat promotional sheet overlies the carton blank essentially within the outer periphery thereof. Both carton blank each with its associated promotional sheet may then be assembled and loaded with cigarette packs utilizing standard assembly machinery and standard procedures. Fold lines on the carton blank and the promotional sheet facilitate assembly of the carton blank into a carton shape with the promotional sheet inside the assembled carton. In one embodiment, the remaining portion of the promotional sheet is folded into the form of a packaging sleeve holding multiple cigarette packs for retail distribution upon removal of the sleeve and cigarette packs from the carton. In another embodiment of the present invention, the remaining portion of the promotional sheet simply comprises a planar carton insert for ultimate use by the consumer in obtaining rebates, merchandise and the like or when the promotional sheet is simply used for printed matter.
US07686160B2 Contact lens package having an integral secondary solution package
The present disclosure provides a contact lens package containing a contact lens in a compressed state. In one exemplary embodiment, the overall internal depth of the package is less than the natural sagittal depth of the contact lens. Different single-use contact lens package shapes and configurations may be used. In some embodiments, a spring disc is included in the packages to help present the contact lens to the user when the package is opened. The contact lens packages may be adhered or clipped to a card or other carrier sheet, and may be housed in a number of different secondary packages.
US07686158B2 Belt-conveyor device and image forming apparatus
A belt-conveyor device includes a detecting unit that detects a belt position in a width direction of the endless belt for a plurality of times within more than a cycle of the endless belt, the width direction being a direction orthogonal to direction of travel of the endless belt; an average calculating unit that calculates an average belt position from the belt positions detected by the detecting unit; a storing unit that stores therein a plural sets of correction values and belt positions; and a meander correcting unit that corrects meander of the endless belt based on a correction value that corresponds with the average belt position in the storing unit.
US07686157B2 Conveyor
A belt conveyor includes right and left detection rollers outside ends in a width direction of a belt. Right and left correction rollers are disposed on right and left sides on a rear face of the belt. When one of the detection rollers is pressed by the belt, the corresponding correction roller is inclined from the pressed detection roller down to a center of the belt, thereby correcting the meandering belt.
US07686155B2 Workpiece-transporting apparatus of in-line sputtering machine
A workpiece-transporting apparatus of in-line sputtering machine includes a conveyer unit and a carrying salver. The conveyer unit has a holder, and a transporting wheel group is arranged in the holder. A conveyer belt covers around the transporting wheel group. A driving wheel group is arranged in one side of the conveyer belt and located in the holder. The driving wheel group connects to a motor and surrounded by a connecting belt. The carrying salver is placed on the conveyer belt of the conveyer unit. The carrying salver has a base, a plurality of supporting shafts are assembled in the base and linked together for being driven together. A workpiece base is arranged on the supporting shafts. At least one of the supporting shafts is surrounded by a supporting wheel. The supporting wheel engages with the connecting belt for being driven by the connecting belt.
US07686152B2 Drive system for moving walkways and stairs
The invention relates to a drive system for moving walkways and stairs by means of horizontal drive chains, having a drive actuation mechanism and drive chains responsible for causing the movement of the plates of the walkway or steps of the stairs. The drive chains and the pallets or steps have direct mutual engagement devices which are opposite and coupled to one another along a straight section of the path of the belt or stairs. The devices have deformable rollers which are assembled in the links of the drive chain and engage in complementary cavities that the plates or links have at the back part.
US07686150B2 Governor device for door
This invention disclosed a speed limit device for door, which comprises: an input shaft with one end driven by a door motor, and having the first gear and the second gear configured at the other end simultaneously driving a hollow shaft and a third shaft, and the center of the hollow shaft accommodates and fixes one end of a reel, and the third shaft is connected with an extension shaft; a brake device, which includes an active gear fixed with the extension shaft; a passive gear is pivoted on a hub, and the hub is fixed with the reel and rotating with the hollow shaft; an inert wheel located between the active gear and the passive gear to adjust the passive gear to have the same rotation speed with the hollow shaft; a clutch mechanism, which could restrain the synchronous operation between the passive gear and the hub without any positional difference, and when the rotation speed of the reel has the abnormal change, the clutch mechanism generates the positional difference condition necessary to lock the hub to a fixed object to prevent the rolling door from falling.
US07686148B2 Clutch component
A clutch spring kit that is particularly suited to replacing a standard motorcycle pressure plate in a diaphragm spring biased clutch assembly. The clutch assembly is activated by centrifugal force acting on spherical deflection elements. A plurality of pocket elements are generally arranged in an annular array formed in the spring side of a clutch pressure plate. The pocket elements are generally disposed radially inwardly of and adjacent to an upstanding lip element on the first side of the pressure plate. The pocket elements include ramps that extend within the pocket elements generally outwardly toward the lip element and angularly upwardly towards the spring side. A spherical deflection element, such as a ball bearing, is received in each of the pocket elements for generally radial movement along the ramp. A diaphragm spring, the periphery of which is confined by the lip element, is in spring biasing association with the first side of the pressure plate. The spherical deflection elements engage the diaphragm spring and deflect its periphery axially outwardly as the spherical deflection elements move axially upwardly and radially outwardly along the ramps under the urging of centrifugal force.
US07686147B2 Torque transmission device
A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a motor vehicle to transmit torque between an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft and a transmission having coaxial input shafts. The transmission input shafts are non-rotatably connected with a respective clutch disc having friction linings. An intermediate pressure plate is positioned between the friction linings of the clutch discs and is non-rotatably connected to the engine drive shaft. The friction linings of the clutch discs are between the intermediate pressure plate and respective axially movable clutch pressure plates that are actuated by an actuation device. To provide support for the double clutch unit the intermediate pressure plate is radially mounted on one of the two transmission input shafts.
US07686144B2 Vibration isolation device, arithmetic apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
A vibration isolation device which dampens vibration of an object. The device includes a vibration isolation unit that can be activated in a plurality of vibration isolation modes, an acquisition unit that acquires estimate information associated with vibration of a floor, in which the acquisition unit receives data associated with an influence degree of seismic vibration and an influence time zone of the seismic vibration from an external device, and a control unit that selects a vibration isolation mode from the plurality of vibration isolation modes, in accordance with the estimate information acquired by the acquisition unit, and activates the vibration isolation unit in the selected vibration isolation mode. The control unit switches between the vibration isolation modes of the vibration isolation unit in accordance with the influence degree and the influence time zone.
US07686142B2 Brake plate
The invention relates to a brake lining carrier plate 1 to hold a friction lining, especially for installation into a vehicle brake system, with holding structures 15, 16 for the friction lining arranged in rows 6 on the lining side 2, whereby each holding structure 15, 16 has a protrusion 3 and a depression 4, whereby the protrusion 3 is made when the depression 4 is formed in the surface 5 through the displacement of material. Said protrusion 3 engages with the friction lining. The holding structures 15, 16 in the rows 6 are arranged in such a way that there is a protrusion 10 at the beginning 8 and at the end 9 of each row 6. In one embodiment, the rows 6 run essentially crosswise to the longitudinal axis 7 of the brake lining carrier plate 1.
US07686136B2 Automated oil-change system and method
The present invention may provide an automatic oil-change system for an engine comprising: a first oil container, a second oil container and means for switching between the first oil container and the second oil container. The switching means may provide the engine with oil from the first oil container until a predetermined time and once a predetermined time is reached, the switching means may provide the engine with oil from the second oil container.
US07686135B2 Escape device
An escape device (10) including a cable (18), a rotatable cable dispensing assembly (22) from which the cable (18) is dispensed under load, a braking mechanism (28) operatively connected to the rotatable cable dispensing assembly (22), whereby a braking response of the braking mechanism (18) is proportional to the rate at which cable (18) is dispensed from the rotatable cable dispensing assembly (22).
US07686131B1 Vehicle exhaust tip assembly
An exhaust tip assembly conducts hot engine exhaust from a muffler through an opening in a molded plastic bumper fascia. An exhaust pipe defining a cross-sectional flow area for the exhaust flow and has an inlet end attached to the muffler and an outlet end. The exhaust pipe has a flexible coupling portion intermediate the inlet end and the outlet end. A heat shield has a cross-sectional flow area greater than the pipe, and an inlet end attached to the outlet end of the pipe. A decorative bezel is attached to the heat shield at the outlet end of the heat shield. Fasteners fasten the heat shield to the fascia with the bezel located in the opening in the rear bumper fascia. During movement of the muffler, the bezel remains in the center of the opening as the flexible coupling portion of the exhaust pipe flexes.
US07686129B2 Acoustic horn having internally raised geometric shapes
A horn and a loudspeaker employing the horn are disclosed that include a body having a throat that expands outwardly to a mouth such that a first interior area defined by the throat is smaller than a second interior area defined by the mouth. A plurality of raised surface areas is located on an interior surface of the body. The raised surface areas extend into a hollow interior defined by the body a predetermined distance and are utilized to channel sound waves through the body and out the mouth.
US07686127B2 Acoustic chamber as part of adapter or appliance
An acoustic chamber as part of adapter or appliance for an appliance. The acoustic chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface, and is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices.
US07686124B2 Vehicle steering systems
A vehicle steer by wire system which has a steering wheel for setting a desired turn angle of a vehicle wheel, a steering wheel turn sensor for sensing the desired turn angle, a hydraulic steering actuator for turning the wheel, a wheel turn sensor for sensing the current wheel turn angle and a control unit for receiving the desired turn angle and current wheel turn angle signals. An electronically controlled steering actuator control valve means is provided for supplying pressurized fluid to the steering actuator via a steering circuit in response to signals from the control unit to turn the wheel to the desired turn angle. A hydraulic motor connected with the steering wheel is provided to provide steering feedback to the steering wheel via a feedback circuit which includes an electrically controlled hydraulic feedback control valve means which directs fluid to and from the hydraulic motor in response to the signals from the control unit to generate the steering feedback. The steering system has a fail-safe mode in which fluid pressure from the hydraulic motor provides steering of the wheel in the event of a failure to electronically actuate the steering actuator control valve means.
US07686122B2 Exhaust system and saddle-ride type vehicle
An exhaust system for a saddle-ride type vehicle provides sufficient volume in a chamber while avoiding interference between the chamber and other parts. The vehicle center of gravity is lowered and differences in exhaust pipe length are reduced. Exhaust pipes are connected to combustion chambers of front and rear cylinder banks of a V-type engine. A chamber is connected to the exhaust pipes and mufflers are connected to the chamber. The chamber has an exhaust pipe connection wall to which the exhaust pipes are connected and opposing muffler connection walls. The mufflers are connected to positions on the muffler connection walls closer to the engine relative to a center in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US07686121B2 All terrain vehicle
A refueling operation of an all terrain vehicle can be enhanced, even when a fuel tank is arranged below a seat, without changing an entire length of the vehicle. A fuel tank is arranged below a seat. A seat concave portion with a substantially concave shape when viewed from the top is formed in the seat. A fuel filler of the fuel tank is arranged in the seat concave portion to be seen from the top. It becomes possible to perform refueling from the fuel filler without detaching the seat. Also, an overlap between the seat and the fuel filler when viewed from above is avoided, with a reduction in a seating area of the seat minimized.
US07686118B2 Seatbelt apparatus
A seatbelt apparatus (15) includes a seatbelt (14) for restraining an occupant (10) in a seat (13) of a vehicle, an actuator (29) for tightening the seatbelt (14) at various levels of tension and for loosening the seatbelt (14), plural collision prediction devices (38, 39) for predicting occurrence of a collision, and a control device (35) for controlling the actuator (29) so as to exert one of the various levels of tension on the seatbelt (14) depending on the prediction results by the collision prediction devices (38, 39).
US07686117B2 Safety arrangement
A safety arrangement incorporates a seat-belt (3) to protect an occupant (2) of a vehicle seat (1). A control unit (11) incorporates a calculator (18) to calculate the weight of the occupant (2) of the seat occupant, by comparing the force (6) applied to the seat-belt by the seat occupant with the acceleration (14) of the compartment. A controller (19) controls a restraining force applied to the seat occupant by the safety-belt and, possibly, additional force limiting or energy absorbing devices such as an air-bag (8).
US07686113B2 Bonnet and method of manufacturing the same
The purpose of the present invention is to construct cheaply a light and rigid bonnet of a working vehicle having a working machine such as a loader or a tractor without providing a reinforcement member in an opening of the bonnet, and to improve the external appearance of the bonnet and maintainability of an engine room. A bonnet has rear and lower portions thereof that are opened and an opening is provided in a front or side surface of the bonnet so as to provide an intake grille. The whole bonnet besides the opening is formed hollowly. A front guard is embedded in the opening provided at a center of a front end of the bonnet.
US07686102B2 Jet motor for providing rotation in a downhole tool
The invention comprises a downhole jet motor, and a method of using same, that can be utilized to drill or to clean a well bore or tubing. The jet motor comprises a power shaft partially surrounded by a control sleeve defining a blind annular space, closed at the upper end and open at the lower end to allow fluid discharge. At least one opening is provided in the drive shaft wall extending radially within the annulus region. Drilling or cleaning fluid pressure is directed to the at least one opening in the power shaft. The control sleeve provides a reaction structure in relation to fluid discharged from the at least one opening producing rotation of the drive shaft in relation to the control sleeve.
US07686099B2 Downhole positioning system
Downhole positioning systems and associated methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises a downhole source, an array of receivers, and a data hub. The downhole source transmits an electromagnetic positioning signal that is received by the array of receivers. The data hub collects amplitude and/or phase measurements of the electromagnetic positioning signal from receivers in the array and combines these measurements to determine the position of the downhole source. The position may be tracked over time to determine the source's path. The position calculation may take various forms, including determination of a source-to-receiver distance for multiple receivers in the array, coupled with geometric analysis of the distances to determine source position. The electromagnetic positioning signal may be in the sub-hertz frequency range.
US07686098B2 Chain driven reciprocating hammer with work piece centering and clamping
In accordance with the present invention, a chain driven reciprocating hammer is disclosed. The chain driven reciprocating hammer includes a chain system for lifting a ram to a drop point. The chain system includes a plurality of sprockets and a chain with at least one mesh link to mesh with the ram. Additionally, the chain driven reciprocating hammer includes an adjustable tandem release sprocket mechanism. Also, the chain driven reciprocating hammer includes a center and clamping mechanism configured to secure a work input.
US07686094B2 Fire protection device for a zone
In a fire protection device for protecting a zone in which a building and/or people is/are located, it is suggested that it be constructed from fire-resistant material and be larger than the spatial dimensions of the zone to be protected. This fire protection device particularly enables the owner or resident of a building to protect the building from the threat of an external fire even when the fire service is not present.
US07686087B2 Rapid makeup drilling riser
A connector for connecting sections of drilling riser pipe wherein a first riser contains a pin assembly with an external first grooved profile and a second riser contains a housing assembly. An internal split pivoting latch segment assembly carried by the housing assembly contains a second grooved profile adapted to mate to the first grooved profile and a split actuation ring movably carried by the housing assembly forces the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly into engagement with the first grooved profile of the pin assembly. A plurality of retraction links engage an upper edge of the latch segment assembly to disengage the second grooved profile of the latch segment assembly from the first grooved profile of the pin assembly if the risers are to be disconnected.
US07686085B2 System, method, and apparatus for sleeved tensioner rod with annular adhesive retention
A corrosion-resistant alloy tube is formed and bonded to a pre-machined steel alloy rod to form a riser tensioner cylinder rod. During assembly, an epoxy is injected into an annular space between the tube and rod and then cured. The bonded tube is ground to a desired surface finish prior to installation and utilizes a double seal arrangement that prevents external pressure or corrosive fluids from entering the cured epoxy in the annular space.
US07686075B2 Downhole pump assembly and method of recovering well fluids
The present invention relates to a downhole tool. In particular, the present invention relates to a downhole pump assembly, a downhole tool assembly including a downhole pump assembly, a well including a downhole pump assembly and to a method of recovering well fluids. In one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a downhole tool assembly (10) for location in a borehole (16) of a well (12), the tool assembly (10) including a downhole pump assembly (18). The pump assembly (18) comprises a turbine (26) coupled to a pump (28), for driving the pump (28) to recover well fluid.
US07686074B2 Apparatus and method for active circuit protection of downhole electrical submersible pump monitoring gauges
Embodiments of the present invention beneficially provide circuits and methods which isolate downhole electronics of a well pump assembly from a power surge. The pump assembly includes a motor and a housing, including head, base, and manifold plate. The head has a hollow interior and a shoulder. The head is mounted to the motor so that, in operation, oil from the motor fills the interior of the head. The base has an outside diameter to fit snugly inside the head. The manifold plate is located between an upper end of the base and the shoulder of the head so that the axis of the manifold plate is perpendicular to the axis of housing. A gauge circuit and an isolation circuit are mounted to the manifold plate. The isolation circuit includes active semiconductor elements to detect excessive voltage and to protect the gauge circuit from the excessive voltage.
US07686070B2 Heat exchangers with turbulizers having convolutions of varied height
A heat exchanger comprises at least one tube or plate pair defining a fluid flow passage which is reduced in height across a portion of its width. A turbulizer comprising a plurality of rows of convolutions is received inside the fluid flow passage in either the low pressure drop or high pressure drop orientation. The turbulizer includes convolutions of reduced height in order to at least partially fill the reduced-height portions of the fluid flow passage and thereby reduce bypass flow. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, heat exchanger tubes or plate pairs define fluid flow passages which are reduced in height along their edges, and the turbulizer is similarly reduced in height along its edges.
US07686068B2 Blade outer air seal cores and manufacture methods
A blade outer air seal (BOAS) casting core has first and second end portions and a plurality of legs. Of these legs, first legs each have: a proximal end joining the first end portion; a main body portion; and a free distal portion. Second legs each have: a proximal end joining the second end portion; a main body portion; and a free distal portion.
US07686060B2 Retractable covering for architectural openings having a pair of flexible parallel sheets at least partially integrally connected with vanes
A retractable covering in accordance with the present invention includes a head rail with a horizontally disposed roller and a pair of depending sheets from the roller which form part of a fabric which can be wrapped around the roller or unwrapped from the roller when moving the covering between retracted and extended positions. The sheets can also be moved with the roller between a closed position wherein they are in contiguous relationship and an open position wherein they are separated while remaining in parallel relationship. A plurality of cut-out vanes are formed in one sheet having a free edge thereof secured as with adhesive or the like to the other sheet. Accordingly, when the sheets are in the closed contiguous relationship, the vanes which are integral with one sheet become coplanar therewith but when the sheets are separated the vanes pivot to open a passage through the sheet from which they were cut to permit the passage of vision and light.
US07686058B2 Operation handle assembly for curtains
A curtain includes a top rail and a sheet of fabric having a top end connected to the top rail, a handle assembly is connected to a lower end of the sheet of fabric. The handle assembly includes two transverse bars received in the sheet of fabric and two upright bars which are removably connected to the transverse bars via connection members connected to the transverse bars from outside of the sheet of fabric. The upright bars can be separated from the transverse bars so that the curtain can be folded.
US07686057B2 Closing sleeve for tunnels of folding curtains
The invention relates to a method for closing off at least one tunnel (2) extending across the width of a folding curtain, after a strengthening rod (3) has been inserted into this tunnel on the one hand, and a folding curtain comprising at least one tunnel (2) extending across the width of the curtain, which has been provided with a strengthening rod (3) on the other hand. To that effect, a strengthening rod (3) is provided in the tunnel (2) at least one extremity of which is comprising a number of pointed projections (4) and that the tunnel (2) is closed off by pricking the said projections (4) through the wall of the tunnel.
US07686054B2 Apparatus for everting a lining material
An apparatus for everting a pipe-lining material for rehabilitating an existing pipe. The apparatus has a storage container for storing a pipe-lining material in an un-everted state, an eversion nozzle for everting the pipe-lining material, and a mounting pipe for removable connection between the storage container and the eversion nozzle. The everting nozzle has a nozzle opening to which the un-everted pipe-lining material is attached and which confronts an opening of the pipeline to be rehabilitated during use of the apparatus. The mounting pipe has an exterior surface, an interior space, a side portion provided with at least one opening communicating the exterior surface with the interior space, and an upper portion with an open end through which the un-everted pipe-lining material is inserted for attachment to the nozzle opening of the eversion nozzle.
US07686052B2 Lamination apparatus and laser-induced thermal imaging method using the same
A lamination apparatus and a laser-induced thermal imaging method using the same are provided. The lamination apparatus comprising: a chuck for fixing first and second substrates; and having at least one vacuum hole located therein and exposed outside of the first substrate therein.
US07686051B2 Central tire inflation wheel assembly and valve
The present invention is a wheel assembly having a rim with a valve aperture extending therethrough that is designed to receive a valve having a simplified a construction that can be seated directly within a tire wheel assembly to minimize the number and type of components necessary for the valve. The valve includes a main body that is positionable in a sealed and recessed or embedded configuration within the aperture in the wheel rim in communication with the interior of the tire and with a pressurized air source that is used to inflate or deflate the tire. The main body encloses a valve mechanism that includes a components situated within the main body in a manner that enables the parts to be easily removed, cleaned and/or replaced if necessary without having to remove the entire valve assembly from the wheel.
US07686049B2 Head cover for golf clubs
The disclosed head cover for golf clubs is designed to be conveniently and rapidly placed upon or removed from a head of a golf club. The head cover may include a head receiving part and a shaft receiving part that extends longitudinally from the head receiving part. The shaft receiving part can have the shape of a bird bill and may comprise facing upper and lower mandibles. The mandibles may be the same length and be formed by two slots which extend in parallel from opposite sides of an end opening to the head receiving part. A fastening member can be provided on each of the upper and lower mandibles and may detachably fasten the mandibles to each other by a magnetic force. The fastening member may include magnets and a metal plate.
US07686044B2 System and method for dispensing liquid crystal material and method for fabricating liquid crystal display device using the same
A liquid crystal dispensing system in which dispensing of a liquid crystal material is paused when an earthquake or the like occurs, while restarting the dispensing of the liquid crystal material when the earthquake stops, the liquid crystal dispensing system comprising a liquid crystal dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid crystal material onto a substrate, a detecting unit for detecting an abnormal dispensing, and a controller for controlling the liquid crystal dispensing apparatus to pause dispensing of the liquid crystal material when an abnormal dispensing of liquid crystal material is detected.
US07686043B2 Container filling apparatus including cleaning system
A container filling apparatus includes a fill nozzle for directing a liquid product into a container and an adaptor including a nozzle interface to engage the fill nozzle for a cleaning operation. An expandable member is configured to expand into a gap between the adaptor and the fill nozzle to form a seal between the nozzle interface and the fill nozzle.
US07686035B2 Device for division of a non-Newtonian liquid flowing through a passage
A device for division of a non-Newtonian liquid, for example a molten synthetic material, flowing through a passage (1, 21), and comprising a flow-conditioned viscosity decreasing outward in cross section in flow through a T-shaped passage branching (T) deflecting and dividing the liquid flow. In a first embodiment of the device, before the end of the supply passage (1), a partition (11) is installed in the passage branching (T) dividing the liquid counterflow from the supply passage (1) into two halves, the angular position of the partition (11) assuming a setting adapted to the distribution of the differentially viscous components of the liquid in the supply passage (1). In a second embodiment of the device, in the passage branching (T), a deflector (23) is installed, so fashioned that essentially the central (viscous) component of the liquid from the supply passage (21), prior to its deflection into the discharge passages (22a, 22b), is divided into two components and these are so deflected that the two components preferably flow diametrally towards each other in the region ahead of the discharge passages (22a, 22b).
US07686028B2 Structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet
An improved structure of straight-out controllable ceramic valve of anti-freezing faucet, which is comprised by cover water-receiving valve seat with open bottom, cylinder water-controlling shaft bolt that one end is covered into shaft hole at center of water-receiving valve seat and a plurality of butterfly outlet control valves, wherein bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt has a protruding tongue embedding into top of bottom butterfly porcelain shard in order to adjust outlets of top and bottom porcelain shard; its features are as follows: an inlet channel extending to middle section of shaft bolt is made at middle section of bottom of water-controlling shaft bolt, horizontal through outlet channel is made at two sides of inlet channel. This straight-out water supply channel structure, because of ceramic valve of top porcelain shard, water can directly flow upward into inlet channel at middle section of the continuous shaft bolt when outlet of bottom porcelain shard is not closed properly, and then enter into pipe of faucet from outlet set around shaft hole at top of cover water-receiving valve seat via horizontal through outlet channel, so that this straight-out channel can supply water directly, no reduction of hydraulic pressure during supplying because of curve of water channel.
US07686027B2 Multi-port free flow valve and element
A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.
US07686023B2 Pressure washing system, components and methods
According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pressure washing system delivers a cleaning fluid under pressure to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a fluid pump unit for supplying the fluid to the surface. A fluid collector captures wastewater runoff of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum pump unit withdraws the captured waste fluid from the fluid collector.
US07686020B2 Contraceptive transcervical fallopian tube occlusion devices and methods
The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.
US07686018B2 Face mask for the protection against biological agents
The invention relates to a new mask for the protection against biological agents having additional features to improve the efficiency. The mask is in particular equipped with a filtering layer providing outstanding performances against biological agents, with a high efficiency exhalation valve and with a boundary sealing layer to enhance the seal between mask and face.
US07686011B1 Compact window heating unit utilizing pelletized fuel
The invention relates to heating units mounted on a window of an existing building. Flue gases are expelled outside of the building without the need for wall modifications or an extra chimney. The actual burn chamber is mounted on a window mounting unit with an interior support which extends into the building thereby heating the air inside the building.
US07686008B2 Insulation for baking chambers in a multi-deck baking oven
A multi-deck baking oven including a housing and at least two baking chambers located within the housing, adjacent baking chambers being separated by an insulating layer, at least one of the insulating layers including a hollow partition, wherein each insulating layer dampens the rate of heat flow between the adjacent baking chambers.
US07686005B2 Combustion-gas-powered paintball marker
An onboard combustion-gas-powered engine supplies power to a paintball marker or other projectile launcher by generating gas pressure pulses for propelling paintballs and other projectiles. The combustion gases produced by the engine can be allowed to rise in pressure within a confined volume of space before being released through a valve into a barrel for applying enhanced pressure pulses to the projectiles. A loading system is linked to a combustion accelerating system for automatically loading projectiles into the launcher.
US07686003B2 Manually powered projectile launcher
The present device is a projectile launcher using compressed air. The device includes a barrel adapted to receive the projectile proximate a rear end. The device further includes a cylinder, a piston, and a firing handle fixed to a rear side of the piston. A valve provides selective fluid communication between the cylinder and the barrel. A bolt rod is fixed to the valve. The valve is actuated when the piston is pushed to a front end of the cylinder and the firing handle comes into contact with the bolt rod. Air compressed within the cylinder by the piston is thereby being released into the barrel to propel the projectile from the barrel. The barrel further includes a bolt slidable within the barrel between a loading position and a firing position. The bolt is fixed to the front end of the bolt rod and includes a bolt air passageway.
US07685999B2 Ignition control device for internal combustion engine
An ignition control device for controlling a multi-spark operation comprises: a secondary electric energy generator generating an electric energy to reignite an air fuel-mixture associated with an internal combustion engine during the multi-spark operation; a switching element capable of controlling the supplying of the electric energy to a primary coil of an ignition coil, the controlling causing a secondary current in a secondary coil of the ignition coil; an ignition timing signal generator generating an ignition timing signal based on a driving state of the engine; a multi-spark period setting element setting a multi-spark period of the multi-spark operation based on the ignition timing signal; and an ignition control element setting an amount of electric power supplied to the secondary electric energy generator based on the multi-spark period before the performing of the multi-spark operation is started, and for controlling the switching element.
US07685994B2 Variable valve timing apparatus and method of detecting valve phase thereof
When the engine speed is high (determination of YES at S100), actual intake valve phase is calculated based on rotation phase difference between rotation angles of crankshaft and camshaft, detected by using a crank angle signal and a cam angle signal, and actual valve timing is detected therefrom. When the engine speed is low (determination of NO at S100) and the crank angle signal and cam angle signal are unstable, an amount of change in camshaft rotation phase by the VVT mechanism in accordance with the operation amount of actuator detected by a motor rotation angle signal is calculated successively, and based on an accumulation of the amount of change, the actual intake valve phase is calculated, and the actual valve timing is detected.
US07685990B2 Dual mode combustion apparatus and method
A fuel injection apparatus for a fuel injector nozzle includes a moveable valve needle slideably located within a nozzle body, the nozzle body having an internal surface defining a valve seat between a fuel supply path and fuel outlets. The valve needle includes an obturator piston that is engagable with an axial fuel outlet and a two-stage lift mechanism for enabling lift of the valve needle. In a first stage lifted position of the valve needle, the valve face is spaced apart from the valve seat, and the obturator piston is positioned such that a fuel flow passage is opened between the obturator piston and the axial fuel outlet. In a second stage lifted position, the valve face is spaced further apart from the valve seat and the obturator piston is positioned such that the fuel flow passage between the obturator piston and the axial fuel outlet is substantially closed.
US07685988B2 Coupling device for split in-line engine
A coupling device for a split, in-line engine is provided. The coupling device may be configured to connect a first section of a crank shaft to a second section of the crank shaft of the engine. Further, the coupling device may be positioned at at least one main bearing of the crank shaft. Further still, the coupling device may be encircled by the at least one main bearing.
US07685984B2 Mechanical lash ring for a switchable valve train member
A switchable valve train member, such as a deactivating valve lash adjuster or a deactivating hydraulic valve lifter, including a pin housing slidably disposed within an axial bore in a body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains a retractable locking pin that engages a feature in the body including a locking surface whereby the body and the pin housing are locked together for mutual actuation by rotation of a cam lobe. A lash ring at the outer end of the body includes a portion extending into the axial bore that limits the travel of the pin housing within the body and thereby sets the internal mechanical lash in the switchable member. The axial thickness of the lash ring may be varied between assemblies to compensate for manufacturing variation in the components and is secured to the body in any of various configurations.
US07685978B2 Control device and method for variable valve mechanism
A control device for a variable valve mechanism that avoids the overheating an actuator while reducing adverse effects on the driveability of a vehicle. The actuator adjusts the lift of an intake valve by moving a drive element, and a sensor is used to determine whether the actuator will overheat. A control unit stops the drive element if the lift adjusted by the actuator is equal to or larger than a first predetermined value, when the control unit determines that the actuator will overheat. The actuator may be an electric actuator. In this case, the actuator maintains the drive element in a fixed position when supply of electric power to the actuator is interrupted. The control unit stops the drive element, and interrupts the supply of electric power to the actuator.
US07685977B2 Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder and at least one gas exchange valve (1; 1a, 1b) controlled by a first cam (14) on a first camshaft (16) and by a second cam (15) on a second camshaft (17), at least one camshaft (16, 17) having an adjustable phase position in order to modify the control times of the gas exchange valve (1; 1a, 1b). The first cam (14) acts upon actuating means (6, 10) and the second cam (15) upon actuating means (6, 10) which actuate the gas exchange valve (6, 10). The actuating means (6, 10) are designed in such a way that the gas exchange valve (1) opens only when both the first cam (14) and the second cam (15) are acting upon the actuating means (6, 10). A simple structure with very high degrees of freedom for the control is achieved in that the actuating means (6, 10) comprise a lever which actuates the gas exchange valve (1; 1a, 1b) and is actuated by both cams (14, 15).
US07685975B2 Internal combustion engine twin power unit having an oscillating cylinder
An internal combustion engine twin power unit that includes a crossover passage fluidly connecting a first cylinder to a second cylinder such that an air-fuel mixture introduced in the first cylinder is transferred to the second cylinder via the crossover passage, and wherein an ignition in any cylinder causes combustion of the air-fuel mixture in both cylinders via the crossover passage. Also included is a rod assembly, which is connected to the first piston and the second piston which are disposed in the cylinders. The rod assembly rigidly fixes the first piston and the second piston in a fixed spatial relation to each other. In addition, an intake port is included that is in fluid communication with both the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
US07685973B2 Water engine and method
A method and apparatus to heat-activate hydrogen of water for powering rotational, reaction-thrust and projectile-expulsion embodiments (19, 60, 61, 75) of a water engine (10) with hydrogen energy of water which is spray-atomized and electrically heated internally in one or more hydrogen activators (1). Water-hydrogen electrons of the spray-atomized water are heat-activated up to exponentially greater output heat-activation energy than input activation-heat energy added electrically with power generated from forms of the water engine. A minor portion of the output heat-activation energy of the water hydrogen is utilized for generating electrical current for the input activation heat of the spray-atomized water in the hydrogen activators. Net output heat-activation pressure of water-hydrogen is directed from one or more of the hydrogen activators to one or more use chambers (9) of universal-use forms of the water engine. Rotational features of the water engine preferably employ a turbocam drive (20).
US07685972B2 Pet leash
Embodiments of the present invention provide a pet leash that permits a pet handler to bring his/her pet under control urgently in a steady and reliable manner. Embodiments include a handle, a lead mechanism, an elongate portion extending therebetween, and multiple grip points on the elongate portion. A pet handler can grip the handle or one of the grip points with one hand and grip another of the grip-points with the other hand.
US07685969B2 Liquid bird feeder
A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to attach to the liquid container and adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, wherein the liquid tray includes a bottom port passing through the liquid tray and vertically aligned with the bottom opening, and a valve mechanism adapted to selectively couple the bottom port of the liquid tray to the bottom opening for filling purposes, or to close the bottom port and couple the bottom opening to the liquid tray for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the liquid tray.
US07685966B2 Lidded pet dish
A lidded pet food dish uses wireless technology to independently and selectively open one of a plurality of lidded food compartments for access by a pet. The dish discriminates between pets by means of a tag worn by each pet to allow or prevent access to a given food compartment. Electronic circuitry for this functionality is operable by any wireless technology and provides for manual system override by the pet owner as well as remote control capability.
US07685961B2 Survey marker
A survey marker having a rod with a pointed tip and a shank extending therefrom composed of a rod or rebar material. A head extending from a distal end of the rod opposite the point may include means for retaining a survey flag, means for engaging a drive tool, and means for alignment.
US07685960B1 Movable shade assembly for watercraft
A shade assembly for a watercraft comprising at least one attachment device and a cover assembly. The attachment device includes at least one mounting assembly structured to be connected to any one of a plurality of predetermined portions of the watercraft. The cover assembly is structured to provide protection of various parts of the watercraft from at least sun exposure by producing a shaded area. At least one adjustment assembly is disposed in interconnecting relation between the mounting assembly and the cover assembly, and is structured to selectively dispose said the cover assembly in any one of a plurality of operative positions relative to the mounting assembly and the various parts of the watercraft.
US07685959B1 Surfboard with graduated channels
A surfboard having at least one fin, which an be removably connected to the underside proximate to the board tail end. First and second graduated channels are disposed in the underside, each having a front end shallower than a tail end, wherein the front ends are proximate to the board midsection and the tail ends are proximate to the board tail end, and wherein the graduated channels are substantially parallel to the central axis of the surfboard. A keel is disposed in the underside along the central axis, centered between the first and second graduated channels.
US07685957B2 Mission module ship design
A ship has interchangeable mission modules. For example, a ship has a frame with a mission-module bay disposed therein. The bay is operable to receive a mission module having a mission-module system and an interface that facilitates the coupling between the mission-module system and the ship. As such, a plurality of different types of mission modules can be interchanged quickly and easily to provide the ship with different mission capabilities. Each mission-module is generally self-contained such that all the equipment necessary to perform the specific mission is contained within the single mission-module. Each mission-module is either a single unit or multiple units combined together to form an integrated unit. Thus, the ship is capable of transitioning from one mission to another simply by ejecting one mission module and replacing with another mission module.
US07685952B2 Capstan rollers for tufting machine yarn feed
A capstan roller assembly is provided between the yarn supply and scroll type yarn feed attachments for a tufting machine in order to minimize the underfeeding of yarn to the pattern being tufted due to irregularities in the feeding of the yarn from the yarn supply.
US07685948B2 Track traveling toy
A track traveling toy, including: a track; at least a part of the track being made to be a double track; and automotive vehicle stopping sections which are respectively provided on railway tracks of the double track, wherein an automotive vehicle entering the railway track on one side operates the stopping section of the railway track on the one side to stop the automotive vehicle on the railway track, and operates the stopping section on the other railway track to release a stopping state of an automotive vehicle on the railway track.
US07685946B1 Tubular transporter
The tubular transporter for moving a submersible pump through a collecting pipe under a landfill has a set of wheels angularly mounted to a cylindrical housing in positions above a center of gravity of the transporter. The transporter has a screen at a suction end and an end plate at a discharge end. The end plate has a vent hole with an optional plug. A pressure sensor is removably mounted to the housing and operates for determining when sufficient water is present to actuate the pump. The pump discharges the water to be treated prior to being returned to the ground. A series of hose dollies are mounted to the discharge hose to enable entry into a long collection pipe.
US07685945B2 Dragstrip amusement ride
A drag strip race amusement ride runs on a straight-line track and is propelled to high rates of acceleration over the 150-foot racetrack. The vehicle cab seats nine. Each racer has an individual acceleration pedal. Located on the front windshield and on each side window is an LCD video screen. Audio sounds are also introduced into the cab during the ride. When the signal is given to begin the race, each racer hits his acceleration pedal. A central computer system synchronizes the video, audio, acceleration and deceleration so that the sensory perceptions of sight, sound and feeling of an actual drag strip race are created. A winner is determined by measuring the reaction time of each racer between the signal and the pedal.
US07685944B2 Cable tow whip ride with inside curves
A whip ride is provided for amusement parks. A platform is provided with a guide slot extending through the platform. A drive assembly is positioned beneath the platform and includes a drive member (e.g., drive cable) moving on a constrained path. A track follows a path horizontally offset from the drive path. The drive assembly includes a bogie or drive truck mounted on the track and pivotably linked to the drive member to be driven by the drive member. A passenger whip vehicle is provided on the platform upper surface and pivotably attached via a connector extending through the guide slot to the bogie. The bogie path includes inside and outside curves, and the bogie track is vertically offset from the drive member such that its path may crossover the drive member to vary the horizontal offset and to locate the bogie track on either side of the drive member.
US07685940B1 Rocket motor with pellet and bulk solid propellants
There is disclosed a solid fuel rocket motor which may include a case and a nozzle coupled to the case. A plurality of fuel pellets may be disposed within the case. An igniter may be disposed to ignite at least a portion of the fuel pellets. A pellet retainer may be positioned within the case to retain the plurality of fuel pellets within the case. The pellet retainer may be perforated to allow exhaust gases to flow from the ignited fuel pellets to the nozzle while preventing unburned fuel pellets from being expelled through the nozzle.
US07685939B2 Ignition charge for initiator and method of production
An ignition charge for an initiator provided with an igniting mechanism for setting aflame an ignition charge by the heat generated by an exothermic element connected via a pair of current conducting pins in response to an electric signal is a slurry ignition charge which is formed mainly of a mixture consisting of zirconium as a fuel component and potassium perchlorate as an oxidizing agent component. The ignition charge for the initiator contains nitrocellulose as a binder component in an extrapolated compounding ratio of 0.1% by weight or more and 0.5% by weight or less based on the total amount of zirconium and potassium perchlorate and isoamyl acetate as a solvent in an extrapolated compounding ratio of 12.5% by weight or more and 14.0% by weight or less based on the total amount of zirconium and potassium perchlorate. The ignition charge is spread on the exothermic element and dried. The ignition charge is for the initiator of a gas generator, particularly an electric gas generator.
US07685932B2 System, method and apparatus for heating water
A system, method and apparatus for increasing the interaction between water and a brewing substance in a brewing apparatus. The structure includes a spray head having a thickness dimension which facilitates the formation and definition of tubes or passages extending therethrough. The passages are directed at an angle so as to provide an extended flow path to and through the brewing substance. The spray head is positioned a dimension above the brewing substance retained in a pod so as to increase the interaction between water dispensed through the spray head and the brewing substance which is infused by the water from the spray head. The use of the angled paths helps to increase the saturation, penetration and agitation of the brewing substance so as to help promote uniformity of extraction of the brewing substance. Additionally, directed flow helps facilitate quicker rate of expansion of the brewing substance within the corresponding chamber thereby helping to improve the overall brewing process.
US07685931B2 Systems and methods for forming pre-packaged brewing material
A compact and lightweight personal pod making system is provided. The pod making system has a base for receiving a pod packaging material and a sealing tool pivotably connected to the base. The system can be used at home, in the office and even outdoors. A pod package assembly that can be used in conjunction with the personal pod making system is also provided. The pod package assembly can include a cup-like holder that is hingedly connected to a cover so that it is relatively easy for users to align the cover when sealing the pod.
US07685930B2 System and method for dispensing beverages having different foam levels from capsules
A system for selectively delivering different beverages having different foam levels by injection of a fluid under pressure into a capsule that contains a beverage-forming substance. The capsules include a chamber containing the substance and a beverage dispensing structure adapted to retain a certain extraction pressure in the chamber before allowing the beverage to flow out of the capsule. The system is characterized in that first and second capsules are provided for selective use in the system, with the first capsule having a first beverage dispensing structure configured and positioned therein to retain a first extraction pressure in the capsule, prior to the complete delivery of the beverage, and the second capsule having a second beverage dispensing structure configured and positioned therein to retain a second extraction pressure in the capsule, prior to the complete delivery of the beverage. The first extraction pressure is higher than the second extraction pressure so that a greater amount of foam is created upon delivery of the beverage from the first capsule as compared to that created by the second capsule. This allows a user of the system to select a cartridge that produces a beverage with the desired foam content.
US07685928B2 Steering mechanism
A powered steering mechanism can operate in a steering mode or in a powered self-centering mode. The mechanism of the present invention includes a cylinder into and out of which can reciprocate a rod. The rod is provided with a fixed piston that defines a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber. First and second inlet/outlet steering ports are provided in the pressure chambers through which a pressurizing fluid can flow into or out. The cylinder is also adapted to provide powered self-centering of the fixed piston and thereby the steering mechanism itself by the floating pistons that are located within the pressure chambers. First and second inlet/outlet centering ports are also provided in pressure chambers, through which fluid can flow into the chambers, causing floating pistons to move towards a central position and enabling the fixed piston to be moved and retained.
US07685926B2 Negative pressure booster
In a negative pressure booster (1) of the present invention, at the time of performing a usual braking operation in a low deceleration region, a force attributed to the pressure difference between pressures applied to a variable pressure chamber and a constant pressure chamber is equal to or smaller than a sum of a set spring load of a spring (31) and a spring load of a valve spring (18). Accordingly, a vacuum valve seat member (27) is not moved and the usual braking operation is performed at a small servo ratio. Further, during the usual braking operation in an intermediate deceleration region, the force attributed to the pressure difference is larger than the sum of the above-mentioned spring loads and hence, the vacuum valve seat member (27) moves rearwardly while pushing a valve element (12). Accordingly, a valve opening quantity of an atmospheric valve (16) is increased while shortening a pedal stroke and hence, a braking operation for intermediate deceleration is performed at a larger servo ratio, whereby brake manipulation feeling can be enhanced.
US07685923B1 Fragment capture device
A fragment capture device for use in explosive containment. The device comprises an assembly of at least two rows of bars positioned to eliminate line-of-sight trajectories between the generation point of fragments and a surrounding containment vessel or asset. The device comprises an array of at least two rows of bars, wherein each row is staggered with respect to the adjacent row, and wherein a lateral dimension of each bar and a relative position of each bar in combination provides blockage of a straight-line passage of a solid fragment through the adjacent rows of bars, wherein a generation point of the solid fragment is located within a cavity at least partially enclosed by the array of bars.
US07685921B2 Composite panels for blast and ballistic protection
A ballistic and blast protective composite panel includes a first composite layer and a second composite layer.
US07685920B2 Article comprising a canister closure with pressure-pulse release
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a launch system that includes a closure that, in use, is attached to one or both ends of a missile canister. The closure is blown off of the canister before there is any contact between it and the nose of the missile. The closure incorporates an actuation mechanism that releases the closure when there is a rapid increase in pressure within the canister, such as when the booster of a canistered missile fires. The actuation mechanism is not, however, responsive to the magnitude of the pressure within the canister. As a consequence, the closure will not release if there is a slow build-up of pressure within the missile canister.
US07685911B2 Monkey wrench
A monkey wrench includes a handle, a head, stationary jaw, a movable jaw and a jaw-moving element. The head is formed at an end of the handle and made with a side, a groove in the side and an opening in communication with the groove. The stationary jaw is formed on the head and made with a first nut-contacting face, a second nut-contacting face next to the first nut-contacting face, a bulge on the first nut-contacting face and a recess next to the bulge. The movable jaw is movably disposed in the groove and formed with a nut-contacting face and a bulge on the nut-contacting face thereof. The jaw-moving element is disposed in the opening and engaged with the movable jaw so that the jaw-moving element is operable to move the movable jaw relative to the stationary jaw.
US07685909B1 Powered shingle ripper
A powered shingle ripper with a rocker assembly having a serrated blade. The rocker assemble is eccentrically mounted for rotation about an axis in a manner that the leading edge of the serrated blade reciprocates back and forth and up and down. Rotation of the rocker assembly about the axis is confined to a predetermined arc, the orientation of which may be under operator control.
US07685907B2 Method for manufacturing extrusion die tools
The subject invention relates to a new method for manufacturing extrusion die tools that eliminates the step of hardening the steel after cutting the steel to form the desired extrusion die tool design. The new method involves the steps of cutting and finishing steel to form the desired extrusion die tool design, coating the die tool, or parts thereof, and hardening the coated die tool. The new method for manufacturing extrusion die tools reduces the time and the cost involved in their manufacture.
US07685906B2 Vehicle steering wheel
A vehicle steering wheel (10) includes a hub (12) and an airbag module (26). The vehicle steering wheel (10) further includes a plurality of switches (18, 20, 22) being integrated in a common housing (16). The housing (16) is fitted on the airbag module (26) and includes at least one mount (32) cooperating with a cover (28) of the airbag module (26).
US07685886B2 Convexo concave amplifying device and convexo concave detecting method by use thereof, deformation sensing device and convexo concave detecting method by use thereof, and convexo concave position exhibiting device and convexo concave position exhibiting method
A convexo concave amplifying device for exhibiting a convexo concave by amplifying a sense of a convexo concave of an object, comprising a sensing member and an exhibiting member. The sensing member 101 comprises a flexible sheet able to contact with the surface of the object O and to deform along the surface of the object. The exhibiting member 120 that is formed on a surface of the flexible sheet and has a deformation resistance smaller than that of the flexible sheet in at least one of directions orthogonal to a direction of thickness of the flexible sheet. With such construction, the object convexo concave can be amplified and exhibited.A deformation sensing device for sensing a deformation thereof comprising a capsule deformable by stress, a viscous fluid F contained in the capsule, and a relative movement sensing member that is disposed inside of the capsule and senses a relative movement against the viscous fluid. With such construction, property of the object such as the convexo concave or the stress can be detected.
US07685883B2 Analytic sintering forms and method for using same
A set of analytic forms provide empirical data used to determine the material properties of a part following its fabrication. Multiple of families of the forms are identically processed to provide a variety of data, including the reaction of the part material to compression, tension and bending stresses. The forms in each family have a structural feature that singularizes the directional effect of gravity on a test cross section of the material. The dimensions of the test cross section progressively vary within each family so that data can be generated for multiple levels of stress.
US07685882B1 Heating and air conditioning service gauge
A pressure gauge for determining refrigerant pressure and the saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a refrigerant in an HVAC system. The pressure gauge employs a bourdon tube with at least one attached strain gauge to sense the refrigerant pressure and produce an electronic pressure signal. The electronic pressure signal from the output of the strain gauge is attached to a microprocessor, which calculates and displays the refrigerant pressure, the saturated vapor equivalent temperature for a variety of refrigerants, and produces instantaneous and time lapsed representations of those parameters.
US07685880B2 Signal transmission system
A single wire interface for a transducer transmits the transducer output as a frequency modulated signal over one single wire during one interval. During a second interval a reference signal is transmitted as a frequency modulated signal. Both the transducer output and the reference signal output are processed by the same circuitry during the respective intervals to provide both frequency modulated signals. The frequencies of the two signals are measured and then the ratio of the two periods which is the reciprocal of the two frequencies is calculated. This ratio is the direct measure of the output of the transducer and when provided eliminates sources of errors.
US07685879B2 Differential pressure measuring transducer unit
The disclosure relates to a differential pressure transducer unit comprising an over-load protection system which is used to measure low differential pressure in liquids and gases under high static pressure load which can be connected to flanges on the working pressure lines. The differential pressure transducer unit consists of a planar multi-layered arrangement comprising layers which are conductive, insulating and which are insulated from each other, whereby the insulating and conductive layers comprises recesses which at least partially cover each other, wherein the measuring mechanism and the measuring value processing means are accommodated. At least one of the layers is a functional component of the over-load protection system.
US07685876B2 Methods and systems for balancing a rotatable member
Methods and systems of balancing a rotatable member are provided. A method includes separately balancing a first portion and a second portion of the rotatable member wherein the second portion mateable to said first portion, coupling the first and second portions to each other, measuring a physical dimension of the coupled first and second portions, and determining a balance weight magnitude and position based on the measured physical dimension.
US07685875B2 Fluid flow rate sensor and method of operation
A fluid flow rate sensor includes a detection circuit which generates a first signal corresponding to an output voltage of a bridge circuit, and a second signal corresponding to a fluid temperature. A control module can more accurately and quickly determine the fluid flow rate based on the first signal, the second signal and a look-up table. The look-up table includes a plurality of curves plotted according to data, indicating relationship among the fluid temperature, the output voltage and the fluid flow rate. The fluid flow rate sensor is inherently temperature compensated and has a shorter response time.
US07685870B2 Systems and methods for performing cooling airflow analysis of gas turbine engine components
Systems and methods for performing cooling airflow analysis of gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes an airflow insert operative to form a seal with a component, the airflow insert having a main portion and a removable sacrificial portion, the sacrificial portion being sized and shaped to engage the component, the main portion having a cavity sized and shaped to removably receive the sacrificial portion, the main portion being sized and shaped to form a seal about the sacrificial portion and a corresponding portion of the component.
US07685869B2 Nanoindenter
A new type of indenter is described. This device combines certain sensing and structural elements of atomic force microscopy with a module designed for the use of indentation probes, conventional diamond and otherwise, as well as unconventional designs, to produce high resolution and otherwise superior indentation measurements.
US07685867B2 Leak diagnostic apparatus for a vaporized fuel processing system
A leak diagnostic apparatus for a vaporized fuel processing system that purges vaporized fuel in a fuel tank of a vehicle is disclosed. The leak diagnostic apparatus comprises a leak diagnostic device, a fuel tank condition detection device and a determining device. The leak diagnostic device carries out a leak diagnosis of the vaporized fuel processing system while the engine is operating. The fuel tank condition detection device detects the conditions in the fuel tank. The determining device determines whether the leak diagnosis should be carried out based on predetermined conditions in the fuel tank.
US07685864B1 Modular manifold for integrated fluidics and electronics
An airtight preconcentrator housing and/or a sensor housing for chemical testing, the housing(s) comprising internal dimensions such that a pre-manufactured preconcentrator and/or sensor can be disposed therein. The housings can also comprise electrical contacts disposed therein which align with and thus provide electrical connection to the preconcentrator and/or sensor. The preconcentrator and/or sensor can be easily and quickly replaced.
US07685862B1 Target system giving accuracy and energy
A target for a test range includes an impact plate having at least three strain sensors positioned on the plate. The sensors are connected to a data acquisition board for receiving a signal from each sensor upon impact of a projectile on the plate. The data acquisition board is joined to a processor for calculating impact location and energy. Optionally multiple sensors can be provided having different orientations for accounting for different strain components in the plate.
US07685861B2 Method and apparatus for calibrating an ultrasonic sensing system used to detect moving objects
A calibration device is described for use in calibrating an ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus for detecting a moving object in a fluid, where the ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer and calibration circuitry. A connector has a first end for connecting with a first fluid conduit and a second end for connecting with a second fluid conduit. A cavity between the first and second ends permits the fluid containing the moving object from the first conduit to flow through the connector cavity to the second fluid conduit. A first calibration sphere is positioned relative to the connector for reflecting an ultrasonic pulse signal transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer. The reflected ultrasonic pulse signal is useable by the calibration circuitry to calibrate the ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus.
US07685860B2 Control device for press machine
A control device for a press machine, by which one of the slide and the die cushion is suitably controlled, when a malfunction occurs in the other, such that the force between the slide and the die cushion does not excessively increase. The control device includes a slide control part for controlling the motion of the slide and a die cushion control part for controlling the motion of the die cushion. A first transmitter transmits an abnormal signal from the die cushion control part to the slide control part when a first detector detects a malfunction of the die cushion. The slide control part is configured to move the slide, when receiving the abnormal signal, such that the slide is away from the position of the die cushion at the time of receiving the abnormal signal by a certain distance and, to stop the slide.
US07685858B2 Sheet metal bending brake
A bending brake assembly for manually bending pieces of sheet metal material including a base supporting a plurality of c-shaped members presenting opposing clamping surfaces for receiving the sheet metal material. An extension extends away from the clamping surfaces with a socket connection rotatably supporting a bending member on the base for bending the sheet metal material disposed between the clamping surfaces. The socket connection includes a mate portion and a female portion in sliding engagement with one another as the bending member moves between a pre-bending position, a first operating position, and a second operating position. A finger extends from the male portion and defines a gap between the finger and the extension when in the pre-bending position with the finger maintaining the gap as the finger moves from the pre-bending position to the first operating position and the finger engaging the extension when in the second operating position.
US07685856B1 Two mode hydroform seal apparatus and method
A hydroforming seal and method includes a nozzle having both a radially expandable O-ring seal and a conical tapered surface for separately sealing with the bore of the tube. The O-ring seal is expanded to seal the tube and pressurized fluid is added sufficient to support the interior of the tube while the dies are closed so that the tube is thereby bent and forced into the die cavity without collapse or injury to the tube. The O-ring seal is then contracted to a non-sealing position and the conical tapered surface provides metal-to-metal sealing while the higher hydroforming pressure is applied to expand the tube. The nozzle also has a radial shoulder that engages the end face of the tube so that advance of the nozzle feeds the tube into the die.
US07685855B2 Vertically shaking working device
A vertically oscillating working device 2 has a body to be oscillated 23 having an inner space that is formed by a cover member 21 and a vehicle wheel 22, which is a body to be worked, and receives working materials 25 in it and also has oscillating means for vertically oscillating the body to be oscillated 23. The working materials 25 are allowed to collide with the vehicle wheel 22 by the oscillation, and thereby the vehicle wheel 22 is worked. With the working device 2, a casting can be oscillated together with hardening materials, and excellent mechanical properties can be uniformly added to a predetermined portion of the casting by the oscillation without changing the position of the casting.
US07685854B2 Axial spring balancing pin tumbler lock
An axial spring balancing pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shell, a plug rotationally disposed within the shell and rotatable by a tubular key. The shell contains a plurality of first pin bores annularly and evenly defined to the axis of the shell for receiving first pins and first springs. The plug has a through aperture for engaging with a elongated spindle, a key bore coaxially defined on front end for receiving the tubular key, a plurality of third pin bores annularly and evenly defined on front end with same depth of the key bore for receiving third pins, and a plurality of second pin bores defined on rear end of the plug for receiving second pins and second springs. Each second pin may contacts the tubular key and one of third pins simultaneously. The extension force of the second spring at its preloaded length is stronger than that of the first spring at its fully loaded length so both second pin and third pin are urged by compound extension force to their most extended position while the first pin is at its most retracted position. The extended third pins bridge the shear plane of the lock, the plug is then blocked from rotating. Since the third pins are isolated from the opening keyway and are not driven by key notches or external force directly, the conventional lock picking or bumping methods must fail.
US07685845B2 Circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like
A circular knitting machine for hosiery or the like, comprises at least one needle cylinder with vertical axis and has, on its lateral surface, a plurality of axial slots, each of which accommodates a needle and an element for actuating the needle. The actuation element comprises at least one connecting element and a selector. The connecting element is provided with a radially actuatable movable heel, and the selector protrudes with a portion between the bottom of the axial slot and the connecting element in any operative position of the machine. The selector is oscillatable on a radial plane of the needle cylinder to produce oscillation of the connecting element and extract its movable heel from the axial slot to achieve engagement with connecting element actuation cams facing the lateral surface of the needle cylinder.
US07685843B2 Tin oxide material with improved electrical properties for glass melting
A tin oxide-based electrode formed from a composition comprising a major component SnO2 is disclosed. The composition includes additives including aCuO, bZnO, and cSb2O3, wherein a, b, and c represent weight percentages of respective components, and 0.2≦(a+b)/c<1.0.
US07685841B2 Method for making a glass sheet
In the formation of sheet glass by the overflow downdraw process, the width of usable sheet glass is maximized by downwardly flowing edge portions of the sheet over web-like members and thereafter over extensions which intersect with and are downwardly inclined relative to the web-like members to thin edge portions of the glass flow and maintain sheet width. The extension members are preferably removably attached to the web-like members, greatly facilitating replacement of the more easily damaged extension members.
US07685838B2 Ground-based aircraft air conditioner with thermal storage
A preconditioned air system for cooling an interior cabin space of a parked aircraft includes a thermal energy storage unit, which contains a thermal energy storage medium for storing cooling capacity. During use, a ground-based air-cooling unit is placed in thermal communication with the thermal energy storage medium. The ground-based air-cooling unit draws upon cooling capacity that has been stored previously within the thermal storage medium for cooling the interior cabin space. Storage of cooling capacity is performed during off-peak demand times and/or during low power cost times. System modularity supports cooling of variously sized aircraft even under extreme temperature conditions.
US07685833B2 Air conditioner
There is provided an indoor unit of an air conditioner, in which a front part of the indoor unit can be easily assembled and disassembled. The indoor unit includes: a main chassis forming a rear appearance; a front frame disposed at a front of the main chassis to form a front appearance; a heat exchanger disposed between the main chassis and the front frame; a fan for generating airflow through the heat exchanger; a suction grill detachably mounted at a front of the front frame; and a filter disposed at a front of the front frame, for filtering foreign particles from air, wherein the suction grill is fixed to the front frame by an elastic deformation.
US07685829B2 Process and device for producing a current of humid air
Process and device for generating a current of humid air having a defined relative humidity comprising the steps of generating a current of air in a tubing arrangement, generating hot water vapor, introducing the water vapor into the air current to generate flowing hot humid air, passing the hot humid air through a water separator while lowering the temperature of the humid air below the dew point temperature to generate saturated humid air having a defined temperature, heating the humid air coming from the water separator above the defined temperature to achieve a defined relative humidity, and discharging the humid air from the tubing arrangement as a current of humid air having a relative humidity of not less than 80%.
US07685827B2 Gas turbine cooling systems and methods of assembly
A method for operating a gas turbine engine, including a first compressor, a second compressor, and a turbine, coupled together in serial flow arrangement. The method includes channeling compressed airflow discharged from the first compressor through an intercooler having a cooling medium flowing therethrough, operating the intercooler such that condensate is formed in the intercooler from the compressed airflow, and channeling the condensate to an inlet of the first or second compressor to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of the gas turbine engine.
US07685826B2 Methods and apparatus for performing engine maintenance
A maintenance tool for a gas turbine engine includes a housing coupled to the gas turbine engine, and a drive portion inserted at least partially through the housing. The drive portion is configured to enable the gas turbine engine to be selectively rotated during non-operational periods. Moreover, the maintenance tool is coupled to the gas turbine engine during normal operation.
US07685824B2 Rotary ramjet turbo-generator
A Brayton-cycle rotary ramjet engine (10) operated within the confines of a helically elongated pass-through duct formed between a preferably stationary radially outward surface (14) and an outer rotating flow channel (36). The flow channel (36) is contoured between its inlet (34) and outlet (38) to include a supersonic diffuser (40), a combustor (42) and an expansion nozzle (44). Gaseous fuel, or liquid fuel atomized by a fuel slinger (58) within a housing (46), or solid fuel in the form of fine particulates, is inter-mixed with an oxidizer prior to being directed to the flow channel inlets (34). The air and fuel are combusted in the flow channels (36) and exhausted through the rear of the housing (46). A generator (22) can be coupled to a power shaft (18) to convert net shaft power into electricity. Preferably, the rotor (24) and stator (12) are fabricated from a ceramic or other high-temperature material so that combustor exit temperatures (T3) can be operated at highly efficient levels.
US07685821B2 System and process for base load power generation
A system and process are disclosed for converting thermal energy into power from three different compositional streams of a multi-component working fluid, one of the streams being a lean working fluid stream pressurized into its super-critical state before being vaporized in a heat recovery vapor generator, another stream is a rich working fluid steam and the third stream is an intermediate working fluid stream, where the system and process has increased overall efficiency.
US07685819B2 Turbocharged internal combustion engine system
The present invention relates to a turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE) system having fast response to increased power demand and reduced response time lag. The system includes a vortex tube for delivering cold air into the turbocharger compressor where it may be used to cool the impeller, and/or accelerate the impeller rotational speed, and/or favorably shift the compressor surge line at low speeds and high loads. Cold air from the vortex tube may be also used to operate an ejector pump in the intake duct which further compresses intake air and increases engine charge weight during periods of high power demand. In addition to increasing engine output power, delivery of cold air into engine intake also reduces engine pre-ignition (knocking) thereby reducing emissions. The invention also relates to a method for operating a turbocharged internal combustion engine.
US07685818B2 Connection of a free-piston stirling machine and a load or prime mover permitting differing amplitudes of reciprocation
The reciprocatable power piston of a free-piston Stirling machine is drivingly linked to a reciprocatable component body of an associated apparatus by at least one spring with no rigid connection linking the piston to the component body. The spring drive linkage allows the power piston and the reciprocatable component body of the associated apparatus to reciprocate at different amplitudes of oscillation. Therefore, the Stirling machine and the associated apparatus can be optimized at different amplitudes of piston and the component body oscillation thereby improving the optimization of two very different dynamic systems that are drivingly connected together.
US07685815B2 System and method for driver-initiated regeneration of a diesel particulate filter while a motor vehicle is parked
A system and method for driver-initiation of regeneration of a diesel particulate filter using a service brake pedal in a motor vehicle to reduce the risk that the vehicle will become unattended during on-going regeneration.
US07685813B2 LNT regeneration strategy over normal truck driving cycle
Partial denitrations are made practical by an SCR catalyst placed downstream of a NOx adsorber. The SCR catalyst permits partial denitrations to be extended to where a favorable fuel penalty rate presented by driving conditions can be utilized to a sufficient extent that the benefit of the favorable conditions is not offset by the increased start-up fuel penalty associated with conducting opportunistic partial denitrations. Regenerations, including both denitration and desulfations, can be initiated selectively based on a fuel penalty calculation. Examples of such calculations lead to methods in which opportunistic regenerations are based on low oxygen concentrations, condition existing while shifting gears, and throttling events for a diesel engine with a throttled air supply. The methods flexibly take advantage of driving conditions to reduce fuel penalties associated with regenerations. In one embodiment, driving conditions include future conditions predicted based on GPS and map data.
US07685808B2 Gas turbine engine assembly and methods of assembling same
A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a core gas turbine engine including a high-pressure compressor, a combustor, and a turbine, and coupling a counter-rotating fan assembly to the core gas turbine engine such that air discharged from the counter-rotating fan assembly is channeled directly into an inlet of the gas turbine engine compressor.
US07685804B2 Device for enhancing efficiency of an energy extraction system
A device is provided. The device is configured to introduce a pressurized flow along a Coanda profile and to entrain additional fluid flow to create a high velocity fluid flow; wherein the high velocity fluid flow is directed to an end use system through a flow path in flow communication with the device.
US07685798B2 Method and a unit for producing blister packs by cutting a blister band
A method and a relative unit (1) for producing blister packs (7) by cutting a blister band (4), according to which a band (4) with blisters (2) housing products is fed in a selected feeding direction (A), through subsequent stations: a band (4) verifying station, a closing station where the blister band is closed with a covering band, and to a cutting station (5) for cutting the closed blister band (4). In the cutting station (5), the closed blister band (4) is cut by progressive shearing, to obtain relative blister packs (7) detached from at least one strip (9a, 9b) or scrap longitudinal edge of the blister band (4). If portions of the blister band (4) considered unsatisfactory are detected in the control station, the subsequent shearing is performed partially or incompletely, so as to prevent detachment of the corresponding blister packs (8), considered faulty and destined to be rejected, from the strip (9a, 9b) of the band (4).
US07685795B2 Grip belt drive system
The present invention describes an improved grip belt drive system for use in sealing machines used to wrap articles in thermoplastic film. Briefly, a timing belt is used in place of the traditional flat or V belt. The presence of teeth on the pulleys, coupled with the use of a timing belt eliminates the possibility of slippage between the belt and the pulleys. To protect the system in the case of a film jam or misplaced article, a torque-limiting mechanism is included, which disengages the drive system if there is excessive counterforce. Furthermore, the outer surface of timing belt contains a pattern, which when mated with a second belt having the same or a complementary pattern, meshes in such a way so that the two belts are positively locked in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
US07685794B2 Apparatus for sterilization and filling of cup type container
Cup-shaped containers can be turned over and transferred with good stability from a sterilization-washing zone to the filling-sealing zone inside an aseptic chamber, and admixture of odor or microorganisms is prevented.The first conveyor 2 for conveying the cup-shaped container 38 in an inverted state and a second conveyor 3 for conveying the container in an upright state downstream of the first conveyor 2 are disposed in series in substantially the same plane inside a continuous aseptic chamber 1. A container supply device, a container sterilization device, and a container washing device are disposed successively along the first conveyor 2. A contents filling device 40, a lid material sealing device 41, and a device for discharging the sealed cup-shaped container are installed successively along the second conveyor 3. Sterilization and washing are performed in an inverted state, while conveying the container with the first conveyor 2. The washed container is turned over and transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor 3 and the contents filling and lid sealing are performed on the second conveyor.
US07685793B2 Evacuatable container
A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).
US07685791B2 Arm connection for a structural member
A structural member and method with an improved arm connection is provided that allows quick connection of an arm to the structural member. Bolts are inserted through aligned apertures in first and second thru-vangs, as well as an abutting arm bracket. A securement member is inserted through an aperture in the bolts that is transverse to the bolts. Last, an arm is secured to the arm bracket for support of electrical conductors strung thereon.
US07685789B2 Construction element and method for manufacturing it
Construction element for forming a reinforced concrete slab (2), consisting of the combination of at least a hardened concrete layer (3), at least a number of reinforcement elements (4) and elements (5) extending at least partially from the concrete layer (3) and defining cavities (6), whereby these elements (5) are designed to be covered with concrete (7) at a later stage characterised in that the above-mentioned elements (5) defining the cavities (6) consist of elements (5) which can be mutually nested as such.
US07685787B1 System and method for leveling or alignment of panels
A system for connecting and sealing panels comprising a bridge component with elevated and recessed surface features adapted to receive and bridge adjacent panels to form a weather-resistant seal and aesthetically pleasing appearance. By providing mating surface features to receive a side edge portion of an adjacent panel assembly, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may enable an improved lap joint to be established between adjacent backed panels.
US07685786B2 Fabric support frame section
A false ceiling panel frame, at least one side of this frame including, when viewed in cross section, a top wall and a side wall. The side wall includes an approximately vertical top section and a bottom section, the top section and the bottom section forming an angle in the external face of the panel frame.
US07685775B2 Combined sealing systems for sliding door/window
A combined sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame includes a first sealing system and a second sealing system. The first sealing system connects a first surface of the panel to a first surface of the frame, and the second sealing system connects a second surface of the panel to a second surface of the frame. The combined sealing system has an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. In the unlocked configuration, the panel moves relative to the frame along a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first or second surfaces of the frame. In the locked configuration, each of the first and second sealing systems separately prevent movement of the panel relative to the frame along the plane.
US07685771B2 Conservation plant pot
A plant pot system has at least one plant pot with side walls, an open top and a bottom wall for containing planted soil that receives a routine watering through the open top, the plant pot having two parallel rows of a number of through holes aligned circumferentially, each of the through holes being blocked by a removable closure; one or more additional pot members with the same number of through holes at levels corresponding to the through holes of the first plant pot; and at least one water leveling members for fluidly connecting any desired number of laterally disposed plant.
US07685768B2 Automated testing of seeds
An apparatus for the automated testing of seeds includes a testing device having a testing stage, for analyzing a seed delivered to the testing stage; and a conveyor for automatically individually conveying each of a plurality of seeds in a tray between individual compartments in the tray and the testing stage of the testing device.
US07685767B2 Automated system and method for harvesting and multi-stage screening of plant embryos
A method and system for automatically harvesting and screening plant embryos in multiple stages to identify those embryos that are suited for incorporation into manufactured seeds are provided. The method includes generally three steps. First, plant embryos are automatically sorted according to their rough size/shape and also singulated into discrete embryo units, for example by vibrational sieving. Second, the sorted and singulated plant embryos are classified using a first classification method. For example, each embryo may be imaged by a camera and the image is used to ascertain the embryo's more precise size/shape. Third, for those embryos that have passed the first classification method, a second classification method is applied. For example, a pre-developed classification algorithm to classify embryos according to their putative germination vigor may be applied to the same image used in the first classification method, to identify those embryos that are likely to germinate.
US07685765B2 Device for supporting plants and related method
A plant support device includes a base that connects to a supporting post. The base may comprise a plate including a series of receptacles that connect to the supporting post and position the post in a generally vertical orientation. The receptacles may be formed as cups extending from the base, or as recesses formed into the base. The base may be releasably connected to the floor of a container such as a flowerpot or planter. The base may further include spacers capable of creating an aeration gap within the container. The base may also include slots that limit the rotation of the base when positioned within the container. The supporting post may be formed from a series of axially connectable pole sections.
US07685764B2 Landscaping rings and related manufacturing methods
Methods of manufacturing multi-colored mulch pads include providing a mold; mixing together a rubber component, a binder and a first coloring agent to form a matrix having a first colored surface; and introducing a second coloring agent onto the matrix to create a multicolored skirt having a second colored surface opposite the first colored surface.
US07685760B1 Paintball marker sight apparatus
A sight apparatus for attachment to a paintball marker having two distinct reticles to assist with the placement accuracy of paintballs. The sight apparatus comprises a body, a first reticle and a second reticle. The first reticle is substantially transparent and includes a diameter line, at least two radius lines, and at least three segment lines extending from each of at least two radius lines. The second reticle is substantially transparent and has a rectangular outline.
US07685756B2 Vertical fore grip with bipod
Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
US07685755B1 Recoil system
A recoil reduction system having an elongated forend portion having a front end, a rear end, a left side wall, a right side wall and a bottom wall; and recoil reduction means attached to said forend, wherein said recoil reduction means further comprises a longitudinally extending rail extending downwardly from a bottom surface of said forend portion; and an upright oriented handgrip having a top end, a bottom end, a front end, and a primary chamber that extends upwardly within said handgrip, wherein a track is formed in said top end of said handgrip, wherein said rail is slidably received in said track to support said handgrip, and wherein said recoil reduction means is mounted in said primary chamber of said handgrip.
US07685754B1 Storm and hurricane signage
A wind resistant sign enabled with a release mechanism providing for the sign pivoting from a starting point about an axis when the sign is exposed to a user determined threshold wind speed and a mechanism for returning the sign to its starting point when the wind speed decreases below the threshold. The sign pivot is the sign support and can be horizontal or vertical. The sign release mechanism can be as simple as a frangible locking element which is broken under sufficient wind velocity, a lock requiring a human operator to open, a lock controlled by a sensor, such as an anemometer, or a locking element responsive to a radio signal from a remote location. The return mechanism can be as simple as a spring for small signs, or a torque unit, such as a motor, for signs up to hundreds or thousands of kilograms.
US07685749B2 Soil stripping device
The invention relates to a soil stripping device, in particular a trench wall grab, comprising a base body, which can be connected to a carrier implement, a work unit, on which soil working tools are arranged and which is supported on the base body in a rotatable manner by means of a bearing device, and a rotary device for rotating the work unit with respect to the base body. The rotary device has at least one linear drive and a rope or chain transmission, through which a linear movement generated by the linear drive can be translated into a rotating movement.
US07685744B2 Arch support insole
An insole for insertion into footwear, comprising a mid-foot portion and a heel portion; the mid-foot portion and heel portion being formed by a cushioning layer of a resilient material having a first hardness and which provides a cushioning function; and a cushioning insert comprised within a recess in said cushioning layer and extending down from said cushioning layer; said cushioning insert comprising a resilient material having a second hardness that is less than the hardness of the hardness of the cushioning layer.
US07685743B2 Article of footwear or other foot-receiving device having a fluid-filled bladder with support and reinforcing structures
Impact-attenuating elements, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving device products, may include: (a) a base member, such as a fluid-tight and/or other fluid-filled or fluid-containing enclosure element; (b) a support element integrally and contiguously formed in a surface of the base member; and/or (c) a spring device engaged with the support element. The support element and its corresponding spring device (if any) may include a non-planar surface (e.g., substantially parabolic shaped, cylindrically shaped, etc.) that extends in a direction into the base member and toward its opposite surface. The support element and its corresponding spring device (if any) also may include reinforcing structure(s), such as raised ribs extending along a surface of the support element and/or spring device.
US07685742B2 Impact-attenuation systems for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices
Impact-attenuation members, e.g., for use in footwear or other foot-receiving devices, include: (a) a first body member having a base region and three (or more) leg portions extending from the base region. A second body member, with similar leg portions, may be arranged facing the first member such that the free ends of the various leg portions lie adjacent one another. A retaining member may extend between and/or at least partially around the body members to at least partially hold them in place with respect to one another. Such impact-attenuation systems may be arranged in the heel (or other portions) of an article of footwear.
US07685741B2 Multilayered footwear
A shoe comprising a foot retaining portion having a heel area and having an interior side, the interior side sized and shaped to hold a foot and including an upper portion, the upper portion optionally lined with a pliable material; a first exterior insole layer having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the first exterior inside layer having an interior surface forming the bottom of the foot retaining portion and that is lined with pliable material; a second exterior insole layer having a heel strike pad sized and shaped to fit within the cut-out of the first exterior insole layer, the heel strike pad comprised of a material that absorbs and disperses heel strike forces; a third exterior insole layer sized to fit the foot retaining portion and having therein a cut-out adjacent the heel area of the foot retaining portion, the third exterior insole layer comprised of a material that provides foot cushioning; a fourth exterior insole layer adjacent the third exterior insole layer comprised of a material that provides foot tactile stimulation when foot pressure is applied thereto; an outsole layer adjacent the fourth exterior insole layer comprised of a material that provides outsole flexibility and skid resistance, the outsole layer having a heel with an optional depression therein; and an optional heel strike pad sized and shaped to fit within the depression of the heel of the outsole layer and comprised of a material that absorbs and disperses heel strike forces.
US07685739B2 Convertible dance shoe
An article of footwear having a street shoe configuration and a dance shoe configuration is provided. The shoe includes a sole and an upper having a lacing system, lace and a tongue. The tongue is removably attached to the upper. The tongue may be removed to convert the shoe from a street shoe configuration to a dance shoe configuration. The tongue may also be secured via a lace strung through an apertures formed in the tongue. This configuration provides for easier conversion from street shoe to dance shoe.
US07685736B2 Shoulder refacing indicator
The present invention is generally directed to shoulder refacing indicator. In one illustrative embodiment, the shoulder refacing indicator includes a body having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being formed at an included angle of 135 degrees relative to one another, the first side adapted to engage an engaging surface of a make-up shoulder of a pipe connector and the second side adapted to engage a tapered surface of the pipe connector. The shoulder refacing indicator further includes at least one scribe line formed on the body.
US07685735B2 Electronic calipers with adjustable digital display
An electronic calipers is provided with an adjustable digital display. In an embodiment the calipers includes an elongated body and a display member that pivots or rotates relative to the elongated body. The display member may include a base member, which is coupled with the elongated body for translational movement along at least a portion of a length of the elongated body, and a display coupled with the base member for pivotal movement between a first orientation and a second orientation. In other embodiments, the calipers includes a display portion that rotates on the body portion through an angle of about 360°. In some embodiments the display portion may be a generally annular-shaped member that rotates and/or translates on the elongated body.
US07685734B1 Pipe fitting template
A template allows a piping system installer to create a pipe fitting outline without requiring the installer to consult a manufacturer's catalog and without requiring the installer to plot dimensions with a measuring instrument. The template comprises marking holes corresponding to key locations of one or more pipe fittings. The installer marks the outline through template marking holes using a piece of chalk or other marking instrument. The installer removes the template and is left with an outline on the structure's surface comprising the pipe fitting's key locations. A set of fifty templates could cover almost all the needs of most installers with hundreds of different fitting dimensions covered in a set of fifty templates.
US07685731B1 Blade verification plates and method of use
A first plate includes an opening configured to be placed over a blade of a first rotor. A second plate includes an opening configured to be placed over a blade of a second rotor. Each plate includes a first pin configured to contact a leading edge of a blade located on one side of the blade in the opening and a second pin configured to contact a leading edge of a blade located on an opposite side of the blade in the opening, and a third pin configured to contact a leading edge of the blade in the opening. An indicator line is marked on the first plate and a pair of boundary lines marked on the second plate are spaced apart a distance indicative of an acceptable range for blade clocking between the first and second rotors when the indicator line is located between the boundary lines.
US07685729B2 Removable grade pin system
The removable grade pin system includes a base pin and a removable upper pin. The base pin is a rod that is driven into the ground within the concrete form, typically such that the head of the base pin is approximately two inches below the desired level of concrete. The upper pin is a rod with a hollow bore formed in its lower end having a diameter slightly larger than the head of the base pin so that the upper pin telescopes over the base pin. The upper pin has an annular plate or disc extending about its center or medial section to mark the desired level of the concrete. The upper end of the upper pin provides a handle to remove the upper pin when the desired level of concrete has been poured into the form. The position of the circular plate on the upper pin may be adjustable.
US07685727B2 Measuring device for garment tailoring, and related methods
A measuring device is provided for use in the preparation of custom garments. According to one embodiment, the device includes a flexible belt capable of being encircled about a body part of an individual, and a strap attachable fixedly to the belt. One or both of the belt and strap may be formed as closed continuous loops by molded brackets/blocks formed on the belt and strap. The belt and strap each contain a respective scale of measurement indicia. Also provided are several methods for utilizing the measuring device.
US07685724B2 Leveling device
A device includes a housing, a vial carried by the housing, a light source carried by the housing, and a base movably connected to the housing. The base and the housing have cooperating structures so as to allow movement of the housing and the base relative to each other along an arc. The base is mountable on a reference surface, and the light source is arranged to form a line of light on the reference surface.
US07685723B2 Measuring device
A laser device with a housing which features a beam outlet window (24), particularly a laser device with an electro-optical mechanism for generating a horizontal and/or vertical light beam, where the housing is at least partially enclosed by a protective covering (10). In order to provide secure protection for the beam outlet window without significantly altering the outer dimensions of the housing when the device is not in use, it is proposed that the protective covering (10) be pivotable about an axis that passes through the housing, and that it feature a first section which, depending on the pivot position of the protective covering, covers or exposes the beam outlet window (24).
US07685722B1 Compact celestial navigation device
A celestial navigation device. A full-featured embodiment is useful as a sundial and planisphere and for measuring, among other things, latitude, longitude, and for time to angle conversions. The device may have one or more rings and is based on a transparent circular tube having a gravity indicator, typically a ball or bubble, in the circular tube, which locates the lowest or highest point in the tube to indicate time or angle measurements against a corresponding scale. The device may have a 24-hour time scale, a calendar scale, and/or an angle scale. One embodiment includes a split analemma with separate north and south portions. Each analemma portion is used with a corresponding gnomon of a pair of gnomons, each on opposite sides of the tubular ring. A two-ring embodiment has an inner ring and outer ring rotatably slidable relative to one another. Two additional gnomons and star position marks may be provided for star sighting observations. The device has a hollow center and may be worn as a bracelet and may be constructed with precious metals and/or gems to enhance the value of the bracelet aspect.
US07685720B2 Razor handle and shaver including such a handle
A razor handle having a handle body and a lock/release mechanism that includes two arms, each having a bearing for pivotally connecting a shaving head, the arms extending substantially symmetrically on both sides of a medial axis, the arms being elastically biased opposite to one another toward a head locking position wherein the bearings are adapted to pivotally bear the shaving head, and the arms being movable toward one another into a head release position wherein the bearings are adapted to release the shaving head. The razor handle also includes a plunger which is movable between the two arms, substantially parallel to the medial axis, and a spring biasing the plunger away from the handle body, such that the plunger is adapted to cooperate with a cam surface belonging to the shaving head for biasing the shaving head toward a rest position.
US07685718B2 Deburr device
A deburr tool for deburring an end of a conduit includes a handle, cutting bit, and head. The handle is to grasp the deburr tool. The handle has a handle axis. The cutting bit includes a distal end, proximal end, body portion and a cutting profile. The body portion is generally cylindrical and has a bit axis. The cutting profile is generally “U” shaped and resides in a plane generally parallel to the bit axis. The cutting profile tapers from an opening disposed at the distal end to an arcuate base. The opening has a distance between a first side and a second side that exceeds a wall thickness of the conduit. The head rotatably secures the cutting bit to the handle. The bit axis coincides with the handle axis.
US07685717B2 Method for manufacturing a bearing raceway member
At least a race (1c) of a blank (B) for forming a bearing raceway member is hardened by heating and is finished to predetermined precisions. Subsequently, the race (1c) is roller burnished for additional hardening. The blank (B) is formed from a steel for bearing manufacture and is subjected to the roller burnishing, thereby achieving a hardness of HRC65 or more at a surface of the race (1c), and a center-line average roughness Ra of 0.1 μm or less at the surface of the race (1c) and achieving a hardness of HRC60 or more at the depth of at least 0.2 mm from the surface of (1c).
US07685713B2 Process to minimize turbine airfoil downstream shock induced flowfield disturbance
A process of designing a transonic airfoil that results in an exit deviation angle that is optimized to minimize downstream shock induced flowfield disturbances. Specifically, a design process of a transonic airfoil minimizes pitchwise variation in downstream static pressure that includes determining an airfoil exit deviation angle and downstream turning for reduced shock from a trailing edge of the transonic airfoil.
US07685712B2 Method for repairing a rubbing surface of a turbomachine variable-pitch blade
Method for repairing a rubbing surface of a variable-pitch blade of a turbomachine, consisting in filling a deficit of material of said surface of the blade that results from wear thereof by depositing a metallic product by electrolysis then in forming at least one thin layer of a hard material with a low coefficient of friction onto the deposited metallic product and on the surrounding part of said surface.
US07685710B2 Method for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for producing a piston (1) for an internal combustion engine. The inventive method comprises producing the base (4) from aluminum by a forging process, casting, by way of a composite casting process, a ring support (10) which is provided with a cooling channel (15) into an aluminum ring element (6), and then welding the ring element (6) with the base (4).
US07685709B2 Process for making a spring
A method of forming spring structures using a single lithographic operation is described. In particular, a single lithographic operation both defines the spring area and also defines what areas of the spring will be uplifted. By eliminating a second lithographic operation to define a spring release area, processing costs for spring fabrication can be reduced.
US07685708B2 Multipoint nanoprobe method of making
A nanoprobe includes a substrate having a layer, which forms a projected portion. A plurality of conductive lines is adhered to the projected portion and the lines extend beyond an end of the projected portion by a distance to form contact points, wherein the lines are connected to material of the projected portion to provide stiffness and the contact points provide flexibility during use.
US07685705B2 Method of fabricating a probe card
A probe card for testing dice on a wafer includes a substrate, a number of cantilevers formed on a surface thereof, and a number of probes extending from unsupported ends of the cantilevers. The unsupported ends of the cantilevers project over cavities on the surface of the substrate. The probes have tips to contact pads on the dice under test. The probe card may include a compressive layer above the surface of the substrate with a number of holes through which the probes extend.
US07685704B2 Method for manufacturing bump of probe card
A method for manufacturing a bump of a probe card is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the bump has a high aspect ratio, a high elasticity, a high durability suitable for testing a high speed device. The bump is formed using a sacrificial substrate as a mold to have a shape of Π or II for elasticity and durability.
US07685703B1 Method of making an essentially monolithic capacitor
A monolithic or essentially monolithic single layer capacitor with high structural strength and capacitance, a printed circuit board having the capacitor mounted thereon, and a method of making. Sheets of green-state ceramic dielectric material and glass/metal composite material are laminated together, diced into individual chips, and fired to sinter the glass and the ceramic together. The composite material contains an amount of metal sufficient to render the composite conductive whereby the composite may be used for one or both electrodes and for mounting the capacitor to the printed circuit board. Vertically-oriented surface mountable capacitors and hybrid capacitors are provided.
US07685702B2 Wire insertion tool for push-in wire connectors
A wire insertion tool for a push-in wire connector has a frame and a slide assembly mounted for reciprocating motion on the frame. The frame includes a carriage on which a push-in wire connector is mounted. The slide assembly carries a wire holder which mounts an electric wire opposite the wire connector. An actuator extends to advance the slide assembly and carry a wire in the holder in a direction parallel to the axis of the wire. Advancement of the wire holder inserts the wire into the connector. The wire holder is then released and the slide assembly is retracted to prepare for the next insertion cycle.
US07685695B2 Method of producing a speaker
A method of producing a speaker which is manufactured by bonding a plurality of speaker components, including steps of humidifying a joint portion which bonds at least two speaker components among the plurality of speaker components; and bonding the speaker components by humidifying the joint portion and thereafter painting a moisture-curable adhesive on the joint portion, to thereby reduce a time for bonding the speaker components by easily and quickly drying regardless of materials of the speaker components.
US07685694B2 Method for building a three dimensional object
A method for building a three-dimensional (3-D) object is provided. The method may include dispensing an interface material to form a lower part of the three dimensional object, inserting an insert into a recess present in the lower part and dispensing the interface material on the lower part to form the three dimensional object.
US07685693B2 Method of forming coating die with expansible chamber device
The disclosure relates to a method for forming a die having an applicator slot for translating an applicator liquid through the die. The slot is in fluid communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device, which may be regulated by a means for controlling the volume of the expansible chamber device. In some embodiments, the die has a single rectangular applicator slot, and the expansible chamber device is an expandable cylindrical tube disposed within the die cavity. In other embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be a compressible gas. In further embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be an incompressible liquid.
US07685690B2 Method and apparatus for attaching a fastener nut to a hydroformed part
Method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a hydroformed part remains in a hydroforming die cavity under hydroforming pressure while an attachable fastener nut is operated to pierce and form a collar in the part by forced insertion of the nut into the part and wherein the nut is fastened to the collar by friction welding, friction skip welding or mechanical locking depending on the form of the fastener nut.
US07685689B1 Garbage disposal installation tool
A garbage disposal installation tool for installing garbage disposal units under sinks providing two degrees of height adjustment that consists of a flat base portion, a hollow cylindrical housing portion that has an operable locking system attached to the base portion, a hollow cylindrical shaft portion sliding longitudinally inside the housing portion, wherein sliding position temporarily secured and locked by the locking system, a flat top platform portion having an externally threaded rod portion extending perpendicular to the top platform, and a rotatable lever bar nut having an internally threaded center through hole with screw threads matchingly corresponding with the threaded rod portion, wherein rotation of the lever bar nut causes axial motion of the externally threaded rod portion resulting in raising and lowering of the top platform portion.
US07685688B2 Forced puller
A forced puller includes a central seat having a threaded hole centrally defined therein and extending therethrough. The central seat has two opposite sides each having a rod perpendicularly extending therefrom relative to an axis of the threaded hole. Two hook members are respectively slidably mounted to a corresponding one of the two rods. Each hook member is formed with a hook engaged to a workpiece that is purposed to be detached. A main threaded rod is screwed through the threaded hole in the central seat. The main threaded rod has a polygonal head formed on a first end thereof for user to forcefully rotate the main threaded rod and a push portion is formed on a second end of the main threaded rod to securely and longitudinally abut against the workpiece after rotating the main threaded rod.
US07685687B2 Methods of making high capacitance density ceramic capacitors
Methods of making metal/dielectric/metal structures include casting copper slurry onto a fugitive substrate to form the first electrode and subsequently casting dielectric and copper slurries onto the first electrode, removing the fugitive substrate and co-firing the structure, wherein the dielectric comprises glass in an amount that is less than 20% by weight of the total inorganic composition and the dielectric achieves substantially complete densification. Alternatively, a metal tape and a dielectric tape, comprising glass in the above amount, may be formed and laminated together to form a metal/dielectric/metal green tape structure, which is co-fired, such that the structure achieves substantially complete densification.
US07685686B2 Method of producing a piezoelectric actuator and an ink-jet head
A method for a piezoelectric actuator and an ink-jet head uses, for forming a lower electrode on a vibration plate, metal-nano particles which can start to sinter with a low temperature as a conductive material; and uses, for forming a piezoelectric layer, an aerosol deposition method requiring no calcination step. Accordingly, upon forming the lower electrode and piezoelectric layer, any calcination under severe condition is not needed. In addition, the calcination of the lower electrode can be advanced simultaneously with an annealing step required after forming the piezoelectric layer. Accordingly, the thermal cycle during producing process can be minimized, thereby suppressing the exfoliation of layers and diffusion of material forming vibration plate into the piezoelectric layer due to thermal history, and consequently lower the degradation of piezoelectric characteristics.
US07685685B2 Seat belt with child resistant buckle
A seatbelt assembly with a buckle has male and female mating parts, in which the male part includes features to prevent disengagement operation by a child. The child resistant features include added ribs, webbing in the form of flanges or struts, or barbs or prongs that increase the difficulty for disengaging the buckle. The female part can have an arcuate outer surface to increase the overall durability of the buckle and resist damaging external forces or damaging misuse. The female part can also be provided with lateral shoulders to make the female part harder to withdraw and thus more child resistant. The seatbelt assembly with the child resistant buckle can be operated easily by an adult, while remaining secure from disengagement by a typical child.
US07685684B1 Line attachment system
An elongated shaft configured to receive the expeditious attachment of a line thereto, the shaft having adjacent to a first end a short length radially extending post, the shaft having a recess therein at the first end so that thereby the portion of the shaft from about the position of the post to the first end is tubular providing a tubular wall, and a V-shaped notch formed in the tubular wall, the notch extending from about the post to the shaft first end, the notch being configured to provide a portion of the tubular wall that is tooth-like, the post serving to receive a loop from a bight of the line after which the bight can be wrapped around the shaft and then looped in the notch and beneath the tooth-like portion, an end of the line extending out the shaft tubular end.
US07685681B2 Electronic apparatus
According to an aspect of the present invention, an electronic apparatus includes: a main body that has an input unit placed on a top surface of the main body; a display panel that has a display surface and a rear surface on an opposite side to the display surface; a hinge mechanism that joins the display panel to the main body, the hinge mechanism having a pivot shaft, a rotation shaft, and a pivot support member; an engagement part that is provided on the pivot support member; and a reception part that receives the engagement part. The reception part is provided on the main body, wherein the pivot shaft pivotably supports the display panel. The rotation shaft rotatably supports the display panel to be openable about an axis provided along one side of the display panel, and the pivot support member supports the pivot shaft and the rotation shaft.
US07685680B2 Rotatable slide hinge
A rotatable slide hinge has a stationary leaf, a moving leaf, a spring, a pivot pin assembly and a guide pin assembly. The stationary leaf has a top and a bottom. The moving leaf is mounted on the bottom of the stationary leaf, sliding and turning relative to the stationary leaf and has a top surface. The spring is attached to the top of the stationary leaf and has a stationary end and a moving end. The pivot pin assembly connects the stationary leaf and the moving leaf and allows the moving leaf to slide relative to the stationary leaf. The guide pin assembly extends through the moving end of the spring, the stationary leaf and the moving leaf to connect the stationary leaf, the spring and the moving leaf and allows the moving leaf to slide and turn relative to the stationary leaf.
US07685677B2 Single point hinge for a container
A single point hinge and a method of thermoforming a plastic container including a single point hinge include a lid, a tray, a single point hinge connecting the lid and the tray. The single point hinge includes an angle formed by a lid chamfer and a tray chamfer. The single point hinge further includes a lid well adjacent to the lid chamfer and a tray well ajdacent to the tray chamfer, and the lid connects to the lid well and the tray connects to the tray well.
US07685676B2 Living hinge
A living hinge includes a hinge body formed of a material. The hinge body has attachment edges and a flexing zone between the attachment edges defining a flexing axis. The material of the hinge body has at least one separation formed therein in the flexing zone. The at least one separation describes an angle with the flexing axis being other than 90°.
US07685674B2 Exhaust gas treatment
An attachment (10) for an inlet pipe (14) to a wet scrubber or other device comprises a sleeve (16) having an open end (18) adapted to be detachably connected to a flanged end (12) of the inlet pipe (14). A shaft (30) is moveable within the sleeve (16), and a scraper (34) is attached to one end of the shaft (30). The shaft (30) forms part of a pneumatic cylinder (40) attached to the other end of the sleeve (16). In use, the shaft (30) is reciprocally moved to cause the scraper (34) to dislodge particulates deposited within the pipe (14). Heated gas such as nitrogen or dry air is injected into the sleeve (16) to prevent scrubbing liquid from condensing within the sleeve (16) and thus inhibit particulate deposition therein.
US07685670B2 Motor apparatus and wiper motor apparatus
An input disk, a clutch disk and wave washers are installed to an output shaft to form an output shaft assembly of a motor apparatus. The input disk is axially non-detachable from the output shaft and is rotatable about an axis of the output shaft. The input disk is driven by a drive force supplied from a motor main body of the motor apparatus. The clutch disk is supported by the output shaft in such a manner that the clutch disk is non-rotatable relative to the output shaft and is axially movable along the output shaft relative to the input disk. The wave washers apply a resistive force against axial movement of the clutch disk from a coupled state, at which the input disk is coupled with the clutch disk to rotate together.
US07685669B2 Feed control device for plumbing tools
A snake feeding device comprises a base having opposite ends, an actuator pivotally mounted on the base, and first and second sets of drive rolls spaced apart in the direction between ends of the base. Each set includes a roll on the base and two rolls on the actuator for engaging a snake therebetween and displacing the snake relative to the base in the direction between the ends thereof in response to rotation of the snake. The actuator selectively displaces the rolls of each set relative to one another.
US07685667B2 Post-CMP cleaning system
A method and system for cleaning the wafer after CMP is disclosed. A brush module having at least two brushes placed adjacent to each other and having the wafer placed in between. A dummy roller is in contact with an edge of the wafer and follows a rotation of the wafer, wherein when the wafer is rotated, the brushes clean both sides of the wafer, and the dummy roller detects a rotation speed and a rotation direction of the wafer for adjusting the rotation of the wafer.
US07685661B2 Flexible pad support, such as enclosing one or more speakers and placeable underneath a pillow for providing a muffled and selectively audible alarm
A sound generating device having a flexible three-dimensional and substantially planar shaped body including a soft interior encased within a durable exterior covering. A pair of speakers are arranged within the body at first and second locations proximate an upper facing surface. The padded body is adapted to being placed underneath an existing cushion for delivering an audio output, and which is selectively audible to an individual whose head is supported upon the cushion.
US07685657B1 Automated rocking bassinet
An automated rocking bassinet apparatus includes a support that includes a first upper panel and a second upper panel. A plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from each of the first and second upper panels. A housing includes a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. A pair of receivers is attached to the housing. A pair of mountings is provided. Each of the first and second upper panels has one of the mountings attached thereto and each of the receivers receives one of the mountings to pivotally couple the housing to the support. A driver assembly is mounted in the first upper panel and selectively rocks the housing with respect to the support.
US07685653B2 Odor extraction system with fluid tank valve
Odor extraction system having a fluid tank valve, for extracting malodorous air from a toilet bowl and preventing discharge into the environment, a fan connected to the shaft of an electric motor disposed in a pipe chamber that is located between the free end of a suction piece and an outlet piece, where said suction piece is adapted for connecting to the flush pipe of the toilet bowl and where said outlet piece is joined to the sewer pipe, with said pipe chamber fluid tank valve adapted for airtight closure. The fluid tank valve is part of the pipe chamber, the fluid tank of the fluid tank valve having a suction opening and an outlet opening, with a closing mechanism joined to said suction opening, having a free end at the downstream extremity thereof, with said free end submerging into the fluid in the fluid tank with the free end rising from said fluid under the effect of pressure difference.
US07685651B2 Girdle underwear for men
An undergarment for men is formed with multiple layers of fabric materials attached together. A first fabric piece (10) is formed in a brief shape to have a front part (10c), a rear part (10d), a pair of side parts (10e) extending between the front and rear parts (10c, 10d), and a bottom part (10f) extending between a lower portion of the front part (10c) and a lower portion of the rear part (10e), the front part (10c) having a first elastic thread line (14) attached by stitching or sewing to a central area of the front, bottom, and rear parts (10c, 10f, 10e) to exert a suitable elastic force a genitalia region of the wearer. A second fabric piece (20) is attached externally to the first fabric piece (10), wherein the second fabric piece has a belt-like shape extending in a circumferential direction and covering a substantial portion of the first fabric piece (10) but not covering a central portion of the front part of the first fabric piece. A third fabric piece (30) is attached externally to the first and second fabric pieces (10, 20), wherein the third fabric piece is formed in a partial brief configuration having a front part, a rear part, a pair of side parts extending between the front and rear parts, and a bottom part extending from a lower portion of the front part and having a free end, in a shape such that, when attached to the first and second fabric pieces, the front and side parts cover substantially an entire area of the front and side parts of the first fabric piece, respectively, the rear part covers an upper portion of the rear part of the first fabric piece, and the bottom part covers substantially an entire area of the bottom part of the first fabric piece. The third fabric piece (30) preferably includes a second elastic thread line (32) attached by stitching or sewing to a central area of the front part of the third fabric piece.
US07685649B2 Surgical gown with elastomeric fibrous sleeves
A protective garment, such as a surgical gown, includes a garment body defining sleeves. A cuff may be secured at respective ends of the sleeves. An elastic fiber layer is disposed on the sleeves beginning at the sleeve or cuff. The elastic fiber layer has a high friction surface such that an end of a glove pulled over the elastic fiber layer is inhibited from rolling or sliding back over the elastic fiber and down the sleeve. The elastic fiber may be formed of a polyolefin or other polymers according to known processes and may include a dye or colorant that may be used to indicate the fluid protection level of, for example, a surgical gown.
US07690045B2 On-the-fly contents-based access control system
An access control system applies contents-based policies to data that is being transferred. This transfer can be between different computers, different operating systems on a single computer, different applications within on the same operating system, or different parts of the same operating system, for example. Data is scanned at a scan engine associated with a security reference monitor (SRM) as the data is being transmitted, on-the-fly. The data is forwarded directly to the recipient, so the data is not stored at the SRM. The data is encrypted at the SRM as it comes by, and the key is revealed to the recipient if it is subsequently determined that the transfer is allowed.
US07690043B2 System and method for connecting gaming devices to a network for remote play
A system and method for connecting remote player devices to regulated host gaming devices in a network to provide remote game play. A host gaming device is configured to provide game information to a plurality of remote player devices to allow remote play of the host game device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receive gaming data is based upon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote player device.
US07690039B2 Method and apparatus for content protection in a secure content delivery system
A system for secure delivery of on-demand content over broadband access networks utilizes a pair of servers and security mechanisms to prevent client processes from accessing and executing content without authorization. A plurality of encrypted titles are stored on a content server coupled to the network. An access server also coupled to the network contains the network addresses of the titles and various keying and authorization data necessary to decrypt and execute a title. A client application executing on a user's local computer system is required to retrieve the address, keying and authorization data from the access server before retrieving a title from the content server and enabling execution of the title on a user's local computer system.
US07690038B1 Network security system with automatic vulnerability tracking and clean-up mechanisms
In one embodiment, an antivirus system logs in-transit e-mails in a computer network. Upon receipt of an updated pattern file for an antivirus scan engine, the log may be checked to determine if the computer network has been exposed to a computer virus identified in the updated pattern file. If so, antivirus actions, such as antivirus scanning of a client computer that has been infected by the virus, may be remotely initiated.
US07690036B2 Special group logon tracking
A method of generating a computer user activity log for a user belonging to a specially monitored group includes allowing a user to logon to a local computer. The local computer verifying the user account credentials and creating a user logon session. A token is created by the local computer for identification of any group membership with which the user associated and also having the user access privileges. The group information in the token is compared with a specially monitored group list. The specially monitored group list may be obtained from a domain server or may be configured locally. If the user has membership in the specially monitored group, then a special logon session is created and activities of the user are recorded.
US07690027B2 Method for registering and enabling PKI functionalities
The present invention discloses a method of registering and activation of PKI functionalities in SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards by preprinting a number of sealed envelopes each containing an activation code hidden when unopened and a reference number or code visibly printed on the envelope. The reference number or code and the associated activation code of each envelope are stored in a table in a security server being integrated in or connected to the PKI. The user is provided one of the sealed envelopes together with an application form. The user is requested to fill in the reference code or number on the application form together with personal data, and this is transferred to the PKI and the security server. When the registration is approved by the PKI, approval information is transmitted to the user, requesting him to enter the activation code in his terminal. Simultaneously, the activation code associated with the reference code or number in the table and a Smart Card identity corresponding to the Smart Card of the user, are provided to an Activation Module in the PKI. Upon entering of the activation code in the terminal, the activation code together with the Smart Card identity is transmitted from the terminal to the Activation Module. Upon receipt of the activation code and the Smart Card identity, the Activation Module determines if the received activation code and Smart Card identity match those previously provided by the security server, and if so, the Activation Module executes the necessary procedure for enabling the PKI part of the Smart Card.
US07690025B2 Methods and systems for accessing a network-based computer system
A method for accessing a network-based computer system utilizing a server system that is coupled to a centralized database and at least one client system. The method includes the steps of entering at a client system a single sign on identification (SSO ID) and a single sign on password (SSO password) assigned to a user, receiving at the server system the user's SSO ID and SSO password, authenticating the SSO ID and SSO password by transmitting the SSO ID and SSO password to the database, displaying on the client system after authenticating the entered SSO ID and SSO password each computer system that the user is permissioned to access, selecting a computer system to be accessed by the user, randomly generating a user password at the server system for accessing the selected computer system, transmitting a user identification (user ID) and the randomly generated user password from the server system to the selected computer system; and accessing the selected computer system by the user.
US07690022B2 Video distribution system for digital and analog subscribers
A cable distribution system with distributed architecture that can accommodate both digital and analog subscribers. Each home has at least one Room Interface Unit (RIU), one for each television. There is a local service module associated with a group of RIUs (e.g., one for every ten RIUs). There is also a local headend in the vicinity. The local headend has a block of integrated tuner/receiver/decoders that can be controlled to tune in a selected video channel. The selected video channels and a group of standard channels are multiplexed and sent to the local service modules where a group of programmable converters (one for each RIU) place the channel selected by its corresponding RIU at a predetermined frequency. Each of the RIUs associated with a particular local service module receive the corresponding channel. Depending upon whether the subscriber has subscribed to digital or analog service, they will have either a digital or an analog RIU. The analog RIU may include a bandpass filter while the digital RIU may include one or more IRDs. Forward and return DOCSIS channels are also provided.
US07690017B2 Control system and user interface for network of input devices
Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system. The user interface, which includes a visual recognition system, enables the user to transparently control multiple input devices over a variety of protocols while operating on a single control layer of an input command device. In an alternative embodiment, the control system also enables gated signal pass-through control while avoiding signal jamming.
US07690009B2 Electromagnetic field generating element, information recording/reproducing head and information recording/reproduction apparatus
An electromagnetic field generating element restrains magnetic field attenuation or magnetic field delay in a high frequency recording/reproducing head for thermally assisted magnetic field recording/reproduction using a near field. An information recording/reproducing head and an information recording/reproducing apparatus carry out high frequency magnetic recording/reproduction. The electromagnetic field generating element includes: (i) a substrate, (ii) conductors each provided on the substrate and each serving as a supporting section, (iii) a plate-like-shaped conductor provided on the conductors and (iv) a semiconductor laser element provided on the substrate. The semiconductor laser element irradiates laser light to the plate-like-shaped conductor substantially parallel to an extending flat surface of the plate-like-shaped conductor. This causes generation of a near field in the plate-like-shaped conductor. In addition, a magnetic field is generated by supplying a current to the plate-like-shaped conductor.
US07690005B2 Bluetooth TDI and winsock interface
A method, apparatus, and computer program product provide applications and application developers with generic access from user mode to the L2CAP layer of Bluetooth by exposing the L2CAP layer to user mode via a socket interface. In particular, a kernel mode primary component and user mode helper component cooperate to expose a Winsock interface to user mode components, and to manage various Bluetooth-specific functions and operations, allowing a user mode user application to access Bluetooth functionality without providing Bluetooth-specific commands or actions, and without being required to use RFCOMM.
US07690003B2 System and method for increasing data throughput using thread scheduling
A system and method for delivering data from a device driver to an application increases the usage of synchronous processing (fast I/O mode) of data requests from the application by utilizing thread scheduling to enhance the likelihood that the requested data are available for immediate delivery to the application. If the amount of data in a data queue for storing data ready for delivery is low, the thread scheduling of the system is modified to promote the thread of the device driver to give it the opportunity to place more data in the data queue for consumption by the application. The promotion of the thread of the device driver may be done by switching from the application thread to another thread (not necessarily the device driver thread), boosting the device driver's priority, and/or lowering the priority of the application, etc.
US07690000B2 Metadata journal for information technology systems
The metadata journal service records changes to an information system through client devices that send changes made to objects for recording in a server. A client calls the server when a metadata event is raised. A metadata event may be raised when an object is modified, created, or deleted. The client sends the object identifier of object involved in the metadata event to the server, along with schema objects and operations associated with the object. The server generates a unique key for the metadata event, and stores the objects along with their associated schema objects and operations in the metadata journal. The journal may be searched and queried to provide metadata analysis, such as lineage or impact analysis for an object in the system.
US07689998B1 Systems and methods that manage processing resources
The present invention provides a port-based technique to manage processing resources that can be utilized by an Operating System. The systems and methods consider time parallelism and pre-emption through sends, receives, and execution context, wherein scheduling of execution units occurs via (aperiodic and/or periodic) communication rather than time slicing. The systems and methods employ a resource manager that listens behind a port associated with a processor, which enables the processor to transition to a reduced power consumption state. When a request for processing resources arrives at the port, the resource manager can allocate the processing resources, wake the processor, and/or return a communication, which can include a location of allocated memory and an execution context of the processor, to a reply channel. Alternatively, the resource manager can preempt the request to mitigate processing resources consumption.
US07689996B2 Method to distribute programs using remote Java objects
A distributed Java virtual machine method and system for managing distributed heterogeneous network nodes to timely and efficiently meet demand for service requests. Upon receipt of a request for service, Java workload manager (JWLM) of the present invention classifies the request into a particular type of service, places the work on a logical queue to be executed. Routing queues place the work on one of many available nodes. The work is distributed to the nodes based on accounting, availability and past performance of all nodes considered. Changes are made periodically to the system to meet demands for service and/or conserve resources. JWLM of the present invention learns the needs of programs over time and does not require the intervention of a system administrator. The system does not rely on system specific metrics. JWLM may use performance metrics. Additionally, the present invention allows objects to be distributed and run on distributed workstations by distributing work through the cluster of workstations, while behaving as if it were initiated locally on the machine on which it runs. The similar type of work sent to different workstations may have the same class names, and the classpath may hold different implementations of that object at a particular workstation. Thus, at dynamic compilation time, if a platform has a more efficient feature than others, a work unit is dynamically compiled with the more efficient feature.
US07689990B2 Method, system and program for managing executable tasks
Disclosed herein are a data processing system implemented method, a data processing system and an article of manufacture for managing a plurality of data processing system executable tasks each having a script associated therewith. The data processing system includes a task selector for selecting, from the plurality of computer executable tasks, a selection of tasks, a script selector for selecting scripts, the selected scripts associated with the selected selection of tasks, and a script editor for editing the selected scripts, the edited selected scripts being executable by the data processing system.
US07689985B2 Versioning support for drivers frameworks
The subject invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate automatic version level updates of driver components in the context of an operating system framework. In one aspect, an automated computer versioning system is provided. The system includes a version library supplying various components of an operating system framework, wherein the version library defines revision levels and interfaces for the components of the operating system framework. A loader automatically distributes the interfaces in order to facilitate functional interactions with the operating system framework, whereby such distribution of the interfaces is based in part on a change in the revision levels.
US07689981B1 Mobile handset with efficient interruption point detection during a multiple-pass update process
A mobile handset with a fault tolerant update agent employs an efficient interruption point detection technique to recover from interruptions during the update of firmware or software. In one embodiment, the update agent updates firmware and/or software employing a plurality of transforms, each transform employing one pass or a subset of one pass to execute, each pass associated with its own bank order and with its own decision maker bank (for recovery following a fault, such as power failure). The devices and method disclosed are applicable to other electronic devices such as, for example, personal digital assistants (PDAs), personal computers (PCs), pagers, and the like.
US07689979B1 Methods and apparatus to improve application launch time
Modification of source code reduces a launch time associated with an application program so that the application program more quickly responds to input from a user after startup. One technique of modifying source code includes converting globally defined variables in the source code to local static variables associated with respective newly created functions. Inclusion of the globally defined variables in the source code impacts application launch time because a compiler creates initialization code associated with the globally defined variables that must be run at launch time to initialize the variables in case they are used by functions in the application program. On the other hand, local static variables are initialized when the function that contains them is first called. Thus, use of local static variables in respective newly created functions in lieu of globally defined variables reduce application program launch time.
US07689972B2 System and method for producing software patches
A system and method for last known good (LKG) for patches. A file cache is created to store binaries which have shipped as part of a previous wide public release—security fixes (GDRs) and service packs. There are two levels of cache, including an SP cache which keeps all of the files which were shipped as part of the service pack, and a GDR cache which keeps all of the files shipped in the GDRs. Customers do not need to download all of the binaries contained in a package when they already have the version of the dependent binaries on their system when they get the new patch. Customers only need to test the binaries which have changed, rather than everything in the new package, which speeds up the deployment of critical patches.
US07689970B1 System and method for generating source code from a graphical model
A graphical user interface that enables a user to create and specify the properties of custom storage classes is disclosed. The characteristics of each storage class are specified via parameter settings accessible from the graphical interface. Each custom storage class designed through the interface is defined by a combination of parameter settings. A code preview window in the graphical interface displays salient aspects of the source code references to model data given the selected parameter settings. The display is shown dynamically and adjusted to reflect subsequent changes in parameter settings.
US07689968B2 Proximity effect correction with regard to a semiconductor circuit design pattern
A pattern correction apparatus for performing both of optical proximity effect correction and process proximity effect correction with regard to a design pattern includes: a correction calculation means configured to perform correction calculation by two-dimensional model-based optical proximity effect correction for each of sampling points set on pattern edges which form the design pattern; the correction calculation means performing the correction calculation which involves weighting with a two-dimensional distribution of the pattern edges around the sampling point taken into consideration; the weighting being performed such that a high weight is applied to a region in which reaction products which can have an influence on the sampling point are produced but a low weight is applied to any other region.
US07689965B2 Generation of an extracted timing model file
A system, apparatus and method for generating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. Various types of data and fields may be provided into the user interface or data template. The location of relevant files, such as a cell or core netlist, may be provided within the template. Additionally, one or more modes may be selected by the user to define the manner in which the ETM file(s) are to be generated. An ETM file is automatically generated using the information provided in the data template.
US07689963B1 Double diamond clock and power distribution
Systems and methods of double diamond clock and power distribution. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, an integrated circuit comprises a first metallization layer. that is substantially a power plane and a second metallization layer disposed immediately adjacent to the first metallization layer. The first metallization layer and the second metallization layer are separated by an inter-plane distance. A signal trace on the first metallization layer is separated from the power plane by about three times the inter-plane distance.
US07689962B2 Extracting high frequency impedance in a circuit design using an electronic design automation tool
Exemplary impedance extraction methods, systems, and apparatus are described herein. In one exemplary embodiment, for instance, a signal-wire segment of a circuit layout is selected. A predetermined number of return paths are identified for the selected signal-wire segment. The selected signal-wire segment and the identified return paths are further segmented into a plurality of bundles, which comprise signal-wire subsegments and one or more associated return-path subsegments that are parallel to and have the same length as the signal-wire subsegments. Loop inductance values and loop resistance values are determined and stored for the signal-wire subsegments in the bundles for at least one frequency of operation. Computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods or storing data or information created or modified using any of the disclosed techniques are also disclosed.
US07689958B1 Partitioning for a massively parallel simulation system
A method involves building an intermediate form data flow graph (IFgraph) from an intermediate form data flow tree (IFtree) associated with the logic design, partitioning the IFgraph across at least three levels of granularity to obtain a partitioned IFgraph, wherein partitioning the IFgraph involves balancing a set of nodes of the IFgraph into a first subset and a second subset, wherein each of the first subset and second subset are within a predefined constraint of the cycle-based system, and wherein the balancing is performed on at least one of the levels of granularity, and rewriting the IFtree based on the partitioned IFgraph.
US07689955B1 Register retiming technique
An electronic automation system performs register retiming on a logic design, which may be a logic design for a programmable logic integrated circuit. Register retiming is a moving or rearranging of registers across combinatorial logic in a design in order to improve a maximum operating frequency or fmax. In one implementation, the system includes machine-readable code, which may be stored on a computer-readable medium such as a disk, executing on a computer. The system balances timing in order to trade off delays between critical and noncritical paths. Register retiming may make changes to a design at a gate level.
US07689953B1 Method and apparatus for determining cell-based timing elements from a transistor-level design
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining cell-based timing elements based on a transistor-level circuit design. The method may include accessing information indicative of a transistor-level circuit design determining at least one component of at least one cell based on the information indicative of the transistor-level circuit design, and determining at least one time delay associated with the transistor-level circuit design based on said at least one component of at least one cell.
US07689949B1 Evaluating Green's functions for modeling multilayer integrated circuits
A method of modeling an integrated circuit includes: specifying a layout for the integrated circuit, wherein the layout includes a plurality of devices arranged in a plurality of layers and a plurality of connections between the layers; specifying locations for a source point and an observation point for the integrated circuit; determining a plurality of static images for the source point and the observation point; determining a plurality of discrete complex images for the source point and the observation point; determining a Green's-function value for the source point and the observation point by combining the static images and the discrete complex images; and saving at least some values based on the Green's-function value.
US07689948B1 System and method for model-based scoring and yield prediction
Methods and systems for the integration of models and accurate predictions to score the circuit design, which translates to a more accurate and less complex yield prediction. In the present inventive approach, the computer-implemented methods and systems use at least one processor that is configured for performing at least predicting a physical realization of a layout design based at least in part on one or more model parameters, determining one or more hotspots associated with the layout design, determining a score for each of the one or more hotspots associated with the layout design, and categorizing the one or more hotspots according to at least the score in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the methods or the systems further use at least one processor for the act of determining one or more hotspots by using at least the design intent or the manufacturing information.
US07689946B2 High-performance FET device layout
A fast FET and a method and system for designing the fast FET. The method includes: selecting a reference design for a field effect transistor, the field effect transistor including a source, a drain, a channel between the source and drain, a gate electrode over the channel, at least one source contact to the source and at least one contact to the drain, the at least one source contact spaced a first distance from the gate electrode and the at least one drain contact spaced a second distance from the gate electrode; and adjusting the first distance and the second distance to maximize a performance parameter of the field effect transistor to create a fast design for the field effect transistor.
US07689945B2 Product reliability analysis
In one embodiment, a first set of inputs which describe aspects of a device may be received. A second set of inputs may be automatically provided for a group of assessments, included in an analysis, based on the first set of inputs and information in at least one database. An analysis may be performed based on the second set of inputs to assess the reliability of the device. A report may be generated based on the performed analysis.
US07689940B2 Method and apparatus for allocating data paths
A method and apparatus to produce high-level synthesis Register Transfer Level designs utilises a trade-off between power dissipation and area usage in data path allocation. Power dissipation and area constraints and a priority between them are input. An algorithm automatically decides the number of registers that are to be used, according to the specified priority and constraints specified. Power management formulations can be used to gear the allocation process to trade lower power management costs for equivalent savings in register areas. Multi-criteria optimisation Integer Linear Programming is utilised with heuristically determined power and area weightings to suit different predefined requirements of the chip design. Bipartite weighted Assignment is used to determine the number of registers to be used at every stage, through cost formulations and the Hungarian Algorithm.
US07689939B1 Software application break through a screen blanker
The present invention is directed to a personal computer that includes: a display device 316 for displaying image information and a processor 312 operable when the display device 316 is in a screen saver mode to (a) receive, from an application, at least part of which is executing on the personal computer 216, notification of the occurrence of an event; (b) determine if the event is a member of a defined set of events; and (c) when the event is a member of the defined set of events, display on the display image information associated with the event, wherein the displaying function occurs while the display is in the screen saver mode.
US07689936B2 Process for selecting and handling objects in a computer-aided design system
Several elements are displayed on a computer display. The user is provided with a haptic device, for moving a cursor over the display. Distances between the cursor and the various elements are computed; the element with the smallest distance is highlighted on the display. When the user moves the haptic device, the identified element is changed, according to the distance between the cursor and the various elements. The user selects the identified element by actuating a select button. The invention makes it possible for the user to select one of the displayed elements, without having to move the cursor over the element to be selected. No prior knowledge of the shape of the elements is required for carrying out the selection process.
US07689935B2 Method, apparatus and article of manufacture for displaying content in a multi-dimensional topic space
A computer system utilizing software to map content by determining a field of relevance and at least one topic in the field of relevance is presented. The system determines at least one content pertaining to the topic, retrieves a representation of the content and maps the representation of the content onto the field of relevance. Then, it provides an extremely flexible presentation mechanism where the content is organized by multi-dimensional mappings to present the information effectively. One of the features allows a vector to be assigned to each entity, queries a user or software agent for a particular focal element and displays the multiplicity of distinguishable entities based upon the assigned vectors utilizing the focal vector as a reference point to view the information. The system facilitates the organization of results of database interrogations, web searches and other large data situations, creating a multi-dimensional topic space of content. The invention represents a novel, unique approach that matches nicely with the requirements of the Internet to efficiently examine the results from search engines in an efficient manner.
US07689934B2 Method of scrolling through a document
The invention relates to a data processing system enabling a user to view or edit a document. When the user scrolls the document over a relatively large distance within a short time period, the system automatically adjusts the zoom factor so as to provide the user with a better overview during scrolling. When the user has finished scrolling, the zoom factor may be reinstated to its initial value.
US07689932B2 Maintenance of shortcut keys in a mobile device
A device and method provide for maintenance of a shortcut key to an application accessible at the device. The method includes assigning a first application to a shortcut key at a device, wherein the shortcut key at the device is a button on the device; storing an identifier of the first application to a first file at the device; determining if the first application at the device assigned to the shortcut key remains executable at the device; if the first application is determined to be unexecutable at the device, assigning a second application to the shortcut key at the device, wherein an identifier of the second application is stored in a second file at the device, and further wherein the second application is executable at the device.
US07689930B2 Navigation of an N-dimensional hierarchical structure using a 2-dimensional controller
A system and method for navigating a multi-hierarchical menu system using a two-dimensional controller, comprising displaying an Nth level of the multi-hierarchical menu system having a plurality of icons in proximity to a pointer on a portion of a display, scrolling the icons in a first dimension relative to the pointer responsive to operating the controller in the first dimension, and one of either selecting one of the icons in closest proximity to the pointer responsive to operating the controller in a first direction of a second dimension, or displaying a N+1th level of the multi-hierarchical menu system relative to one of the icons in closest proximity to the pointer responsive to operating the controller in an opposite direction of the second dimension.
US07689924B1 Link annotation for keyboard navigation
A computer navigation system and method has one or more interactive links displayed on a display connected to a computer appliance, and one or more visual linktags associated with individual ones of the one or more interactive links, the linktags displaying one or more numbers, characters or symbols, the system enabled to initiate an interactive link in the display upon user input of one of the numbers, characters or symbols in a linktag.
US07689923B2 Framework for creating user interfaces for web application programs
A framework is disclosed for generating user interfaces for application programs, such as web application programs. The framework may provide a first set of database tables to define screens including tables that describe components, screen layout, component configuration, application model assignment, and/or event handling. The framework may further provide a first set of transactions for maintaining the first set of database tables and hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) response means for generating the web pages by accessing the first set of database tables.
US07689920B2 Parental control graphical user interface
Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for restricting the availability of media items and/or podcasts are also disclosed. The graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for a system that provides purchase and distribution of media in a client-server environment.
US07689919B2 Requesting computer user's context data
Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is modeled with multiple state attributes. In some situations, the providing includes receiving from first and second sources indications of an ability to supply values for, respectively, an indicated one of the state attributes and another of the state attributes. In such situations, the providing also includes, in response to receiving a request from a first client for a value of the indicated one attribute, determining that the first source is available to supply the value, obtaining the value from the first source, and supplying a value obtained from the first source to the first client.
US07689917B2 Automatically generating a sub-graphical program in response to user input configuring a graphical program node
A system and method for configuring a node in a graphical program by programmatically generating graphical source code associated with the node. The node may initially have no functionality or may have default functionality and may be able to take on different functionality in the graphical program, depending on configuration user input received. User input specifying desired functionality for the node may be received via a GUI. Graphical source code may then be programmatically generated for the node, such that the node is operable to implement the specified desired functionality when the graphical program is executed. Since the graphical source code associated with the node is generated programmatically, a “minimal” amount of graphical source code may be generated.
US07689913B2 Managing internet pornography effectively
A process of managing Internet pornography based on detection of the phrase “18 U.S.C. 2257 Record-Keeping Requirements Compliance Statement” or a discernable variation. The top level domain “xxx” may instead or in addition be examined.
US07689912B2 Managing electronic documents utilizing a digital seal
A method for storing electronic documents can include associating a digital seal with at least one electronic document. An image within a user interface can be displayed, wherein the image is a user selectable representation for the digital seal. At least one metadata attribute can be stored as a characteristic related to the digital seal. A storage characteristic of at least one electronic document can be modified based on one or more of the metadata attributes.
US07689908B2 Method and system for a target device display simulation
A method of viewing a high resolution display on a low resolution development system display for a digital device includes selecting a target device and identifying an image form for the selected device. An image form displays a realistic form of the selected target device. A form factor is selected which represents the display capabilities of the target device. The image form size is adjusted such that the developer may see text in proper proportion to the image form so as to simulate the look of the high resolution display of the target device. Object code for the target device is generated which contains the proper font size to correspond to the image form and font on the development display.
US07689897B2 Method and device for high speed testing of an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit and a method for testing an integrated circuit. The method includes providing a first high frequency clock signal sequence to a first group of components of an integrated circuit during a test sequence; characterized by receiving, by a first memory circuit within the integrated circuit, at a low reception rate, a first high frequency signal pattern information and a first low frequency signal pattern information; generating the first high frequency clock signal sequence in response to a first high frequency clock signal and in response to the first high frequency signal pattern information; wherein the first high frequency signal pattern information is being retrieved at a first high retrieval rate from the first memory circuit; and generating a first low frequency clock signal sequence in response a first low frequency clock signal and in response to the first low frequency signal pattern information; wherein the first high frequency signal pattern information is being retrieved at a low retrieval rate from the first memory circuit.
US07689896B2 Minimal hardware implementation of non-parity and parity trellis
Minimal hardware implementation of non-parity and parity trellis. More than one type of trellis can be represented using a minimal amount of hardware. In magnetic recording systems and other communication systems types, there is oftentimes a need to switch between trellises which support parity and ones which do not. Rules are presented herein which will ensure joint representation of more than one trellis while requiring minimal additional hardware when compared to representing only one trellis. To represent the non-parity trellis, emanating states, resultant states, and one or more expansion states (if needed) are all that is required. Any expansion states may also need to have its path metric and path memory corresponded to one of the resultant states to ensure proper detection according to the non-parity trellis.
US07689893B1 Iterative reed-solomon error-correction decoding
Systems and methods are provided to correct errors occurring in a decision-codeword that is generated by a detector. A decoder determines whether errors in the decision-codeword are of a degree that exceeds the correction capability of a Reed-Solomon error-correction code. If they are, the decoder iteratively modifies the decision-codeword to reduce the number of errors therein. In each iteration, the decoder generates an error indicator using one or more error indicators from a previous iteration and uses the error indicator to perform error detection and correction operations.
US07689892B2 System and method for adaptive low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding
A method of adaptive error correction coding includes processing data during a connection between a transmitting entity and a receiving entity, where the data is processed in accordance with a predetermined coding scheme. More particularly, processing data includes encoding one or more sequences received by an error correction encoder of the transmitting entity, or decoding one or more block codes received by an error correction decoder of the receiving entity. During the connection, then, the method includes selecting or receiving a selection of feedback code information. Thus, during at least a portion of the connection, the data processing is switched to processing data in accordance with a parity-check coding technique based upon the feedback code information.
US07689891B2 Method and system for handling stuck bits in cache directories
A method of handling a stuck bit in a directory of a cache memory which detects an error in a stored tag having an address field, a state field and an error-correction field, determines that the error is associated with a stuck bit of the directory member, marks the directory member as defective, and casts out corrected address information. The error is detected during processing of a cache directory access request, and is determined to be associated with a stuck bit of the directory member by attempting to correct a first error and then detecting a second error after the first correction attempt. The address information is cast out by routing a surrogate tag contained in a surrogate member of the cache directory through error-correction pipeline circuitry while transmitting the address information from the surrogate member to a cast-out machine.
US07689876B2 Real-time optimized testing of semiconductor device
A method and system for testing a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method provides an integrated test program defined by a plurality of test items, and a test program defined by a sub-set of the test items. Test data is derived by batch sample testing of the semiconductor device, and an error rate for a test item is computed and then compared to a reference data value. On the basis of the comparison between the error rate and the reference data value, the test program may be modified in real-time.
US07689870B2 Efficient and flexible trace trigger handling for non-concurrent events
A method and system for creating trace triggers from non-concurrent events, the system comprising: a trace trigger mechanism including: a plurality of multiplexers for breaking down a plurality of signals into a plurality of groups of signals; a pattern match mechanism for matching the plurality of signals to form a plurality of events, and a trace array trigger control block to perform one or more functions on the plurality of independently controlled events in order to create flexible trace trigger controls from non-concurrent events to control the starting and stopping of a data gathering function such as is used to capture trace data.