| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07691299B2 |
Process for production of expanded polytetrafluoroetylene products
Disclosed are expanded polytetrafluoroethylene products, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene tubes, having high axial tear strength and a process for their production. Each expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product has a microstructure, which comprises fibrils and nodes interconnected with each other by the fibrils, and has an axial tear strength of not lower than 6,000 gf/mm as calculated in accordance with the following formula: L/[T×(V/100)] where L (gf) is an axial tear load, T (mm) is a wall thickness, and V (%) is a volume ratio of resin. The process for the production of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product includes a high-speed extrusion step. |
| US07691297B2 |
Process for the manufacture of powderous preparations of fat-soluble substances
In a process for the manufacture of beadlet preparations of fat-soluble substances in a water-soluble or water-dispersible non-gelling matrix, an aqueous emulsion of the fat-soluble substance(s) and the matrix component are fed through a spray nozzle in the upper section of a vertical spray tower. Through separate inlets powderous starch and a stream of hot air are also fed in the upper section of the vertical spray tower. A stream of cold air is fed in the lower section of the spray tower so as to form a fluidised bed of starch-covered beadlets comprising the matrix component as well as the fat-soluble substances. The beadlets are collected from the fluidised bed and are discharged to a dryer. |
| US07691289B2 |
Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of using the compositions, and methods of using the compositions and materials
Compositions, materials incorporating the compositions, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composition includes a metal nitrate selected from d-block metal nitrates and f-block metal nitrates and a metal salt having weakly bound counter anions. The metal of the metal salt having weakly bound counter anions is selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. Another embodiment of the composition includes a first polyoxometalate having a first metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal and a second polyoxometalate having a second metal selected from a d-block metal and an f-block metal. The first metal being an open coordinate site of the first polyoxometalate. In addition, the first metal has a nitrate terminal ligand. The second metal being an open coordinate site of the second polyoxometalate. In addition, the second metal has a halide terminal ligand. |
| US07691288B2 |
Thick film getter paste compositions with pre-hydrated desiccant for use in atmosphere control
The invention is directed to a process for making screen-printable getter composition comprising: (a) glass frit; and (b) pre-hydrated desiccant material; dispersed in (c) organic medium. The present invention further relates to a getter composition utilizing low-softening temperature glasses comprising, based on weight %, 1-50% SiO2, 0-80% B2O3, 0-90% Bi2O3, 0-90% PbO, 0-90% P2O5, 0-60% Li2O, 0-30% Al2O3, 0-10% K2O, 0-10% Na2O, and 0-30% MO where M is selected from Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mg and mixtures thereof. The glasses described herein may contain several other oxide constituents that can substitute glass network-forming elements or modify glass structure.The desiccant material is pre-hydrated to reach its saturation level of moisture absorption. The process of pre-hydration can be done by exposing the desiccant in a normal temperature/humidity environment of for example, 25° C. and 50-60% RH. For 24 to 48 hours or up to the time when weight gain (due to moisture absorption) stops increasing. An accelerated hydration process in a chamber with higher than normal humidity level (i.e. 50% Relative Humidity) is also applicable to shorten the time of exposure to fully hydrate the desiccant material. |
| US07691283B2 |
Surfactant-based composition
A water-addition-type surfactant-based composition, containing: at least one of a fatty acid sodium salt and/or potassium salt, as a surfactant component; and at least one of N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamic acid tetrasodium salt, L-aspartate-(N,N)-diacetic acid tetrasodium salt, N-2-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid disodium salt, (S,S)-ethylenediaminesuccinic acid trisodium salt, methylglycinediacetic acid trisodium salt, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitorilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid, triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid, 1,3-propanediaminetetraacetic acid, 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropanetetraacetic acid, dihydroxyethylglycine, glycol ether diamine tetraacetic acid, hydroxyethanediphosphonic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphonic acid, 1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid, dihydroxyethylethylenediaminediacetic acid, sodium gluconate, sodium glucoheptonate, inositol hexaphosphate, hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-hydroxysuccinic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid, and 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, as a chelating component. |
| US07691282B2 |
Hydrofluoroether compounds and processes for their preparation and use
Disclosed is a hydrofluoroether compound comprising two terminal fluoroalkyl groups and an intervening substituted or unsubstituted oxymethylene group, each of the fluoroalkyl groups comprising only one hydrogen atom and, optionally, at least one catenated (that is, in-chain) heteroatom; with the proviso that the hydrogen atom is part of a monofluoromethylene moiety. |
| US07691280B2 |
Ink jet printing of etchants and modifiers
The present invention is directed to processes for ink jet printing of etchant or modifier materials for creating patterns, particularly for electronics and display applications. The present invention also relates to devices made using the processes. |
| US07691273B2 |
Method for the clarification of sludge
A method for clarifying a sludge, characterized in that a raw waste water is subjected to a solid-liquid separator and then to a primary filtration device, to separate it into a solid material and a liquid material, and the resultant liquid treated material is then treated by a process comprising an ozone treatment and a special light ray treatment. |
| US07691272B2 |
Method of effecting efficient flow equalization
A method of effecting efficient flow equalization in a settling and retention basin having a peripheral wall housing a removable design flow equalization port and a filter member exteriorly of the peripheral wall by (a) observing the height of liquid level induced during wastewater flow upon the filter member relative to the flow equalization port. Thereafter (b) determining whether the observed height of step (a) is outside a desired optimum height range reflective of meeting the design flow characteristics of the design flow port. Thereafter (c) replacing the design flow equalization port with a different size flow equalization port based upon the performance of step (b). |
| US07691265B2 |
Point-of-use water treatment system
The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit (10). The unit (10) includes a filter housing assembly (60) having a filter tank assembly (66) and a closure (64) which utilizes a handle (152) and cammed reciprocating lock blades (146, 150) to secure the closure (64) to the filter tank assembly (66). A UV tank assembly (300) includes a planar baffle plate (322) and a vaned baffle plate (324) to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly (280). The UV lamp assembly (280) is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to UV tank assembly (300) and electrical cap assembly (290) using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly (40) is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly (34). The bi-planar manifold assembly (26) enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit (10). Also, a support plate (26) is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WTS unit (10) while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly (300). |
| US07691261B2 |
Apparatus for combining solids thickening and dewatering in one vessel
A granular filter media dry cell (or filter or bed) for dewatering a liquid composition of water and particulate solids. The liquid composition is applied to the granular filter media to remove water from the liquid composition by passing through the granular filter media with the particular solids collecting on top surface of granular filter media. Water is first allowed to fill from below to just above the top layer of the filter media. A non-porous liner is located on the inner, bottom surface of the container. A drain pipe, having small openings, is located on top of the liner in the valley. A porous layer of large filter media, with the drain pipe therein, is located in the bottom of the container. A grid having open passageways, with fine filter media therein, is located on top thereof. A layer of fine filtrate sand is located on top of the grid. |
| US07691260B2 |
Multifunctional multipolymeric surfactants for oil and bitumen recovery and other applications
The present invention provides method for recovering fossil-based materials from oil sources using multifunctional, multipolymeric continuous composition spectrum surfactant mixtures. The invention also provides methods for reducing the loss of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from oil storage containers using multifunctional, multipolymer surfactants. The multifunctional, multipolymer surfactants are characterized by a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part. The hydrophobic part of the polymer surfactants includes functionalities that impart a polarity of greater than 0 Debye to the hydrophobic part. The polymer surfactants are further characterized by molecular weights that are above their entanglement weights. The result is polymer surfactants and their continuous composition surfactant-thickener mixtures with demulsifying characteristics. |
| US07691254B2 |
Method of checking the function of a sensor
The functioning of an amperometric electrochemical sensor having an electrochemical cell is monitored by the electrochemical cell. A perturbation quantity is imposed on the sensor, which is operated with voltage control at a given polarization voltage. The response to the perturbation is measured and a check value is calculated, using the response under the perturbation as an input value. The check value is compared to a system-dependent limit value. If the check value is larger than the system-dependent limit value, the initial polarization voltage is changed by a predefined voltage increment and the process is repeated, until an optimal polarization voltage has been found, i.e., until the calculated check value is smaller than the system-dependent limit value. A measuring system that serves to carry out the method is also described. An automated embodiment utilizes a computer-supported control- and processing-unit with a data memory and a data-evaluating program. |
| US07691251B2 |
Mediated electrochemical oxidation and destruction of sharps
Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation. |
| US07691248B2 |
Apparatus and process for producing electrophoretic device
A system (apparatus and process) for producing an electrophoretic (display) device is provided for allowing production of such a device wherein electrophoretic particles in the dispersion liquid are easily and evenly distributed to respective cells (pixels) between two substrates of the device even in the case of a very small gap between the two substrates or the case of using a flexible substrate. The system includes a storage unit for a dispersion liquid containing the charged phoretic particles dispersed therein, a stiffer for stirring the dispersion liquid, a substrate-holder for holding the substrate in the dispersion liquid, and a voltage source for applying a voltage to the electrodes formed on the substrate thereby depositing the electrophoretic particles on the electrodes. |
| US07691246B2 |
Advanced electrodeionization for fluid recycling
In one embodiment, a system comprises a filter and at least one electrodeionization (EDI) unit for chemical recovery. The filter is adapted to receive a fluid and to remove a selected chemical element or contaminant from the fluid. The EDI unit is coupled to the filter and adapted to recover a chemical element from the fluid and to separate the recovered chemical element from the fluid. |
| US07691242B2 |
Electrochemical half-cell
The present invention describes an electrochemical half-cell, comprising a gas space, an electrolyte space and a gas diffusion electrode in the form of a cathode or anode. The gas diffusion electrode separates the gas space from the electrolyte space and comprises an electrically conductive substrate and an electrochemically active coating. The gas diffusion electrode includes a coating-free edge region and is connected to a support structure in the coating-free edge region via an electrically conductive plate, which covers at least the coating-free edge region as well as a coated edge region. |
| US07691241B2 |
Electrolytic etching method and apparatus
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for partial etching or pattern etching using an electrolysis reaction, wherein, conventionally, there was the problem that an etching line could not be finely formed on a cell edge because of apparatus problems concerning alignment accuracy. The present invention provides a method and apparatus with which fine line etching is possible and which can form a line on a cell edge.Provided is a an electrolytic etching method of a substrate which is formed having a subject etching layer on a surface, having the steps of providing a fixed gap from a substrate end surface which is external to an end surface of the substrate for placing a working part of a working electrode and passing current between the substrate and the working electrode. |
| US07691235B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating steam from pulp fibers
Apparatus for separating steam from a mixture of steam and fibers is disclosed, comprising an elongated feeding compartment having an inlet and a feeding device for feeding a mixture through the inlet. The feeding device comprises a tubular section which is curved such that the mixture in the tubular section is separated under the influence of centrifugal forces in a heavy steam-less fraction of fibers in a outer layer and in a light fiber-free fraction of steam in a inner layer. The tubular section is arranged in such a way that a heavy fraction of fibers is fed through the inlet peripherally. The separated light fraction of steam is fed against the center of the compartment and removed through an outlet of the apparatus. |
| US07691233B2 |
Temporary wet strength additives
Temporary wet strength additives, more particularly, temporary wet strength additives comprising a polymer backbone, wherein the polymer backbone has an internal homo-crosslinking monomeric unit, a co-crosslinking monomeric unit and a cationic monomeric unit, wherein the homo-crosslinking monomeric unit is derived from a monomer having the following structure: and X is —O—,—NH—, or —NCH3—; and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic groups; and Y3 is —H, —CH3, or a halogen, fibrous structures including such temporary wet strength additives, sanitary tissue products containing such fibrous structures and processes for making such fibrous structures and/or such sanitary tissue product are provided. |
| US07691232B2 |
Method and device for treating a paper or cardboard web
A method and a device for treating a web, wherein the web is coated by a coating device. The coated web is calendered, and a steam application device applies steam to the coated web before the coated web is calendered. 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. |
| US07691230B2 |
Process and device for producing a web of tissue
A device for producing a fibrous web and, in particular, a web of tissue including a press zone through which the fibrous web together with an endless permeable structured band and an unstructured permeable supporting band is fed while lying between the structure band and the supporting band, a press nip provided on a drying cylinder through which the fibrous web together with the structured band is fed while lying between the structured band and the drying cylinder, and after which the fibrous web is led from the drying cylinder through a calender. |
| US07691227B2 |
Bleached, mechanical paper pulp and the production method therefor
This invention relates to bleached mechanical paper pulps, based on fibrillated fibers of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin, containing calcium carbonate, in which calcium carbonate is crystallized and at least partly covers the fibrillated fibers of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin to which the calcium carbonate is mechanically bonded, papers made from these pulps and their preparation process. |
| US07691226B2 |
Electron temperature measurement method, electron temperature measurement program for implementing the method, and storage medium storing the electron temperature measurement program
An electron temperature measurement method that enables an electron temperature as a plasma parameter to be measured precisely.A plasma is produced in a chamber 11 such that a wafer W is subjected to reactive ion etching therein. An ion energy distribution in the chamber 11 is measured. An ion energy distribution in the chamber 11 is simulated based on a set electron temperature. The measured ion energy distribution and the simulated ion energy distribution are compared. The electron temperature of the plasma is estimated based on results of the comparison mentioned above. |
| US07691224B2 |
Thermal bonding method
A thermal polymer-bonding method includes initially placing into contact certain polymer-based first and second solid media at a first junction. A first superficial portion of the first solid medium is liquefying through the application of thermal energy to the first junction. The liquefied first superficial portion is superficially or topically applied to the second solid medium whereafter the topical application may be solidified via the action of cooling or withdrawal of thermal energy from the first junction. The solidification of the liquid elements, having maximized surface area contact between opposing media, bonds the first solid medium to the second solid medium. A third polymer-based solid medium may then be placed into contact with the first solid medium at a second junction, whereafter certain select second superficial portions of the first and third solid media may be liquefied, and re-solidified to bond the third solid medium to the first solid medium. |
| US07691222B2 |
Flexible tooling method and apparatus
A molding apparatus comprises an upper molding box, a lower mold box, an upper flexible membrane covering an opening of the upper mold box, a lower flexible membrane covering an opening of the lower mold box, a heating system located in the upper mold box, a set of ports located between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane capable of being used to draw a vacuum between the upper flexible membrane and the lower flexible membrane, and a displacement system located in the lower mold box under the lower flexible membrane. |
| US07691220B2 |
Method of depositing functional films on substrates such as glass sheets and film-coating machine for implementing said method
A method of depositing at least one functional film on at least one part of one or two faces of flat or curved substrates. The substrates are conveyed individually to a film-coating station and are advanced therein along the plane or neutral plane thereof. The film-coating station includes a film-applicator assembly including at least one axis perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the substrate and parallel to the advancement plane, at least one reel of film being mounted to the assembly. The method: conveys the leader of the film from each of the reels, which is to be applied to, and held against one face of, the substrate at a selected position, into the film-coating station; unwinds the reels such that the film can be applied in at least one strip to the advancing substrate; and cuts the film at a selected moment. Moreover, the new film leader is held to be ready to be applied at the selected position on the same substrate on a subsequent substrate. |
| US07691217B2 |
Process for manufacturing a tyre and toroidal support for carrying out the process
A process for manufacturing a tire includes providing an elastomeric layer on an outer surface of a toroidal support, manufacturing the tire on the toroidal support provided with the elastomeric layer, introducing the tire supported on the toroidal support into a moulding cavity, introducing a fluid under pressure into a space defined between the toroidal support and an inner surface of the tire in order to press an outer surface of the tire against walls of the moulding cavity, and curing the tire. The elastomeric layer forms an inner circumferential surface of the tire. The process further includes causing an electrical current to flow in at least one heating element provided to the outer surface of the toroidal support so as to obtain at least partial precuring of the elastomeric layer. A toroidal support for carrying out the process is also disclosed. |
| US07691216B2 |
Method of producing hydrogen storage alloy
A melt of a hydrogen storage alloy having an arbitrary composition is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified. Alternatively an alloy having an arbitrary composition, after heating to a temperature equal to or more than a melting point thereof, is cooled gradually at a cooling rate of 5° C./min or less and solidified. Thereby a homogeneous alloy reduced in segregation, precipitates, or inclusions is obtained. The homogeneous alloy is excellent in the hydrogen storage amount, in the plateau property and in durability. |
| US07691214B2 |
High strength aluminum alloys for aircraft wheel and brake components
An iron-containing heat-resistant aluminum-based alloy product consisting essentially of, in weight percent: up to 0.15% chromium, 0.80-1.20% copper, 0.80-1.20% iron, 2.20-2.80% magnesium, up to 0.10% manganese, 0.80-1.20% nickel, up to 0.15% silicon, up to 0.15% titanium, 5.50-7.00% zinc, up to 0.25% zirconium, and up to 0.25% scandium, with the balance being aluminum. Also, a manganese-containing heat-resistant aluminum-based alloy product consisting essentially of, in weight percent: up to 0.25% chromium, 0.80-1.20% copper, up to 0.30% iron, 2.30-2.90% magnesium, 2.70-3.10% manganese, 2.85-3.25% nickel, up to 0.15% silicon, up to 0.15% titanium, 6.10-7.10% zinc, up to 0.25% zirconium, and up to 0.25% scandium, with the balance being aluminum. A spray-formed billet of the alloy is prepared by: charging aluminum and the other elements that are to make up the alloy into a crucible; melting the elements in the crucible to form the alloy; pouring the melted alloy through an atomizer to atomize the alloy in a spray chamber; and depositing the atomized alloy onto a collector disc at the bottom of the spray chamber to form the desired spray-formed billet. The billet can then be forged into a shaped product, such as an aircraft inboard main wheel half. |
| US07691213B2 |
Case hardened gear and method of producing the same
There is provided an inexpensive rolling element used under high interface pressure such as induction hardened gears, the rolling element being improved in the seizure resistance of its tooth flanks and having a temper hardness of HRC 50 or more at 300° C. To this end, the rolling element is made from a steel material containing at least 0.45 to 1.5 wt % C and one or more alloy elements selected from 0.1 to 0.5 wt % V and 0.3 to 1.5 wt % Cr, and has a rolling contact surface layer having a structure tempered at low temperature in which 2 to 18% by volume cementite disperses in a martensite parent phase formed by induction heating and cooling and containing 0.25 to 0.8 wt % carbon solid-dissolving therein. |
| US07691209B2 |
Automatic control system for a kitchen warewasher
An apparatus reminds an operator of a need to change water in a reservoir of a warewasher. A counter that counts operating cycles of the warewasher and a sensor provides signal indicating that the reservoir has been drained and refilled. A controller responds to the counter having a first threshold value by activating an annunciator to alert the operator that is it time to change the water. Thereafter when the counter has a greater second threshold value and the controller disables operation of the warewasher until the sensor indicates that the reservoir has been drained and refilled. Thus the operator is required to change the water in order to continue using the warewasher. |
| US07691207B2 |
Method for cleaning disk-shape glass substrate and magnetic disk
A method for cleaning a disk-shape glass substrate, which comprises rotating the disk-shape glass substrate on its center with its main surface vertical, and making a cleaning fluid irradiated with ultrasonic waves run down on the outer peripheral edge surface of the rotating glass substrate. |
| US07691204B2 |
Film formation apparatus and methods including temperature and emissivity/pattern compensation
A film formation system 10 has a processing chamber 15 bounded by sidewalls 18 and a top cover 11. In one embodiment, the top cover 11 has a reflective surface 13 for reflecting radiant energy back onto a substrate 19, pyrometers 405 for measuring the temperature of the substrate 19 across a number of zones, and at least one emissometer 410 for measuring the actual emissivity of the substrate 19. In another embodiment, a radiant heating system 313 is disposed under the substrate support 16. The temperature of the substrate 19 is obtained from pyrometric data from the pyrometers 405, and the emissometer 410. |
| US07691191B2 |
Anthrapyridone compound, salt thereof, magenta ink composition and colored product
The present invention relates to a novel anthrapyridone compound represented by the following formula (1) or a salt thereof, and can provide a magenta coloring matter having a highly vivid hue suitable for inkjet recording, a high fastness to recorded matters, and an excellent storage stability; wherein R1 represents a benzyl group wherein the phenyl group of the benzyl group may be further substituted by a methyl group, a chlorine atom or a nitro group, 1-naphthylmethyl group or the like, and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the like, respectively. |
| US07691186B2 |
Conductive bead active field polarized media air cleaner
A pleated filter media includes a plurality of parallel conductive beads to support the media and space the pleated surfaces apart. A high voltage differential applied between adjacent conductive beads induces an electrostatic field within the filter media, thereby increasing the efficiency of the filter. |
| US07691185B2 |
Recirculating Coanda water extractor
A recirculating water extractor includes a swirl vane, a converging nozzle, and two sumps. The recirculating water extractor may be designed to reintroduce uncollected water droplets back into the air stream upstream of both sumps, which may provide additional opportunities for separation. The Coanda effect may be exploited to increase the discharge of water along a surface. Utilizing a converging nozzle may intensify the centrifugal force applied to the air stream rich with entrained water and may move more of entrained water into contact with the wall of the nozzle, which, in turn, may enhance the liquid/vapor separation compared to prior art water extractors. The recirculating water extractor utilizing the Coanda effect and the method for removing entrained water from an air stream may be suitable for, but not limited to, applications in the aircraft and aerospace industries, for example, by being included in environmental control systems of aircraft. |
| US07691183B2 |
Method for drying compressed gas and device used thereby
Method for drying the compressed gas of a compressor device (1) having at least two pressure stages (4-5), whereby a dryer (3) is used with at least two pressure vessels (9-12) which are filled with a desiccant and which work alternately, such that when one pressure vessel (12) is in action to dry the compressed gas, the other pressure vessel (9) is being regenerated, whereby, in order to regenerate the other pressure vessel (9), at least a part of this compressed gas is guided through the regenerating pressure vessel (9), and at least at the end of the regeneration cycle, this part of the compressed gas, after its passage through the regenerating pressure vessel, is guided to the pressure pipe (6) between two pressure stages (4-5). |
| US07691181B2 |
System for controlling flow into chromatographic column using transfer line impedance
A system for controlling the flow rate into a chromatographic column is disclosed generally comprising communicating a fluid to the column through a transfer line, measuring the inlet pressure, determining the outlet pressure, and adjusting the applied pressure until the inlet and outlet pressures produce a desired flow rate for the transfer line outlet. In certain embodiments, the applied pressure is adjusted by controlling a proportional valve. In some embodiments, the outlet pressure is determined by measuring the pressure drop across the transfer line and calculating the outlet pressure from the measured inlet pressure and the pressure drop. |
| US07691178B2 |
Production of iron
A process for producing desulphurised iron in a solid form. The process includes (a) direct smelting an iron-containing metalliferous feed material and producing molten iron; (b) desulphurising molten iron produced in the direct smelting (a); and (c) casting desulphurised molten iron from the desulphurisation (b) into a solid form, such as pigs. |
| US07691177B2 |
Method and an apparatus of plasma processing of tantalum particles
Porous microparticles of high-purity tantalum may be processed in a vacuum plasmatron using a hollow cathode and spraying apparatus in which the coolant is in the form of a metal surface. In one embodiment, the initial powder of tantalum is introduced through a coaxial hole in a hollow cathode and supplied to a vertical column of plasma by inert gas and exposed to heating to temperatures close to the melting point of tantalum. The atomizing tantalum particles are directed through a hole in the anode and collide with a rotating inclined tantalum substrate and cooled from within water, thereby flattened and solidifying the particles. |
| US07691175B2 |
Granular metal powder
When fine metal particles of a nanometer size are handled in a state of colloidal particles, it is difficult to handle them and the range of the selection of the solvent to be used is limited. The invention offers a granular metal powder that is produced by the steps of (a) preparing a suspension liquid comprising (a1) water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof, (a2) metal particles having an average particle diameter of at least 1 nm and at most 100 nm, and (a3) an organic compound capable of being adsorbed on the surface of the metal particles and (b) removing the water, organic solvent, or mixture thereof by drying the suspension liquid and that has an apparent density of at least 1.0 g/ml and at most 5.0 g/ml. The granular metal powder can be handled as a dry metal powder and is readily redispersed in a solvent. |
| US07691170B2 |
Process and device for treating raw manure
A process and a device for treating and upgrading raw manure. The method and the device comprise steps which consist in promoting agglomeration of solid constituents of the manure and precipitating the agglomerated particles by using a sedimentation agent. More particularly, the sedimentation agent used is based on natural stone and/or industrial derivative dusts. Sedimentation of the agglomerated particles enables the solid phase and the liquid phase to be separately treated, leading eventually to the production of a solid fertilizer, a liquid fertilizer and water corresponding to environmental standards and capable of being released into the environment or simply recycled. |
| US07691168B2 |
Highly charged, charge stable nanofiber web
A charged multilayer filter includes a hydrocharged filtration layer containing a plurality of intertwined nanofibers that have a finite length of about 12 to about 300 mm, atop a porous roll-to-roll processable support layer. |
| US07691163B2 |
Vehicle air dryer
A vehicle air dryer comprising: a dryer cylinder for drying compressed air passing therethrough, an exhaust assembly for providing an additional air outlet, a backflow assembly for providing a backflow air passage, an air pressure governor assembly for maintaining air pressure inside the vehicle air dryer, an one way check valve for providing one way air passage for dried compressed air and preventing air leakage, and a dryer valve body having an air inlet, an air inlet chamber, an air outlet, a slanting air passage leading to the air outlet, a first opening for installing the exhaust assembly, an opposite, second opening for threadingly attaching the dryer cylinder, a third opening, substantially perpendicular to the second opening, for mounting the backflow assembly, and a fourth opening, substantially parallel to the third opening, for receiving the air pressure governor assembly. |
| US07691162B2 |
Spike air filter apparatus and method
An elongate spike configuration of air filter for an automotive vehicle includes a cowl arranged to extend parallel to the ram air flow about the vehicle and resulting from movement of the vehicle at speed. The cowl is rotational and is power driven in rotation during operation of the vehicle such as to smooth ram air flow, reducing turbulence and excessive ram air pressure so as to improve running smoothness of the vehicle engine. |
| US07691161B2 |
Cyclone dust-collecting apparatus
A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus to separate dust from air drawn in through a suction port body of a vacuum cleaner using a centrifugal force and to collect the separated dust is provided. The cyclone dust-collecting apparatus includes a primary cyclone unit to separate dust from air drawn in through the suction port body; a secondary cyclone unit disposed inside the primary cyclone unit to separate dust from air discharged from the primary cyclone unit; and a tertiary cyclone unit disposed above the primary cyclone unit at an angle different from the primary and secondary cyclone units. |
| US07691158B2 |
Hydrocarbon fuel additives and fuel formulations exhibiting improved combustion properties
Fuel additives, fuel formulations, and processes for their preparation and use are provided. The additives improve the combustion properties of hydrocarbon fuels. The enhanced combustion indicates reductions in certain emissions. |
| US07691153B2 |
Suction stent
The present invention relates to a stent for introduction into a hollow organ, in particular the gastrointestinal tract, of a human or animal patient, which brings about vacuum sealing of leaks, such as anastomosis insufficiencies, in the hollow organ. |
| US07691151B2 |
Articulable Anchor
An implantable device for providing one-way flow of air through a lumen in a human lung to reduce the volume of air trapped in a diseased portion of the lung by occluding the lumen to prevent inhalation while permitting expiration out of the diseased portion. The implantable device is deployable in the lumen with a catheter. The device comprises an umbrella-shaped, one-way valve. The valve is collapsible for containment within a catheter and expandable in situ when deployed to occlude the lumen. The valve defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of metal struts, a resilient membrane, and a central post. The device further comprises an anchor for securing the implantable device within the lumen. The anchor comprises a tapered distal end for penetrating the wall of the lumen, and a planar member positioned to limit advancement of the anchor into the lumen. The implantable device further comprises a mechanism connecting the one-way valve to the anchor. The mechanism is disposed along the longitudinal axis when the device is collapsed. The mechanism is configured to permit the valve to be oriented at an angle to said anchor when deployed. Accordingly, the anchor can be positioned in a section of the lumen that is at an angle to a section of said lumen in which said one-way valve is positioned. |
| US07691149B2 |
Porous titanium modular revision patella system
A patellar implant includes a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion may define an articulating surface and a first retaining feature. The anterior portion may define a tissue engaging portion and a second retaining feature adapted to advance into a mechanical interlock with the first retaining feature in an assembled position. The mechanical interlock between the first and second retaining features may cooperate to resist separation of the posterior and anterior portions in the assembled position. |
| US07691145B2 |
Prostheses, systems and methods for replacement of natural facet joints with artificial facet joint surfaces
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses. |
| US07691142B2 |
Stent
A stent (1) is a vascular prosthesis for a constricted body vessel. The stent (1) includes a tubular support frame (2) of ring segments (3) arranged in axial succession and formed by struts (5, 6) which in initial state are joined continuously in a wave-like manner. Adjacent ring segments (3) are linked by differently long connectors (9, 10) with U-shaped compensating sections (11, 12). All connectors (9, 10) point in the same circumferential direction (U). Moreover, differently long connectors (9, 10) alternate in circumferential direction (U) as well as in longitudinal stent axis (L). |
| US07691141B2 |
Intraluminal stent graft
A method of making an tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene. |
| US07691140B2 |
Anastomosis device for vascular access
An anastomosis device (12) for advantageously bridging an artery and a vein. The anastomosis device includes a tubular graft (15) with first and second ends (47 and 48) and a longitudinal passageway extending longitudinally through the graft. The device further includes a first stent (10) disposed about the first end of the tubular graft and a second stent (10) disposed about the second end of the tubular graft. Each of the first and second stents has a plurality of hooks or barbs (11) pointed or releasable to the point toward the other end of the graft. |
| US07691137B2 |
Rotatable sheath, assembly and method of manufacture of same
A medical device comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft and a medical balloon positioned thereon, as well as a rotatable assembly disposed about the balloon. The balloon has a pre-expansion state and an expanded state. The rotatable assembly comprises a sheath, wherein the sheath is disposed about the balloon in both the pre-expansion state and in the expanded state. The sheath is rotatable about the balloon in the pre-expansion state. The sheath comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer is in rotatable contact with the balloon and the outer layer is disposed about the inner layer. The inner layer is at least partially constructed of at least one material having a durometer value greater than that of the outer layer. |
| US07691134B2 |
Process for treatment of psoriasis
A system for producing preferential damage to hair exiting mammalian skin. A agent having an average diameter for enabling the agent to penetrate the hair duct is selected. The agent is designed to attach to, or become physically incorporated into, the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent has an electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristic which enables the agent to absorb a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation source, such as a laser. The agent is applied to the skin so that the agent penetrates the skin and attaches to or becomes physically incorporated into the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent is exposed to the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. |
| US07691126B2 |
Medical instrument
The invention relates to a medical instrument with a shaft, a handle mounted on the proximal end of the shaft, and a tool mounted on the distal end of the shaft and capable of being activated by means of the handle, where the handle and the tool are in active connection by means of at least one activation rod. To make it possible for the tool, in particular as a one-way tool, to be secured simply and rapidly on the activation rod, the invention proposes that the tool should have a tool shaft for securing it to the activation rod and that the tool shaft and the activation rod in order to be secured to one another should have protuberances and/or recesses, which can be engaged, at least partially as a form-locking connection, with corresponding recesses or protuberances of the other respective component. |
| US07691122B2 |
Methods and devices for filtering fluid flow through a body structure
An intravascular filter having a filament which expands a filter element. The filament is a coil which is stretched to reduce the diameter of the coil for introduction. The filter element is preferably biased toward the closed position and is opened by the coil when tension is released on the coil. The filament slides along the internal surface of the filter element so that the filter element may assume intermediate positions. |
| US07691115B2 |
Occlusion device with flexible fabric connector
An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a fabric connector. The flexible fabric connector gives the center assembly improved flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart. |
| US07691108B2 |
Instrument for locating the position of a cutting plane
A position locating instrument for accurately determining the location of a cutting plane includes a base connected to means capable of determining the position of the instrument. The base includes bent blades 28 A to 28 D that are flexible enough not to prevent the insertion of plate 24 into opening 36 of a bone cuffing guide. Bent blades 28 A to 28 D are however rigid enough to maintain lower surface 25 of plate 24 pressed against lower surface 38 of opening 36, with the free ends of bent blades 28 A to 28 D bearing against upper surface 39 of opening 36. Bent blades 28 A to 28 D have a sufficient stiffness to provide a sufficient force to oppose displacement of plate 24 that is inserted in opening 36 by pushing lower surface 25 of plate 24 onto lower surface 38 of opening 36. Play between plate 24 and opening 36 are suppressed. By determining the position of plate 24, the position of the cuffing plane is thus directly and accurately obtained. |
| US07691101B2 |
Electrosurgical method and system for treating foot ulcer
An electrosurgical method for treating foot ulcer, including diabetic foot ulcer, comprising: positioning an active electrode in close proximity to the ulcer, the active electrode being disposed on a distal end of an electrosurgical shaft; applying a high-frequency voltage potential difference across the active electrode and a return electrode in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, the voltage potential being sufficient to generate plasma at the active electrode; and stimulating the ulcer with the active electrode to increase blood flow, remove unhealthy tissue and induce the body's natural healing response. |
| US07691099B2 |
Deuterated ocular solutions for LTK and other surgical eye procedures
A deuterated ocular solution is applied to an eye. The deuterated ocular solution includes deuterated water and one or more ocular drugs (such as proparacaine). A protective corneal device is applied to a cornea of the eye. The device includes a window configured to contact at least a portion of the cornea. At least part of the cornea is irradiated using light energy that passes through the window during a cornea reshaping procedure, where the window is substantially transparent to the light energy. The window of the protective corneal device and the deuterated ocular solution may prevent clinically significant damage to a corneal epithelium of the cornea during the cornea reshaping procedure, such as by preventing a temperature of the corneal epithelium from exceeding approximately 70° C. during the cornea reshaping procedure. This may help to avoid a wound healing response in the eye and an associated regression of refractive correction. |
| US07691095B2 |
Bi-directional steerable catheter control handle
The present invention is a handle for controlling the deflection of a distal end of a catheter body. The catheter body includes first and second deflection wires that extend through the catheter body from the distal end of the catheter body. The handle comprises a slide base, an adjustment knob, a first slide and a second slide. The slide base includes a first end, a second end, and a slide compartment longitudinally extending through at least a portion of the slide base. The adjustment knob is rotateably connected to the first end of the slide base and includes a hole extending through the knob, wherein at least a portion of an inner diameter of the hole includes an internal right thread and an internal left thread. The first slide is located in the slide compartment, is adapted to be coupled to the first deflection wire, and includes an external right thread. The second slide is located in the slide compartment, is adapted to be coupled to the second deflection wire, and includes an external left thread. The internal threads of the knob engage the threads of the slides. Consequently, in operation, rotation of the adjustment knob causes the slides to displace in opposite directions within the slide compartment and the distal end of the catheter body to deflect accordingly. |
| US07691088B2 |
Vascular access device
A vascular access device having a spring-biased septum is provided for preventing the leakage of blood during the placement and use of vascular catheters and similar devices. The structure of the device includes a housing with an internal channel. A spring-biased septum is placed securely within the channel such that it substantially blocks blood flow through the channel. The spring-biased septum includes an elastic plug having a pre-slit or pre-molded hole and a biasing element disposed about the elastic plug. A needle or other object may be withdrawn through the slit or hole, after which the biasing element forces the hole closed, preventing blood leakage. |
| US07691087B2 |
Injection device
An injection device for use with tissue of a mammalian body comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member slidably disposed in the first tubular member. The first and second tubular members have respective proximal and distal extremities. The distal extremity of the second tubular member is provided with a needle that is extendable from the distal extremity of the first tubular member. The proximal extremity of the second tubular member is lockable relative to the proximal extremity of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a column strength when locked within the first tubular member for limiting retraction of the second tubular member relative to the first tubular member during puncture of the tissue by the needle. |
| US07691082B2 |
Medical devices
Medical devices, for example, those that have balloons, and methods of making the devices are described. For example, in some embodiments, a medical device includes an elongated shaft, and an inflatable balloon carried by the shaft. The balloon includes a first recessed channel, a second recessed channel, a third recessed channel, and a fourth recessed channel, wherein the first recessed channel is spaced from the second recessed channel by a first distance, the third recessed channel is spaced from the fourth recessed channel by the first distance, and the second recessed channel is spaced from the third recessed channel by a second distance different than the first distance. |
| US07691081B2 |
Expandable component guide wire system and related method of using the same
A catheter device and related method for diagnostic vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment of a subject's vasculature having a lesion. The device including: a guide catheter comprising a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a guide wire disposed in the guide catheter shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the guide wire transfers beyond the lesion during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment; and one or more expandable component disposed at the distal portion of the guide wire. The expandable component(s) may be positioned distally beyond the lesion during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment. The expandable component(s) being used to: anchor said guide wire to mitigate and/or prevent loss of guide wire position during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment; and avoid and/or mitigate trauma to the vasculature during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment. |
| US07691078B2 |
Draining bodily fluids with a stent
A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter. |
| US07691077B2 |
Implantable micro-system for treatment of hydrocephalus
An implantable system for the treatment of hydrocephalus includes a plurality of microneedles in a fixed array relative to each other adapted to extend from the subarachnoid space containing CSF surrounding the brain, through dura mater forming the wall of the superior sagital sinus. A microvalve is associated with a proximal end of each of the microneedles and is adapted to permit the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space through the wall of the superior sagital sinus and deposited in the venous return of the brain. The method of treating hydrocephalus with the system of this invention also constitutes a part of the invention. |
| US07691076B2 |
Articulated custom ankle-foot orthosis systems
A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. It has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. It is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed. |
| US07691074B2 |
Flexible support with joint-spanning double hinge
A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in the surface; and two strut members each attached to the framework such that each the strut member spans the hinge joint when the framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, the strut members providing a measure of rigidity to the framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective the strut member including an intermediate portion thereof spanning the hinge joint that is expandable and recoverable between a first initial state and extended states wherein, when expanded to a the extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, the respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. |
| US07691072B2 |
Spout for spraying aerosol and massaging and container comprising the spout
The present invention relates to an aerosol injection and spout for massages and a container including the same. In more detail, the present invention relates to a container including an aerosol injection and spout for massages that are applied to head skin by directly injecting the aerosol including effective elements and has massage effects by tapping head skin with the spout. The container of the present invention comprises a number of soft projecting parts, a medicine passage connecting to a valve of the container including aerosol with effective elements, and at least one orifice connecting to the medicine passage. |
| US07691071B2 |
Lancet-integrated sensor, measurer for lancet-integrated sensor, and cartridge
A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet. |
| US07691067B2 |
Method for measuring central venous pressure or respiratory effort
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is obtained using one red (e.g., 660 nm) and one infrared (e.g., 880 to 940 nm) light emitting diode with a single photo diode in combination with a pressure transducer thereby allowing both CVP and SpO2 to be measured simultaneously. The system also includes sensors capable of measuring position, angle and/or movement of the sensor or patient. Once the PPG signal is acquired, high pass adaptive and/or notch filtering can be used with one element of the filter from the red and infrared signals used to measure the arterial changes needed to compute SpO2 and the other element of the signal can be used to measure CVP changes. |
| US07691064B2 |
Ultrasound imaging method combined with the presence of contrast media in the body under examination
An ultrasound imaging method for use in the presence of contrast agents is disclosed in which acoustic waves are transmitted at a first fundamental transmission frequency and are focused on at least one scan line. Acoustic beams reflected from the body under examination and the contrast agents are separated into at least one harmonic or subharmonic components along with the fundamental frequency component. The amplitudes of these components compared to determine whether the reflecting material is either body tissue or the contrast agent. |
| US07691063B2 |
Receive circuit for minimizing channels in ultrasound imaging
Receive circuits and associated methods are provided for ultrasound imaging. Both subarray mixing and time division multiplexing are provided with a same circuit. Components of the receive circuit respond to either phasing or time slot information to implement subarray mixing or time division multiplexing. A network of switches allows combination of signals from different elements to form different sub-apertures. A controller minimizes power consumption while outputting the desired phase or time division multiplexed information by gating a clock to various registers. Each of the registers corresponds to different groups of transducer elements. For loading new phasing information, the clock is turned on to the desired register. Duration operation of the receive circuit, the clock is gated off. The register outputs the previously loaded values in a static state without clocking. Preamplification for either of time division or subarray mixed signals is provided using a variable gain amplifier with a common mode feedback. The common mode feedback provides for a constant operating point despite changes in the desired amount of gain. |
| US07691061B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of processing an ultrasound signal
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer housed in a catheter for sending an ultrasonic wave to a blood vessel and receiving a reflected signal from the blood vessel, an A/D converter for converting the received reflected signal into a digital signal, a data averaging processor for storing lines or frames of digital data represented by the digital signal and adding the stored lines or frames of the digital data to average the reflected signal, a demodulating/logarithmic converting processor for demodulating the averaged reflected signal, an image constructor for constructing an image in a radial scan B mode from the demodulated signal, and a display unit for displaying the constructed image in the radial scan B mode. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus plots a cross-sectional vascular image with a reduced ultrasonic echo reflected from blood cells, the image clearly displaying the boundary between the blood vessel wall and the blood vessel lumen. |
| US07691053B2 |
Gastric restrictor assembly and method of use
A gastric restrictor assembly is provided which includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a first connector and a second connector. The first and second connectors support the first and second longitudinal members in spaced relation. The second longitudinal member is rotatably supported between the first and second connectors and includes a bend or offset. The second longitudinal member is rotatable to rotate the offset in relation to the first longitudinal member to selectively vary the width of a channel defined between the first and second longitudinal members. In one embodiment, the second longitudinal member includes engagement structure for engaging a positioning tool and indexing structure for releasably securing the second longitudinal member at fixed positions of rotation in relation to the first longitudinal member. |
| US07691052B2 |
Devices for minimally invasive pelvic surgery
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. |
| US07691049B2 |
Methods and devices for relieving stress
Easy to use, cost-effective methods and devices for evaluating and treating stress and thereby disorders caused or exacerbated by stress are provided. More particularly methods and devices for identifying RSA waves during respiration which provide a subject with near real-time RSA wave information are provided. This information can be used in biofeedback settings to assist subjects in reducing levels of stress by achieving rhythmic breathing patterns. |
| US07691047B2 |
Device for the epicardial support and/or resumption of cardiac activity
A device for epicardial support and/or the assuming of cardiac activity having a double membrane (1) consisting of an elastic inner membrane (2) and a non-expandable outer membrane (3) as well as a closed cavity (4) formed therebetween which can be inflated and deflated by means of a fluid. With the objective of further developing a device of the type as indicated at the outset which provides a simpler possibility of stimulating the heart in the critical post-operative phase, it is provided for at least one probe/electrode unit (7, 8) to be arranged on the inward facing side (6) of the inner membrane (2) to the heart (5) for epicardial ECG leads and/or signal transmission/conversion of an external pacemaker. |
| US07691043B2 |
Method and apparatus for making cigarette filters with a centrally located flavored element
A filter making apparatus includes a positioning device having a passageway therethrough, with the passageway guiding a continuous flavor element such as a continuous strand of textile material from an inlet of the passageway to an outlet of the passageway. A liquid flavorant is introduced into the passageway at a desired flow rate and the strand of material carries the supplied liquid flavorant out of the positioning device at a rate substantially equal to the desired flow rate. A portion of the passageway can form a bath of the liquid flavorant supplied to the passageway through a separate inlet at approximately atmospheric pressure. A portion of the positioning device guides the continuous strand of material through the bath, or guides the strand to pass along the bottom of the passageway, and the saturated or partially saturated strand of material then exits from an outlet of the passageway to a point in the path of filter tow material that is being converged to form a filter rod. |
| US07691041B2 |
Exercise machine
An exercise device includes an upper body rest pivotally attached to a base. A first leg swing is pivotally attached to the base for engaging a first leg of an exerciser to perform a first leg raise. A second leg swing is pivotally attached to the base for engaging a second leg of an exerciser to perform a second leg raise. The upper body rest supports the spinal column and torso of an exerciser when performing the first and second leg raises. |
| US07691037B1 |
Exercise and muscle toning device and associated method
An exercise and muscle toning apparatus includes a first inflated spherical balloon adapted to hold a predetermined volume of air for providing resilient support, a second inflated spherical balloon adapted to hold a predetermined volume of air for providing resilient support, and a contoured chair adjustably and removably positioned on the first and second spherical balloons in such a manner that a back portion of the contoured chair conforms to a curvilinear circumference of the first spherical balloon while a seat portion of the contoured chair conforms to a curvilinear circumference of the second spherical balloon. The exercise and muscle training apparatus further includes hook and loop fasteners and a mechanism for preventing the first and second spherical balloons from separating beyond a maximum spatial distance. |
| US07691034B2 |
Total body elliptical exercise device with independent upper and lower body motion
An elliptical exercise device includes a frame having a first pivot axis and a longitudinal axis, at least one foot link and at least one swing arm. The foot link is coupled to the frame and is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis. The swing arm is also coupled to the frame and has a reciprocating movement whereby a natural “stride” movement of the arm of a user is replicated. The swing arm operates independently from the foot link. The natural “stride” movement of the arm of the user grasping the arm link follows a generally concave motion relative to the ground. The length of the movement of the arm of the user is defined by the user. A different resistive load can be applied on the arm apparatus than on the foot links. |
| US07691032B2 |
Underground trampoline ring design
An in-ground trampoline system configured to provide a ground level jumping surface which consists of a trampoline, a pit, and a segmented retaining wall configured to support the walls of the pit. |
| US07691031B2 |
Training apparatus
A training apparatus is disclosed which allows a trainee to attain a sense of accomplishment by continuing an exercise until a target is reached, without undue strain. A torque motor applies a load to a handle bar, which is driven by the exercise of a trainee. If the movement of the trainee who moves the handle bar is about to stop, then the load is gradually reduced. If the handle bar once again begins to move due to a load reduction, then it is inferred that the trainee has resumed the exercise, and the load at that time is maintained until, for example, the direction of motion of the handle bar changes. By gradually reducing the load at the fatigue limit of the trainee, it is possible to promote the resumption and the continuance of the exercise. |
| US07691027B2 |
Idle speed control of a hybrid electric vehicle
In a powertrain that includes wheels for driving a vehicle, a crankshaft, a machine driveably connected to the crankshaft and able to operate alternately as an electric motor and electric generator, a transmission including an input clutch driveably connected to the crankshaft and an output driveably connected to the wheels, a method for controlling idle speed including producing a desired magnitude of input clutch torque capacity, producing a desired wheel torque, using an error represented by a difference between a desired crankshaft idle speed and a current crankshaft speed to determine a desired change in torque produced by the machine, using the magnitude of input clutch torque capacity and the desired change in torque produced by the machine to determine a desired magnitude machine torque, and using the machine to produce said desired magnitude of machine torque. |
| US07691026B2 |
Control architecture for optimization and control of a hybrid powertrain system
There is provided a control system for a powertrain system including an electro-mechanical transmission that is selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes. The control system is adapted to execute the following steps in the sequence set forth as follows. A preferred operating range state is selected. A shift and an engine start/stop operation are selectively executed to achieve the preferred operating range state. A commanded input torque from the internal combustion engine is determined. Commanded output torques of the first and second electrical machines are determined. |
| US07691021B2 |
Power train for hybrid electric vehicles and method of controlling the same
A power train having dual modes for hybrid vehicles increases the range of the transmission gear ratio within which the efficiency of the power train is superior. The method of operating the power train varies depending on the transmission gear ratio, and thus the power train can be operated with superior efficiency. |
| US07691019B2 |
Chain guide
A chain guide, including a chain guide member and a guide holder, in which deformation and/or scarring of the guide holder can be controlled, and which is easy to assemble and disassemble, is described. The position of a front end of the guide holder is brought in contact with a flange provided at the front end of the chain guide member. Left and right side surfaces of the chain guide member are formed on the backside of the flange. The leading edge of the front end of the guide holder abuts and confronts the left and right side surface of the backside of the flange of the chain guide member so that a chain entering the chain guide contacts the chain guide member rather than the guide holder. A method of manufacturing the guide holder is presented. |
| US07691018B2 |
Wedge-damped blade tensioner
A blade tensioner system for a chain that imparts tension to a chain that drivingly connects to a driven shaft to a drive shaft in an engine. The blade tensioner comprises a blade shoe and mating block. The blade shoe has an arcuately curved chain sliding face, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion having a pair of tapered sides joined by a bottom and at an angle. The mating block has a channel with a pair of tapered sides joined by a bottom and at a second angle for receiving the distal end portion. When load on the chain increases, the tapered sides of the distal end portion and the bottom contact and wedge with the tapered sides of the channel of the mating block, damping chain vibration. |
| US07691015B2 |
Basketball goal system
A basketball goal system may include a basketball goal, which may include a rim assembly and a backboard, and a support structure that is sized and configured to support the basketball goal above a playing surface. The backboard may include one or more openings through which one or more portions of the rim assembly may extend, which may permit the rim assembly to be connected to the support structure. The basketball goal system may also include a base that is sized and configured to support the support structure and the rim assembly in a playing position. The base and the backboard may include openings to permit the base and the backboard to be connected when the basketball goal system is in a collapsed or storage position. In addition, the base and the backboard may include receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive and/or retain at least a portion of one or more components of the basketball goal system when the system is in the collapsed position. |
| US07691014B2 |
Basketball system
A basketball system may include a basketball goal and a support pole. The basketball system may also include a base and one or more braces connecting to the support pole and the base. The base is preferably spaced apart from the support pole by a distance and the base may have a low profile. The basketball goal may include a backboard and a rim assembly in which one or more portions of the rim assembly may extend through the backboard so that the rim assembly can be connected to the support pole. |
| US07691009B2 |
Apparatuses and methods relating to findable balls
Golf balls for use with a system for finding golf balls and methods for making such golf balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell, a core material and a tag having a diode which is coupled to an antenna which has at least a portion formed from an elastic conductive material, such as an elastic conductive ink. The core material may include a void for receiving at least part of the diode. Other golf balls are described and methods for making balls are also described. |
| US07691006B1 |
Golf club head having interchangeable and weight displacement system
A golf club having multiple interchangeable striking face plate inserts and a movable weight element positioned therewithin. A number of different angularly inclined striker face plates are keyed to a club head body allowing the club to function as a multiple club configuration. Adjustable weight inserts are provided which impart their kinetic energy during the club swing to increase striking power of the club with the target ball during use. |
| US07691005B2 |
Golf ball
Golf ball 2 of the present invention has a group 4 of multiple marks which are visible at one view. This group 4 of marks includes a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and an inclined mark k which appears to be inclined with respect to this target mark t. The inclined mark k may be provided as a linear mark which appears to be inclined with respect to the target mark t. The group of marks may include a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and a side mark s provided on the side of this target mark t. This side mark s preferably has a dot shape. The group of marks may include a target mark t consisting of single or multiple marks provided along one great circle, and an accompanied mark h provided on the same great circle on which the target mark t is provided. |
| US07691004B1 |
Golf putter with adjustable weight system
An improved golf putter incorporating a weight management system that allows for adjustment of a golf club head weighting by incorporating an adjustable weight system wherein weights may be removed and replaced quickly and easily without requiring a specialized tool is disclosed. Weights received within weight ports formed in the heel and toe portions of the putter are maintained securely affixed within the club head body by plugs adapted for snap fit engagement with the club head. Unlike other putter weight adjustment systems disclosed in the art, the present invention does not require use of a special tool, such as a wrench, to remove and replace the weights. While the preferred golf club embodiment disclosed is a putter, the present invention contemplates incorporating any of the features and/or advancements disclosed herein into any golf club. In addition, the present invention further includes novel aspects relating to overall design, including mass distribution and a rearwardly projecting portion having an upwardly sloped sole that prevents the club from snagging the turf. Furthermore a hollowed out area formed within the rearwardly projecting portion is sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped sensing module adapted to measure club head movement and wirelessly transmit data to a remote graphical user interface. |
| US07691002B2 |
Amusement ride vehicle with sensory stimulation effects
A ride vehicle includes a tactile or physical contact system. The ride vehicle moves along a path or track. The path or track can be outdoors or partially or entirely indoors, i.e., in a dark ride. The system provides a touch effect by causing a physical or solid touch element to make physical contact with a part of a rider's body. Alternatively, the system can operate by projecting or spraying a gas, such as air, a vapor, such as water vapor or steam, or even a liquid, such as water, toward or onto part of a rider's body or the rider's clothing. The system is advantageously substantially self-contained aboard the vehicle, but may receive power or working fluid from off-board sources, either at discrete locations, or continuously along the ride path. |
| US07690997B2 |
Virtual environment with formalized inter-character relationships
Virtual environments in which multiple characters are allowed to form relationships wherein the relationships may provide various benefits as well as obligations are described. Systems and methods for forming, monitoring, and terminating the relationships are also described. |
| US07690996B2 |
Server based gaming system and method for providing one or more tournaments at gaming tables
A gaming system and method that enables tournament table games and non-tournament table games to be played simultaneously at a same gaming table with a processor automatically determining the results of the tournament. The players at a gaming table may play a tournament game simultaneously with other tournament players, may play the tournament at different times with tournament players on gaming tables simultaneously playing tournament games as other players play non-tournament games on a same gaming table and a single player may simultaneously or sequentially play tournament and non-tournament games at a gaming table with suitable chip identification devices. During the tournament the gaming system tracks at least the tournament players' wagers wins, losses, and chip totals and/or chip values with suitable chip identification devices and automatically determines the results of the tournament based on the chip identification. |
| US07690995B2 |
Paging system and location verification for remote access to wagering systems
A verification system for verifying a user's location within a predefined geographic area to allow remote access to a sports book system. The system includes a transmitter; one or more pagers for communicating with the transmitter; a control center for receiving a telephone call requesting remote access to a betting system; upon receipt of the telephone call, the control center forwards an authorization number to the transmitter which forwards the authorization number to the user pager. The user pager receives the authorization number only when within the predefined geographical area. Also, the system includes a communication channel by which the user returns to the control center, the authorization number after receipt by the user pager. Upon receiving the authorization number, the control center allows the user to remotely access the betting system. |
| US07690990B2 |
Financial institutions and instruments in a virtual environment
A virtual environment including various virtual financial institutions and instruments is described. According to some embodiments, some of the virtual financial instruments may be guaranteed by real world financial instruments such as a credit card. Accordingly, various virtual financial transactions such as virtual loans, virtual venture capital investments, virtual banking and virtual insurance are provided. |
| US07690988B2 |
Information processing method
A method is disclosed for controlling a character object in a virtual space by means of an information processing program. When a specific event occurs in the execution of the information processing program, a passing rate of time of the character object in the virtual space is changed, for example, by changing the rate at which the object is displaced in the virtual space as compared to a rate of change prior to the specific event. This method can be used, for example, to decrease a rate of displacement of only the object in the virtual space so that the object may be more easily manipulated. |
| US07690982B2 |
Gaming device having free spin game with terminators and anti-terminators
A gaming device having a free spin mode or sequence with terminators and anti-terminators. For each spin or activation of a plurality of reels in the free spin mode, the gaming device determines if at least one terminator symbol or at least one anti-terminator symbol is generated. If at least one terminator symbol is generated and at least one anti-terminator symbol is not previously retained, the free spin mode ends. If at least one terminator symbol is generated and at least one anti-terminator symbol is previously retained, the retained anti-terminator symbol is utilized to nullify the free spin ending effect of the terminator symbol and the free spin mode continues. If at least one anti-terminator symbol is generated, the free spin mode continues and the generated anti-terminator symbol is retained or accumulated until a terminator symbol is subsequently generated on another spin or activation of the reels. The free spin mode continues until at least one terminator symbol is generated and there are no retained anti-terminator symbols to nullify the effect of the generated terminator symbol. |
| US07690981B2 |
Gaming device having a player selection game
A gaming device that includes a plurality of elements or symbols which are each in one or more of a plurality of element groups or sets. The gaming device also includes a plurality of player selectable selections. Each player selectable selection is associated with one of the plurality of element groups or sets. In one embodiment, the player is enabled to pick one of the selections and each element in the element group or set associated with the picked selection is flagged or marked. If a designated element or combination of elements are not flagged, the player is enabled to pick at another one of the selections, one at a time, until a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked. Once a designated element or combination of elements are flagged or marked, the player is provided an award based, at least in part, on the specific element or combination of elements which are flagged or marked. |
| US07690976B2 |
Poker game method and apparatus
A method of playing a poker game comprises receiving a primary wager to initiate game play and displaying a first card hand formed from a first group of cards. The method further comprises evaluating whether the first card hand is a winning hand payable according to a paytable. The method further comprises displaying a second card hand formed from a second group of cards, and if the second card hand satisfies a bonus award criteria, awarding a bonus award. In an embodiment, the first card hand comprises five cards and the second card hand comprises two cards. |
| US07690975B2 |
Image display system, image processing system, and video game system
According to a function 188 which stores in the first memory for difference, pickup image data from CCD camera 42 based on a predetermined timing, a function 190 which stores in the second memory for difference, pickup image data from CCD camera 42 based on another timing, a function 192 which obtains a difference between the pickup image data stored in the first memory for difference 24 and the pickup image data stored in the second memory for difference 26, a function 194 for specifying an image having moved based on the data as a difference, a function 196 which determines whether or not the image having moved is touching the character image, and a function 200 which increases a value of parameters such as experiential value, physical energy, and offensive power, when it is determined that the image having moved comes into contact with the character image, it is possible to expand a range of card game used to be played only in a real space up to a virtual space, and offer a new game which merges the card game and video game. |
| US07690974B2 |
Debris deflector between cab and header
A debris deflector having a proximal end, a distal end, and opposed sides. The debris deflector uses a flexible connecting device for attaching the proximal end to a combine and a rigid connecting device for attaching the distal end to a header of the combine. The flexible connecting device comprises a spring device at each opposed side of the debris deflector adjacent the proximal end having hooks or other device for fastening or connecting to the combine and a rigid member releasably retained by a sleeve at the proximal end of the debris deflector. The rigid connecting device comprises a magnet at each opposed side of the debris deflector adjacent the distal end for magnetically connecting to the header of the combine and a nut and bolt fastener or other device for fastening or connecting the magnet to another rigid member releasably retained by a sleeve at the distal end of the debris deflector. |
| US07690973B2 |
Combine clean grain elevator system
A harvesting machine including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels, at least one grain separating section, a plurality of cross augers and a grain moving device. The plurality of ground engaging wheels support the frame. The at least one grain separating section is supported by the frame. The plurality of cross augers are positioned to receive grain from the at least one grain separating section. The plurality of cross augers each have an end. The grain moving device is associated with each of the plurality of cross augers proximate to the end of the plurality of cross augers. |
| US07690971B2 |
Methods of bonding superabrasive particles in an organic matrix
Superabrasive tools and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of improving retention of superabrasive particles held in a solidified organic material layer of an abrading tool, a portion of each of said superabrasive particles protruding out of the solidified organic material layer is provided. The method may include securing a plurality of superabrasive particles in the solidified organic material layer in an arrangement that minimizes mechanical stress impinging on the protruding portion of any individual superabrasive particle when used to abrade a work piece. As an example, the arrangement of the plurality of superabrasive particles may be configured to uniformly distribute frictional forces across substantially each superabrasive particle. |
| US07690970B2 |
Abrasive preparation device with an improved abrasion element assembly
An abrasive abrading a grinding device (10) having a housing (12) for moving over a concrete surface. The housing has depending abrasion elements (14) with a substrate layer (30) and a backing layer (32) mounted to a support bracket (34) that in turn is affixed to the housing. The substrate layer (30) has a front surface (44) with a distal section (40) having abrasive particles (42) brazed thereon with brazing material (46). |
| US07690968B2 |
Aqueous fluid compositions for abrasive slurries, methods of production, and methods of use thereof
Aqueous slurry compositions for use in loose-abrasive machining processes, particularly aqueous abrasive slurries for use in wire saw processes. These aqueous slurry compositions comprise abrasive particles uniformly and stably dispersed in lubricant, which comprises a combination of a vehicle and water, particularly PEG and water. |
| US07690966B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting planarization of metal films prior to clearing
A method for planarizing a semiconductor substrate is provided. The method initiates with tracking a signal corresponding to a thickness of a conductive film disposed on the semiconductor substrate. Then, a second derivative is calculated from data representing the tracked signal. Next, the onset of planarization is identified based upon a change in the second derivative. A CMP system configured to identify a transition between stages of the CMP operation is also provided. |
| US07690965B2 |
Methods of making cotton blend glue brassieres
A method of forming an undergarment is provided. The method includes inserting an adhesive layer between a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer to form a fabric sub-assembly, the sub-assembly having a periphery that is larger than an outer periphery of the undergarment; causing the adhesive layer to form a laminate from the sub-assembly; and removing a trim from the laminate at the outer periphery to form a finished edge of the undergarment, wherein the first and second fabric layers comprise at least one cotton material. |
| US07690964B2 |
Toy ramp devices
A toy ramp device for two or more moveable objects is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy ramp device may include a base; a ramp configured to support at least a first of the two or more moveable objects and including a first ramp end portion and a second ramp end portion, the ramp being movably connected to the base and configured to move among a plurality of positions relative to the base; and a holder mechanism attached to the ramp and configured to support at least one of the two or more moveable objects adjacent to the ramp when the ramp is in the first position, and to allow the at least one of the two or more moveable objects to move onto the ramp and move along the ramp toward the second ramp end portion when the ramp is in the second position. |
| US07690963B2 |
Play mat
The invention relates to the provision of a playmate and also a toy which includes a playmate and articles to be placed thereon in play. The playmat includes at least a portion, more typically a layer, of a magnetic or magnetically attractive material such as a metalised compound. The articles include magnetic or magnetically attractive material therein such that when the child brings the article into proximity with the playmate a magnetic field is created which acts to retain the article in position where placed by the child. The article is retained at that location until the child exerts a movement force on the article to overcome the magnetic force. |
| US07690960B2 |
Production method of organic EL device and cleaning method of organic EL device production apparatus
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of stably producing a high quality organic EL device by surely avoiding adverse influence due to organic matters and the like when an organic layer is formed on a surface of, for example, a substrate having an anode formed thereon. The means for resolution is characterized in that the inside of an organic EL device production apparatus equipped with an organic film-forming chamber for forming an organic layer on a surface of, for example, a substrate having an anode formed thereon is cleaned with an ozone gas, and the organic layer is then formed. |
| US07690959B1 |
Mounting arrangement for a drive unit of a boat, and boat with mounting arrangement for a drive unit
A mounting arrangement is provided for mounting a boat drive to a boat hull and includes a mounting collar including a first plate having a first opening therein and a first wall extending from a top surface of the first plate around the first opening and defining a first cylinder. The mounting arrangement also includes a clamping collar including a second plate having a second opening therein and a second wall extending from a top surface of the second plate around the second opening and defining a second cylinder, an external shape of at least a top end of the first cylinder substantially matching an internal shape of at least a bottom end of the second cylinder. The first wall of the mounting collar has a first alignment member and the second wall of the clamping collar has a second alignment member, the first alignment member and the second alignment member being positioned so that, when the first plate is mounted against an exterior of the boat hull and the second plate is mounted against an interior of the boat hull with the first cylinder received in the second cylinder, the first alignment member and the second alignment member align when the boat hull is at least a predetermined thickness. |
| US07690958B2 |
Personal propulsion device with hands free control
An improved personal propulsion device that generally imparts thrust directly to the user. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles or other apparatuses. The device is adjustable vertically, on the users' back, higher to allow sitting in a canoe or wheelchair and lower for standing on skates, skis, kick scooters etc. A user on a bicycle may prefer to lean forward for comfort and aerodynamics, a device adjustment compensates and delivers level thrust. A user on a snowboard or skateboard stands oblique to the direction of travel, a device adjustment allows in line thrust. Both users' hands and arms are free to balance, protect others by pushing off or break a fall. The present invention can be provided as separate modules that allow interchangeability and use with a direct drive mechanism. |
| US07690953B2 |
Stackable electrical connection apparatus
An electrical connection apparatus includes at least one stackable block operably coupleable to another stackable block, at least one pin receiving portion defined by an inner wall within the stackable block, and at least one electrical connection contact having a C-shaped contact portion with elastic properties disposed within the pin receiving portion and a lead portion disposed at a location exterior to the stackable block. The electrical connection apparatus may further include an adjustment component and an adjustment component receiving portion defined by in inner wall within the stackable block. In addition, sliders may be arranged on the stackable block and may engage with tabs formed on the at least one electrical connection contact. The sliders may be moved to a raised or lowered position in order to move the at least one electrical connection contact between a contact and an insertion position. |
| US07690950B2 |
Wiring system
A wiring assembly that allows easy installation into a vehicle and includes a connector that allows functional signals to perform a function in a connector while passing through the connector. |
| US07690946B2 |
Contact organizer for an electrical connector
A connector system includes a connector assembly and a contact organizer. The connector assembly includes a mounting end and a plurality of contacts protruding from the mounting end. The contact organizer includes a top side, a bottom side and a plurality of channels extending between the top and bottom sides. The contact organizer is movable with respect to the connector assembly between a supporting position and a seated position. When the contact organizer is in the supporting position, the contacts at least partially extend through the channels. When the contact organizer is moved to the supporting position, the contact organizer is moved toward the mounting end of the connector assembly until the top side of the contact organizer engages the mounting end. |
| US07690941B2 |
Modular jack with cooling slots
An active jack, which is a powered device, is installed as the network connection at a workstation which provides the capability to determine the physical location of a destination device, such as a VOIP phone, in real time. Uninterruptible power supplies may be used to provide power to network components, for example during an emergency. Power-and-data deployments are shown for powering network components and destination devices. |
| US07690940B1 |
Power cord coupling device
A power cord coupling device comprising: a compressible base with a first end and a second end, and the second end is threaded; a threaded cap, configured to thread onto the second end of the compressible base; and where compressible base is configured to compress about a coupled plug and receptacle located within the compressible base upon a tightening of the threaded cap onto the second end of the compressible base. A power cord coupling device comprising: an inner compressible member of a first length, the inner compressible member comprising: a plug-receptacle volume located within the inner compressible member; an inner slot extending along the first length; a first end with a first end slot that is contiguous with the inner slot; a second end, the second end being generally opened; an inner set of teeth located on an outer surface of the inner compressible member; an outer member of a second length, removeably attachable to the inner compressible member; the outer member comprising: an outer slot extending along the second length; a first end, the first end being generally opened; a second end with a second end slot that is contiguous with the inner slot; an outer set of teeth located on an inner surface of the outer member, the outer set of teeth configured to mesh with the inner set of teeth to hold the inner compressible member within the outer member. To be completed upon approval of claim scope. |
| US07690938B2 |
Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly (100) includes a housing (10), a number of signal terminals loaded in the housing (10) and a stiffener (11) disposed around the housing (10), a metal clip (13) and a lever (12) attached to two opposite sides of the stiffener (11), wherein a securing plate (15) is disposed between the metal clip (13) and the chip module (14), and the securing plate (15) is mounted above an upper surface of the chip module (14). |
| US07690935B2 |
Connector structure
The invention relates to a connector comprising at least a contact element, which has at least an unconnected state and a connected state; and a pre-loading element, which has at least a first position and a second position. When the pre-loading element is in the first position, it forces the contact element into the unconnected state and when the pre-loading element is in the second position, it allows the contact element to transfer to the connected state. |
| US07690932B2 |
Anisotropic conductive sheet and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is an anisotropic conductive sheet which is equipped with an insulating base portion and a plurality of conductive portions extending through the base portion in a thickness direction thereof, which easily allows temporary fixation at a time of attachment thereof, and which, if pressurized, causes no adhesive material to be squeezed out onto the conductive contacts. An anisotropic conductive sheet includes a base portion and conductive portions exposed therethrough to form conductive contacts, with at least one of surfaces of the base portion having an adhesive portion spaced apart from the conductive contacts. |
| US07690931B2 |
Component for connection to a second component
The invention relates to a first component (12, 13, 31, 36a-36c, 50, 62) intended for being connected to a second component (14, 15, 51, 63a-63c). The first component (12, 13, 31, 36a-36c, 50, 62) comprises at least one recess (16, 17, 32, 37a-37c, 52a-52c, 64a-64c) having at least one opening (19, 20, 34, 35, 54a-54c) which will be filled at least in part by the second component (14, 15, 51, 63a-63c) which latter is in a flowing condition during establishment of the connection, at least in the area of the opening (19, 34, 54a-54c). A reduction in cross-section (18, 33, 38a-38c, 53a-53c, 65a-65c) is provided in the recess (16, 17, 32, 37a-37c, 52a-52c, 64a-64c) that will be back-filled by the second component (14, 15, 51, 63a-63c) during establishment of the connection. The reduction in cross-section (18, 33, 38a-38c, 53a-53c, 65a-65c) is provided in the recess (16, 17, 32, 37a-37c, 52a-52c, 64a-64c) on the side facing the second component (14, 15, 51, 63a-63c). |
| US07690929B2 |
Contact apparatus for minimizing the load of mechanically loaded SMT soldered joints
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a contact apparatus for SMT placement on a printed circuit board, the contact apparatus being provided for the electrically conductive connection to at least one conductor track on the printed circuit board. The contact apparatus includes a contact holder for accommodating the contact, and the contact of the contact apparatus is provided for the connection to at least one electrical mating contact. The contact apparatus is designed on an SMT basis and can therefore be produced inexpensively and fitted easily. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the contact apparatus has a first housing part, the housing part having at least one elongate cutout for accommodating the contact holder, and at least one stop for the contact being integrally formed on the housing part, which stop is provided for the purpose of absorbing insertion forces when contact is made between the contact and an electrical mating contact. |
| US07690928B2 |
Plug-in connector
The invention relates to a plug-in connector (10a, 10b) comprising at least one contact element (12a, 12b), extending in a longitudinal direction (14a, 14b) of the plug-in connector, which in the fitted condition of the plug-in connector (10a, 10b) on a printed circuit board (38a, 38b) extends at least approximately in parallel to the plane (40a, 40b) of the circuit board (38a, 38b). The plug-in connector (10a, 10b) according to the invention is characterized in that the contact slot/the contact pin (28a, 28b) of the contact element (12a, 12b) has a predefined transverse extension (32a, 32b) in at least approximately the longitudinal direction (14a, 14b) of the plug-in connector and that the plug-in direction (34a, 34b) of the contact slot/contact pin (28a, 28b) is oriented at least approximately vertically to the plane (40a, 40b) of the circuit board (38a, 38b). Accordingly, a mating plug-in connector (10a, 10b) engages the plug-in connector (10a, 10b) laterally as it is mounted.The plug-in connector (10a, 10b) according to the invention allows tolerances to be compensated between the printed circuit boards (38a, 38b) in the longitudinal direction (14a, 14b) of the plug-in connector, in the transverse direction (24a, 24b) of the plug-in connector and in the plug-in direction (34a, 34b). The plug-in connector according to the invention (10a, 10b) is suited especially for mezzanine applications. |
| US07690923B2 |
Two-sided FPC-to-PCB compression connector
An electrical connector with a flexible printed circuit (FPC) received may carry electrical signals between the FPC and a substrate. Latching mechanisms may serve to position the cap on the body such that the positions facilitate the insertion and retention of the FPC in the cap for a good electrical connection. The FPC may be received loosely in the cap when the cap is in a first position on the body. When the cap is depressed into a second position, the FPC may be compressed between the cap and the body. Mating ends of the contacts may electrically connect to exposed conductive elements of the FPC. Mounting ends of the contacts in the contact housing may electrically connect to the conductive elements on a substrate. If the contacts are compression contacts, the terminals of the contacts may deflect or compress when a force is exerted upon them. The electrical connector may have a sealing surface that is adapted to provide suitable compression against an FPC received by the electrical connector so as to keep out gases or fluids. |
| US07690919B2 |
Dental articulator
A dental modeling system for forming a dental model from a mold of at least a portion of a person's opposed upper and lower teeth. The modeling system includes dental articulator features that are integrated with opposing bases and dental model bases configured to receive removable tapered pins. The system also includes pin locators for improved alignment of teeth of the dental mold when creating the dental model. The pin locator can also include removable tapered pins for use in aligning with specific teeth of the dental mold. |
| US07690918B2 |
Dental impression trays
Provided are impression trays having one or more breakaway segments that allow for convenient removal of a portion of the tray, while maintaining the overall dimensions of the tray. Also provided are methods making impressions that include removing at least one breakaway segment of the provided trays. Also provided are impression trays having novel handles and trays having novel slots for the extrusion of excess impression material and retention. Further provided are kits and systems that include such impression trays. |
| US07690915B2 |
Mold clamping mechanism and injection molding machine
A second metal mold 15 has a through hole 31 that extends in the movement direction of the second metal mold 15. A first metal mold 14 has an internal threaded portion 34 that extends on a common line with the through hole 31 and has an opening at the surface of the first metal mold 14 facing the second metal mold 15. A bolt 39 formed by a shaft 37 and a head 38 is employed. The shaft 37 is passed through the through hole 31 in such a manner that the head 38 is arranged at the opposite side to the first metal mold 14 with respect to the second metal mold 15, and the distal end of the shaft 37 is located at the same side as the first metal mold 14 with respect to the second metal mold 15. When the second metal mold 15 is held in contact with the first metal mold 14, the bolt 39 is rotated by an electric motor 45 through the head 38. In this manner, an external thread 41, which is formed at the distal end of the shaft 37, is threaded to the internal threads 36 of the internal threaded portion 34. This presses the second metal mold 15 against the first metal mold 14. |
| US07690914B1 |
Apparatus for making a blow molded article with integral insert
A mold assembly includes a collapsible mount for releasably holding an insert within a mold cavity of the assembly in order to integrally form the insert with a molded article such as a tank liner. The collapsible mount includes a number of fingers secured to the mount and capable of being inserted through and expanded to engage the insert. The fingers are expanded after insertion through the insert by a core engageable with the fingers in order to securely hold the insert in position on the fingers of the mount and within the mold cavity. After formation of the article around the insert, the core can be disengaged from the fingers, which then move to a collapsed position such that the mount can be quickly withdrawn from within the insert and the mold cavity. |
| US07690912B2 |
Pattern transferring mold, pattern transferring apparatus and device manufacturing method using the same
One object of the present invention is to provide a pattern transferring mold which can provide a starting area of mold release easily and certainly and a pattern transferring apparatus with the same. A pattern transferring mold is disclosed which is used in a pattern transferring apparatus that brings the mold into contact with a photo-curing resin on a substrate and cures the photo-curing resin by light irradiation to transfer a pattern formed on the mold onto the photo-curing resin. The mold comprises a bottom face which contacts the photo-curing resin, the bottom face portion including a first area in which the pattern is formed and a second area formed outside the first area. The mold has a mold-releasing shape in the second area, the mold-releasing shape providing a starting area of mold release from the cured photo-curing resin. |
| US07690906B2 |
Rotary powder compression molding machine
A rotary powder compression molding machine configured to compression-mold powder filled in a die bore of a die mounted on a turret between a lower end face of an upper punch and an upper end face of a lower punch, is provided including powder lubricant jet means for jetting powder lubricant, the powder lubricant jet means including: jet nozzles, each of which has a concave surface, faces a respective one of end faces of the upper and lower punches at a respective powder lubricant jet position, and is configured to guide the powder lubricant along the concave surface and jet the powder lubricant in substantially one direction; an air stream providing mechanism configured to jet an air stream to adjacent the lower end face of the upper punch for preventing the powder lubricant jetted from the jet nozzles from scattering upwardly; and a charger device configured to charge the powder lubricant electrostatically upon jetting from the jet nozzles. |
| US07690901B2 |
Helical screw compressor comprising a cooling jacket
A screw compressor rotor housing is surrounded by a cooling housing that forms an annular cooling chamber. The cooling chamber is interrupted at one point by a separating wall that connects the rotor housing to the cooling housing. Coolant is fed at an inlet opening and is directed at the bottom side of the separating wall by an entrance channel, is redirected, and flows around the rotor housing until it reaches the top side of the separating wall. The coolant is redirected and is withdrawn through an exit channel that runs upward to the outlet opening. A bleed opening in the wall of the entrance channel and a vent opening in the wall of the exit channel allow for a residual amount of air to remain in the cooling chamber when it is filled with coolant, and for a residual fluid to remain when it is emptied. |
| US07690899B2 |
Piston pump
A piston pump includes a first piston pump including a first piston and a first pump chamber, a second piston pump including a second piston and a second pump chamber, the second piston operating to follow the first piston, a pressure release passage formed in communication with the second pump chamber, and a relief valve provided at the pressure release passage and defining an upper limit discharge pressure of the second piston pump. When a discharge pressure of the second piston pump is equal to or smaller than the upper limit, a discharge fluid of the second piston pump is added to that of the first piston pump so as to flow into an outlet port. When the discharge pressure exceeds the upper limit, the discharge fluid is released to the pressure release passage and the discharge fluid of the first piston pump only flows to the outlet port. |
| US07690898B2 |
Control valve for variable displacement compressor
The control valve comprises a valve rod having a valve body part; a valve main body provided with a valve chamber having a valve port to/from which the valve body part contacts/separates, a discharge pressure refrigerant inlet for introducing the refrigerant from a compressor, and a refrigerant outlet communicating with a crank chamber of the compressor; an electromagnetic actuator having a plunger for moving the valve rod in the valve closing direction; a pressure sensing chamber in which suction pressure is introduced from the compressor; and a pressure sensitive response member for pressing the valve rod in the valve opening direction corresponding to the pressure in the pressure sensing chamber, wherein the valve rod is fitted to the plunger having a predetermined diametrical directional clearance so as not to be influenced from the lateral deviation and inclination of the plunger. |
| US07690893B2 |
Leading edge cooling with microcircuit anti-coriolis device
A turbine engine component, such as a high pressure turbine blade, has an airfoil portion having a pressure side, a suction side, and a leading edge. A cooling system is provided within the leading edge. The cooling system includes at least one peripheral leading edge cooling channel for creating anti-Coriolis forces in the leading edge of the airfoil portion. |
| US07690892B1 |
Turbine airfoil with multiple impingement cooling circuit
A turbine blade or airfoil used in a gas turbine engine, the blade having a single cooling air flow path from leading edge to the trailing edge formed from a series of impingement cavities each connected by impingement holes. the series of impingement cavities are formed to alternate from a pressure side cavity to a suction side cavity, and the impingement holes are therefore offset at about 90 degrees, resulting in more impingement cavities being crowded into the length of blade and the impingement holes providing a jet of cooling air directed to a smaller impingement area and at about a head-on direction to the hot section of the cavity. The first impingement cavity is located at the leading edge as is supplied with cooling air from the exterior source, while the last impingement cavity in the series is located in the trailing edge region and includes a plurality of exit holes extending along the trailing edge to discharge the cooling air from the circuit. a greater number of impingement cavities are used in the same length of blade, and a more concentrated impingement jet is directed at the hottest surface of the cavity to provide improved cooling heat transfer coefficient. |
| US07690890B2 |
Wall configuration of axial-flow machine, and gas turbine engine
A wall configuration of an axial-flow machine which can reduce the secondary flow loss is provided. A trough is formed between a blade and another blade in the blade row and extends in at least an axial direction of the blade row. The region where the trough is formed is axially between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade. A center line of the trough has a curvature in the same direction as a camber line of the blade. A maximum amplitude of the trough is located adjacent to an axial center of the blade or located axially between the axial center and the leading edge of the blade. |
| US07690889B2 |
Inner diameter variable vane actuation mechanism
A variable vane actuation mechanism is comprised of a first drive vane arm and a second drive vane arm for driving a first variable vane array and a second variable vane array, respectively, of a stator vane section of a gas turbine engine. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm are connected to each other at a first end by a linkage. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm are connected at a second end to a first drive vane and a second drive vane, respectively, of the first and second variable vane arrays. The first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm respond in unison to a single actuation source connected to one of the first drive vane arm and second drive vane arm. |
| US07690882B1 |
System and method for inverting folded stacks of continuous web
This invention provides a system and method for separating, folding, stacking and transporting a continuous web that allows stacks of web that are relatively large (four-feet-high or more) to be generated at high speed directly beneath the folding mechanism and to be transferred as complete, discrete stacks to downstream locations and stack utilization devices without interrupting the ongoing, upstream stack-folding and stack-formation process. A zigzag folded web passes by a pair of opposing front and rear compression plate assemblies, with fingers that are extended to selectively project into the folding area, onto a stack supported by a vertically moving supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism cycles between an ever-lower position in which upper, loose pages of the folded web pass by plate fingers (when retracted) and an upper position in which the stack engages and presses upwardly against the now-extended plate fingers to compress the stack. After the web is separated above the chute, the supporting mechanism eventually travels to the base where the now-completed stack is conveyed to a downstream location. While the supporting mechanism is occupied transferring the completed, old stack, new folded web is deposited on a deployed temporary support that allows a new stack to form thereon until the supporting mechanism has completed the transfer of the old stack, and is ready to receive the new stack from the temporary support. |
| US07690868B2 |
Cable coupler having retained wedges
A cable coupler includes a body having a first end, a second end, and first and second passageways sized and shaped to receive a cable, with each passageway including a tapered portion. A wedge assembly is disposed in each tapered portion to secure a cable to the body. A clip assembly is attached to the body adjacent the tapered portion of each of the passageways and is shiftable between a closed position in which the clip assembly is positioned to prevent an adjacent one of the wedge assemblies from exiting the corresponding passageway and an open position in which the adjacent wedge assembly is insertable into the tapered portion of the corresponding passageway. |
| US07690863B2 |
Device for holding a leveling strip on a carriage for applying cold laid coatings
The invention relates to a device for holding a levelling strip (14) on a carriage for applying cold laid coatings, wherein said strip extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carriage, characterised in that said carriage comprises on the rear side opposite to the direction of its movement a support frame (12) which has an adjustable length so that it can adapt to the width of the application zone of the coating and which supports a levelling strip (14), made from a flexible and slightly elastic material, of which one first free end (16) is attached to a first free external edge of the support frame (18) and in that the second free external edge (20), that is opposite the first, of the support frame comprises a vertical axis breast roller (22) on which the levelling strip (14) is tensioned by means of a winding device (24) that applies to said strip a suitable tension while permitting the continuous adjustment of the working length of said strip. |
| US07690858B1 |
Commercial vehicle safety barrier
A commercial vehicle safety barrier that is designed to assist a commercial tanker truck when delivering gasoline to a service station by keeping pedestrians and motorists away from the vehicle while the fuel was being unloaded. The barrier is fabricated from four separate casings that are mounted to the side of a commercial fuel tanker trunk. The casings are mounted to the same side of the truck on which the hose manifolds are located. Each casing includes a nylon strap attached to a retractable, spring-loaded reel, allowing each nylon strap to be pulled out and attached to a portable cone via a hook located on the nylon strap. The strap may contain a message to notify passersby of danger or an emergency. The barrier may also be used to assist police and emergency vehicles, as well as utility workers to notify passersby of danger or an emergency. |
| US07690855B2 |
Binding tool for documents or the like
A binding tool for documents or the like is provided which is capable of suppressing the height of protruded portions from a surface of a base portion thereby to expand a space thereabove, and which is also easy to manufacture and assemble. The binding tool includes a base portion (2) formed of a metal plate, rings (3) that are each mounted on the base portion so as to be selectively changed into a closed ring posture to bind documents or the like and an opened ring posture to open a part of a closed ring for insertion of the documents or the like, and a switching mechanism (5) that is mounted on the base portion and includes a switching lever (4) for switching the rings between the closed ring posture and the opened ring posture. The switching lever has a base end (41) and a free end (42), and a cam member (6) is provided on the base end of the switching member for adjusting the degree of opening/closing of each of the rings according to a rotated position of the free end. The cam member has a cam main body (61) and camshafts (62) that protrude from the cam main body, and bearing portions (25) are formed in the base portion. The bearing portions are each formed of an inner surface of a curved portion where a part of the base portion is curved to a front surface side thereof. |
| US07690850B2 |
Apparatus for splicing optical fibers
An apparatus for splicing optical waveguides has a memory circuit in which data items which identify a state of the apparatus for splicing the optical waveguides are stored. The memory circuit is used to store data items which identify a state of the optical waveguides to be spliced. Stored data items indicate conditions of the environment in which a splice process has been carried out. The apparatus can be used to record a plurality of data items which can be evaluated for analysis of a splice process, in particular for an analysis of a fault which has occurred during the splice process. |
| US07690846B2 |
Bearing device and method of manufacturing the bearing device
A bearing device is provided with a bearing ring and a shaft body that is made of carbon steel including pearlite having a cementite layer structure, and has an end portion caulked onto the bearing ring, and in this device, at least in the end portion of the shaft body, the layer gap of the cementite in the pearlite is made greater. |
| US07690840B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring on-line failure of turbine thermal barrier coatings
A method of remotely monitoring the radiant energy (6) emitted from a turbine component such as a turbine blade (1) having a low-reflective surface coating (3) which may be undergoing potential degradation is used to determine whether erosion, spallation, delamination, or the like, of the coating (3) is occurring. |
| US07690839B2 |
Thermal testing apparatus
A thermal testing apparatuses for a server system (22) includes a heating module (16), at least one temperature sensor (191), a micro control unit (MCU) (192), a trigger controlling circuit (193) and a display module (20). The heating module heats airflow at an entry of the server system. The temperature sensor senses temperature at the entry of the server system, and outputs temperature signals. The MCU receives temperature signals and converts them to temperatures in degrees. The trigger controlling circuit is electrically connected to the MCU to receive a controlling signal, and controls turning the heating module on or off. The display module is electrically connected to the MCU for showing the temperatures in degrees. |
| US07690834B2 |
Mixer and mixing method for producing gypsum slurry
The present invention provides a mixer and a mixing method which enable stable supply of slurry at a high flow rate with foam being uniformly mixed therein, and which enable reduction in consumption of foam to be fed to the slurry. The mixer (10) has a housing (20), a rotary disc (32), a slurry outlet port (45), a slurry delivery conduit (46) and a hollow connector section (47). A foam feeding port (41) is disposed in a predetermined position of an annular wall or the hollow connector section. The foam feeding port feeds the foam to the slurry, immediately before the slurry enters the slurry outlet port, or feeds the foam to the slurry in the hollow connector section. The slurry and the foam mix with each other at the slurry outlet port or on its downstream side. The foam is not substantially subjected to agitation impact of the mixer and a quantity of loss of the foam is reduced. The foam is uniformly mixed with the slurry even when the flow rate of slurry is increased, and therefore, the production rate of gypsum boards can be increased. |
| US07690832B2 |
Backlight assembly, display apparatus having the same and method for manufacturing the backlight assembly
A backlight assembly includes an optical unit including a lamp unit emitting light. The backlight assembly also includes a receiving container. The receiving container includes a plurality of side walls, a bottom plate separably combined with the side walls, and a combining element for combining the side walls with the bottom plate. The receiving container receives the optical unit in a receiving space defined by the side walls, the bottom plate, and the combining element. |
| US07690826B2 |
Adaptive front light system using LED headlamp
Provided is an adaptive front light system (AFLS) for a vehicle. The AFLS comprising one or more light-emitting diode (LED) lamp units and a housing which accommodates the LED lamp units, wherein each of the LED lamp units comprises one or more LEDs as its light source and a reflector which reflects light emitted by the light source so that the reflected light can be directed forward, and said adaptive front light system is operable to form different beam patterns by selectively turning on or off the lamp units, and wherein one or more reflectors of the lamp units comprise a multi-face reflector including a plurality of cells having different curvature radiuses or focal points. |
| US07690821B2 |
Safety device for a load carrying vehicle
A safety device for use with a load-carrying vehicle, which includes a lamp and a flag to warn vehicles of overhanging or extended loads. The device has a supporting member for attaching to a load. The supporting member may attach to the load using screws, bungee cords, or magnetism, or by receiving the end of a pipe or tubing in an internal indentation. The supporting member is formed as a clamp with two elongate parts hingedly connected in a base unit with a spring mechanism. |
| US07690819B2 |
External light shielding film and display filter having the same
An external light shielding film including a lens pattern formed on a surface of a base substrate and including a plurality of aspheric lenses, and an external light shielding pattern formed on another surface of the base substrate, and a display filter having the same, are provided. The external light shielding film and the display filter having the same may increase a contrast ratio in a bright room, enhance brightness, and increase a viewing angle. |
| US07690818B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes a projection lens through which an optical axis passes. The optical axis extends in a front-and-rear direction of a vehicle. The vehicle headlamp includes a light source disposed on a rear side of a rear focal point of the projection lens; a reflector which reflects a direct light from the light source toward a front direction so as to become close to the optical axis; a shade disposed between the projection lens and the light source and having an edge portion positioned near the rear focal point of the projection lens; and an auxiliary reflector disposed between the projection lens and a shade. The auxiliary reflector reflects a part of the light reflected by the reflector toward the projection lens such that an upward irradiation light is irradiated from the projection lens. The shade shields a part of the light reflected by the reflector and a part of the direct light emitted from the light source and forms a cutoff line of a light distribution pattern. A space is provided between the auxiliary reflector and the shade so as to maintain a light quantity of at least 75% of a main light distribution obtained by the light reflected from the reflector. |
| US07690814B2 |
Luminaire with a one-sided diffuser
A luminaire is provided with a one-sided diffuser, located a predefined distance below the light output ports, in order to efficiently distribute light through an upper smooth surface and a lower surface having light altering tracks where each wherein each light altering tracks distributes its received light over a range of angles within a predefined cutoff angle. |
| US07690807B2 |
Optical mirror element
The present invention consists of an optical mirror element to be used in combination with a light source. Light from a light source contained within the mirror element shank provides illumination in front of and behind the mirror head. In this way, for example, the invention can be used in dentistry both for illuminated, indirect vision in the mouth and as an illuminated cheek or tongue retractor. The invention can be used in combination with any suitable light source including, but not limited to, a conventional lamp, a light emitting diode, or a light pipe. |
| US07690802B2 |
Light emitting diode emergency lighting methods and apparatus
An LED based emergency lighting system is described. Unlike a typical approach in which one lighting system provides normal ambient lighting and a second different system provides auxiliary emergency lighting, a common integrated system can be satisfactorily employed. |
| US07690799B2 |
Optical relay for compact head up display
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an optical relay for a head up display, the optical relay comprises a glare trap having angularly selectivity by being capable of reflecting light having an angle of incidence greater than a first angle, and being capable of transmitting light having an angle of incidence less than a second angle, and a first optic arranged to receive light reflected off the glare trap at an angle of incidence greater than the first angle, and to direct light through the glare trap at an angle of incidence less than the second angle to exit the glare trap. |
| US07690796B2 |
Color projection display system
The present invention is a 3D/2D convertible color projection display system with two color LCoS panels, which enable the system to project two orthogonal polarized images. When the two images correspond to different view angles, each eye of an observer wearing a pair of polaroid glasses can only see one of the images, creating a 3D stereoscopic effect. When the two images correspond to the same view angle, then the observer, without any special glasses, can watch regular 2D images with multiple primary colors. |
| US07690794B2 |
Image-combining device and projection display apparatus having image-combining devices incorporated therein
An image-combining device comprising of a polarizing beam-splitter, two waveplates and two reflective micro-electro-mechanical display panels is described. It combines images with orthogonally polarized light. Projection display apparatus having such image-combining device(s) are used to project two-dimensional or three-dimensional images with orthogonally polarized light. |
| US07690793B2 |
Illumination optical system and projection-type image display apparatus
An illumination optical system includes a splitter that includes first and second beam splitters. The second beam splitter includes, on a light source side, a compression optical system for narrowing a width of an incident light and for emitting the incident light having the narrowed width, wherein the compression optical system includes, in order from the light source side to an image display element side, an optical element having a positive refractive power, and an optical element that has a negative refractive power and a concave surface at the image display element side. |
| US07690789B2 |
Correction of presbyopia using adaptive optics, wavefront sensor eye alignment and light shield, and associated methods
Devices, systems, and methods measure, diagnose, and/or treat one or both eyes of a patient. Adaptive optics systems (such as those having a deformable mirror) may be configured to an aspherical or multi-spherical presbyopia-mitigating prescriptive shape to allow objective and/or subjective measurements of a candidate prescription. A plurality of viewing distances allow subjective and/or objective evaluations of performance using a light spot or a test viewing image. Measurements of aberrations at selected viewing conditions (including distances and/or brightness) with correlating pupil sizes may also be provided. Wavefront measurement systems and methods may help position and isolate the eye from ambient light. |
| US07690780B2 |
Ink for ink-jet recording
An ink for ink-jet recording is provided which enables high quality printing at a fast speed. The ink is also suitable for use in an ink-jet recording head employed in a line head method. The ink for ink-jet recording includes at least a coloring agent, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol propyl ether and water. The amount of ethylene glycol with respect to the total ink amount is about 5 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, and the amount of propylene glycol propyl ether with respect to the total ink amount is about 30 wt. % to about 50 wt. %. Further, the total amount of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol propyl ether with respect to the total ink amount is about 45 wt. % to about 60 wt. %. |
| US07690778B2 |
Printhead auto-alignment detection system that uses a printed printhead alignment pattern cotaining fluorescing material
A printhead auto-alignment detection system includes a UV LED configured and positioned to transmit light in ultraviolet wavelengths onto a printed printhead alignment pattern formed using an aqueous ink having a UV fluorescing material. A sensor is configured and positioned to detect light in visible wavelengths emitted by the fluorescing material. A controller is communicatively coupled to the UV LED and the sensor. The controller is configured to execute program instructions for controlling the output of the UV LED and for reading a signal output of the sensor during a printhead alignment operation. |
| US07690777B2 |
Filter device and liquid droplet ejecting device
The present invention provides a filter device including a supply channel where a liquid flows in; a first liquid chamber that is communicated with the supply channel; a second liquid chamber that is communicated with the first liquid chamber; a first discharge channel that is communicated with the second liquid chamber and that discharges the liquid; a first filter that is provided between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber; and a second filter that is provided between the first liquid chamber and the second liquid chamber and whose lower end is positioned higher than a lower end of the first filter. |
| US07690776B2 |
Gaseous detection for an inkjet system
A method of monitoring gaseous accumulation within an ink flow path in fluid communication with a printhead comprising: (a) supplying a first printhead with ink using a first ink flow path; (b) mounting a first ink filter in fluid communication with the first printhead; and (c) sensing downstream from the first ink filter for gaseous components within the first ink flow path. In addition, the invention provides a printing device comprising: (a) a first printhead that includes a first set of nozzles, a first ink filter, and a first conduit between the first ink filter and the first set of nozzles for delivering filtered ink to the first set of nozzles; and (b) a sensor operative to detect at least one of bubble formation and bubble growth within the first conduit. |
| US07690774B2 |
Printing device fluid reservoir with gripping features
Embodiments of a printing device fluid reservoir with gripping features are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid reservoir includes a first surface and a fluid-containing body located beneath the first surface. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first surface includes a protruding grip, and the fluid-containing body has a lever extending therefrom. According to an embodiment of the present invention, both the protruding grip and the lever are configured to receive a pinching force that compresses the lever towards the fluid-containing body, facilitates carrying of the fluid reservoir, and facilitates installing and/or releasing the fluid reservoir into/from a chassis of the printing device. |
| US07690767B2 |
Ink jet recording head and ink jet recording apparatus
A highly reliable, compact, and inexpensive ink jet recording head, includes a liquid discharge substrate having on a front surface side a discharge port for discharging a liquid, and having, on a back surface side, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to be discharged from the discharge port, and an electrode for transmitting and receiving a signal to drive energy generation means for discharging the liquid from the discharge port; a film-like electrical wiring member joined to the back surface of the liquid discharge substrate, the film-like electrical wiring member including a liquid supply hole communicating with the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate, and an electrical connection portion connected to the electrode; and a retaining member for retaining the liquid discharge substrate with the electrical wiring member interposed therebetween, the retaining member including a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the liquid supply port of the liquid discharge substrate. |
| US07690764B2 |
Modular printhead with consecutive printhead modules
A modular printhead module is disclosed. The printhead module includes a carrier. An elongate ink delivery member is mounted in the carrier and defines a plurality of longitudinal conduits, each for carrying a respective type of ink. The elongate ink delivery member further defines a plurality of sets of apertures, each set including a plurality of apertures which are each in register with a corresponding conduit. A single printhead including a plurality of inkjet nozzles is also provided. Each inkjet nozzle engages with a respective set of apertures so that each inkjet nozzle is engaged in fluid communication with a respective conduit. |
| US07690760B2 |
High resolution ink jet printhead
A high resolution printhead for an ink jet printer. The printhead includes a semiconductor substrate containing at least one ink feed edge and a plurality of ink ejection actuators spaced a distance from the ink feed edge. Each of the ink ejection actuators has an aspect ratio ranging from about 1.5:1 to about 6:1. A nozzle plate is attached to the semiconductor substrate. The nozzle plate contains a plurality of nozzle holes, ink chambers and ink channels laser ablated in the nozzle plate corresponding to the plurality of ink ejection actuators. Adjacent nozzle holes are spaced apart with a pitch ranging from about 600 to about 1200 dpi. The distance from the ink feed edge is substantially the same for each of the ink ejection actuators. |
| US07690759B2 |
Liquid container, ink cartridge and ink jet printer having ink cartridge
A liquid container including: a containing portion, adapted to store liquid; a liquid outlet port, adapted to flow out the liquid from the containing portion therethrough; an outer wall, having a liquid supply opening for exposing the liquid outlet port to an outside, and covering a periphery of the liquid outlet port while the outer wall keeps a predetermined gap from an outer end of the liquid outlet port; and a first liquid absorption member, disposed at the predetermined gap so as to absorb the liquid. |
| US07690758B2 |
Head cleaning device
A head cleaning device that includes: an ink jet recording head including a nozzle plane formed with nozzles for ejecting ink; a positioning member capable of being brought into contact with an area outside the nozzle plane; and a cleaning roller capable of defining a minute gap between its roller plane and the nozzle plane and capable of rotating while facing the roller plane toward the nozzle plane. |
| US07690752B2 |
Methods and apparatus for optimizing energy supplied to a print head heater
Methods and apparatuses for optimizing the energy supplied to a print head heater are disclosed. A resistance associated with the print head heater or actuator is determined. A range of fire pulse values is determined based at least in part on the determined resistance and a velocity optimization procedure is executed based at least in part on the determined range of fire pulse values. An optimal fire pulse for the print head heater is selected based at least in part on the results of the velocity optimization procedure. |
| US07690751B2 |
Recording head and recording apparatus, and inspection apparatus of recording head and method thereof
A temperature detection circuit acquires first temperature data detected by a temperature sensor corresponding to a heater of a recording head in a state in which no electric current is flowed into the heater, and second temperature data for the heater in a state in which an electric current is flowed into the heater. Correction data for correcting the temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is obtained based on the first and second temperature data. The temperature data detected by the temperature sensor is corrected based on the correction data. |
| US07690750B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing position control method
A method of adjusting bidirectional registration to reduce negative effects on the image such as “banding” even if bidirectional registration includes a slight amount of displacement is provided. For that purpose, correction is applied to a first adjustment value for adjusting a bidirectional registration displacement in response to an extent of inclination of a printing head to obtain a second adjustment value. Then a bidirectional printing is performed with timing adjusted on the basis of the second adjustment value. As a result of that, even if there is a slight variation in an adjustment value of the bidirectional registration and the inclination of the printing head, the banding generated by this can be reduced as much as possible. |
| US07690748B2 |
Method of printing with a personal computer and connected printer
A method of printing includes the steps of rendering continuous tone (“contone”) data to a pixel level and subsequently compressing the contone data in a personal computer. The bi-level data is rendered to a dot level and subsequently compressed in said personal computer. The method also includes the steps of transmitting the contone and bi-level data and decompressing the contone data and foreground bi-level data in parallel in a printer controller. The contone data is halftoned to bi-level color data. The foreground bi-level data is composited over the bi-level color data to create composited bi-level color image data. The steps of halftoning and compositing are performed in parallel. The method further includes the step of printing the composited bi-level color image data. |
| US07690745B2 |
Recording apparatus and recording method
Angles of inclination of the left and right end edges of recording paper as a recording medium are detected. In the case where it is determined an image having a size extended from an image recording region of the recording paper is recordable over the image recording region or even in the case where it is determined that the image represented by the image data is not recordable over the image recording region of the recording paper, when an input operation is performed indicating the user's intention to continue recording, an image data conversion process is performed for converting a color of a portion of the image data, which is not to be recorded in the image recording region of the recording paper, into a color of which ink is not to be ejected. Thereby, ink is ejected only to the image recording region of the recording paper. |
| US07690744B2 |
Printing apparatus for assigning data subjected to discharge by an abnormal nozzle in accordance with predetermined priorities
A discharge failure nozzle, which cannot print, can be complemented by a printable discharge nozzle according to a simple, low-cost method capable of a high-speed process. A printing apparatus, which prints by using an inkjet head having nozzle arrays formed by arraying a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink while scanning the inkjet head on a printing medium, includes a storage unit which stores the position of an abnormal nozzle that abnormally discharges ink among the plurality of nozzles arrayed in the nozzle arrays, an assignment unit which assigns data subjected to discharge by the abnormal nozzle to a plurality of normal nozzles positioned near the abnormal nozzle in a nozzle array including the abnormal nozzle in accordance with predetermined priorities, and a control unit which controls to perform assignment of data subjected to discharge by the abnormal nozzle every time column data along the scanning direction are created by a predetermined number of columns. |
| US07690742B2 |
Inkjet printer head driving apparatus and control method thereof
An inkjet printer head driving apparatus and a control method thereof include a switching unit turning on and off each of heating elements to heat and eject ink through nozzles, a level shift unit having a level converter converting to a predetermined potential level a potential level of a signal inputted to drive the switching unit, a transient time extending part provided with at least one time extending element to extend a transient time during which a potential level of the signal inputted from the level converter to the switching unit is converted from a first signal level to a second signal level and vice versa, and a control unit outputting to the level shift unit the delayed signal as a nozzle selection signal to select the nozzles corresponding to a to-be-recorded image. |
| US07690739B2 |
Drawer
A drawer (1) for a corner cabinet includes a front panel (4) angled inwards, two drawer side walls (2), a rear wall (5), and a drawer base (3). The front panel (4) has at least two plates (7′3″) which, when the drawer (1) is extended from within the corner cabinet, move relative to the drawer side walls (2) at the beginning of the opening process and at the end of the closing process. |
| US07690738B2 |
Dynamically changing track support for tracked vehicle
A dynamically changing track support for a tracked vehicle, includes a body with one or more track engaging wheels mounted for rotation to the body and extending above the top of the body and below the bottom of the body. At least two arms are provided. Each arm has a body engaging end and a track engaging end. The track engaging ends of the arm extends outwardly past the body. The body engaging end is pivotally secured to the body for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis. One or more track engaging wheels are mounted for concentric axial rotation about an axle positioned at the track engaging end of the each arm. Dynamically adjustment of the pivotal positioning of the arms relative to the body results in changes to track geometry while maintaining consistent tension. |
| US07690736B2 |
Braking system for vehicle
In a liquid pump for a braking system of a vehicle, one end of a piston is slidably inserted into a cylindrical space of a housing member, and a sliding ring is provided on the piston. A suction chamber is formed by an inner peripheral surface of the housing member, an outer peripheral surface of the piston and the sliding ring. An inner diameter “Dk” of the housing member is made larger than an inner diameter “Dc” of the cylindrical space. As a result, the volume of the suction chamber is increased, without making the piston smaller in its diameter. |
| US07690735B2 |
Service work brake arrangement
A vehicle air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilizes a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement. |
| US07690733B2 |
Method for tufting bristles and brush using the same
A hair brush may include a body having a receiving portion at a first end. A cushion pad having an inner surface and an outer surface may be disposed in the receiving portion, and may include a plurality of bristle anchors having an aperture. A plurality of bristles may be tufted into each of the apertures. |
| US07690732B2 |
Molded seat assembly with flexible weaving
A seat assembly including an assembly frame having at least two seat connection brackets, a seat frame, two or more connectors attached to the seat frame, the two or more connectors removably attached to the two or more seat connection brackets, two or more flexible supports extending across at least a portion of the seat frame, each support including a woven material, and a foam cushion including one or more holes, wherein the seat frame and the two or more flexible supports are molded within the foam cushion, and wherein the one or more connectors extend at least partially within the one or more holes. |
| US07690727B2 |
Motor vehicle seat back structure for a motor vehicle seat
A motor vehicle seat back structure comprising a backrest support frame which consists of a surface turned towards the seat user's back, a lordosis support which is arranged on the front part of the backrest support frame for supporting the user's back and an adjusting device for vertically adjusting the lordosis support position with respect to the extension plane of said backrest support frame. The adjusting device comprises at least one adjusting element operably connected to the lordosis support and at least one sliding element which is displaceable with respect to said adjusting element and interacts therewith in such a way that when the sliding element moves, the adjusting element is displaced with a directional component perpendicularly to the displacement direction of the sliding element and performs an action on said lordosis support in the direction. |
| US07690726B2 |
Coupling unit and adjusting mechanism using the coupling unit
A coupling unit (1) for adjustably mounting a support structure (6, 7) in a seat frame is provided, comprising first connecting means (2, 3) for connecting the support structure (6, 7) with the coupling unit (1) and second connecting means (4, 5) for connecting the coupling unit (1) with a pressure-transmitting element (8, 9) like a Bowden cable, wherein said second connecting means comprise a pressure area for receiving pressure from the pressure-transmitting element. Furthermore, an adjusting mechanism comprising the coupling unit with which a support structure may be adjusted in a seat frame is provided. |
| US07690723B2 |
Vehicle seat side air bag
A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame, a cushion, and an air bag assembly mounted upon the frame within a hollow provided in the cushion. A trim cover includes a side panel facing the side of the vehicle and a front panel facing forwardly, the side panel and front panel being joined to one another at a vertical extending seam. The side panel also has a lower horizontal extending separable seam, an upper horizontal extending separable seam, and a forward vertical seam that may or may not be sewn to the front panel. On inflation of the air bag, the inflating air bag forces the side panel outwardly causing separation of the separable seams and inflate forwardly, upwardly and downwardly through separable seams of the side panel. In addition, a rear vertical extending seam can be provided that would extend between the upper and lower horizontal extending separable seam. |
| US07690720B2 |
Energy absorbing vehicle hood assembly with asymmetric sandwich inner structure
An energy-absorbing hood assembly for a vehicle includes upper, lower, and middle panels. The upper and lower panels respectively include first and second interface surfaces. The upper panel is preferably secured to an inner surface of an outer panel. The middle panel has opposing first and second surfaces defining an asymmetric waveform profile, preferably having a polygonal geometry. The middle panel member is secured to the first and second interface surfaces at preselected locations along the upper and lower surfaces, thereby defining a plurality of laterally oriented asymmetric channels. The asymmetric waveform profile is configured with distinct amplitudes and wavelengths along different regions of the hood assembly, each configured to provide different predetermined levels of absorption and attenuation of kinetic energy imparted to the hood assembly by objects upon impact therebetween. Ideally, the lower and middle panels are respectively configured to controllably fail at first and second predetermined crush loads. |
| US07690713B2 |
4-bar hinge system for load bed cab-high cover adaptation to rear lift access
4-bar hinge technology is applied to forward hinged mounting of a conventional cab high cover on a pickup truck load bed, so that the cover moves clear of the vehicle cab when raised to provide improved loading access. The hinge system may be integrated with upper and/or lower rails intermediately attached to the cover and load bed rails used as mounting interfaces in fixed cover installations. Use of these interfaces alone for system attachment supports universal application to conventional matched cab high covers and load beds with minimal component variation between applications. Resulting component dimensions accommodate compact packaging, and therefore convenient, efficient shipping and storage of adaptation hardware. The system concept accommodates use of readily available hardware suited to processes and equipment already in use within affected industries, and facilitates capture of dimensions for optimal function within hinge and intermediate rail assemblies, thereby minimizing reliance upon installer skills. |
| US07690712B2 |
Antidazzle apparatus for movable bodies
An antidazzle apparatus for movable bodies is capable of not hiding something a user wants to see while dimming sunlight. A transmissive display is disposed above ahead of a driver, and two dimmer portions are formed in the transmissive display. The dimmer portions are positioned on straight lines linking the driver's right and left eyes with the sun, respectively, and are set to sizes a bit larger than the sizes of the pupils. In this case, sunlight is dimmed by the dimmer portions. Nevertheless, lines of sight leading to an entity which is located much closer than the sun is and which the driver wants to see are not intercepted by the dimmer portions. This allows the driver to see the entity. |
| US07690711B2 |
Endgate assembly with damper releasable from keyed stud
An endgate assembly connectable to a vehicle body for opening and closing a vehicle bed formed by the body includes an endgate supportable by the vehicle body at a pivot connection and openable and closable by pivoting about the pivot connection. A keyed support member is securable to the vehicle body. A damper and a cable are connected to the endgate. Both the damper and the cable have ends that are configured to be retained by the keyed support member when the endgate is pivoted between the open and closed position. The cable and damper ends can be removed from the keyed support member without tools when the cable end is rotated relative to the keyed support member. A method of modifying the vehicle bed by detaching or reattaching the endgate assembly is also provided. |
| US07690710B2 |
Motor vehicle endgate hinge having dual pivot axes
An assembly for opening and closing a passageway into the body of a motor vehicle includes a post secured to the body at a lateral side of the passageway, an endgate for opening and closing the passageway, and a hinge secured to the endgate and the post. The hinge defines a lateral axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the lateral axis relative to the post, and the hinge defines an upright axis and supports the endgate for pivoting about the upright axis relative to the post. |
| US07690705B1 |
Vacuum chuck useful for affixing cover seals to hard disk drives
A vacuum chuck includes a first surface with a cavity formed in the first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a relatively deformable portion disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The vacuum chuck is formed using a resilient material, and the relatively deformable portion changes shape in response to pressure more easily than other portions of the vacuum chuck. |
| US07690704B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing/carrying cooking pans and devices
An apparatus is provided which can be used to pry apart a first object, such as a hotel pan, from a second object, such as a chaffing dish, and to lift the first object off of or out of the second object. The apparatus may be comprised of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth portions, which may be plates, and which may be integrated together. The first, second, fourth, and sixth portions may be substantially straight, while the third and the fifth portions may be substantially semicircular. In one embodiment, first and second fingers are inserted through the third and fourth portions before using the apparatus to pry apart the first object from the second object. |
| US07690702B2 |
Lock bar for railroad gate warning mechanism
A lock bar for controlling the position of a railroad warning gate includes an elongated body portion extending between a first end and a second end, a clutch mechanism disposed in the elongated body, the clutch mechanism permitting rotational movement in one direction but restricting rotational movement in the opposite direction and a hub disposed in the clutch mechanism for engaging a portion of a motor drive mechanism for a railroad warning gate such that the gate is permitted to move in one direction but is restricted from movement in the opposite direction. Indicia are preferably disposed on the opposing edges to indicate the position that the warning gate will be retained in. An oblong aperture defined through the lock bar receives a pin to hold the lock bar in engagement with the motor drive mechanism. |
| US07690699B2 |
Connecting piece comprising a gripping element on the outer surface for rotating the connecting piece
A first element is connected to a first end of a connecting piece and a second element is connected to a second end of the connecting piece. At least one end of the connecting piece is provided with a thread, whereby the connecting piece is connectable to a pipe or fitting with a threaded connection. The connecting piece is made of plastic in such a way that a metal insert provided with a thread is arranged at at least one end of the plastic body of the connecting piece, or the connecting piece is made substantially completely of thermoplast in such a way that the thermoplastic body is provided with a thread. The outer surface of the connecting piece is provided with a gripping member. The gripping member is formed and dimensioned such that it gives way earlier than the connecting member thread and/or basic structure. |
| US07690698B1 |
System and method for facilitating pipe and conduit coupling
An improved system and method for facilitating pipe and conduit coupling comprises a clamp having at least one screw hole for insertion therethrough of at least one screw for insertion for a further clamp for being screwed to fasten the clamps together on ends of pipes to be coupled, at least one gasket between the clamps and pipe and including at least one retainer to engage with the screw to prevent the screw from displacement prior to being screwed into fastening relationship with the gasket and the pipe. An improved method for facilitating pipe coupling comprises providing clamps fastenable together around ends of pipes, a gasket to be placed between the clamps and the pipe ends and providing at least one retainer to engage the screw to prevent it from being displaced through a screw hole prior to fastening the clamps around the pipe ends. |
| US07690697B2 |
Thread form for tubular connections
A thread form is shown which is used to make a threaded pipe connection capable of being screwed together and subsequently unscrewed. A pin member is provided having external threads with stab flanks and load flanks and flat crests and roots for mating with the mating internal threads of a box member to make up a pipe connection. One of the stab or load flanks is made up of two facets and three radii. The other selected flank is made up of three facets and four radii, giving it irregular features forming a complex geometric profiles. The thread form can be used to form a premium threaded connection which is used with such tubulars as casing and tubing for oil, gas, water and waste disposal wells. |
| US07690696B2 |
Wedge thread with torque shoulder
A threaded pipe connection including a pin member having an external thread increasing in width in one direction, the external thread including load and stab flanks, a box member having an internal thread increasing in width in the other direction so that complementary internal and external threads move into engagement upon make-up of the connection, the internal thread comprising load and stab flanks, a positive stop torque shoulder, and wherein the width of the internal thread and external thread are selected to provide a selected clearance at least between the internal load and stab flanks and the external load and stab flanks upon initial engagement of the positive stop torque shoulder is disclosed. |
| US07690693B2 |
Pre-assemblable, push-in fitting connection for corrugated tubing
Fitting connections for corrugated metal tubing. The connection includes a body having an externally-threaded end, a nut or other fastener which is threadably engageable with the body end, and a collet which is receivable coaxially within the fastener. The collet is formed as a series of individual, arcuate tangs which are joined together by a retaining collar, the collar allowing the segments to be resiliently opened within the fastener so as to allow the crests of the tubing to pass therethrough. The fitting may be pre-assembled with the collet segments being received coaxially within the fastener with the collar extending rearwardly from the fastener, and with the fastener then being partially threaded onto the fitting body. |
| US07690691B2 |
Coupler for joining plastic and concrete pipe
A plastic pipe coupler is provided having a plurality of sections connected to one another but with at least one gap between the ends of two sections which are adjacent to one another. Each of the coupler sections has an exterior surface and an interior surface, and is fabricated so that when taken together, the sections cooperatively circumvent a section of plastic pipe. Each bracket is secured to the exterior surface of one of the aforesaid sections of the coupler and has a base plate, a pair of sidewall plates attached to each base plate, and a crosspiece having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is in contacting relationship with one of the pair of sidewall plates, while the second end is in contacting relationship with the other of the pair of sidewall plates. |
| US07690687B2 |
Trailer mounted attenuator with breakaway axle assembly
A trailer mounted crash attenuation system has an impact head assembly, a bursting tubular trailer frame member, and a breakaway axle assembly. Upon impact by a vehicle, the head assembly is urged forward bursting the tubular frame of the trailer. As the impact continues, the head assembly contacts an axle accelerator rod which results in the disengagement of the axle, trailer tire, and fenders from the trailer frame member. Impact energy is dissipated by the controlled deceleration of the vehicle as it moves forward through the attenuator system. |
| US07690682B2 |
Folding method for door mounted inflatable curtain
A method of folding or compacting a door-mounted inflatable curtain airbag to reduce the overall length of the airbag for positioning onto a vehicle. The airbag may generally be substantially parallellogrammatical in shape. The method involves a two-step process (1) folding the airbag along an axis that is substantially normal to the rear edge (first edge) of the airbag and (2) subsequently folding the airbag radially to compact the airbag down into its final, storable position. The present methods allow folding, compaction of the airbag without having a fold that is parallel to the compacted length of the airbag. |
| US07690681B2 |
Airbag system for out-of-position occupant protection and adaptive venting
The present invention provides a vehicle airbag assembly and method for deployment. An inflator is connected to an airbag wherein the inflator generates gases that cause inflation of the airbag. A housing substantially encloses the airbag and the inflator. The housing includes a vent hole for venting gases. An airbag tether is included having at least a first and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the airbag and the second end is attached to a venting member. The venting member, being configured to cover the vent hole, is moveable with respect to the housing. During a first airbag deployment stage, the venting member is forced away from the vent hole as the inflator generates gases. An actuator releases the second end of the airbag tether from the venting member during a second airbag deployment stage for the passage of gases through the vent hole. |
| US07690677B2 |
Trim panel having foam bridge supported hidden tear seam
In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a trim panel for concealing an air bag. The panel comprises a substrate and a cover over the substrate. The cover includes a cover skin. The panel also comprises a tear seam having at least a portion comprising a pattern of alternating residual wall thicknesses in the panel. At least one embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for making a trim panel for concealing an air bag. |
| US07690664B2 |
Pneumatic slider suspension locking pin system
A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. One of the rails includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin connection assembly having a pin that is arranged to extend into one of the holes in a locked position and retract out of the hole in an unlocked position. A cam is coupled for movement with the pin connection assembly. A tube is coupled with the cam to rotate as the pin moves between the locked and unlocked positions. A pneumatic actuator is coupled with the tube for selectively rotating the tube to move the cam which in turn moves the pin, between the locked and unlocked positions. |
| US07690661B2 |
Suspension structure with improved shock absorber arrangement, and vehicle incorporating same
A suspension structure is configured to ensure a large stroke of a shock absorber in a suspension device without moving an upper end supporting position of a damper upward relative to a conventional mounting position. The suspension structure includes a rear suspension for suspending left and right rear wheels. The rear suspension includes left and right lower arms for supporting the left and right rear wheels by way of knuckles, and left and right rear shock absorbers interposed between the respective lower arms and a sub-frame of a vehicle body frame. A lower end connecting portion of the rear shock absorber is cantilevered to a front side of the lower arm. |
| US07690660B2 |
Leading and trailing arm suspensions having a fully integrated arm
A leading or trailing arm vehicle suspension system comprised of a fabricated vehicle axle and a fully integrated beam casting providing bending stiffness to control axle windup and longitudinal stiffness to control axle position is disclosed. The beam casting is attached to the vehicle axle with a thru-bolt connection. The beam casting includes rack and pinion mounting attachment holes and also includes other built-in features providing efficient transfer of loads into the vehicle axle. |
| US07690656B2 |
Self-resetting paddle target
A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod. |
| US07690654B2 |
System for playing a combination board and card game
A card game combined with a board game. The object of the game, which can be played by at least two players, is to score the most points over the other competitors. A related aim of the game in this quest to achieve the highest points possible is to create horizontal, vertical, and diagonal placements of cards in the spirit and basics of tic-tac-toe. |
| US07690652B2 |
Image formation device and paper feed mechanism
An image formation device includes an image formation unit and a paper feed mechanism. The image formation unit is configured to print an image on a recording paper. The paper feed mechanism includes a feed roller, a press roller, cylindrical press rings and press roller bearings. The feed roller is configured to impart conveyance force to the recording paper. The feed roller has grip portions being configured to contact the recording paper. The press roller is disposed across from the feed roller. The press roller is configured to press the recording paper against the feed roller. A paper feed path through which the recording paper is fed to the image formation unit is formed between the feed roller and the press roller. The cylindrical press rings are attached to the press roller at locations adjacent to ends of the press roller. The press roller bearings support the press roller and bias the press roller toward the feed roller via the press rings. |
| US07690651B2 |
Image forming apparatus and remaining sheet detection method thereof
An image forming apparatus is provided that detects a sheet remaining between a transfer unit and fixing unit using a loop sensor. The loop sensor is configured to detect a loop of a sheet conveyed between the transfer unit and the fixing unit. The image forming apparatus includes a control unit to control, in accordance with an output from the loop sensor, a sheet conveyance speed of the fixing unit so as to form the loop of the sheet conveyed by the transfer unit and the fixing unit. If the loop sensor detects a presence of the sheet while driving of the transfer unit and the fixing unit for conveying the sheet has stopped, the control unit determines that a remaining sheet is present, and outputs a warning signal. |
| US07690650B2 |
Sheet transporting device, and automatic document feeder and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A sheet transporting device including: a sheet feeding section that feeds sheets to a transporting path; a pair of upstream transporting rollers and a pair of downstream transporting rollers arranged with a predetermined space; a double feed detecting section that detects a length of a double feed portion; a determining section that determines whether the length of the double feed portion is shorter than the predetermined space or not; and a transport control section that controls the drives of the upstream transporting rollers and the downstream transporting rollers, wherein the transport control section controls speeds of the upstream transporting rollers and the downstream transporting rollers so as to separate the delaying sheet from the preceding sheet of the overlapped sheets, in a case where the determining section determines that the length of the double feed portion is shorter than the predetermined space. |
| US07690649B2 |
Method for detecting paper feed shingling errors and synchronizing a printer and a feeder
A method of synchronizing the feeding and printing of sheets of media, i.e., paper, envelopes, post cards, etc. even though shingled feeds have occurred in the system. The foregoing is accomplished by utilizing two sensors and counters to monitor two sheets of paper to allow two software tasks to stay in synchronization and release the appropriate print data to the printer even when a sheet of paper was not detected in the feeder appears at the print head. The feeder sensor has a counter for its Lead Edge as does the Start of Print Sensor that is in the system's transport paper path. The feeder sensor counter and the start of print counter are incremented and decremented as the paper approaches the sensor and leaves the sensor. If the lead edge counter of the feeder sensor goes negative, then the feeder has shingled and the data for that sheet of paper must be printed. |
| US07690648B2 |
Sheet aligning device of a printing press and method of controlling the same
A sheet aligning device includes first and second aligning plates disposed on opposite lateral sides of the feeder board, the first and second aligning plates being capable of being reciprocatingly moved in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction and each having a sheet abutting surface parallel to the sheet conveying direction, an input member for inputting a sheet width, and a controller for controlling the first and second aligning plates so that the first aligning plate is moved, based on the inputted sheet width, to allow the sheet abutting surface thereof to be brought into abutment with a first lateral side of each sheet, thereby laterally aligning the sheet, and the second aligning plate is moved, based on the inputted sheet width, to allow a second lateral side of each sheet close to the second aligning plate to pass through a sheet-lateral-side passing zone on the second aligning plate. The sheet-lateral-side passing zone is located closer to the axis or centerline of the sheet than the sheet abutting surface is and has a flat surface throughout the sheet conveying direction. |
| US07690645B2 |
Sheet supplying apparatus
A sheet supplying apparatus, including a sheet holder which accommodates recording sheets stacked on each other; a feeding device which feeds an uppermost one of the stacked sheets in a sheet-feed direction; an inclined guide plate which is provided downstream of the sheet holder in the sheet-feed direction, wherein the inclined guide plate has a sheet-guide surface which guides a movement of each sheet while changing a direction of the movement thereof; a sheet-separate body with which the sheet feeding device cooperates to separate and feed the sheets, one by one, wherein the sheet-separate body is supported by the inclined guide plate, and includes sheet-separate portions which are arranged in the sheet-feed direction and which project from respective portions of the sheet-guide surface; and a projecting portion which is supported by the inclined guide plate, at a position distant from the sheet-separate body in a widthwise direction of the sheet holder, and which has a curved surface projecting from the sheet-guide surface. |
| US07690642B2 |
Method of controlling environment within media feed stack
A method maintains an environment within an interior of a sheet feeder during dead-cycling of an image forming device to which the sheet feeder is operatively connected. The method jets pulses of air into the interior of the sheet feeder that houses two or more pieces of media therein while the image forming device is dead-cycling. By the method, the attractive forces between two pieces of adjacent media. In a stack are reduced or minimized, and feeding of multiple sheets can be reduced or eliminated. |
| US07690639B2 |
Sheet conveying device, and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet conveying device, that can be included in an image forming apparatus, includes a first conveying unit to convey a sheet in a first sheet conveying direction, a second conveying unit including a sheet holding section to hold and transfer the sheet in a second sheet conveying direction, a sheet conveying path provided between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, a belt-type sheet conveying unit including a belt and first and second rotary belt holding members, a shaft holding member to hold the first and second rotary belt holding members to be spaced at a given constant interval, and a regulation member to regulate a movement of the belt in the sheet width direction. |
| US07690637B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method
A sheet processing apparatus of the invention includes a post-processing unit that applies post-processing to sheets supplied from an image forming apparatus, a conveying tool that guides the sheets subjected to the post-processing to a discharge port, a sheet discharge tray that receives the sheets discharged from the discharge port, and a control unit that controls an operation of the conveying tool and stops a discharge operation for new sheets, when a quantity of the sheets stacked on the sheet discharge tray reaches a full state set in advance. The sheet processing apparatus further includes a pressing unit that temporarily prevents movement of the sheet on the conveying tool, when a sheet is present on the conveying tool in the full state. |
| US07690636B2 |
Finishing apparatus in copying machine
A finishing apparatus in a copying machine is disclosed, which can finish large sized papers without enlarging the size of a tray base. The finishing apparatus includes a jogging assembly 170 aligning papers in left and right directions, a paper contact plate 166 provided with a stapler 196, a paper roller 200 pushing the papers to a paper stacker 134, ends of the papers being positioned in the stapler, a tray base 10 moving in a direction opposite to the paper roller to guide alignment of a set of the papers, and an angle adjusting unit guiding the papers by adjusting a tilt angle of the papers in accordance with the size of the papers. |
| US07690634B2 |
Method of processing and printing print job portions for enabling bindery efficiencies
A method is provided for processing and printing print job portions. The method includes providing an output related attribute, and using the attribute to divide a portion of one or more print jobs into a first section (including a first print output stack) and a second section (including a second print output stack). When the portion of the one or more print jobs is printed, an output stack processing instruction is used to separate the first output stack from the second print output stack along a boundary defined by the instruction. |
| US07690633B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus including stapling and folding mechanism
A sheet processing apparatus may include a conveyance path and a tray. The conveyance path may convey sheets. The tray may receive the sheets conveyed from the conveyance path. The tray may include a stapler and a folding member. The stapler may staple the sheets. The folding member may fold the stapled sheets and may be provided upstream from the stapler relative to a sheet conveyance direction. |
| US07690629B1 |
Modular rail and post fence system
A modular rail and post fence system. The fence system includes a plurality of rail assemblies with each rail assembly formed from a pair of panels. Each panel has a pair of sidewalls joined together at an angle to form an angled edge wherein the pair of panels are joined together to form a rail assembly. A plurality of elongated posts are also provided. Each elongated post has at least one longitudinal recess with a pair of opposed protrusions extending into the longitudinal recess. At least one pair of notches in the pair of opposed protrusions is provided whereby the angled edges of each rail assembly are received in one pair of notches of the elongated posts. The entire system may be fabricated, assembled, and installed without fasteners. |
| US07690627B2 |
Tool blade
A pulling tool for grabbing and pulling material from underneath structural elements. The tool has a handle, the handle having a main body portion and having one flat end portion bent from one end of the body portion. A thin, narrow, claw member is attached to the free end of the one end portion and extends across and past both sides of the one end portion to form a claw on each side of the handle at one end of the handle. Each claw is tapered to a straight end edge which edge is transverse to the end portion. Each claw has a narrow v-shaped material receiving slot extending inwardly from the straight end edge to allow the claw to grab the material being removed. |
| US07690621B2 |
Prestrained thin-film shape memory actuator using polymeric substrates
A method for producing a plurality of thin film actuators is disclosed. The method includes depositing a film of a shape memory alloy material onto a polyimide film to form a shape memory alloy construction. The shape memory alloy construction is strained from 2 to 8%. Post processing is conducted on the shape memory alloy construction after the step of imparting a 2 to 8% strain. This post processing can be the deposition of additional layers of the slicing of the actuators. Various shape memory metal actuators are disclosed. |
| US07690620B2 |
Height adjusting device of a display device and stand for display device
A height adjusting structure for a stand of a display device is provided. The stand includes a guide rail, base, supporting unit, and guide unit. The guide rail is fixedly installed to a rear surface of the display device. The base is supported on a horizontal surface. The supporting unit extends upward from the base. The guide unit is fixedly installed on the supporting unit, to be guided and moved along the guide rail. The height adjusting structure uses a minimum number of parts, is easy to assemble, is highly resistant to external shocks, is able to securely support a display device, operates quieter, and has improved operating reliability. |
| US07690618B2 |
Position adjustment mechanism
The present invention relates to a position adjustment mechanism, comprising two cylindrical portions, a first one of the portions being slidably disposed inside a second one of the portions. One of the portions has at least three detents and the other portion has at least three members for engaging in respective the detents to hold the portions in a first position, the members being removable from the detents to allow the portions to move into a second position; wherein the detents and members are equi-spaced around the first and second portions. |
| US07690616B2 |
Mounting system for enclosure
An apparatus includes an enclosure mountable to a wall, a strap coupled to an outer surface of the enclosure, and a holder mounted to the wall. The holder tautly pulls the strap toward the wall to hold the enclosure against the wall. |
| US07690615B2 |
Gasket for door mirror
A gasket for a door mirror according to the present invention is constructed so that when the gasket is interposed and pressed between a mirror base of a door mirror and a mounting seat of a car body, a tip part of a seal lip is pushed against a seating surface of the mounting seat, so as to tilt and bow toward a circumferential portion of the gasket. Then the tip part of the seal lip is resiliently urged against the seating surface of the mounting seat because of its flexibility, so as to seal a clearance between a joint surface of the gasket and the mounting seat of the car body throughout the entire circumference. |
| US07690611B2 |
Display mounting system and method
A mounting system includes a first surface and a second surface. A device panel can include at least first and second engaging members. The first and second surfaces are sized and shaped to engage the first and second engaging members respectively, and the first and second engaging members move along the first and second surfaces. The first and second surfaces are sized and shaped so the reaction forces between the first and second engaging members and the mounting panel cooperate to counteract the moment created by the center of gravity of the device panel to continuously immobilize the device panel at the plurality of angles relative to the support surface. |
| US07690610B2 |
Suction-type holding device
The invention relates to a suction-type holding device (1) to be fixed to fastening surfaces (17). Said holding device comprises a hollow suction base (2) that is open towards the fastening surface (17) and encompasses a central piece (11), and a sealing edge (5) which is provided with an elastic material at least towards the fastening surface (17) and can be placed on the fastening surface (17) along with the suction base (2) such that a suction chamber (30) that is gas-tight sealed towards the outside is embodied between the bottom face (9) of the suction base (2) and the fastening surface (17). The inventive suction-type holding device (1) further comprises contact pressure transmitters (8) and pressing means (18) for transmitting the contact pressure to the wall (7) of the suction base, thus applying additional contact pressure used for firmly attaching the suction-type holding device. |
| US07690609B2 |
Suction cup
A suction cup having an adsorption surface is provided wherein the suction cup has a disk-like main suction cup unit composed of an elastically-deformable material and has an attachment surface. The attachment surface has a gel layer composed of a gel, bonded thereto so as to cover the attachment surface. The adsorption surface is formed by the surface of the gel layer, and the gel layer are composed of a center portion composing the center of the adsorption surface, and a circumferential portion composing the outer circumference of the adsorption surface. The outer circumferential portion has the thickness larger than the thickness of the center portion. |
| US07690606B1 |
Universal work stand
The universal work stand is a device that is useful for holding a pistol or other small items to assist the user in cleaning, assembly and repair. The device is mounted to any relatively flat surface. Once the device is secure to that surface the pivoting ball can accept a plurality of work piece holders such as a firearm holder, a fly tying vise, a reel vise (for holding fishing reels), fishing rod holder, pistol barrel holder or any other vise configuration that will hold a work piece. The unique pivoting ball allows for the manipulation of the ball to aid in the worker in placing the work at various angles. The ball lock is a standard locking mechanism and is also available with a quick release that can be adjusted with one hand while the other hand securely moves the work piece or the holder. |
| US07690605B2 |
Support structure torque transfer function
The invention provides a support structure with torque transfer function including a link member having an upper end and a lower end; a pair of main brackets located on a surface of a base member and being pivotally connected to the lower end of the link member through an intermediate hinge. The link member is rotatably pivoted between the two main brackets. The base member has a pair of auxiliary brackets located at one side of the pair of main brackets. A base hinge is socketingly connected to a resilient support and disposed between the main brackets and the auxiliary brackets. A torque transfer device having upper and lower rotation parts pivoted to the intermediate hinge and the base hinge so as to move synchronously together and a connecting part linking the upper and lower rotation parts to rotate in the same direction, thereby forming a torque transmission path. |
| US07690603B2 |
Method and device to assist in the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase
A method to assist the piloting of an aircraft in a non-precision approach during a landing phase may include a series of successive steps that are carried out interactively and automatically. The steps include verifying, in accordance with respective standards of operation, conditions relating to the correct functioning of a plurality of equipment of the aircraft and to the integrity and precision of measurements of parameters used for implementing the non-precision approach, based on information from the plurality of equipment. On the basis of the verified conditions, an appropriate approach category is selected and presented on a display screen. |
| US07690598B1 |
Aircraft exhaust vent assembly
An aircraft exhaust vent assembly for venting an exhaust gas through a window opening formed in an airplane fuselage. The aircraft exhaust vent assembly has an enclosure connected to the airplane fuselage and at least partially disposed within the window opening. An inlet is formed in the enclosure and connectable to an exhaust gas source for directing the exhaust gas into the enclosure. An outlet is formed in the enclosure for venting said exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage. An outlet flap is connected to the enclosure for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the outlet flap substantially seals the outlet in the enclosure when the exhaust gas is not supplied to the enclosure. In the second position, the outlet flap does not seal the outlet in the enclosure to allow for venting of the exhaust gas to the exterior of the airplane fuselage. |
| US07690593B2 |
Welding wire guide ring
A wire guiding device includes a base and a guide portion for streamlining the flow of coiled wire from a storage container. Side walls may be included to bridge the distance between the device and the storage container to prevent wire from rising upward around the outside of the wire guiding device. As the amount of wire in the bin decreases, the wire guiding device will float downward maintaining constant downward pressure on the coil of wire. Wire in the storage container will therefore be drawn out in a smooth manner limiting or substantially preventing tangles. |
| US07690590B2 |
Electronically controlled journal loading system
An electronically controlled journal loading system 20 for controlling and adjusting the amplitude of the load applied to a journal assembly 19 of a pulverizing mill 10. The journal loading system 20 includes a servomotor 44, resolver 134, vertical gearbox 42, coil spring assembly 40, controller 46 and a user interface 48. The journal loading system 20 provides electronic control and adjustment of the force applied to the journal assembly 19 to thereby increase or decrease the load that a grinding roll 18 imposes on the material being pulverized. In the mode of operation of the servo journal loading system 20, a desired load set point is selected via the user/operator interface 48. The servomotor 44 rotates a preload stud (or servo screw) 50 within the coiled spring assembly 40 in the appropriate direction via the gearbox 42. As the preload stud 50 turns, a bronze nut 100 and bushing 94 move axially along the stud to compress or decompress the spring 86. Based upon the linear movement of the preload stud 50 and the precalculated spring force of the spring 86, the load applied to the journal assembly 19 is displayed on the operator interface 48. Once the journal loading level is achieved the servomotor 44 can be turned off since the spring assembly 40 maintains the selected loading to the journal assembly 19. |
| US07690589B2 |
Method, system and apparatus for the deagglomeration and/or disaggregation of clustered materials
A method of separating at least one cluster of a plurality of clustered particles of a specified material. The method includes: initiating the wetting of at least a portion of the plurality of cluster particles; disaggregating at least a portion of the wetted plurality of cluster particles into a disaggregated material including a plurality of smaller clusters, discrete particles or any combination thereof; and stabilizing at least a portion of the disaggregated material by reducing, eliminating or replacing specified controlling attractive forces. A system and apparatus for separating at least one cluster of a plurality of clustered particles of a specified material are also disclosed. |
| US07690574B2 |
Method and apparatus for accessing electronic data via a familiar printed medium
The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media. |
| US07690567B2 |
Scanning unit for scanning a measuring standard
A scanning unit is for scanning a measuring standard having a coded track formed by a graduated scale, such as an incremental track, and a reference mark system, including a detector system for scanning the coded track and an additional detector system for scanning the reference mark system. The detector system, when scanning the associated coded track or reference mark system, receives scanning signals on a signal-sensitive surface, and the additional detector system includes at least two sensors, of which only one is used for scanning the reference mark system during operation of the scanning unit. Each of the two sensors is connected to one of the two inputs of a differential amplifier, and the sensor not used for scanning is deactivated in that its signal-sensitive surface is covered. |
| US07690565B2 |
Method and system for inspecting machines
A method for locating a machine includes collecting machine data from a first machine over a communications network. The machine data for the first machine includes data reflecting at least one operational parameter associated with the first machine. The method also includes determining that the first machine is missing based on the collected machine data and receiving, from the first machine, over the communications network, a location message including location data reflecting a geographic location of the first machine. The method further includes sending a notification message to a first entity including data reflecting a status of the first machine and the location data, and sending a command to the first machine to control at least one operation of the first machine based on determining that the first machine is missing. |
| US07690558B2 |
Utilizing scanned supply information and a patient task list to document care
A system and method in a computerized healthcare environment for determining whether one or more supply items are associated with one or more task items for a patient is provided. A patient identifier is received and patient data is accessed from the patient's electronic medical record. A scanned medical supply item identifier is received and data for the scanned supply item is accessed. The supply item data and patient data are utilized to determine whether one or more task items for the patient are associated with the scanned supply item. |
| US07690555B2 |
Rigid corrugated bulk container for liquids and semi-liquid fluids
A corrugated bulk container for shipping, storing and dispensing liquids and semi-liquid fluids. The container is a laminated triple wall open-ended tube having side walls and end walls, and a bag assembly is supported in the tube for containing the liquid or semi-liquid fluid. The bag assembly includes a bag having a fill valve and a dispensing valve attached to it, a bag cassette to which a bottom end of the bag is attached, and a fill valve support plate to which a top end of the bag is attached. The bag cassette has structure to receive and hold the dispensing valve in position relative to a dispensing valve opening in the tube, and the fill valve support plate has structure to receive and support the fill valve. The container is attached to a pallet by severable structure, and the fill valve support plate is attached to the tube by severable structure so that the bag assembly can be removed from the container, for easy collapse of the container for disposal or recycling. Fill valve support structure is cut from the fill valve support plate and folded into a position to receive and support the fill valve. |
| US07690552B2 |
Joining method and structure of metal members
In a first step, a roof panel and a front header are joined at plural frictional spot joint portions at a front-end frictional joint area, and the roof panel and a rear header are joined at plural frictional spot joint portions at a rear-end frictional joint area. The roof panel and a side roof rail are joined at plural frictional spot joint portions at left-side and right-side frictional joint areas. Subsequently, in a second step, the members are joined at the plural rivet joint portions at a border area of the above-described joint areas, and the members are joined at plural rivet joints at a bounder area of the above-described joint areas. Accordingly, there can be provided a joining method and structure of metal members that can properly reduce deformation due to a thermal strain. |
| US07690551B2 |
Die attach by temperature gradient lead free soft solder metal sheet or film
A die attach process employs a temperature gradient lead free soft solder metal sheet or thin film as the die attach material. The sheet or thin film is formed to a uniform thickness and has a heat vaporizable polymer adhesive layer on one surface, by which the thin film is laminated onto the back metal of the silicon wafer. The thin film is lead-free and composed of acceptably non-toxic materials. The thin film remains semi-molten (that is, not flowable) in reflow temperatures in the range about 260° C. to 280° C. The polymer adhesive layer is effectively vaporized at the high reflow temperatures during the die mount. |
| US07690550B2 |
Reflow soldering apparatus
In a reflow soldering apparatus comprising a conveyor 4 to transport circuit boards 5 mounted with electronic components into multiple chambers 1, 2 and 3, and fans 6 installed in the chambers 1, 2 and 3, the centers of the impellers in the adjacent fans 6 are not on a single perpendicular plane along the transport line of the conveyor and arrayed offset to the left and right. This apparatus may also employ a structure wherein the centers of the impellers in the adjacent fans are not on a single horizontal plane and arrayed offset up and down. Further, it may also employ a structure wherein the fans are arranged with their rotation shafts inclined. |
| US07690549B1 |
Purge line for welding backup
A purge arrangement for welding backup of a seam between two surfaces selected for welding together along respective runs which define the seam includes a ventilated tubeform and an adhesive tape attached for forming a seal across the back of the seam and sealing in the ventilated tubeform. The ventilated tubeform adapted for flooding with a purge gas by a source thereof. The adhesive tape's seal across the back of the seam traps the flood of the purge gas in the interspace between the tape and seam and ultimately flushes the as-yet un-welded portions of the seam with the purge gas. |
| US07690541B2 |
Adjustable holster securement device
An adjustable holster securement device which comprises a loop attachment for securing a holster to the belt of a user, a connection plate to which the holster is attached, and an articulated joint for connecting the loop attachment to the connection plate in an articulated manner. The articulated joint preferably comprises two substantially U-shaped members pivotably engaged with respective seatings on opposite sides thereof. The seatings are generally coaxial with, parallel to and integral with, respectively, the loop attachment and connection plate. At least one tie-rod is also provided, acting generally parallel to the seatings, for connecting the substantially U-shaped members to one another as well as a device for locking the articulated joint arranged between the substantially U-shaped members and the seating, the device being operable by the tie-rods to control locking and release of the articulated joint. |
| US07690540B1 |
Liquid animal scent dispenser
A liquid scent dispenser for spraying droplets of liquid scent under control of a controller. In a manual mode, the controller is programmed to dispense droplets at intervals on signal of a tilt switch such that the times of spraying can be keyed to a hunter's walking rate. In an automatic mode, the controller is programmed to dispense droplets at preset intervals. LEDs are provided on the dispenser to indicate the mode in which the controller is programmed. |
| US07690536B2 |
Foam dispenser
A dispenser (1) for dispensing a mixture of two or more fluids, e.g. liquid (9) and gas (4) (e.g. air) as a foam and/or mist, the dispenser comprising a flexible container (6) for a liquid including a conduit (8) having first and second end portions (11,12) the first end portion (11) terminating in an opening in the container (6) through which the mixture is expelled from the container (6) and the second open end portion (12) being close to the base of said container, wherein the conduit (8) includes a third open end portion (13) which is located close to the top (16) of the container and laterally inclined or opposed to the second open end portion (12) and the dispenser further being provided with one or more three-dimensional turbulence elements (26) mounted in the flow path of the liquid before it leaves the dispensing opening. |
| US07690534B2 |
Device for placing two products in contact
A device for placing in contact at least two products which are packaged separately in two compartments. The device includes a first compartment delineated by a container and a second compartment at least partially delineated by a body connected by an intermediate part to the container. The body is designed, in response to an actuating motion, to move from a first configuration or position, in which the two compartments are isolated from each other, to a second configuration or position enabling the compartments to communicate. The intermediate part is detachable relative to the container and includes a tubular channel configured to be placed in communication with the container. The body includes a sealing element around which is defined the second compartment, with this sealing element closing off the sealing container prior to the actuating motion. |
| US07690532B2 |
Product dispenser accessory for children
An accessory is provided for a product dispenser having a container for holding a product. The container defines a center axis and has a normal dispensing position, and a dispensing mechanism is coupled to the container and has a discharge opening adapted to direct product toward a desired target area when the container is in the normal dispensing position. The accessory is a first stabilizing element coupled to at least one of the container and dispensing mechanism and adapted to maintain the container in the normal dispensing position, thereby to more reliably direct product toward the target area during use. The first stabilizing element incorporates at least one physical feature attractive to a child. |
| US07690531B2 |
Container with enhanced display
This invention is directed to a decorated dispensing container. The container is substantially transparent and has a decoration on the front and/or rear surface. The dispensing unit comprises a pump mechanism with a dip tube at one end and a dispensing channel at the other end. The dip tube has an identifiable shape formed in the dip tube. This identifiable shape can be a land, sea or air animal, or an inanimate object. This inanimate shape is molded into the dip tube and colors are applied by hand painting or the use of a shrink label or an in mold label. By the use of a decorated identifiable shape and a coordinating label on the front and/or rear surface of the container a 3-D effect is imparted to the container and product. |
| US07690529B2 |
Automatic medicine packing machine with detachable shutter assembly
The present invention relates to an automatic medicine packing machine for packing a variety of medicines dose by dose continuously. According to one embodiment, there is provided an automatic medicine packing machine for packing a variety of medicines dose by dose continuously, including: a plurality of cassette units in which the variety of medicines are accommodated; a hopper for collecting the medicines discharged from the cassette units; a packing unit for packing the medicines collected by the hopper; and a shutter assembly mounted on the hopper to temporarily suspend the medicines discharged from the cassette units, wherein the shutter assembly includes a frame detachably mounted to an upper end of the hopper; an openable/closable shutter unit arranged and mounted on the frame; a driving means for driving the shutter unit to be opened and closed; and an interlocking unit for transferring a driving force of the driving means to the shutter unit to interlock the shutter unit. |
| US07690521B1 |
Beverage bottle nipple adapter and funnel apparatus
A beverage bottle nipple adapter and funnel apparatus includes a perimeter wall that has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. A peripheral lip is attached to and is coextensive with the first edge. The peripheral lip extends away from the perimeter wall. The peripheral lip has an exterior surface and an interior surface each being threaded. The interior surface has a size configured for receiving and threadably coupling to the threaded neck. The perimeter wall may be positioned in funnel position extending upwardly from the threaded neck or in a nipple receiving position extending downwardly from the threaded neck. A nipple is positioned in a threaded nipple coupler and the threaded nipple coupler is threadably coupled to the exterior surface of the peripheral lip when the perimeter wall is in the nipple receiving position. |
| US07690514B2 |
Microporous polymer material
A microporous material comprises organic macromolecules comprised of first generally planar species connected by rigid linkers having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by the linker are held in non-coplanar orientation, subject to the proviso that the first species are other than porphyrinic macrocycles. Materials in accordance with the invention have a surface area of at least 300 m2 g−1, eg in the range 700-1500 m2 g−1. Preferred points of contortion are spiro groups, bridged ring moieties and sterically congested single covalent bonds around which there is restricted rotation. |
| US07690506B2 |
Aircraft brake assembly container and method of using same
An aircraft brake assembly container and a method for using an aircraft brake assembly in servicing an aircraft, with the container having at least two identical container portions, at least one of the at least two container portions having an at least one sliding channel therein, an at least one cradle member having an at least one sliding portion engaging with the at least one sliding channel, and at least one securement device securing the at least two identical container portions. The method having the method steps of transporting an aircraft brake assembly container to the aircraft undercarriage, the container comprising at least two container portions, with a first of the at least two container portions supporting a new brake assembly; opening the container, rotating a second of the at least two container portions; aligning the second of the at least two container portions with the aircraft undercarriage and a used aircraft brake assembly; releasing the used aircraft brake assembly into the second of the at least two container portions; removing the second of the at least two container portions along with the used aircraft brake assembly; aligning the first of the at least two container portions with the aircraft undercarriage; installing the new brake assembly; and replacing the first of the at least two container portions atop the second of the at least two container portions. |
| US07690504B1 |
Ball carrier and method of using same
An apparatus for carrying a plurality of spherical objects such as billiard balls can include a rectangular frame defining an interior area for receiving the billiard balls, in which at least some of the balls contact an inner surface of the frame, and an engaging section connected to the frame and positioned within the interior area of the frame between two opposed sides of the frame. The engaging section can move between a release position in which the billiard balls can be placed into and removed from the frame, and an engage position in which the engaging section frictionally engages some of the balls, and the balls are maintained within the frame such that they are carried by the frame and can be transported therein. |
| US07690497B2 |
Transfer device for the lateral ejection of transported goods and transport unit
The invention relates to a transfer mechanism (12) for separating conveyed objects (4) out to the side from a first conveyor system (1) onto another conveyor system (14), with a pushing unit and two parallel flexible drives (15a, b) at a distance apart extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor system (1), each of which has an endless traction means (23) which can be driven, and the pushing unit has oppositely lying drivers secured to the traction means (23) and a profiled pushing element (29) which is able to slide out of an initial position at the side, adjacent to a conveyor path (6), into an operating position in the conveyor path (6). The pushing element (29) extends continuously between the two flexible drives (15a, b) and is mounted on the drivers so that it can be moved by means of articulated arrangements exclusively about the first axis extending perpendicular to the conveyor plane (18) of the conveyed objects (4) and about the second axis extending parallel with the transfer direction (13) of the transfer mechanism (12). The invention further relates to a conveyor system (1) in which the transfer mechanism (12) is integrated. |
| US07690495B1 |
Card reader assembly
The present invention relates to a card reader assembly. The card reader assembly can be mounted in a variety of vending equipment, arcade game equipment, and other suitable equipment. Furthermore, the card reader assembly can be mounted in a standard size vending machine bill validator opening.The card reader assembly can provide for the optional mounting of a card reader, a card reader interface circuit board, a payment module board, a communication board, and or a printer. The printer mechanism is mounted on a printer bracket. The printer bracket can be slid over the edges of and fastened to the support bracket. A paper exit slot can be provided in the card reader assembly faceplate to allow the printer paper to exit through the faceplate such that a user can receive the printer paper.In addition, the printer mechanism, card reader, and or a pushbutton can be electrically connected to the card reader interface board. The card reader interface board can be electrically connected to a computing platform 802, vending interface unit (system 500), or other suitable data processing device. In addition, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) can be incorporated into the card reader assembly. The LED display can be viewable by a user of the card reader assembly. |
| US07690494B2 |
Conveyor device having a filling device for vertical flow of material, without demixing, of powdered media
The invention relates to a conveyor device having a filling device (7) for vertical flow of material, without demixing, of powdered media having different particle sizes and particle densities, having the following features: a supply container (8) having a lower opening (9) to which the filling device (7) can be coupled; an inlet hopper (1) having an upper inlet opening (10) and a lower outlet opening (11) of a guide tube (12), the inlet opening (10) being couplable to the lower opening (9) of the supply container (8); telescopic elements (13), which are arranged on the guide tube (12), and an outlet hopper (3) having an outlet flap (4). |
| US07690493B1 |
Debris removal system and method for stadiums and arenas
Systems and methods to facilitate the cleaning of arenas, such as stadiums having different seating levels. Pivotable bins can collect and funnel trash from different levels such as the concourse level. A series of tubes or chutes can be fixed to the arena structural undercarriage. Approximately 24″ diameter tubes can be used to funnel trash from the bins located on perimeter arena walkways to receptacle containers, recycling containers at ground levels, and even refuse removal trucks. The chutes and tubes can be located adjacent to walkway aisles on different levels of the arena. The chutes/tubes can be vertically oriented and/or be inclined as long as refuse can move down the chutes by gravity. Grates can be also used beneath the bins. And locks can further provide safety. |
| US07690486B2 |
Drive mechanism for a vehicle closure
A drive mechanism includes an electric motor, a rotor driven by the electric motor, and a worm screw driven by the rotor. The drive mechanism further includes a wheel driven by the worm screw, the wheel transmitting movement of the electric motor to a vehicle closure, and a clutch on the rotor connecting the worm screw to the electric motor or disconnecting the worm screw from the electric motor. |
| US07690483B2 |
Elevator including elevator rescue system
Elevator comprising a car, a drive motor driving the car, a motor drive unit for controlling the drive motor and supplying power thereto, an encoder for sensing movement of the car, and an elevator rescue system for rescue operation in case of an emergency situation, wherein the elevator comprises one single encoder only for normal and rescue operation. |
| US07690482B2 |
Screw compressor lubrication
A screw compressor (20) has a housing having first and second ports along a flow path. A male-lobed rotor has a first rotational axis. A female-lobed rotor has a second rotational axis and is enmeshed with the male-lobed rotor to define a compression path between suction and discharge locations along the flow path. The compressor has a compressor lubrication network having a lubricant outlet port (242) along a low pressure cusp (244). An unloading slide valve element (102) may be along a high pressure cusp (105). |
| US07690481B1 |
Tree stand support bracket
The belt buckle for a tree stand strap has holes in the frame of the buckle and the handle for accepting pins from a bracket attached to a tree stand such that the tree stand can be hung from the belt buckle that is used to tighten the strap around the tree. In this manner, several straps can be attached to several trees and the tree stand can be quickly and easily attached or detached to the buckles of the tree stand straps and moved from tree to tree. The pins through the buckles, handles and frame of the buckles locks the handle in place on the tree and prevents the belt from coming loose. |
| US07690477B2 |
Vehicular steering system
A vehicular steering system can suppress, even upon a change in a neutral position of a steering wheel, a right and left difference in the behavior of a vehicle by keeping neutral positions of steerable road wheels from the start of control. The system includes a steering mechanism that steers the steerable road wheels of the vehicle through the steering wheel and an auxiliary steering angle superposition mechanism. A steered angle of the steerable road wheels is detected as an absolute angle. The auxiliary steering angle superposition mechanism is controlled by a target auxiliary steering angle. An activation angle setting section sets, at the start of control, the initial values of a steering wheel angle and an auxiliary steering angle as an activation steering wheel angle and an activation auxiliary steering angle by the steered angle and a transmission characteristic between the steering wheel angle and the steered angle. |
| US07690473B2 |
Omni-directional vehicle with elevatable observation platform
A powered omni-directional security, patrol and surveillance vehicle that includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. An observation platform including an operators control station is mounted to the frame on a lift such that it is capable of selective elevation for superior vantage points. A cab preferably encloses the operator's station. A plurality of swivel casters disposed on distal ends of telescopic outrigger arms are circumpositioned about the circular frame. |
| US07690472B2 |
Transmission for off-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle includes a frame and wheels. An engine of the vehicle has a crankshaft. A transmission transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the wheels. A housing houses a transmission mechanism of the transmission. The housing has an air inlet duct through which ambient air enters the housing and an air outlet duct through which the air leaves the housing. The air inlet duct has an inlet opening. The outlet duct has an outlet opening. The inlet and outlet openings are positioned higher than the wheels. |
| US07690467B2 |
Motorcycle frame with fuel-storage and break-away engine mounts
A motorcycle frame includes hollow left and right frame members that define a fuel-containing volume. Left-center, right-center, left-rear, and right-rear engine supports each depend from a corresponding left and right frame member. Each engine support includes a first portion that is coupled to the frame member and a second portion that is coupled to the engine. Each engine support also includes a stress riser defined between the first and second portions. The stress riser is configured to cause the first and second portions to separate from one another in response to application of sufficient force to the engine or second portion. By causing the first and second portions of the engine mount to separate in a predetermined way, the frame members and the fuel-containing volume are left intact. |
| US07690459B2 |
Hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain
A hybrid electric vehicle and powertrain include an engine operable to output torque in only one direction, and further includes a power transfer arrangement configured to provide output torque in two rotational directions. In one embodiment, the power transfer arrangement includes three gears and a single clutch, the configuration of which provides a simple mechanism for driving the vehicle in reverse using torque produced by the engine. |
| US07690458B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for vehicle-mounted fuel cell power generation system
A control apparatus for a vehicle-mounted fuel cell power generation system in accordance with the invention predicts a possibility of collision of a vehicle. If determining that the possibility of collision is high (YES at S12), the control apparatus stops the fuel cell power generation system. By stopping the power generation before a collision occurs, the safety of the fuel cell power generation system can be improved. If after the system stops, a collision does not occur (NO at S16), the system is restarted. If a collision occurs (YES at S16), high-voltage relays are switched off to stop the supply of electric power from an electricity storage to various loads of the vehicle. |
| US07690451B2 |
System and method for powering accessories in a hybrid vehicle
A heavy-duty vehicle accessory assembly includes a vehicle accessory having an input shaft; an electric accessory motor having an output shaft, the electric accessory motor configured to supply power to the vehicle accessory; and a mechanical coupling configured to couple the electric accessory motor with the vehicle accessory, the mechanical coupling including a first pulley affixed to the output shaft of the electric accessory motor, a second pulley affixed to the input shaft of the vehicle accessory, and one or more belts that mechanically couple the first pulley with the second pulley. |
| US07690450B2 |
System for operating a hydraulically actuated device
A system for operating a hydraulically actuated device that is provided on a vehicle includes a power take-off unit that is adapted to be driven by a vehicle and a hydraulic pump that is driven by the power take-off unit. The system also includes an accumulator and a hydraulically actuated device. Lastly, the system includes a controller that causes the hydraulic pump to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulically actuated device when the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle is not moving, however, the controller causes the accumulator to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulically actuated device. |
| US07690449B2 |
Output yoke shaft and assembly
A drive axle assembly is provided with a reduced part count and improved alignment. The assembly includes a drive axle housing with input and output shafts and an inter-axle differential that is driven by the input shaft. The inter-axle differential is drivingly coupled to the output shaft and divides power between first and second axles. The output shaft is a unitary member and defines a yoke at one end disposed outside of the drive axle housing and restrained against axial movement within the drive axle housing. A bearing set is disposed between the output shaft and the drive axle housing and includes first and second bearing cones and a unitary bearing cup. The bearing cup includes threads that engage corresponding threads in the drive axle housing. |
| US07690441B2 |
Blade device for working machine and working machine mounting blade device
Concave front face surfaces of a blade device having ratios and configurations continuing from an upper end to a lower end of the blade device, and having a central face coupling front faces and end front faces on the right and left thereof. |
| US07690440B2 |
Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off
An agricultural seeder or fertilizer having a meter device which dispenses seed or fertilizer to a plurality of ground-engaging members. The supply of metered seed or fertilizer to each of the ground-engaging members is controlled via input from a GPS/GNSS satellite navigation system to prevent the meter device delivering seed or fertilizer to selected of the ground-engaging members which would otherwise pass over soil which has been previously seeded or fertilized. Raising means, responsive to input from said GPS/GNSS satellite navigation system detecting that the device is travelling or is about to travel over areas of soil that has been previously seeded or fertilized, is further is provided to raise the selected ground-engaging members to which delivery of seed/fertilizer has been prevented in order to prevent soil which has been previously seeded or fertilized from being disturbed. A method of operating a seeder/fertilizer implement to achieve the aforesaid is further disclosed. |
| US07690438B2 |
Method for acting on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena from the air
Characterized in that in a first stage are loaded or produced on board in a mother aircraft at least a product or mixed of products to act on forest fires, pests or atmospheric phenomena; in a second stage the said product is stored in a glider container with gliding flight ability and equipped with a precision guidance system; in a third stage the glider container is dropped from the mother aircraft and guided towards the release point of the load; in a fourth stage the glider container releases of its interior the load of product on the release point, and in a fifth stage the glider container is recovered for a following reusing. |
| US07690427B2 |
Sand plugs and placing sand plugs in highly deviated wells
Methods of isolating portions of a subterranean formation adjacent to a highly deviated well bore having a downstream end and an upstream end and substantially filling a first zone with a sand plug comprising lightweight particulates having a specific gravity of below about 1.25 so as to substantially isolate the first zone from the second zone wherein the first zone is located closer to the downstream end of the wellbore than the second zone. |
| US07690423B2 |
Downhole tool having an extendable component with a pivoting element
An extendable component for use in a downhole tool for traversing subsurface formations includes a drive element that defines an axis and has a distal end, and an abutment that is spaced radially from a distal end of the drive element. A driven element defines a driven element axis, is flexibly coupled to the drive element, and includes a proximal end disposed adjacent to the drive element and a distal end. A tilt arm is coupled to the driven element, is disposed at an angle with respect to the driven element axis, and is configured to engage the abutment. The driven element is moveable between a normal position and a tilted position. A contact head is coupled to the driven element distal end and is adapted to engage the wellbore wall. |
| US07690420B2 |
Plate heat exchanger
A plate heat exchanger includes a number of first heat exchanger plates (A) and second heat exchanger plates (B). The plates include a first plate interspace (1) between each pair of adjacent plates (A) and (B), and a second plate interspace (2) between each pair of adjacent plates (B) and (A). The first and second plate interspaces are separated from each other and provided beside each other in an alternating order. The heat exchanger plates have a porthole, which forms an inlet channel (6) to the first plate interspaces. The plate heat exchanger includes a separate space (11) for each plate interspace. The space (11) is closed to the second plate interspaces. The space (11) communicates with the inlet channel via an inlet nozzle (13), which forms a throttling, and with the respective first plate interspace via an outlet nozzle (14), which forms a throttling. |
| US07690418B2 |
Heat sink
A heat sink for dissipating heat from an electronic element comprises a base with a plurality of first fins extending upwardly therefrom, a conducting member thermally contacting the base with a plurality of second fins extending from two opposite lateral face of the conducting member toward different directions and perpendicular to the first fins, a heat pipe connecting the base and the conducting member to transfer heat from the base to the conducting member. |
| US07690413B1 |
Painter's speed taping preparation tool
A tape dispensing system uses a handle section that has a plate member with a handle thereon and a receiver which removably receives a J-shaped guide bar such that its minor leg has a rounded cross-section and its major leg, used to guide, has a triangular cross-section. A drum section has a ring with upwardly facing scalloped indents and downwardly depending resilient tabs that receive the core of the roll and bias against the roll. A circumferential lip of the handle section is removably and rotatably received within an annular lip on an inner edge of the ring member. |
| US07690410B2 |
Vehicle wheel
A vehicle wheel in which an additional air chamber member in a tire air chamber is fixed on an outer circumferential surface of a well portion, includes: a first vertical wall surface rising outward in a radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the well portion and extending in a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface; and a second vertical wall surface formed in the well portion facing the first vertical wall surface. The additional air chamber member has an additional air chamber and a communication hole formed therein. The communication hole provides communication between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber. The additional air chamber member is fitted between the first and second vertical wall surfaces. Side end portions of the additional air chamber member in a width direction of the vehicle wheel are secured between the first and second vertical wall surfaces. |
| US07690409B2 |
Connecting and guide element for a tire chain
A connecting and guide element for connecting a side mesh of a tire chain to a side tensioning strand and for accommodating an excess length of the tensioning strand, wherein the element has two eyes, which lie in a first plane for accommodating tensioning strand and excess length, and two eyes lying in a second plane running essentially orthogonally to the first plane for accommodating connecting links to the side mesh, and a tire chain in which the side mesh is connected by means of a side tensioning strand and a plurality of connecting and guide elements, and an excess length of the tensioning strand can be accommodated in one of the eyes of the elements. |
| US07690408B2 |
Workbench for power tool
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique to improve usability of a workbench for a power tool. To achieve the object, a representative workbench for a power tool is provided with a table, first and second supports, a shaft, a handle body, a handle, a lock mechanism and a lock release member. The lock release member includes an elongated element disposed below the upper surface of the table and extending along the table toward the handle, and the lock of the table is released when the user pulls the elongated element in the longitudinal direction of the elongated element. According to the invention, the user can release the lock of the table simply by pulling the elongated element, so that ease of lock releasing operation is enhanced. |
| US07690404B2 |
Apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment
An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold. |
| US07690402B2 |
Method, an implement and a twister for tying together end portions of wire material extending around a bale
For tying wire material around a bale, a pair of end portions of the loop is held in a substantially mutually parallel orientation. An engaged section of at least one of the end portions is moved about a longitudinal axis of the other end portion of that pair, such that the pair of end portions is twisted into a wire twist between an engagement area and a portion of the loop extending about the bale. During twisting, wire material of at least one of the end portions slips through the engagement area towards the portion of the loop extending about the bale. An implement and twisters for use in such a method are also described. |
| US07690384B2 |
Cigarette making apparatus
A cigarette making apparatus comprises an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web supplied continuously to a wrapping machine, a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, and a pump control device for controlling the pump driving speed depending on the wrapping machine operating speed. The pump control device divides the wrapping machine operating speed into a plurality of speed regions and determines an approximation pump characteristic which approximates a relationship between the pump driving speed and the rate of discharge of the flavoring material from the pump in each of the speed regions, in advance, and determines the speed at which the pump should be driven, depending on the wrapping machine operating speed, according to the approximation pump characteristic. Consequently, the flavoring material is applied to the wrapping-paper web in an appropriate amount depending on the wrapping machine operating speed. |
| US07690383B2 |
Flavoring-material application device
A cigarette making apparatus includes a cooling-water passage which allows a coolant to circulate along a flavoring-material supply path which connects an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web and a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, to thereby cool the flavoring material. A cooling unit controls the temperature of the coolant supplied to the cooling-water passage. Specifically, the cooling unit controls the temperature of the flavoring material by selectively activating a first control system for detecting the temperature of the coolant supplied to the cooling-water passage and controlling the temperature of the coolant, and a second control system for detecting the temperature of the flavoring material supplied to the application nozzle and controlling the temperature of the coolant. Since the temperature of the flavoring material is controlled to fix the viscosity thereof, the amount per unit area of the flavoring material applied to the wrapping-paper web is fixed only by controlling the drive of the pump depending on the rate of supply of the wrapping-paper web. |
| US07690380B2 |
Surgical drape having a fluid collection pouch with an inflatable rim
According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end, an inflatable bladder substantially surrounding a perimeter of the open end, and a pump coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. According to another embodiment of the invention, an apparatus used for collecting fluids during a medical procedure includes a fluid collection pouch having an open end with a perimeter, a channel surrounding approximately one half of the perimeter of the open end, an inflatable bladder disposed within the channel, and a pump disposed within the channel and coupled to the inflatable bladder. The pump is operable to inflate the inflatable bladder. |
| US07690375B2 |
Deep fat tube fryer burner assembly
The gas tube fryer comprises substantially 90° in-shot burners, burner mounting boxes, a one-piece burner mounting bracket, and a bracket housing, all of which are used in conjunction with heat exchanger tubes, heat transfer baffles, a frypot, and a flue in a fryer. The burner mounting boxes are keyed specifically to the face of the burner, preventing substantial movement of the burners and introduction of ambient air into the heat exchange tubes. Each burner is also keyed to the mounting bracket, also preventing substantial movement and providing easy installation and repair. The ninety-degree orientation of the burners facilitates mixing of the combustion gases, and the burner comprises a screen on its face that helps to ensure maximum burner efficiency. |
| US07690371B2 |
Toy gun
A toy gun for launching projectiles is provided. The gun includes a stock having a first end and a second end, where the first end is secured to an elongated barrel; and a trigger mechanism is secured on the stock adjacent to the elongated barrel for launching the projectiles. The trigger mechanism includes a release mechanism having a lower leg connected to the stock and an upper leg connected to the bottom leg by a spring and the upper leg is moveable between a first position and a second position. The trigger mechanism also includes at least one retaining member extends upwardly through a longitudinal slits in the upper leg. As the release mechanism is moved from the first position to the second position, the projectile attached to the trigger mechanism is launched. |
| US07690368B2 |
System and method for facilitating homogeneous charge compression ignition
A method of transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition in a combustion chamber of an engine that is configured for homogeneous charge compression ignition under at least some engine operating conditions and for spark ignition under at least some engine operating conditions, the method comprising heating contents of the combustion chamber with a glow plug prior to transitioning between homogeneous charge compression ignition and spark ignition. |
| US07690366B1 |
Throttle valve and method of producing the same
A throttle assembly including a first throttle component that is formed of a plastic material including a conductive additive substantially homogeneously dispersed within the plastic material, and a second throttle component is axially aligned with the first throttle component and movable relative to the first throttle component between a first position and a second position to selectively vary a flow through the throttle assembly. A terminal is coupled to the first throttle component such that electricity may be provided to the first throttle component, thereby resistively heating the first throttle component via the conductive additive and a flow window is defined in one of the first throttle component and the second throttle component. |
| US07690364B2 |
Method for determining the injection correction when checking the tightness of a tank ventilation system
A tank ventilating valve is disposed in a regeneration pipe which connects a storage container collecting fuel gas of a fuel tank to an intake pipe of the internal combustion engine. The tank ventilation system is air tightly sealed towards the atmosphere prevailing outside the motor vehicle while the tank ventilating valve is opened to create a negative pressure in the tank ventilation system. The method has the following steps: determining the fuel gas charge of the storage container; determining the volume flow rate through the tank ventilating valve; calculating an intermediate value from the product of the load and the volume flow rate; determining a tank pressure difference between the pressure prevailing in the fuel tank and the atmospheric pressure; and determining the additive corrective value by adjusting the intermediate value to the amount of the tank pressure difference. |
| US07690360B2 |
Fuel feed system for vehicle and vehicle for irregular ground provided therewith
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel feed system for a vehicle in which, even if a small fuel quantity remains in a fuel pump, an air inhaling phenomenon is not generated when a vehicle jumps or runs on an upward slope. In the fuel feed system, a fuel pump unit is accommodated in a fuel tank, and the fuel pump unit includes a fuel pump and a fuel filter connected to a lower-end fuel suction portion of the fuel pump. The fuel filter is shaped so as to extend outward from a region of the fuel pump as seen from the above, and a filter housing for covering at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the fuel filter, front and rear portions of the fuel filter, and right and left portions of the fuel filter is provided with the fuel pump unit. |
| US07690357B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A fuel injection valve is provided with a main body and a valve member. The main body has a fuel passage and a fuel injection opening formed at the downstream-end of the fuel passage. The valve member is provided in the fuel passage. The valve member is configured to move between a first position in which the valve member closes the fuel injection opening and a second position in which the valve member opens the fuel injection opening. A hardened layer is formed on abutment surfaces of the valve member and the main body that abut with each other. The hardness of this hardened layer is lower in its surface side than in its bottom side. According to this structure, the stress generated inside the hardened layer is suppressed, and breakage and detachment of the hardened layer are prevented. |
| US07690356B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head having a plurality of intake ports; throttle devices including a plurality of respective intake passages equipped with throttle valves therein; a plurality of fuel injection valves for injecting fuel into the corresponding intake passages; a fuel pipe adapted to supply fuel to the fuel injection valves; and a pulsation damper connected to the fuel pipe to damp fuel pressure pulsation. In the engine, a connection pipe coupled to the pulsation damper is formed between a plurality of branch portions with respect a longitudinal direction of the fuel pipe, adapted to deliver fuel from the fuel pipe to the fuel injection valves and the connection pipe is disposed to at least partially overlap the fuel injection valve as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the fuel pipe. |
| US07690352B2 |
System and method of selecting data content of ionization signal
A system and method for selecting the data content of an ionization feedback signal is disclosed. An ignition system monitors both the ionization signal and ignition coil dwell data. The ignition system outputs either the ionization signal or the ignition coil dwell data on the ionization feedback line, depending on what information is desired by the powertrain control module. In one embodiment, the ionization signal is only output during the before ignition period when the operating condition of the engine indicates possible pre-ignition conditions. |
| US07690349B2 |
Throttle body spacer for use with internal combustion engines
A throttle body spacer for improving engine performance is provided. It comprises a spacer block with a smooth bore hole, a plurality of air fins, each air fin being connected at one end to the spacer block and the distal end extending to about the center of the bore hole, and a means for mounting the throttle spacer body to hold it in place. In one embodiment the spacer block forming the throttle spacer body is square with a single bore hole in the center. There are four air fins, one mounted from about the middle of each side of the spacer body, that extend to about the center of the hole. The air fins can be made from aluminum and are bent at a forty-five degree angle. In order to accomplish the goal of absorbing less heat, the spacer block forming the throttle body spacer is comprised of thermoset resin. The throttle body spacer has holes located near each corner where fastening elements can be inserted to hold the apparatus in place. |
| US07690348B2 |
Direct-injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine
In the top face of a piston (6), there is formed a cavity (30) having a bottom surface (32) which slopes downward toward an exhaust side and which includes a raised part (32a) extending from near the center of the bottom surface to an intake-side wall surface. The cavity guides fuel spray (15) which has been injected by an injector (12) and passed by an electrode part (14a) of a spark plug (14), to arrive near the electrode part of the spark plug again in the form of an air-fuel mixture (15a). |
| US07690346B2 |
Carburetor mounting structure
In a carburetor mounting structure, a stud bolt is implanted in a carburetor mounting portion, a screw hole is provided in the carburetor mounting portion, first and second mounting flanges include first bolt holes through which the stud bolt passes, and second bolt holes into which a tap bolt is screwed, and the first bolt hole of the first mounting flange is formed into a notched shape so as to allow the stud bolt to be inserted into the first bolt hole from an outside of the first mounting flange. Thus, it is possible to provide a carburetor mounting structure wherein mounting of a carburetor by a stud bolt is possible even if only a small space exists outward of an outer end of the stud bolt. |
| US07690345B2 |
Engine intake manifold system
An intake manifold system for an international combustion engine includes an engine intake manifold having a valve; and an actuator connected to the valve to control valve opening. The actuator is connected to a pressurized coolant reservoir of the engine to allow the use of the pressurized fluid of the coolant reservoir to operate the actuator. |
| US07690342B2 |
Priming circuit for a fuel system
A priming and purging fuel system for an internal combustion engine purges a diaphragm carburetor of the engine of stale liquid fuel and accumulated fuel vapor and air while simultaneously priming the carburetor and/or engine with liquid fuel for starting. A start pump of the fuel system supplies at least liquid fuel to a priming circuit and preferably at least fuel vapor and air to a purging circuit of the fuel system. The priming circuit delivers the priming fuel to the engine via a conduit that leads to an isolation chamber located between an inlet jet and preferably an outlet jet. The cross sectional flow area of the jets are appropriately sized to flow a needed amount of priming fuel to the carburetor and/or engine for starting without flooding the engine. The combination of the enlarged isolation chamber and jets, at least substantially prevents fuel dribble from the priming circuit and into the engine while running. |
| US07690341B2 |
Engine intake valve timing control apparatus
An engine intake valve timing control apparatus includes a fuel injection control section, a valve open timing control section, and a valve timing change rate setting section. The fuel injection control section is configured to control a fuel injection quantity of fuel injected from a fuel injector into an intake port of an engine in accordance with an operating condition of the engine. The valve open timing control section is configured to control an open timing of an intake valve to a target open timing. The valve timing change rate setting section sets a change rate at which the open timing of the intake valve is changed from a current open timing to the target open timing when the target open timing is updated, the change rate being set using a parameter relating to a vaporization rate of the fuel adhered to the intake port. |
| US07690340B2 |
Device and method for controlling internal combustion engine
If it is necessary to rapidly change a phase of an intake camshaft and an intake VVT mechanism relatively slow in responsiveness as it is associated with an “A” bank of a V-type, 8-cylinder engine is in operation for at least a predetermined period of time, an ECU executes a program including the step of controlling intake VVT mechanisms to operate those associated with both the “A” bank and a “B” bank. |
| US07690334B2 |
Multifunctional module for an internal-combustion engine
The present invention relates to a multifunctional module for an internal-combustion engine, forming a structural assembly and incorporating the functions of cooling the exhaust gases, regulating the re-injection of the exhaust gases and regulating, at least in part, the circulation flows in the cooling circuit of said engine, said structural assembly being in the form of a constructional and functional unit intended to be fitted to the engine block and incorporating, on the one hand, at least a portion of an exhaust gas recirculation circuit and a heat exchanger for cooling said gases and, on the other hand, at least a portion of the engine cooling circuit, with at least the water-outlet housing, multifunctional module characterised in that the heat exchanger has a tank arranged in the region of an end of the constructional and functional unit and made from a synthetic thermoplastic material. |
| US07690326B2 |
System and method for controlling coating width of electrode plate
A system for controlling the coating width of an electrode plate, The system includes: a coating device which ejects a paste at a predetermined width from each of a plurality of slit nozzles toward a fed core substrate to form a coating layer on the surface of the core substrate; a gap controlling device which controls the gap between the slit nozzles of the coating device and the core substrate; a coating width measuring device which measures the width of the coating layer on the surface of the core substrate; and a controlling unit which controls the gap controlling device based on the results obtained by comparing the measured coating width with a predetermined coating width. In this system, the stripe-shaped coating layer is formed without using a masking tape, and the width of the coating layer is controlled with high accuracy. |
| US07690325B2 |
Method and apparatus for depositing material onto a surface
Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method in which material is deposited upon a surface from an elongated beam having an aperture defined therein through which the material is moved by passive adsorption. The elongated beam can be substantially planar along substantially its entire length, can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the surface during deposition processes, and can have a length no greater than about 2 mm. In some embodiments, the aperture can be elongated, can extend from a material reservoir to a location short of the terminal end of the elongated beam or through the terminal end of the elongated beam, and can have a portion extending through the thickness of the elongated beam. |
| US07690323B2 |
Gauge head assembly with non-magnetic insert
A gauge head assembly for use with a magnetically actuated dial includes a cylindrical body formed from a magnetic material having a cylindrical sidewall with an threaded outer surface, wherein the sidewall defines an axially extending passage for receiving a tubular insert formed from a substantially non-magnetic material, the insert having a closed first end and a second open end with a collar extending radially outward at the second open end and wherein the insert is secured in the passage with the closed first end adjacent the first end of the body. |
| US07690320B1 |
Enclosure device for a marine drive unit
An enclosure device has a protective cage shaped to fit around a marine drive unit of a boat, and trailer mounting elements adapted to be mounted on a trailer carrying the boat. Pivotal elements pivotally mount the protective cage on the trailer mounting elements so that the protective cage pivots between a lowered position wherein the protective cage is beneath the marine drive unit and does not interfere with offloading the boat from the trailer, and a raised position wherein the protective cage at least partially encloses the marine drive unit. A locking element may be used to lock the protective cage in the raised position. |
| US07690316B2 |
Height-adjustable folding work platform
A height adjustable folding work platform includes two footplates, a footplate folding portion that foldably connects the footplates, two legs, and two leg folding portions, each of which connect the leg to the outer end of the footplate. Each of the legs includes two support legs and a plurality of cross members that connect the support legs. The leg folding portion selectively engages with one of the cross members so that the height of the height adjustable folding work platform is adjusted. |
| US07690314B2 |
Rail car collision system
A rail car collision system is disclosed that includes a front face and an underframe having a first anticlimber. The first anticlimber protrudes from and extends across at least a portion of the front face at a first position. At least one second anticlimber extends along at least a portion of the front face at a second position that is vertically different than the first position. |
| US07690311B1 |
Non-lethal projectile with flowable payload
A non-lethal projectile consisting of a solid capsule filled with a flowable payload. The solid capsule comprises a weakened area that ruptures upon impact with a target. The solid capsule also comprises an internal hydrodynamic structure. At the moment of impact, the internal hydrodynamic structure forces the radial movement of the flowable payload, from the center to the periphery, against the weakened area of the solid capsule, facilitating the rupture and reducing the pressure of projectile's point over target's surface. |
| US07690307B2 |
Mechanical stemming apparatus for mining blasting operations
An apparatus to mechanically stem (plug) a borehole or blast hole to contain or confine the gases generated by explosives is provided, thus preventing the energy generated by explosives to be released to the atmosphere. An assembly of the mechanical stemming apparatus for mining blasting operations according to the present invention comprises 2 pieces, placed one over the other: a base piece (1) and a central piece (6), and additionally includes two lateral wedge pieces (8) and four supporting pivots (11). The mechanical stemming apparatus according to the present invention and the entire apparatus set form a cylindrical body with a diameter lower than the borehole diameter and a length directly proportional to the diameter and depth of the boreholes or blast holes. |
| US07690305B2 |
Increment charge for fin-stabilized mortar projectile
The invention relates to an increment charge (4) to be placed around a tail shaft of a fin-stabilized mortar projectile (1), the increment charge (4) having a centrally located space for the tail shaft and a mounting opening in the space for mounting the increment charge (4). On the opposite side of the increment charge (4) there is provided a protrusion that fits into the mounting opening of an adjacent increment charge (4) for locking them in relation to each other. |
| US07690303B2 |
Plastic encapsulated energetic material initiation device
An initiator with a housing formed of plastic and a chip assembly for initiating at least one of a combustion event, a deflagration event and a detonation event. The chip assembly includes an electrically-actuated chip and a pair of electric leads that extend through the housing and are configured to couple the electrically-actuated chip to a fireset circuit. The electrically-actuated chip is partially encapsulated in the housing. A method for forming an initiator is also provided. |
| US07690300B2 |
Steel intaglio printing method for producing a security document and steel intaglio printing plate and semifinished products therefor and method for production thereof
A method for producing a security document having printed image 1 produced by steel intaglio printing and embossed microstructures 2 of an order of magnitude of less than 100 microns is carried out by one printing plate 8 on which both the steel intaglio structures and the microstructures are present. The parts of the microstructures closest to printing plate surface 9 are located 20 to 100 microns below the printing plate surface so that they are not touched and destroyed by the wiping cylinder. Alternative methods for producing a steel intaglio printing plate with integrated microstructures are provided. The microstructures can be used for embossing a diffractive relief or a blind embossing. |
| US07690298B2 |
Waste compaction unit
A unit for compacting waste prior to disposal provides a waste compaction unit for fitting into a housing comprising a lid and an interior for collecting waste. The compaction unit comprises a plunger comprising bellows housed in the lid; a pneumatic locking mechanism housed in the lid; and a pump connected to the plunger via the locking mechanism wherein the pump is arranged in operation to activate the locking mechanism prior to inflating the bellows to extend the plunger axially towards the interior of the housing such that any waste collected therein is compacted. |
| US07690292B2 |
Linear drive for a vehicle occupant restraint system, especially for a belt buckle tensioner
A linear drive for a vehicle occupant restraint system, especially for a belt buckle tensioner, comprises a cylinder, a piston that can be moved in the cylinder and that has a locking part that is firmly connected to a traction element, and comprising at least one locking member that is arranged movably between the locking part and the inner wall of the cylinder. The locking part has at least one obliquely disposed clamping surface that is arranged in such a way that, when the traction element makes a pushing movement, the clamping surface clamps the locking member between the locking part and the cylinder. |
| US07690290B2 |
Cartridge magazine
A cartridge magazine includes a carrier member (20) having a plurality of receptacles (21) for receiving propellant-containing cartridges (11), longitudinal ribs provided on longitudinal sides of the recess (27) and limiting same; and a cover strip (30) for securing the cartridges in the receptacles and located in the recess (27) formed in a flat surface (23) of the carrier member (20) and extending in a longitudinal direction (L), for limiting the recess, and a cover strip (30) for securing the cartridges in the receptacles and located in the recess (27). |
| US07690288B2 |
Explosive-driven electric pulse generator and method of making same
An electric pulse generator includes a driver having an outer surface, a receiver, and one or more piezoelectric elements disposed between and in electrical contact with the driver and the receiver. The electric pulse generator further includes an explosive material disposed on the outer surface of the driver. A method of making an electrical pulse generator includes providing one or more piezoelectric elements, a driver, a receiver, and an explosive material and operably associating the explosive material with an outer surface of the driver. The method further includes electrically coupling the one or more piezoelectric elements between the driver and the receiver. |
| US07690286B2 |
Piercing device
A piercing device includes an outer tube rotatably supported on a first shaft and eccentrically arranged relative to a second shaft, so as to be driven for rotation. Piercing needles are arranged on the second shaft, spaced from each other in a circumferential direction, projecting radially outwards, rotatable about a second axis, and extendable and retractable relative to an outer surface via holes in the outer tube. A needle restraining member, rotatably supported on the second shaft, transmits torque to the piercing needles when driven for rotation. The first plurality of needles rotate in unison, as do the second plurality of needles and are fixedly connected to support members; thus, protecting the needles from unreasonable force and preventing undesirable enlargement of pinholes and deformation of the rubber sheet. Further, when the needles are advanced into the rubber sheet and retraced therefrom, enlargement of the rubber sheet pinholes can be prevented. |
| US07690282B2 |
Screw-retaining screwdriver
A screwdriver having a retention mechanism for temporarily holding a screw in place on its tip while the screw is being positioned, rotated or removed. More particularly, a screwdriver with a cruciform head used in the installation and removal of bone screws during maxillofacial surgery. |
| US07690281B2 |
Tong positioning and alignment device
A tong positioning apparatus including: (a) a base having a powered cylinder; (b) a first articulating arm attached at a first end to the cylinder and pivotally attached to the base; (c) a second arm attached at a first end to a second end of the first articulating arm; (d) a tong attached to a second end of the second arm, so that when the cylinder moves from retracted and expanded positions, the first and second arms articulate to move the tong between engaged and disengaged positions relative to conjoined tubular members; and (e) a bow structure forming an interface between the tong and the second arm that enables rotation about a generally vertical axis and with respect to an underlying support surface. |
| US07690280B2 |
Transmission element for parallel hybrid traction chain
An element comprises a rotary input member (15), a motion output member (19), an electrical machine (14) including a stator (27) and a rotor (26), a first connecting clutch (89A) between the input member (15) and an intermediate member (83) rotating about a first axis (X-X′). The intermediate member (83) is connected in rotation to the rotor (26), and a second connecting clutch (89B) is positioned between the intermediate member (83) and the output member (19). The element also comprises a casing (21) defining a housing (69) wherein are coaxially and concentrically mounted the first and second connecting clutches (89A, 89B). The axis of rotation (Y-Y′) of the rotor (26) is separate from the first axis (X-X′) and a transmission (121, 123, 135) connects in rotation the rotor (26) and the intermediate member (83). The invention is applicable to motor vehicle engine-transmission units. |
| US07690278B2 |
Step variable transmission for a motor vehicle
A step variable transmission for a motor vehicle has a plurality of forward gear stages and at least one reverse gear stage. The transmission comprising: a drive input shaft arrangement, a drive output shaft arrangement, and a plurality of wheel sets which have loose wheels and shift wheels, wherein the shift wheels are rotatably mounted on a shaft arrangement and can be rotationally fixedly connected to the associated shaft arrangement by means of respective shift clutches. |
| US07690273B2 |
Force-measuring device and reference unit
The force-measuring device includes a measuring unit and a reference unit, the latter serving to deliver a reference quantity, a reference current (IREF) or a reference voltage (UREF), through which the force (FMO) of a measurement object which is to be determined can be measured by the measuring unit. The reference unit is a force-measuring device which is loaded with a reference mass and which in accordance with the principle of electromagnetic force compensation generates a reference current (IREF) that can be regulated through a measuring- and regulating device in such that in a first reference coil which is held by a reference lever, the reference current (IREF) generates a magnetic field which cooperates with the magnetic field of a reference magnet. Through this cooperation a magnetic force is brought to bear on the reference lever. As a result, the force (FREF) of the reference mass which is likewise acting on the reference lever can be compensated by said magnetic force. |
| US07690270B1 |
Load measuring transducer using induced voltage for overcoming eccentric errors and load measuring system using the same
Load-measuring transducers utilizing induced-voltage measurement techniques are described. The wiring patterns of such transducers can be configured with a plurality of moveable gauge portions to reduce errors encountered with eccentricities between the transducer gauges, and are preferably configured to reduce interference errors due to wiring patterns thereof. |
| US07690263B2 |
Strain sensor and a method of making the same
A strain sensor is provided including a substrate, and a sensing layer, including cobalt, provided on the substrate. A first electrode is coupled to the sensing layer, and a tunnel layer including aluminum oxide is provided on the sensing layer. In addition, a pinned layer, also including cobalt, is provided on the tunnel layer. An exchange biasing layer is provided on the pinned layer, and a second electrode is coupled to the exchange biasing layer. The strain sensor is configured such that, over a range of values of strain applied to the sensor, a resistance of the sensor is a linear function of the strain. A related method is also disclosed. |
| US07690261B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosis system and testing method
An ultrasonic diagnosis system includes an ultrasonic probe, which has an array of plural ultrasonic transducer elements, for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an object, and for receiving an echo signal thereof to output a detection signal. A testing unit sets a testing mode, and operates in test operation of the plural ultrasonic transducer elements while the testing mode is set, so as to acquire a testing detection signal. There is a display panel. A display control unit controls the display panel to display information of the testing detection signal obtained for each of the ultrasonic transducer elements. Furthermore, the testing unit, when in a first inspection, drives the ultrasonic transducer elements together to obtain the testing detection signal, and when in a second inspection, drives the ultrasonic transducer elements by at least one element to obtain the testing detection signal. |
| US07690260B2 |
Method and system having ultrasonic sensor movable by translation device for ultrasonic profiling of weld samples
A system for ultrasonic profiling of a weld sample includes a carriage movable in opposite first and second directions. An ultrasonic sensor is coupled to the carriage to move over the sample as the carriage moves. An encoder determines the position of the carriage to determine the position of the sensor. A spring is connected at one end of the carriage. Upon the carriage being moved in the first direction toward the spring such that the carriage and the sensor are at a beginning position and the spring is compressed the spring decompresses to push the carriage back along the second direction to move the carriage and the sensor from the beginning position to an ending position. The encoder triggers the sensor to take the ultrasonic measurements of the sample when the sensor is at predetermined positions while the sensor moves over the sample between the beginning and positions. |
| US07690259B2 |
Integrated ultrasonic inspection probes, systems, and methods for inspection of composite assemblies
Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which permit inspection of uniquely shaped structures such as fuselage frames and shear ties. Probes may be constructed from rapid prototyping. Inspection may be performed manually and may use a portable function support system for delivering fluid couplant, controlling transmit and receive functions of the inspection sensors, and delivering immediate visual analysis for an operator. Integrated ultrasonic inspection apparatus, systems, and methods facilitate fast and efficient custom inspection devices and inspecting otherwise difficult-to-inspect structures. |
| US07690249B2 |
Method for detecting a jammed charge movement flap of an internal combustion engine
A method for detecting a jammed charge movement flap of an internal combustion engine, a volumetric air flow of the internal combustion engine being ascertained as a measured volumetric air flow and as a modeled volumetric air flow. In the event of a deviation of the measured volumetric air flow from the modeled volumetric air flow which is greater than a predefined value, a jammed charge movement flap is automatically detected. |
| US07690246B1 |
System and method for dynamic lubrication adjustment for a lubrication analysis system
A system and methodology is provided for dynamically adjusting fluids that operate as a lubricant in a machine. The system includes a control module having a processor and one or more sensors providing data to the processor in situ with the machine, wherein the processor employs the data to monitor the fluid. One or more inputs are provided to receive a plurality of additives that are associated with the fluid, wherein actuators are employed by the processor to dispense the additives to the fluid. The processor dispenses the fluid based upon one or more parameters of the fluid. |
| US07690244B2 |
Method for measuring for permeability to gases with rapid conditioning and installation for carrying out this method
The invention relates to a method for measuring the permeability to gases of the wall of a hollow body (6) made of polymeric material, characterized: in that it comprises a first conditioning step during which a flushing gas flushes said hollow body (6), and a second measuring step during which a measurement gas is introduced into said hollow body (6); in that the flow of flushing gas is greater than the flow of the measurement gas, and; the flushing gas is sent into the hollow body (6) without mixing with the measurement gas. |
| US07690242B2 |
Lighter device with flow restrictor and methods of manufacturing and testing same
A lighter device having a flow restrictor and associated methods for manufacturing and testing such lighter device and flow restrictor are described. The flow restrictor may be formed of a porous member to achieve a substantially fixed or varying flame height. The flow restrictor may be tested before or after assembly into a lighter housing by receiving a non-combustible fluid therethrough. The flow rate of the non-combustible fluid may be correlated to the flow rate of a combustible fluid through the flow restrictor to approximate the resultant flame height of a lighter incorporating the tested flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may also be tested by receiving a combustible fluid therethrough prior to assembling the flow restrictor into the lighter housing. In this manner, flow restrictors and corresponding lighter devices may be tested without introducing combustible fluids into such lighter devices prior to shipment. Also, a vacuum may be drawn on a fuel tank of the lighter prior to shipment. |
| US07690241B2 |
Pre-concentrator for trace gas analysis
A continuously operating pre-concentrator for trace gas analysis includes a flow channel, a pumping chamber, and a separation membrane between the flow channel and the pumping chamber. The flow channel has a width that decreases from the inlet to the outlet in such a way that the trace gas and the carrier gas maintain a substantially constant flow speed through the flow channel. The separation membrane is configured to allow preferential removal of molecules of the carrier gas from the flow channel, as the gas sample flows from the inlet to the outlet, thereby increasing concentration of the trace gas in the gas sample. The separation membrane includes a substantially non-adsorbing material that allows the gas sample to flow substantially continuously through the flow channel, so that a variation in concentration of the trace gas can be detected in substantial real time. |
| US07690240B2 |
Flowmeter calibration techniques
Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zeroing techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, if not properly calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, e.g., will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. By determining a magnitude of such erroneous measurements, calibration values may be determined, which may later be used to adjust a measurement that is output by the flowmeter and thereby improve an accuracy of the flowmeter. Such calibration values may be determined for a plurality of operational conditions associated with the flowmeter, such as densities of materials being measured, and/or configurations of flow elements associated with transporting material to the flowmeter. Then, the calibration values may be correlated with the relevant operational conditions, and stored for later use. In this way, during an actual operation of the flowmeter, a number of calibration values may be made available, and an optimal calibration value may be selected for an existing operational condition of the flowmeter. |
| US07690239B2 |
Sheet metal pry hooks
The sheet metal pry hooks are pry hooks having a hook end oriented in a manner to allow gripping and bending of an automotive sheet metal panel(s) in almost any situation encountered in the repair of such panel(s). As presently contemplated, the pry hooks will be made available either individually or as a kit of three pry hooks having different configurations of the hook, including at least one hook having the hook member offset from the longitudinal axis of the shank of the tool. The kit allows a user to have at hand a complete array of hooks needed for bending and orienting sheet metal panels in almost any repair situation. |
| US07690237B2 |
Radial piston crimping tool
A crimping tool is disclosed that includes a housing assembly carrying a crimping assembly having jaws with engagement surfaces designed to move in the radial direction under controlled load and controlled displacement with application of hydraulic pressure to pistons provided to load the jaws. The crimping tool is designed to be separable into two parts, which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the tool around the work piece for crimping at locations remote from the end of a continuous or long section of pipe. This tool is adapted for use in crimping end fittings onto composite pipe and for use in a field environment where the tool is manually transportable. |
| US07690235B2 |
Method of and device for cooling and or lubrication
In a method of cooling and/or lubricating of rolls and/or rolling stock according to which a cooling medium is applied to the rolls from a plurality of nozzles/nozzle rows, on one hand, and for lubrication, on the other hand, base oil is applied to the rolling stock in front of a roll gap, wherein the nozzles/nozzle rows are adjusted separately and independent from each other the cooling medium is applied to the rolls separately from the base oil, and finally, the base oil without water as a base medium is applied directly to the rolling stock over an entire width thereof in a very small amount in comparison with a conventional amount.To this end, media separating means is arranged between the nozzles/nozzle rows for applying cooling medium to the rolls and the nozzles/nozzle rows for applying base oil to the rolling stock. |
| US07690233B2 |
Portable device and mechanical key
A portable device includes a main body, which has a mechanical key retainer, and a mechanical key, which is removably retained in the mechanical key retainer. An engagement projection extends from the mechanical key in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the mechanical key is inserted into the mechanical key retainer. The engagement projection is formed from a resilient material. The mechanical key retainer includes an engagement recess for engaging the engagement projection when the mechanical key is retained in the mechanical key retainer. This structure reduces the size of the portable device and improves portability of the portable device. |
| US07690229B2 |
Station for alternate locks
Locking devices are provided that can be opened by alternate users with different keys. The devices generally include a lock slider anchored to an anchor tab through one or more link sliders. The sliders can be slidably mounted to a slide mount, such as, e.g., a slide shaft or slide slit in a housing. When the anchor tab, link slider and lock slider are all shackled together with, e.g., two or more padlocks, the lock bolt of the lock slider is substantially immobilized with the device in a locked configuration. When one or more of the shackles is removed, the lock slider is free to moved to an unlocked position along the slide mount. |
| US07690224B1 |
Yarn changing set for color altering heads
A yarn changing set for color altering heads includes a yarn splint plate, a movable cutter plate, a yarn cutting plate and a yarn changing plate positioned in an overlapped manner. A plurality of pins are coupled between the yarn splint plate and yarn cutting plate to allow the movable cutter plate and yarn changing plate to move between them. The movable cutter plate and yarn changing plate have respectively a notch at one edge opposing each other to form a confined area to limit movement of the pins when driven by a cam. The yarn cutting plate has a plurality of notches on the edges to hold the pins. Thus an open type design is formed to expose cotton accumulating portions to facilitate clearing of accumulated cotton. Therefore, smooth operation can be maintained and life span of the machine and elements increases. |
| US07690223B2 |
Part for circular knitting machine
To reduce the drive power consumption of a circular knitting machine by reducing the contact area of a tool for the knitting machine with the side faces of a thin groove to suppress a rise in temperature and the thermal deformation of the knitting machine by frictional heat.A part of the stem (17) of the tool for the circular knitting machine is raised from the bottom face (20) of the thin groove (19) in which the tool for the circular knitting machine is inserted and, at the same time, sunk from the upper end face (21) of the thin groove to form float parts (22, 22A to 22L) extending parallel with the thin groove (19). When a distance (L) between the bottom face and the upper end face of the thin groove (19) is used as a reference, the float part is so formed that its raised length (L1) is 10 to 40% of (L) and its sunk length (L2) is 10 to 40% of (L). |
| US07690218B2 |
Ejector refrigerant cycle device
An ejector refrigerant cycle device includes a radiator for radiating heat of high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from a compressor, a branch portion for branching a flow of refrigerant on a downstream side of the radiator into a first stream and a second stream, an ejector that includes a nozzle portion for decompressing and expending refrigerant of the first stream from the branch portion, a decompression portion for decompressing and expanding refrigerant of the second stream from the branch portion, and an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant on a downstream side of the decompression portion. The evaporator has a refrigerant outlet coupled to the refrigerant suction port of the ejector. Furthermore, a refrigerant radiating portion is provided for radiating heat of refrigerant while the decompression portion decompresses and expands refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant radiating portion is provided in an inner heat exchanger. |
| US07690209B2 |
Refrigerant charging method in refrigeration system using carbon dioxide as refrigerant
A refrigerant charging method in an air conditioner using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant includes a first refrigerant charging step and a second refrigerant charging step. The first refrigerant charging step is a step of charging a refrigerant charging target portion including refrigerant communication pipes with refrigerant in a gas state until the pressure of the refrigerant charging target portion rises to a predetermined pressure after the start of charging. The second refrigerant charging step is a step of charging the refrigerant charging target portion with refrigerant in a liquid state until the amount of refrigerant charging the refrigerant charging target portion becomes a predetermined amount. The second refrigerant charging step occurring after the first refrigerant charging step. |
| US07690208B2 |
Liquid hydrogen tank with a release pressure above the critical pressure
A liquid hydrogen storage tank is provided with a boil-off release pressure above the critical pressure. The super critical pressure hydrogen storage tank has less hydrogen losses than a conventional tank even when used in vehicular applications and can be operated so as to provide zero hydrogen loss with reduced mandatory driving distances. |
| US07690198B2 |
Integrated hystat having single input and independent output
A drivetrain for use in a mobile vehicle is disclosed. The drivetrain may have a housing, a first hydraulic pump connected to the housing, and a second hydraulic pump connected to the housing. The second hydraulic pump may be in axial alignment with the first hydraulic pump. The drivetrain may also have a first motor fluidly connected to the first hydraulic pump, and a second motor fluidly connected to the second hydraulic pump. The first and second motors may have an axial direction substantially perpendicular to the axial alignment of the first and second hydraulic pumps. |
| US07690197B2 |
Hydraulic fluid cooling apparatus and method
A hydraulic drive apparatus comprises a main pump for pumping hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic load, a charge pump for continuously pumping pressurized hydraulic fluid to the main pump, and a hydraulic fluid cooler. At least a portion to the hydraulic fluid pumped through the hydraulic load is returned under pressure to the charge pump and the charge pump pumps the pressurized hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic fluid cooler to the main pump. |
| US07690196B2 |
Hydraulic actuator having an auxiliary valve
A hydraulic actuator for a hydraulic servomotor 4 is disclosed. The hydraulic servomotor 4 has a first chamber 5 and a second chamber 6 associated therewith. The hydraulic actuator is connected to a fluid source 2 and a fluid drain 3, and it comprises a valve assembly arranged between the fluid source 2 and the fluid drain 3 to control fluid pressures in the chambers 5, 6. At least one auxiliary valve 11 is fluidly connected between the valve assembly and the fluid drain 3, said auxiliary valve(s) 11 being of a kind which is normally closed in a de-energized state. In the case of a power cut off the auxiliary valve(s) 11 will close, thereby preventing fluid flow from the valve assembly towards the fluid drain 3. This causes a servomotor piston member 12 to be hydraulically locked in its instantaneous position, thereby locking the hydraulic servomotor 4. The valve assembly may be designed without taking the locking function into consideration. |
| US07690191B2 |
Fuel preconditioning for detonation combustion
A fuel preconditioning system for use with a pulse detonation combustor (PDC) makes use of a heat source to pyrolyze fuel prior to injecting it into the PDC for detonation. The fuel is decomposed into a more detonable form by pyrolysis in a conditioner that applies heat to the fuel in the absence of oxidizer. The heat may be provided by a hot section of the engine, including the walls of the PDC itself. The conditioned fuel is fed to the PDC and detonated. |
| US07690190B2 |
Aircraft systems including cascade thrust reversers
Aircraft systems including cascade thrust reversers are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a cascade thrust reverser having a fixed reverser ramp and a nozzle outer wall section at least partially aft of the fixed reverser ramp. The nozzle outer wall section is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The nozzle outer wall section includes a forward portion with a leading edge section. The fixed reverser ramp has a portion forward of and adjacent to the nozzle outer wall section when the nozzle outer wall section is in the stowed position. The portion of the fixed reverser ramp has a first slope. The forward portion of the nozzle outer wall section that is aft of the leading edge section has a second slope different than the first slope. |
| US07690187B2 |
Modular micropropulsion device and system
A modular propulsion system includes an array of micromachined field effect electrostatic propulsion devices, each of which is an assembled micromachined device including an array of field effect electrostatic propulsion thrusters, a fuel container of propellant using passive plumbing, electronic power and command controls, with the array of devices disposed about and on a surface of a spacecraft for providing diverse propulsion needs. |
| US07690186B2 |
Gas turbine engine including apparatus to transfer power between multiple shafts
The gas turbine engine comprises at least one electrical generator and an electrical heater associated with a gas path of the engine. The heater is powered by the generator to selectively add heat to the gas turbine cycle. |
| US07690184B2 |
Method for treating oil waste in a gas turbine engine
A method for treating an airflow, laden with oil, flowing in a tube communicating with a rolling bearing enclosure of a gas turbine engine, wherein the airflow is made to travel into a coking box associated with a heating mechanism, in which the air is heated to a sufficient temperature to coke the oil particles contained in the airflow. Preferably, the solid residues produced by the coking are collected in the coking box. |
| US07690183B2 |
Chain lock for round steel chains
Disclosed is a chain lock for round steel chains, comprising two lock halves, each of which is provided with a rear section (4, 5) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the chain lock (1) as well as coupling sections (6 to 9) that adjoin the ends of the rear section (4, 5). One respective coupling section (6, 8) is fitted with a locking pin (16) which extends perpendicular to a parting plane (TE) of the chain lock (1) and encompasses a web-like projection (22) at the free end (18) thereof, on the side facing the other coupling section (7, 9). The projection (22) borders a pocket that extends from one side surface (20) to another side surface (21) of the lock half (2, 3) and accommodates a forked leg (26) of the other lock half (2, 3), which conforms to the contour of the pocket (23). The pocket (23) has external, essentially rectilinear flanks (27, 28) which face the side surfaces (20, 21), the angle (W1) enclosed by the flanks (27, 28) ranging from 120° to 150°. |
| US07690182B2 |
Straight-type finish for synthetic fibers, processing method for false twisted textured yarns using same, and false twisted textured yarns
A straight-type finish, which has improved storage characteristics and is capable of preventing synthetic fibers from becoming electrically charged and uneven dyeing from being generated, contains a lubricant and a functional improvement agent at specified ratios. A metal organic sulfonate of a specified type is contained at least as a part of the functional improvement agent at a specified mass % of the total. |
| US07690181B2 |
Method for operating a textile machine producing cross-wound bobbins
A method for operating a spinning machine with plural spinning stations (1), each case having a take-off roller device (6, 10, 14) for drawing a yarn (9) from a spinning device (2) and a sensor mechanism (26) for checking piecings. When starting a piecing, the theoretical conveying length of the yarn is determined based on the surface speed of the rollers (10, 14), until the piecing reaches the sensor mechanism (26). The deviation of the theoretical conveying length from a desired yarn length, corresponding to the spacing between the spinning device (2) and the sensor mechanism (26), is detected. The deviation is compared with a preadjustable limit value of the permissible deviation. If the limit value is passed, this indicates intolerable wear of the pressure roller (14) and produces a signal. |
| US07690180B2 |
Sewable fire resistant thread
A sewing thread comprising a first yarn that is a filament yarn made or a fire resistant polymer and a second yarn that is a synthetic and/or natural yarn. The sewing thread may also contain a third yarn that is a synthetic and/or natural yarn. The first, second, and third yarns each have a first twist in the same direction. The first, second, and third yarns are then combined to form the sewing thread using a second twist which is in the opposite direction of the first twist. No bonding agent is used in the sewable, fire resistant thread. |
| US07690177B2 |
Tractor mounted string trimmer mechanism
A string trimmer mechanism intended for mounting on the front end of a mowing tractor. The mechanism includes a mounting bracket for attachment to the front end of the tractor; an extension power cylinder pivotally mounted on the bracket and extending laterally of the tractor; a string trimmer carried on the free end of the power cylinder and including a hydraulic motor driving a trimmer dish; and a lift power cylinder pivotally mounted on the bracket and driving a lever pivotally mounted on the bracket and carrying a roller positioned under the extension power cylinder. The string trimmer is moved selectively laterally inwardly and outwardly utilizing the extension power cylinder and is moved selectively upwardly and downwardly utilizing the lift power cylinder. The extension power cylinder, lift power cylinder, and hydraulic trimmer motor are selectively supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid source onboard the tractor. The string trimmer mechanism converts between left hand operation, with the string trimmer positioned on the left side of the tractor, and right hand operation, with the string trimmer positioned on the right side of the tractor, simply by reversing the direction in which the extension power cylinder extends from the mounting bracket and by interchanging the pivotal mounting of the lift cylinder and the lever on the mounting bracket. |
| US07690173B2 |
Multiple prescription production facility
A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets. The first inspection module is configured to inspect an open multiple prescription container having the different tablets. The second labeling component is configured to print a date and a time on a lidstock for the patient to consume the tablets, and the second labeling component is configured to fixedly couple the lidstock to each multiple prescription container thereby sealing the multiple prescription containers. The second inspection module is configured to inspect the sealed multiple prescription containers. |
| US07690172B2 |
Method and apparatus for sealing container
This invention is a device and method to seal covers on containers such as food containers. But it can be used to seal containers for other products also. Its design allows its configuration for use on containers and covers of different sizes and shapes. |
| US07690167B2 |
Structural support framing assembly
Novel structural support framing assemblies and component thereof are described herein for use in residential, commercial, and industrial building construction. Preferred embodiments of the inventive framing assembly include the employment of a variety of structural studs and stud mounts, the studs preferably fabricated of a composite material. |
| US07690165B2 |
Insulating cover
An insulating cover for an attic or other opening is provided which mounts on top of a stair frame or framed opening or the like without the necessity of attic flooring, characterized by economical construction, economical shipping, ease of assembly, ease of installation above the opening, and a footprint substantially similar to the frame of the folding stair or the empty opening. The present invention further provides an insulating cover that is rugged enough for continued use yet light enough and supported in such as way as to have an ease of opening, staying open and closing as the consumer needs. In a further embodiment, the invention components may be substantially flat packed for ease of shipping and handling. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a multifunction insulating cover that may be fitted with a ventilation means, such as a louver or powered fan to enable ventilation through the framed opening even though the attic cover would be closed. This embodiment provides a multipurpose function to the cover, thus eliminating the need for a separate roof or ceiling installed ventilation fan. In a still further embodiment, the present invention may be provided with a protective outer layer to better resist impact or weather. |
| US07690164B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for structural lug formed from a combination of metal and composite laminate materials
A structural lug comprising a metallic base, composite middle layers, and outer layers of metallic material is disclosed. The metallic base of the structure is machined to accommodate the composite plies, which are located on each lateral side of the base and bonded to the base with adhesive. The composite material may comprise an adhesive-based resin with embedded fibers. The metallic base may be formed to minimize peel stresses in the composite layers. The top metallic layers are fitted over and bonded to the composite plies and act as the outermost layers of the lug. The lateral ends of the lug where the top layers come into contact with the machined base may be joined together with friction stir welding or mechanical fasteners to form the completed structure. |
| US07690162B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and assemblies for log building
The invention provides technology for building houses and many other structures using logs. Log-positioning apparatuses are provided. Also provided are assemblies that include a plurality of logs and a plurality of log-positioning apparatuses. Finally, various log building methods are provided. |
| US07690151B2 |
Moisture absorbing and water transferring self watering structured stackable plant containers
A moisture absorbing and water transferring self watering structured planters, including a plurality of a tapering plant pots, capable of mounting one upon another in a staggered fashion, to provide a series of stacked planters, a bottom planter shaped to provide for its accommodations upon a deck rail, or the bottom planter may locate within a tray, even one that contains casters, to provide freedom for movement upon a patio, deck, or other floor. Contained within each of the stackable containers, and also within the bottom planter, is an elevated base, containing perforations, and a series of downwardly depending slotted wells, the latter into which potting soil may locate, for submerging into any water contained within water reservoirs provided within the bottom of each container, or bottom planter, to achieve migration of water upwardly into the potting soil, for irrigation and moisturization of the root system of any planted vegetation. |
| US07690144B2 |
Safety device for shooting mechanism of double-action semi-automatic striker fired pistols
Safety Device for a Shooting Mechanism of Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistols Striker Fired The present application refers to a safety device for a shooting mechanism of semi-automatic guns, more specifically double action semi-automatic pistols striker fired, composed of a trigger support, a trigger body, a hinging axle for the two components, a small spring that acts between them and a trigger bar joined to the body of the trigger, with the addition of a firing pin lock located besides the front part of it and lodged in the breechblock. |
| US07690143B2 |
Air conditioner
An air conditioner is provided. In the air conditioner, a front frame is coupled to a front portion of a main body; a panel member is coupled to a front portion of the front frame; and an art panel detachably inserted into the panel member. |
| US07690141B2 |
Tagging animals
An animal tag comprising, a penetrating component (3) having two ear penetrating members (9) joined by a strip of intermediate material (13), a complementary component (15) having a locking portion (17) for each penetrating member, and ramp means (21) for each locking portion, wherein the arrangement is such that the ear penetrating members are designed to be passed through the ear (33) of an animal and to lock onto the locking portions to sandwich the ear in a gap (28) between the penetrating component and complementary component and the ramp means are arranged to co-operate with the skin penetrating members to vary the size of the gap whereby to provide a range of gap sizes to accommodate varying ear thicknesses and/or growth of the animal. |
| US07690140B2 |
Ironing shoe
An ironing shoe comprising a laminate having at least one laminate opening and a laminate periphery similar to a sole periphery of a sole plate of an iron, the sole plate having a sole plate surface, the laminate comprising a heat insulating layer having a sole contact surface for making contact with the sole plate surface of the iron and a heat transfer layer having a garment contact surface for ironing. The shoe can comprise a fastening means in the form of a protrusion, the protrusion and the heat insulating layer being made of the same material. The heat insulating layer can have an edge rib alone at least a part of its periphery to reduce the leakage of steam. |
| US07690139B2 |
Household pressing iron having an improved cord guide device
Pressing iron having a body (1) connected to a cord (3), such as a power supply cord, and having a cord guide device (5) giving a preferential orientation to the cord (3) at the exit from the body, the cord guide device (5) being articulated on the body of the iron and being able to rock between a storage position in which the cord guide device (5) is disposed against the body of the iron and an ironing position in which the cord guide device (5) is spaced from the iron, wherein the iron has a magnetic assembly (7) generating a force tending to maintain the cord guide device (5) in storage position. |
| US07690131B2 |
Device for continuous drying of a pulp web
A device for continuous drying of a pulp web, particularly a tissue web, with a drying drum (1) and an air circulating system, where the drying drum (1) has a cylindrical shell (9) designed as a honeycombed body with an annular, flexible transition profile (13) at the edges of the shell and connected to the end covers. |
| US07690128B1 |
Fork alignment tool
A tool is disclosed for alignment of forks in a wheeled vehicle. The tool includes a plurality of connecting members, each having a receiving cup, which is configured to receive the curvature of fork tubes of the forks of the vehicle, and a slide bar which attaches to a portion of the receiving cup. The connecting members are held in slidable relation to each other by at least one fastener when the fastener is loosened. The fastener can be tightened to lock the connecting members in fixed position relative to each other to capture the spatial separation dimension between the forks at a point along their length. Also disclosed is a method for achieving parallelism of forks in a wheeled vehicle. |
| US07690127B2 |
Apparatus for the dimensional checking of an orbitally rotating crankpin of a crankshaft
An apparatus for checking the diameter of crankpins of a crankshaft in the course of the machining in a grinding machine includes a Vee-shaped reference device, a measuring device associated with the reference device and including a feeler axially movable along the bisecting line of the Vee-shaped reference device, and a support device with a first arm rotating with respect to a support arranged on the grinding-wheel slide and a second arm rotating with respect to the first and carrying the Vee-shaped reference device.A guiding mechanism includes a limiting device, with mutually abutting surfaces and coupled to the support device, that guides the displacement of the reference device along a trajectory substantially parallel to the profile of the grinding wheel, allows the engagement of the reference device on a crankpin to be checked while the latter is orbitally moving, and does not interfere with the displacements of the support device caused by the orbital motion of the crankpin in the checking condition. |
| US07690126B2 |
Adjustable carpenter's measuring tool
A measuring tool for use particularly in carpentry combines the features of a square, a level and a bevel tool into a single device. The measuring tool includes a handle which supports a slide rule at one end and a pitch slide which can be adjustably positioned within the handle through the advancement and retraction of a thumb bolt into the handle. The thumb bolt may be advanced by either turning the thumb bolt and/or advancing the thumb bolt against a spring biased ratcheting mechanism. The thumb bolt may be retracted either by turning and/or by disengagement of the spring biased ratcheting mechanism. |
| US07690123B2 |
Skyline imaging system for solar access determination
A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor. |
| US07690122B2 |
Shaving razor with button
A handle for a shaving razor includes a handle casing and an interconnect assembly disposed at an end of the handle casing. The interconnect assembly is configured to releasably connect a cartridge to the handle, and includes a release button comprising a button substrate and a flexible canopy extending outwardly from the button substrate toward the handle casing. |
| US07690119B1 |
Water closet bolt cutter
An apparatus for cutting a bolt includes a first member and a second member that are adapted to pivot about an axis. An L-shaped member is pivotally attached to an end of the second member. A sliding member is attached to the L-shaped member that bears on an exterior of the first member when the L-shaped member is fully pivoted toward the first member. A threaded rod includes a first end that is attached to the sliding member. The threaded rod engages with a threaded opening provided in the L-shaped member. A knob that is attached to the threaded rod is tightened which urges the sliding member and the first member toward the second member and severs the bolt that is disposed in a pair of openings proximate the axis. |
| US07690111B2 |
Method and apparatus for repairing turbine rotor
A method for repairing a rotor of a turbine includes providing a rotor having a groove portion defined by a circumferential portion of the rotor. The circumferential portion of the rotor is removed to create an opening to provide access to the groove such that the opening, immediately adjacent the groove, is narrower than the groove. A guide block may be extended into a receiving slot separating a first protruding surface from a second protruding surface of the rotor such that a weld area slot of the guide block extends over at least a portion of the opening. The opening may be welded adjacent the guide block to close at least a portion of the opening. |
| US07690109B2 |
Method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring board
In a multilayer wiring board comprising a core board, and a wiring layer and an electrically insulating layer that are stacked on one surface of said core board, a thermal expansion coefficient of said core board in XY directions falls within a range of 2 to 20 ppm, a core member for said core board is a core member selected from silicon, ceramics, glass, a glass-epoxy composite, and metal, said core board is provided with a plurality of through holes that are made conductive between the front and the back by a conductive material, and a capacitor is provided on one surface of said core board, wherein said capacitor comprises an upper electrode being the conductive material in said through hole, and a lower electrode disposed so as to confront said upper electrode via a dielectric layer. |
| US07690105B2 |
Method for conserving space in a circuit
A method for conserving space in a circuit or on a printed circuit board by integrating a plurality of electronic components so that the plurality of electronic components collectively take up a smaller amount of space on a substrate than the plurality of electronic components would if the plurality of electronic components were not integrated. |
| US07690104B2 |
Technique for reducing wasted material on a printed circuit board panel
A process for assembling a rigid-flex printed circuit board (PCB) is presented. During operation, the process receives rigid-flex PCBs that are to be coupled together, wherein a rigid-flex PCB includes flexible PCBs coupled to rigid PCBs. The process then places the PCBs onto a carrier which is configured to: align the PCBs so that bond regions located on the flexible PCBs overlap with bond regions located on corresponding flexible PCBs, and apply pressure to the overlapped bond regions. The process then sends the carrier through a reflow oven which reflows solder on the PCBs so that the components become mechanically and electrically coupled to the PCBs. The temperature profile generated by the reflow oven and the pressure applied by the carrier cures and sets an anisotropic conductive film located in the bond regions so that the overlapped flexible PCBs become mechanically and electrically coupled together. |
| US07690101B2 |
Apparatus for sealing a feedthrough assembly
An apparatus is provided for forming a seal within a ferrule having a compression ring disposed therein. The apparatus comprises a frame assembly for crimping a portion of the ferrule, and a push rod assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The push rod assembly is capable of independent articulation with respect to the frame assembly and is configured to compress the compression ring within the ferrule. |
| US07690100B2 |
Techniques for certifying a head-gimbal assembly
A device and method for testing a slider of a head-gimbal assembly during disc drive manufacturing. The device includes a test disc, an actuator arm and a control module. The test disc has a first circumferential area for detecting contact between the slider and the test disc and a second circumferential area for burnishing sliders that contact the first circumferential area as the test disc rotates at or above the predetermined velocity. The head-gimbal assembly is affixed to the actuator arm such that the slider is operable to move between an inner diameter and an outer diameter of the test disc. The control module controls the movement of the actuator arm, and thus the slider, relative to the test disc. The control module monitors the slider-disc interface for contact therebetween. If contact is detected, the slider is either burnished or the head-gimbal assembly is discarded altogether. |
| US07690098B2 |
Method of manufacturing a face with different thickness distribution
A method of manufacturing a face with different thickness distribution is cutting a slice metal board with predestination shape from a metal board and stamping the slice metal board into an uneven metal board with predestination shape of rough and uneven on it then, milling one side of the uneven metal board to produce a board with different thickness. The final step is pressing the metal board with different thickness to form a face with different thickness distribution. |
| US07690096B1 |
Method of manufacturing an aged mattress assembly
Mattresses and methods for processing a flexible foam material for use in a mattress to provide a mattress foam material that has more consistent firmness over time and area. The methods include pre-conditioning the foam pad or mattress by applying a force across a substantial portion of a major surface of the mattress to compress or stretch the height of the foam, the length of the foam, and/or the width of the foam to break or open closed cells. In certain embodiments, the force is applied by repeatedly pressing a platen against the foam pad or placing the foam pad between one or more rollers. |
| US07690095B2 |
Method for manufacturing quartz piece
To provide a method for manufacturing a quartz piece which can suppress the deterioration of the CI and the temperature characteristic failure by forming the end surface of the quartz piece perpendicularly. A method for manufacturing a quartz piece that has a shape having two sides facing each other from a quartz substrate, includes the steps of: forming an etching mask provided with an opening area for forming the outside shape along one side out of the two sides which face each other, and provided with no opening area on the other side out of the two sides facing each other, on one surface side of the quartz substrate; and forming an etching mask provided with an opening area for forming an outside shape along the other side out of the two sides which face each other, and provided with no opening area on the one side, on the other surface side of the quartz substrate. Formation of protrusions is reduced when, at the time of etching from one surface side of the quartz substrate, the rate of etching in the direction from the one side toward the other side is greater than the rate of etching in the direction from the other side toward the one side due to the anisotropy of quartz, and at the time of etching from the other surface side of the quartz substrate, the rate of etching in the direction from the other side toward the one side is greater than the rate of etching in the direction from the one side toward the other side due to the anisotropy of quartz. |
| US07690093B2 |
Roller arrangement for producing fleece
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing nonwoven, fleece-like fiber products, said apparatus comprising a transfer belt configured to transport an intermediate product on the underside of a transfer belt to a roller arrangement, said roller arrangement comprising four rotatable rollers that are arranged and configured to interact in pairs in constellations that can be selectively modified, wherein each of the four rollers has a rotational axis, and the four rotational axes run at least approximately parallel to each other. |
| US07690092B2 |
Multiaxial complex
The invention relates to a multiaxial complex of multifilament threads formed of continuous filaments, whereby the multifilament threads are placed on top of one another in different orientations, and the threads of the 0° layers run in the production direction, and whereby the multifilament threads of the 0° layers are laid in between the other multifilament layers layered in different orientations and, spread apart and without any torsion before their placement, are placed onto the previous multifilament layer. |
| US07690082B2 |
Multidirectional spindle construction
The present invention discloses a multi-directional spindle construction, comprising a fixed part which is a seat having a rod hole, at least a sleeve on one side, and an axle hole disposed in the sleeve; at least a horizontal coupler which is a rod provided with an elastic axle fittingly inserted to the axle hole on one side and a linking portion on the other side; a vertical coupler which is also a rod provided with an elastic axle inserted through the rod hole of the fixed part to be secured vertically; and a rotating part which is a tubular body disposed with a sleeve to be insertingly connected to the axle, such that the axle of the horizontal coupler may rotate in the sleeve of the fixed part to achieve lifting open or close and the axle sleeve of the rotating part may freely rotate on the shaft of the vertical coupler. |
| US07690080B1 |
Door stop
An apparatus is disclosed having a first wedge having a first side and a second side oriented at some angle relative to the first side, and a second wedge glidably connected to the first wedge, having a first side and a second side oriented at some angle relative to the first side. The first wedge glides relative to the second wedge to stop the door before the door stop reaches a maximum length of travel. |
| US07690079B2 |
Head for a suction cleaner
A head (10) for a suction cleaner is described. The head (10) including: a lower housing portion (12); an upper housing portion (14); and a rotatably mounted brush bar (26) mounted within the housing portions (12, 14). The upper housing portion (14) is pivotable relative to the lower housing portion (12) between a closed position for use and an open position in which the brush bar (26) is exposed from above and the front. |
| US07690078B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with removable cleaning attachment
A vacuum cleaner includes a base having first and second inlet ports and a fan configured to draw air through the inlet ports into the base. A vacuuming head is removably attachable to the base to channel air from a surface into the first inlet port to clean the surface while covering and blocking the second inlet port. An attachment, different than the head, is removably attachable to the base to channel air into the second inlet port. |
| US07690074B2 |
Connecting device for a wiper blade on the wiper arm of a windshield wiper system
The invention relates to a connecting device for a blade on the wiper arm of a windshield wiper system, the wiper blade being formed by a springy support element that is provided with a wiper strip. The inventive connecting device comprises a holding mechanism that is fastened to the outer edges of the support element, and a connecting bolt which is disposed on the holding mechanism and runs transversal to the longitudinal extension of the wiper blade. The aim of the invention is to design such a connecting device in such a way that the parts which are subject to wear are placed on the wiper blade. The aim is achieved by the fact that an adapter bracket is hinged to the connecting bolt. The final piece of the wiper arm, which is adapted to the adapter bracket, can be joined in a fixed and detachable manner to the adapter bracket via a locking connection or latch and is connected thereto in a fixed manner in the assembled state of the wiper blade. Moreover, the adapter bracket us embodied such that the connecting bolt, and thus also the wiper blade, is able to perform a swinging movement relative thereto the swinging movement being due to and determined by a curvature of the vehicle window. |
| US07690073B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device (1) comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade (2) includes opposing longitudinal grooves (3) on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves (3) spaced-apart longitudinal strips (4) of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips (4) are interconnected by a respective connecting piece (6), which windscreen wiper device (1) comprises a connecting device (7) for an oscillating wiper arm (8), wherein said oscillating arm (8) is pivotally connected to said connecting device (7) about a pivot axis near one end, a special feature of which is that said connecting device (7) comprises engaging members (9) being welded to longitudinal sides (10) of said longitudinal strips (4) that face away from each other in such a manner as to withstand shearing forces in a direction along said longitudinal strips (4). |
| US07690070B2 |
Bi-pole cleaning device
A bi-pole cleaning handle device for universal use with conventional cleaning instruments is provided. The device has a first side pole and a second side pole pivoted by swivel connectors side supports, respectively. Extending from the side supports is a base generally shaped as a rectangular shell to hold a cleaner head, which may be selected from a sponge block, brush, scrub head, squeegee, cleaning pad and any other suitable cleaning material. The fist side pole has a handle at its top and the second side pole has a similar handle. Each handle is angled with respect to the axis of its pole and has a grip on one side. This angle is set for the converging function of the bi-pole handle of the present invention as well as ergonomics in holdings by the user. The cross section of the grip is semicircular. The side poles and the handles can be either manipulated by left and right hands independently or by both hands simultaneously with the handle in unity. |
| US07690069B2 |
Cleaning tool with attachment projections providing additional cleaning functionalities
A cleaning tool, such as a mop, used for cleaning a surface includes a cleaning head having a face with a plurality of projections extending therefrom. A cleaning pad is removably attached to the cleaning head face by engagement with the projections, the pad being formed of a first material having a thickness and composition such that the projections penetrate through the pad and extend beyond an outer planar surface of the first material. The projections thus serve to securely attach the cleaning pad to the head and also provide an abrasive scrubbing functionality to the cleaning tool. |
| US07690065B2 |
Aircraft boarding bridge or aircraft boarding stairs
The subject matter of the invention is an aircraft boarding bridge or aircraft boarding stairs with a gangway bottom plate (30), said aircraft boarding bridge or said aircraft boarding stairs comprising a bellows (1), more specifically a U-shaped bellows, that spans said gangway bottom plate, wherein the clear height (arrow 50) between the upper edge of the gangway bottom plate (30) and the roof of the bellows (1) may be varied. |
| US07690063B2 |
Random tumbling washing machine wash chamber for improving cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes
Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations. |
| US07690059B2 |
Hospital bed
A patient bed includes a patient support, a base, and an electrical control system. The patient support is mounted relative to said base, which has a plurality of bearing members for moving the base and the patient support across a surface. Each of the bearing members includes a brake operatively associated therewith, with the electrical control system having a user actuatable device and being configured to actuate one or more of the brakes upon actuation of the user actuatable device. |
| US07690054B1 |
Water level control for vanishing edge pool
An apparatus for automatically controlling the water level of a pool includes a first tank having a first water level, the first tank including a first float valve connected to a high pressure water source. A second tank has a second water level that is below the first water level, thereby defining a pressure head between the two tanks. The second tank includes a second float valve that is supplied by the pressure head between the two tanks, so that the second float valve receives low pressure water and is adapted to open and close within a range that spans a fraction of an inch. The second tank also includes an adjustable drain opening. The second tank water level varies between an upper limit set by the drain opening and a lower limit set by the opened position of the second float valve. The second tank is connected directly to the pool in open flow communication, so that the water level set in the second tank in turn sets the water level of the pool. |
| US07690052B2 |
Headwear having one-piece adjustable integrated viewing protective section
A hat or cap includes a main hat portion and an outerband or fold-down portion secured to the main hat portion in a manner that permits the outerband to be moved upward and downward with respect to the main hat portion from a first position, in which the outerband lies over the main hat portion and away from the wearer's face and eyes, to a second position in which the outerband covers and protects a part of the wearer's face including the eyes. A lens or goggle portion, which is integrated into and attached to an opening in the outerband, is positioned over the wearer's eyes when the outerband is in its second, lower position. |
| US07690049B2 |
EL power unit
A safety vest is sized to be worn by a human, wherein the vest has a front and back and left and right sides each having a shoulder portion. An EL strip is provided on each side of the vest extending from the bottom of the vest upwards toward the shoulder portion. A power source is supported by the vest and connected to the EL lamp strips to supply electrical energy to the strips so that they emit EL light, wherein the EL light emitted by the EL strip is a safety yellow color, and wherein other portions of the vest are a safety orange color. Further safety articles of clothing and devices are also described, including a power pack unit. |
| US07690048B2 |
Warming apparatus for motorcyclist
An apparatus for warming a motorcyclist is provided. The apparatus includes a body that has an outer surface. The body has a shin portion and an adjacent lateral cnemis portion. The body has an end located at the lateral cnemis portion. The body has an upper edge and a lower edge that both terminate at the end. The end is in oblique orientation to both the upper edge and the lower edge. Additionally, a lip extends from the body. |
| US07694345B2 |
Authorising use of a computer program
A method of authorizing use of a computer program only able to be used when an authorized message is received from an authorizing system. The method includes providing an authorization system, making a request to use a computer program, signalling the request to the authorization system, the authorization system recording the use of the computer program and providing the authorization message to the computer program upon receipt of the authorization message the computer program may be used. |
| US07694343B2 |
Client compliancy in a NAT environment
Techniques for implementing client compliancy in a network address translation (NAT) environment are disclosed. Network appliances (e.g., NAT hubs, routers, switches, and other NAT devices) actively cooperate with client compliance strategies by engaging in the compliance evaluation of the hosts connected to it, and interact with the up-stream compliance mechanism. As such, devices normally hidden behind a NAT device from the upstream network can participate in the compliance scheme in a more meaningful way. |
| US07694342B2 |
Systems and methods for managing and protecting electronic content and applications
Systems and methods are disclosed for managing and protecting electronic content and applications. Applications, content, and/or users can be given credentials by one or more credentialing authorities upon satisfaction of a set of requirements. Rights management software/hardware is used to attach and detect these credentials, and to enforce rules that indicate how content and applications may be used if certain credentials are present or absent. In one embodiment an application may condition access to a piece of electronic content upon the content's possession of a credential from a first entity, while the content may condition access upon the application's possession of a credential from a second entity and/or the user's possession of a credential from a third entity. Use of credentials in this manner enables a wide variety of relatively complex and flexible control arrangements to be put in place and enforced with relatively simple rights management technology. |
| US07694340B2 |
Anti virus for an item store
Systems and methodologies for integration of an anti virus AV Plug In(s) as part of an Item Store. The semantics for operation of the AV Plug In(s) are provided by the relational Item Store, via employing a metadata component and a scanning component associated with the Item Store. The metadata component can supply a signature value being associated with the Item Store that can represent the time of scanning of data, and outcome for every scanned item. The scanning component can provide for a queuing of items in the data store in a synchronous and/or asynchronous mode for both scanning and cleaning by the AV Plug In supplied by vendors. |
| US07694336B2 |
Aggregated authenticated identity apparatus for and method therefor
An apparatus and method for authenticating users on a data processing system is implemented. The present invention provides for aggregating authenticated identities and related authorization information. A security context created in response to a first user logon is saved in response to a second logon. A composite or aggregate security context is created based on the identity passed in the second logon. Access may then be granted (or denied) based on the current, aggregated security context. Upon logout of the user based on the second identity, the aggregate security context is destroyed, and the security context reverts to the context previously saved. |
| US07694329B2 |
Secure delegation using public key authentication
A client is impersonalized to a plurality of servers using a middle-tier server. A common nonce associated with each of the plurality of servers is obtained and the common nonce is provided to the client. The common nonce signed by the client is received at the middle-tier server and provided as a signature for transactions from the client to the plurality of servers so as to authenticate the client to the plurality of servers. |
| US07694324B2 |
Rendering graphics/image data using dynamically generated video streams
The present invention provides for rendering graphics/image data at an electronic device that typically has limited resources. A video data steam is received at an electronic device, the video data stream including either user interface information or slideshow presentation data coded in a video codec format. A video processor of the electronic device is used to decode at least a portion of the video data stream into video frame data. A portion of the user interface or slideshow presentation is then displayed as video from data on a display of the electronic device. |
| US07694322B2 |
Efficient streamed content delivery to portable communications device
Described is a system and method of receiving content on a portable mobile communications device from a mobile TV service provider. A mobile pointer record is created and stored within the portable mobile communications device that contains data that identifies content to be delivered from the mobile TV service provider. The mobile pointer record data is sent to a content server maintained by the mobile TV service provider where a corresponding content server pointer record is created and stored such that the mobile TV service provider associates the content server pointer record with stored content. When desired, a request is sent to the mobile TV service provider from the portable mobile communications device by selecting the desired mobile pointer record for the content. The mobile TV service provider identifies the content via the corresponding content server pointer record and delivers the requested stored content to the portable mobile communications device. |
| US07694319B1 |
Interactive program guide with continuous data stream and client-server data supplementation
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide implemented on user television equipment obtains program guide data from two data delivery mechanisms. Current program guide data is obtained from a continuous data stream. Other program guide data (which may include the current program guide data) is obtained by the program guide from a program guide server.The continuous data stream may also include program and program grouping identifiers. The program guide may perform real-time actions associated with programs identified in the continuous data stream. |
| US07694316B2 |
Fluid mediated disk activation and deactivation mechanisms
Embodiments of methods and systems for controlling access to information stored on memory or data storage devices are disclosed. In various embodiments, fluid-mediated modification of information or access to information is utilized. According to various embodiments, data storage devices designed for rotating access are described which include rotation-activated fluid control mechanisms. |
| US07694315B2 |
Schema-based machine generated programming models
A programming model that takes general purpose APIs and machine-generates new programming models based on user defined schemas that provide the developer with data and view separation, and a way to communicate to the host application using the domain of the problem being solved. The system comprises a schema component that the developer uses to define a schema that includes one or more domain terms related to the problem to be solved, and a mapping component that uses the schema to search and map selected constructs from one or more generic host application APIs to the corresponding problem domain terms. Once the mapping is completed, a generating component generates a new API that is used by a host application to facilitate developing an application document using terms related to the domain of the problem to be solved. |
| US07694313B2 |
Terminating device and a method of operating a terminating device configured to communicate availability status directly between terminating devices
A system and a method are disclosed for a terminating device for a communications network which comprises an application program configured to utilize an availability status of a user; a communications interface configured to receive and/or transmit data and a presence engine. The presence engine is configured to provide the communications interface with data representative of an availability status of a user, and cause the communications interface to transmit the data directly to another terminating device. Alternatively, or additionally, the presence engine is configured to receive data representative of an availability status of the user directly from another terminating device, and make available data representative of the received availability status of a user to the application program. |
| US07694312B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enabling bus connectivity over a data network
A method and system for interconnecting peripherals, processor nodes, and hardware devices to a data network to produce a network bus providing OS functionality for managing hardware devices connected to the network bus involves defining a network bus driver at each of the processor nodes that couples hardware device drivers to a network hardware abstraction layer of the processor node. The network bus can be constructed to account for the hot-swappable nature of the hardware devices using a device monitoring function, and plug and play functionality for adding and, removing device driver instances. The network bus can be used to provide a distributed processing system by defining a shared memory space at each processor node. Distributed memory pages are provided with bus-network-wide unique memory addresses, and a distributed memory manager is added to ensure consistency of the distributed memory pages, and to provide a library of functions for user mode applications. |
| US07694309B2 |
Method for facilitating unification of event framework views and system comprising same
An object model comprises a data store and a plurality of event framework information objects. The data store including a plurality of event information objects each defining server event information for a respective one of a plurality of unique events exhibited by a server during operation. The plurality of event framework information objects each define event framework characteristics for a respective one of a plurality of event frameworks implemented in the server. At least one of the event framework information objects reference a common one of the event information objects for enabling server event information defined by the common one of the event information objects to be viewed using the respective one of the event frameworks corresponding thereto. Each one of the event framework information objects define event framework unification rules under which unification of event framework views provided in accordance with each one of the event framework information objects is facilitated. |
| US07694308B1 |
Enterprise application mapping tool and datastore with target state dimension
A system for representing the state of an enterprise software architecture is disclosed. The system comprises a datastore that contains a plurality of attributes of applications and of interfaces, including a state attribute. The system also comprises a plurality of stencils operable to define a graphic. The stencils are each associated with a script: that links back to the datastore, an application stencil operable to define an application graphic and associated with an application stencil script and an interface stencil operable to define an interface graphic and associated with an interface stencil. The system also comprises a template operable to define a drawing of an enterprise software architecture using the stencils. |
| US07694306B2 |
Balancing computational load across a plurality of processors
Computational load is balanced across a plurality of processors. Source code subtasks are compiled into byte code subtasks whereby the byte code subtasks are translated into processor-specific object code subtasks at runtime. The processor-type selection is based upon one of three approaches which are 1) a brute force approach, 2) higher-level approach, or 3) processor availability approach. Each object code subtask is loaded in a corresponding processor type for execution. In one embodiment, a compiler stores a pointer in a byte code file that references the location of a byte code subtask. In this embodiment, the byte code subtask is stored in a shared library and, at runtime, a runtime loader uses the pointer to identify the location of the byte code subtask in order to translate the byte code subtask. |
| US07694304B2 |
Mechanisms for dynamic configuration of virtual processor resources
Mechanisms for dynamically configuring the resources of a virtual multiprocessor are provided. An apparatus to configure resources for virtual processing elements in a virtual multiprocessor is provided. The apparatus includes a virtual multiprocessor context, virtual processing element contexts, and configuration logic. The virtual multiprocessor context, prescribes the resources, and controls a configuration state of the virtual multiprocessor. The virtual processing element contexts each exclusively correspond to a virtual processing element. The virtual processing element contexts each have first logic, for prescribing whether the virtual processing element is permitted to configure the resources; and second logic, for prescribing a subset of the resources that is allocated to the virtual processing element. The configuration logic detects whether the virtual processing element is permitted to configure the resources, updates the virtual multiprocessor context to direct the virtual multiprocessor enter the configuration state, and configures the resources by updating a prescribed virtual processing element context. |
| US07694298B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing virtual server blades
A first virtual machine (VM) in a processing system may emulate a first server blade, and a second VM in the processing system may emulate a second server blade. The emulated server blades may be referred to as virtual server blades. A virtual machine monitor (VMM) in the processing system may provide a communication channel to at least one of the virtual server blades. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US07694294B2 |
Task template update based on task usage pattern
The usefulness of task templates can be maintained in a number of ways. Task templates can be updated on a client server from a remote task update server by initiating communication with the remote task update server, selecting a task template from a list of available task templates presented by the remote task update server, and downloading the selected task template to the client server in a format defined by a schema. Task templates can be updated on a client server by receiving a request from the client server, presenting a task template based on the request, receiving a selection of the task template, and transmitting the task template to the client server in a format defined by a schema. Task templates can also be managed by downloading task templates, assigning group names, and storing the downloaded task templates in a database. |
| US07694290B2 |
System and method for partitioning an application utilizing a throughput-driven aggregation and mapping approach
A method and system to optimize throughput of executable program code are provided. The system comprises a profiler to receive a representation of a plurality of functions, an aggregator, and a mapper to map the plurality of aggregates to a plurality of processors. The aggregator may be configured to create an aggregate for each function from the plurality of functions thereby creating a plurality of aggregates, choose an optimization action between grouping and duplication based on the number of aggregates in the plurality of aggregates, the number of available processing elements (PEs), and execution time of each aggregate, and perform the chosen optimization action. |
| US07694289B2 |
Method for embedding object codes in source codes
Methods for embedding codes executable in a first system having a first microprocessor into codes executable in a second system having a second microprocessor are described herein. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method includes providing first codes having a routine, the first codes being compilable to be executed in the first system, and compiling the first codes, resulting in second codes; the second codes comprising opcodes of the routine executable by the first system, which convert the second codes into third codes automatically, the third codes being compilable to be executed by the second system; this is followed by compiling the third codes, resulting in the fourth codes being executable in the second system, and linking the fourth codes, generating an executable image and executing the executable image in the second system. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US07694287B2 |
Schema-based dynamic parse/build engine for parsing multi-format messages
A parse/build engine that can handle multi-format financial messages. The engine converts the different format messages into a common format, and the common format message is then processed by the business service application. A parser examines the message and determines an appropriate schema for the particular format of message received. The schema is a data structure in a schema registry that includes a grammar structure for the received format as well as pointers to handlers for converting the different fields of the message into the internal message format using the grammar structure (the “grammar” can include field sequence, field type, length, character encoding, optional and required fields, etc.). The handlers are individually compiled. As formats change, new formats or changes to old formats can be dynamically added to the parse/build engine by loading new schema and handlers. |
| US07694282B2 |
Mapping breakpoints between web based documents
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for mapping breakpoints between Web based documents. Embodiments of the invention facilitate extracting corresponding client script blocks from different Web based documents to disassociate the client script blocks with their relative locations within the Web based documents. From the extracted client side script blocks, a position for mapping a breakpoint from one client side script block another client side script block can be determined. The breakpoint is then copied from the one client script block and inserted into the determined position in the other client script block. The client script blocks can then be re-associated with their relative locations in the Web based documents from which they were extracted. |
| US07694280B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling program installation on a computing device
In one embodiment, a system and method for controlling program download pertain to determining the configuration of an existing program that executes on the computing device, determining the configuration of a new program that is to be installed on the computing device to replace the existing program, determining whether installation of the new program is authorized, and preventing installation of the new program if installation is not authorized. |
| US07694279B2 |
Extensible web service
In order to make business software operate remotely as a web service, the web service may have to be extendible. This extendibility may require several additions to the base software that is now operating as a web service program. |
| US07694276B2 |
Contracts and futures in an asynchronous programming language
An asynchronous programming language that facilitates concurrent programming by utilizing futures, asynchronous calls, and joins on futures. For each of a client interface and a service interface of an asynchronous interface, respective models are automatically extracted. A behavioral contract is defined on the asynchronous interface. The client and service models are then passed to modular checking algorithm that checks to ensure that both the client and the service conform to the behavioral contract. The checking algorithm combines region-based type systems with model checking techniques to handle pointer aliasing in a sound manner. |
| US07694273B2 |
Automatic modification of a graphical program based on corresponding changes to a diagram with states and state transitions
A system and method for automatically generating a data flow diagram in response to a first diagram. The first diagram may specify one or more states and one or more state transitions, wherein each state transition specifies a transition from a first state to a second state. A data flow diagram may be automatically generated from the first diagram. A hardware description may be generated from the data flow diagram. The hardware description may be usable to configure a programmable hardware element such as, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The configured programmable hardware element may implement a hardware implementation of the data flow diagram. |
| US07694272B2 |
Method, a language and a system for the definition and implementation of software solutions by using a visualizable computer executable modeling language
A software development platform, used to develop software applications substantially free of the need to write code. The platform includes a visualizable computer executable modeling language for the definition of software solutions. The platform also includes a visual modeling system comprising a visual modeling tool for users to develop software solutions using the modeling language, and a runtime engine software program that automatically executes the defined software solutions. The visualizable computer executable modeling language system enables defining each application by a set of: process models, each of which may contain any number of sub process model; input and output slots; data models, each of which may contain any number of sub data models; and flow rules applicable to connect pairs of slots, data models and sub-data models, thereby defining both data flow and process flow, wherein the sets of process models, slots, data models and flow rules are arranged in a structural hierarchy conforming to a set of rigid composition rules. |
| US07694271B2 |
Rendering GUI widgets with generic look and feel
Rendering GUI widgets with generic look and feel by receiving in a display device a master definition of a graphics display, the master definition including at least one graphics definition element, the graphics definition element including a reference to a protowidget and one or more instance parameter values characterizing an instance of the protowidget, the protowidget includes a definition of a generic GUI object, including generic display values affecting overall look and feel of the graphics display, and rendering at least one instance of the protowidget to a graphics display in dependence upon the generic display values and the instance parameter values. |
| US07694268B2 |
Method for optimization of optical proximity correction
A method of designing and forming a mask used for projecting an image of an integrated circuit design. After providing a mask element corresponding to a portion of a design of an integrated circuit layout, the method includes correcting the mask element using OPC techniques, and fracturing the OPC-corrected mask element into a plurality of polygonal segments. The method then includes identifying along an edge of the mask element a polygon edge having a thickness less than that which can be normally reproduced by a mask writer, and modifying configuration of the identified mask element segment to add or subtract length to an end of the polygon to create a corrected mask element having increased resolution by the mask writer. The method then includes using an electron beam or other mask writer to form a mask having the mask element with modified configuration. |
| US07694267B1 |
Method for process window optimized optical proximity correction
One embodiment of a method for process window optimized optical proximity correction includes applying optical proximity corrections to a design layout, simulating a lithography process using the post-OPC layout and models of the lithography process at a plurality of process conditions to produce a plurality of simulated resist images. A weighted average error in the critical dimension or other contour metric for each edge segment of each feature in the design layout is determined, wherein the weighted average error is an offset between the contour metric at each process condition and the contour metric at nominal condition averaged over the plurality of process conditions. A retarget value for the contour metric for each edge segment is determined using the weighted average error and applied to the design layout prior to applying further optical proximity corrections. |
| US07694263B2 |
Method of wiring data transmission lines and printed circuit board assembly wired using the method
A method of wiring data transmission lines between a CPU including CPU data pins identified by a set of pin numbers and a DRAM including DRAM data pins also identified by the set of pin numbers, the method including connecting the CPU data pins to the DRAM data pins with data transmission lines including unit-bit data transmission lines so that the unit-bit data transmission lines do not cross each other and without matching the pin numbers of the CPU data pins to the pin numbers of the DRAM data pins. |
| US07694261B1 |
Method and mechanism for implementing tessellation-based routing
Disclosed are methods and mechanisms for implementing tessellation-based processing of an integrated circuit design. Tessellation based routing of objects on an integrated circuit layout can be performed by identifying a spacing rule for tessellating at least a portion of the integrated circuit layout, forming one or more plane figures in the tessellation having one or more edges compliant with the spacing rule, the edges of the one or more plane figures forming a contour derived from a shape of a blockage object, and identifying a routing path along at least part of the one or more edges. Packing and pushing of objects may be performed using this approach. |
| US07694257B2 |
Method and apparatus for deep sub-micron design of integrated circuits
A technique for adding filler metal polygons in metal layers on a chip area of an IC design. In one example embodiment, this is accomplished by computing a size of a filler metal polygon using chip design layout data. One or more regions on the metal layers of the IC design that do not meet metal density requirements are then identified. The identified one or more regions are then filled with one or more filler metal polygons as a function of the metal density requirement and coupling capacitance between metal lines. |
| US07694256B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing analytic placement techniques on logic devices with restrictive areas
A method for designing a system on a target device having restricted areas includes determining locations on the target device for all cells in the system by solving one or more equations. Partitioning of cells of a first classification type is performed. One or more equations are modified in response to the partitioning. Revised locations on the target device are determined for the cells by solving the modified one or more equations. The partitioning procedure takes into consideration the classification types of cells as well as restricted areas on the target device. |
| US07694253B2 |
Automatically generating an input sequence for a circuit design using mutant-based verification
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically generates an input sequence for a circuit design using mutant-based verification. During operation, the system receives a description of the circuit design. Next, the system determines a target value for a control signal in the description and a mutant value for the control signal. The system then determines if an input sequence exists for the circuit design that stimulates the control signal to the target value and causes the effects of the target value and the effects of the mutant value to reach an observation point in the circuit such that the effects of the target value and the effects of the mutant value differ at the observation point. If such an input sequence exists, the system then simulates operation of the circuit design using the input sequence. During simulation, the system generates two sets of signal outputs for the circuit design. The first set of signal outputs is affected by the target value for the control signal, while the second set of signal outputs is affected by the mutant value for the control signal. |
| US07694251B2 |
Method and system for verifying power specifications of a low power design
Method and system for verifying power specifications of a low power design are disclosed. The method includes receiving a register-transfer level (RTL) netlist representation of the low power design, receiving a power specification file for describing power requirements of the low power design and verifying the power specification file in accordance with the RTL netlist representation of the low power design. The method further includes verifying completeness, compatibility, and consistency of power requirements for the low power design. |
| US07694248B2 |
Method and apparatus for supporting verification, and computer product
An apparatus for supporting verification includes a detecting unit that detects description data of a false path from setting data for a system mode operation of a target circuit to be verified; an analyzing unit that analyzes the description data in the system mode operation and a test mode operation of the target circuit; a diversion determining unit that determines, based on a result of analysis by the analyzing unit, whether the description data is divertible to the test mode operation; and a generating unit that generates setting data for the test mode operation based on a result of determination by the determining unit. |
| US07694245B2 |
Method for designing semiconductor package, system for aiding to design semiconductor package, and computer program product therefor
A method for designing a semiconductor package is disclosed, wherein the semiconductor package comprises a semiconductor chip and an adjustment target. A first target variable is calculated in consideration of a first transition state where an output level of the semiconductor chip changes from a low level to a high level. A second target variable is calculated in consideration of a second transition state where an output level of the semiconductor chip changes from the high level to the low level. Inferior one of the first and the second target variables is selected as a main target variable. The main target variable and a predetermined constraint represented in frequency domain are compared to decide design guidelines for the adjustment target. |
| US07694243B2 |
Avoiding device stressing
A system for protecting a weak device operating in micro-electronic circuit and a design structure including the system embodied in a machine readable medium are disclosed. The system includes a high voltage power supply from high voltage overstressing prevents the weak device from failing during power-up, power-down, and when a low voltage power supply in a multiple power supply system is absent. The system further includes a low voltage power supply detection circuit configured to detect circuit power-up, circuit power-down, and when the low voltage power supply is absent, and generate a control signal upon detection. The system further includes a controlled current mirror device configured to provide a trickle current to maintain a conduction channel in the weak device in response to the control signal received from the low voltage power supply detection circuit during circuit power-up, circuit power-down, and when the low voltage power supply is absent. |
| US07694242B1 |
System and method of replacing flip-flops with pulsed latches in circuit designs
A circuit design system, methodology, and software are disclosed for generating circuit capable of consuming less dynamic power. In particular, the circuit design methodology entails modifying an initial circuit design including a clock network coupled to a plurality of edge-triggered flip-flops to generate a modified circuit design that uses pulsed latches driven by pulse generators in place of at least some of the flip-flops. Since pulsed latches use less dynamic power than edge-triggered flip-flops, the modified circuit may consume less dynamic power. The circuit design methodology may further entail adding delay cells for balancing the clock network to compensate for timing effects caused by the insertion of pulse generators. Additionally, the methodology may further include cloning of forbidden clock paths to make more flip-flops eligible for pulsed latch replacement. |
| US07694241B1 |
Automated design process and method for multi-rail cells and connections
Automated design process and method with set of syntactic elements compensates for inability to represent voltage island connection of multi-rail cells in RTL source files in traditional design process which inhibits development of design automation methods and causes hardship and risk of failure to simulate, synthesize, perform physical design or formally verify a semiconductor chip design implemented with multi-rail. |
| US07694229B2 |
System and theme file format for creating visual styles
A method of specifying a visual style for a set of graphical components is provided for use on a computer system having a graphical operating environment. The method includes providing a schema file of available graphical components for which a visual style can be created. In the schema file, each component is defined by a unique class name. The method further includes selecting graphical components from the schema file that are desired to have a defined visual style. Properties are then assigned to these selected components according to the desired visual style, and pairs of selected graphical components and corresponding assigned properties for the defined visual style together are grouped together in a class data file that defines the overall appearance for the defined visual style. |
| US07694228B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for network conferencing
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for conducting a conference amongst remote participants. During the conference an object from a library of digital objects is communicated to a participant communications device via a distributed computing network. During the conference the library of digital objects is downloaded to the participant communications device. During the conference a synchronization command is communicated from a host communications device to the participant communications device. The synchronization instructs the participant communications device to present another object from the library of digital objects. A synchronization acknowledgment is received from the participant communications device and confirms a successful presentation of the object on the participant communications device. |
| US07694223B2 |
Methods and systems for recording user actions in computer programs
A method for recording a sequence of user actions made when interfacing with objects associated with an executable code is provided. In this method, a selection of a level of detail to record when user actions enable interfacing with the objects associated with the executable code is enabled. Subsequently, the sequence of user actions is recorded. The recorded sequence of user actions is defined by the selected level of detail. Thereafter, the recorded sequence of user actions is parsed by applying rules that enable the generation of a defined number of data types. The data types are capable of being utilized by an application that is designed to generate information that is related to one or more of the data types. |
| US07694222B2 |
Document composition system and method
A user-friendly technique is described for assisting users to compose original documents, such as essays, research papers, literary papers, historical papers, memoranda, and the like. Interactive software provides document-specific active assistance with creating, researching, writing, editing, and finalizing documents. Such assistance may take the form of providing document specific guides, automatically generating and inserting content, and/or checking for document specific errors. |
| US07694221B2 |
Choosing between multiple versions of content to optimize display
Described is a technology by which a piece of content is selected from among at least two pieces of content in response to a request to return content. The selection is based on an evaluation of current state data against the properties/characteristics of the content. For example, the state data may define a currently available size; each piece of content has associated size properties (e.g., height and width ranges) that can be matched in the selection process. In a layout system, a parent container may request content from a child container that is associated with the selection process. The selection process may, for example, evaluate the child's pieces of content in an evaluation order, with the first appropriate matching piece of content selected. If no content matches, a default piece of content, or a code that indicates that no content is to be shown, is returned. |
| US07694219B2 |
Dynamic tree representation for internet enterprise applications
A tree is used for representing relationships between various entities and, in an embodiment, may be used for conducting transactions. In an embodiment, the tree may be dynamically updated at run time and/or each time an agent accesses the tree by, for example, conducting a transaction or requesting new information. An application running on a server may be used for accessing a database and generating a display language tree (which may be a tree written in a display language such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or Extensible Markup Language (XML)). The application sends the display language tree to the agent's appliance where the display language tree is displayed. In an embodiment, nodes having different interrelationships, such as aggregation relationships and association relationships, may be handled differently from one another even if the same type of parent/child relationship is displayed in an image of the tree to the agent. |
| US07694217B2 |
Systems and methods for comparing documents containing graphic elements
A system and methods for comparing graphic elements in a changed document to those in a reference document is described. Attributes of selected graphic elements are first adjusted before comparing so that comparing does not identify certain document changes. |
| US07694213B2 |
Video content creating apparatus
A video content creating apparatus includes a computer. The computer registers photographic image data input from a photographic input device and meta-information set in relation to the data in a database. After retrieving photographs based on the meta-information, the apparatus selects the photographs to be used for a reminiscence video and decides the reproduction order of the photographs. After registering a BGM playlist, the apparatus reproduces the photographs and BGM for creating the reminiscence video. If there are any regions, the apparatus displays the regions on a monitor while aligning them in sequence according to the meta-information on them. Upon completion of generation (rendering) of a series of reminiscence video contents, the apparatus creates the reminiscence video by saving the rendering results in Flash movie format, for example. |
| US07694211B2 |
Method and apparatus for error compensation
Various approaches to recover data are described. An one example, an encoded data stream is processed in a first channel decoder producing a channel decoder output. The channel decoder output and the encoded data stream are processed in an error compensation unit to compensate the channel decoder output for low frequency noise and produce an error compensated data stream. The error compensated data stream is processed in a second channel decoder to produce a recovered data stream, wherein the recovered data stream has a reduction in the number of errors as compared to the encoded data stream. Systems to iteratively recover data from an encoded data stream are also described. |
| US07694209B2 |
Decoding device for decoding codeword
According to one embodiment, a decoding device decodes a (k+m) bit codeword in accordance with a check matrix. The codeword includes k-bit information symbols and an m-bit parity check code. The check matrix includes a unit matrix and a coefficient matrix. The most significant bit of each of a second vector to a last vector in the coefficient matrix is 1. Binary codes with values 1 to k−1 are sequentially arranged from the second vector to the last vector in a matrix which is obtained by excluding the most significant bits of the second to the last vectors from the matrix including the second to the last vectors. A first vector of the coefficient matrix disagrees with the other vectors in the check matrix, and the first vector is composed of a specified bit pattern having a most significant bit of 0. |
| US07694208B2 |
Error correction algorithm using interleaved parity check and Reed-Solomon code
Methods and apparatuses for correcting errors in a data stream are described herein. In one aspect, the error correction process is operable to correct errors in at least two separate types of data streams, each of which utilizes a distinct error correction scheme. The error correction process utilizes Reed-Solomon code and Error Detection Code (EDC) in combination for error correction. The process comprises using a Reed-Solomon code to identify errors in a plurality of data blocks and attempting to correct the errors. An EDC map is then generated, wherein the EDC map identifies the location of the errors within the corresponding data blocks which includes errors that are not corrected by the Reed-Solomon code. |
| US07694205B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing a read channel having combined parity and non-parity post processing
A method and apparatus for providing a read channel having combined parity and non-parity post processing is disclosed. A post-processor combines parity and non-parity post processing to make both parity and non-parity corrections so that error events that cannot be detected by parity may be corrected. Non-parity detectable error events are only kept for consideration if their likelihood is above a set threshold. |
| US07694203B2 |
On-chip samplers for asynchronously triggered events
Embodiments of an integrated circuit that includes a debug circuit are described. This debug circuit is configured to test an asynchronous circuit by performing analog measurements on asynchronous signals associated with the asynchronous circuit, and includes a triggering module configured to gate the debug circuit based on one or more of the asynchronous signals. This triggering module has a continuous mode of operation and a single-shot mode of operation. A timing module within the debug circuit has a timing range exceeding a pre-determined value, and is configured to provide signals corresponding to a first time base or signals corresponding to a second time base. Furthermore, control logic within the debug circuit is configured to select a mode of operation and a given time base for the debug circuit, which is either the first time base or the second time base. |
| US07694197B2 |
Integrated circuit comprising a test mode secured by detection of the state of a control signal
An electronic circuit comprises configurable cells driven by command signals to adopt either a standard mode of operation in which they are integrated into a logic circuit, or a test mode in which they provide information on this logic circuit. The circuit includes a spy circuit capable of detecting an abnormal excitation of certain of the conductors through which the command signals travel, thus preventing fraudulent extraction of data out of the configurable cells. The spy circuit includes a logic combination circuit and a state detection cell. |
| US07694196B2 |
Self-diagnostic scheme for detecting errors
The present invention is generally related to integrated circuit devices, and more particularly, to methods and systems of a multi-chip package (MCP) containing a self-diagnostic scheme for detecting errors in the MCP. The MCP generally comprises a controller, at least one volatile memory chip having error detection logic, at least one non-volatile memory chip, and at least one fail signature register for storing fail signature data related to memory errors detected in the MCP. The controller can poll the fail signature register for fail signature data related to memory errors stored therein. Upon detection of fail signature data, the controller can store the fail signature data on a fail signature register located on a non-volatile memory. |
| US07694195B2 |
System and method for using a memory mapping function to map memory defects
A system and method are herein disclosed for managing memory defects in an information handling system. More particularly, a system and method are described for generating a usable memory map which excludes memory locations containing defect memory elements. In an information handling system, a memory defect map, which contains information about the location of defective memory elements, is coupled to the memory device. As a map of memory usable by the system is created, usable memory regions containing defective memory elements are excluded from the memory map. The memory map is passed to the operating system, which uses only those regions of memory designated as usable and non-defective. |
| US07694194B2 |
Semiconductor device
A highly reliable semiconductor device includes, for example, a memory circuit MEM such as a multiport RAM and a BIST circuit (BIST[A] and BIST[B]) for carrying out a test for each of the ports PO[A] and PO[B] of the MEM, as well as pointers PNT0[A] to PNT3[A] and PNT0[B] to PNT3[B] corresponding to the PO[A] and PO[B], respectively. Each of the BIST[A] and BIST[B] manages plural respective segments SEG0 to SEG3 obtained by dividing the MEM and the PNT0[A] to PNT3[A] are provided for those SEG0 to SEG3, respectively. For example, the BIST[A], upon accessing SEG0, writes ‘1’ in PNT0[A] while the BIST[B] refers to the value in this PNT0[A], thereby its access to SEG0 can be avoided. Consequently, each port can execute a complicated test pattern asynchronously. |
| US07694191B1 |
Self healing file system
A self healing file system is designed for proactive detection and containment of faults, errors, and corruptions, in order to enable in place (online) and non-intrusive recovery. For proactive fault detection, the file system maintains certain per-block metadata of each file system block. The per-block metadata includes a redundancy check, and for file system data blocks, an inode identifier, and an offset of the file system data block in the file including the file system data block. The redundancy check is used to detect and mark bad file system blocks. The inode identifier and offset is used for validating connectivity of the file system blocks to the inodes, and for tracing bad blocks to files that contain the bad blocks. |
| US07694190B2 |
Preventing distribution of modified or corrupted files
An administrator node (130) adjusts a trustworthy-measure associated with nodes (110) that are suspected of unauthorized modifications of content material. The original provider of the content material to a network binds an identifying code to it. Upon receiving the material from a source node (110), a target node (120) computes an associated code for the received material. If the computed code and the identifying code differ, the material is determined to be modified, and a discrepancy report is submitted to the administrator node (130). The administrator node (130) effects a penalty against the root source if the modification is confirmed; or against the target node (120) if the discrepancy report is unfounded. The penalties include downgrading of the trustworthiness-measure associated with each node, and these trustworthiness-measures are available for use by potential target nodes in their selection of preferred source nodes. |
| US07694188B2 |
Disk failure prevention and error correction
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods that facilitate prevention of hard disk drive failure. Sophisticated drives are likely to be capable of detecting many of the conditions that either cause or precede hard disk drive failure. Such information can be provided to a host operating system, analyzed and used to correct errors associated with the hard disk drive to reduce the probability of failure and/or damage of the hard disk drive. The host operating system can respond by taking corrective actions that alleviate or mitigate hostile conditions (e.g., excessive vibration, heat, humidity and the like) prior to disk failure. |
| US07694187B2 |
Method of peripheral type identification in a system of circumvention and recovery
A method of implementing a circumvention and recovery system comprising conveying peripheral identifiers to a controller, and determining a level of susceptibility of a peripheral to select events based on the peripheral identifier. The method further includes controlling each peripheral based on the level of susceptibility of the peripheral during detection of a select event. |
| US07694183B2 |
Controlling software failure data reporting and responses
User input defines transmission filter rules to be met when sending an error report to a support provider. User input also defines collection filter rules to be met when including failure data within an error report. Error reports corresponding to crash failures at clients are filtered with the transmission filter rules to determine which of the error reports to send to the support provider, and each error report to be sent to the support provider is further filtered to remove any failure data that fails to satisfy the collection filter rules. Each error report that satisfies the transmission filter rules, along with the failure data satisfying the collection filter rules, is sent to the support provider for analysis. Standard and or custom failure responses corresponding to the failures at the clients may be retrieved and sent to the clients in accordance with the collection filter rules. |
| US07694176B2 |
Fault-tolerant computer and method of controlling same
A fault-tolerant computer has duplex systems each comprising a CPU subsystem for controlling access to a CPU and a storage unit, and an IO subsystem for controlling data which are input to the IO subsystem from an external circuit and output from the IO subsystem to the external circuit. Data with a transmission time assigned thereto is transmitted from one of the IO subsystems to the other IO subsystem, and is received asynchronously by the other IO subsystem. The other IO subsystem records a reception time of the data, and calculates an ideal reception time using the transmission time assigned to the data. A clock shift in the other IO subsystem with respect to the one IO subsystem is calculated from the calculated ideal reception time and the recorded reception time. Thereafter, the counter in the other IO subsystem is changed based on the calculated clock shift, and data is received using the changed counter. |
| US07694173B1 |
Technique for managing addition of disks to a volume of a storage system
A technique manages the addition of disks to a volume of a storage system. A disk addition procedure is encapsulated into a DISKADD object conforming to a configuration management framework used to implement a RAID subsystem of the storage system. The DISKADD object is responsible for determining a set of available disks required to satisfy a disk addition request issued by an operator through a user interface of a storage operating system executing on the storage system. Furthermore, the DISKADD object is responsible for monitoring the state of the disks, including preparation/initialization of the disks (e.g., disk zeroing) and possible disk failures, as well as placing those disks into RAID groups of the volume once preparation completes. Persistent storage of the state of a pending disk addition is then accomplished using an implementation of the configuration management framework. |
| US07694168B2 |
Network router failover mechanism
A method, system, and logic for determining connectivity information for routers running on servers that are attached to a device. A router is resigned in favor of a corresponding router at another server when the corresponding router has better connectivity to the device, where partial connectivity is better than no connectivity, and full connectivity is better than partial connectivity. |
| US07694163B1 |
System for generating and monitoring voltages generated for a variety of different components on a common printed circuit board
A system for generating and monitoring voltages on a variety of different components on a common printed circuit board. The system includes a programmable controller, a plurality of DC/DC converters for producing voltages for the devices and a plurality of voltage regulators for produced voltages for a plurality of CPUs on the board, such CPU voltages being produced in accordance with VIDs provided to the regulator by the CPU. The programmable controller: establishes a set point voltage for such one of the DC/DC converters; sequentially monitors the produced voltages produced, monitors voltages produced by the regulators for the CPUs by comparing the VIDs to the voltages produced by the regulators, and if during the sequencing any one of the converters is determined by the programmable controller as producing an improper voltage or if the any one of the regulators fails top produce the voltage indicated by the VIDs, disables the board. |
| US07694159B2 |
Method of remotely controlling the power consumption of one or more servers
An embodiment of a method for remotely controlling power consumption of at least one server, including providing remote control to an administrator over a power state of at least one server, building an instruction command and encoding it into a suitable format for transport over a data network from an administration terminal to the at least one server, and interpreting the command and executing the command by the at least one server without powering down the at least one server. |
| US07694158B2 |
Parallel processing method and system, for instance for supporting embedded cluster platforms, computer program product therefor
A multi-processing system-on-chip including a cluster of processors having respective CPUs is operated by: defining a master CPU within the respective CPUs to coordinate operation of said multi-processing system, running on the CPU a cluster manager agent. The cluster manager agent is adapted to dynamically migrate software processes between the CPUs of said plurality and change power settings therein. |
| US07694155B2 |
Digital work protection system, record/playback device, recording medium device, and model change device
A system includes of a main device and a recording medium device. The main device includes a reception unit that receives a digital work from an external distribution server, an internal storage area for storing the digital work, a playback unit that plays back the digital work, and a unique information storage area for storing information that is unique to the main device. The main device also includes an encryption unit that encrypts the digital work using the unique information, a decryption unit that decrypts, using the unique information, the encrypted digital work having been read from the recording medium device, a write unit that writes the encrypted digital work into the recording medium device which is portable, and a read unit that reads the encrypted digital work from the recording medium device. |
| US07694151B1 |
Architecture, system, and method for operating on encrypted and/or hidden information
An architecture, system and method for operating on encrypted and/or hidden information (e.g., code and/or data). The invention enables creators, owners and/or distributors of proprietary code to keep such code inaccessible to users and user-controlled software programs. A memory architecture includes first and second protected memory spaces, respectively storing operating system instructions and a decrypted version of the encrypted information. The first protected memory space may further store a table linking the locations of the encrypted and/or hidden, decrypted information with a decryption and/or authorization key. The system includes the memory architecture and a processor for executing instructions, and the method loads, stores and operates on the encrypted and/or hidden information according to the memory architecture functionality and/or constraints. |
| US07694148B2 |
Method and system for managing the display of sensitive content in non-trusted environments
A method (10) for managing the display of sensitive content in non-trusted environments can include the steps of interrogating (12) a list of policies associated with a given user and a physical device, determining (14) a location of the physical device, comparing (18) the location of the physical device with a list of trusted locations, and enforcing (20) a plurality of rules contained in the policy by limiting or restricting access to sensitive information based on the location. |
| US07694147B2 |
Hashing method and system
A hashing method and system. The method comprises receiving by a computing system, a user password. The computing system generates a first hash for the user password. The computing system generates a second hash for a system parameter and performs an operation relating the first hash to the second hash to generate a first combination value. The computing system generates a third hash for the first combination value. The computing system receives a specific password for requesting access to the computing system. The computing system generates a fourth hash for said specific password and performs an operation relating the fourth hash to the second hash to generate a second combination value. The computing system generates a fifth hash for the second combination value. The third hash is compared to the fifth hash to determine that the third hash matches the fifth hash. Access is enabled to the computing system. |
| US07694143B2 |
Method of and system for collecting an electronic signature for an electronic record stored in a database
A method of and system for collecting an electronic signature for an electronic record stored in a database. In one embodiment the method comprises automatically creating an electronic record from data stored in a plurality of different database tables in response to the occurrence of a predetermined event; storing an instance of the electronic record in a common repository of electronic records that provides an audit trail that cannot be altered or disabled by users of the system; executing a rule associated with the electronic record to determine whether an electronic signature is required to connote review and/or approval of the electronic record; and if execution of the rule results in a determination that an electronic signature is required, marking the instance of the electronic record as unsigned and initiating a request to collect the required electronic signature. In some embodiments the electronic record is stored as unstructured data in a character large object (CLOB) format and the unstructured data comprises a well-formed XML document stored within a column of a table stored in the database. |
| US07694139B2 |
Securing executable content using a trusted computing platform
A software development system (SDS) (228) digitally signs software (230) developed on the system. The SDS (228) executes on a computer system (112) having a trusted computing platform. The platform includes protected areas (220, 226) that store data and cannot be accessed by unauthorized modules. A code signing module (232) executing in a protected area (226) obtains a private/public key pair and a corresponding digital certificate. The SDS (228) is configured to automatically and transparently utilize the code signing module (232) to sign software (230) produced by the system. End-user systems (114) receive the certificate with the software and can use it to verify the signature. This verification will fail if a parasitic virus or other malicious code has altered the software (230). Accordingly, the SDS (228) greatly reduces the risk of malicious code executing on the end-user computer system (114). |
| US07694138B2 |
Secure authentication with voiced responses from a telecommunications terminal
A method and an apparatus are disclosed that enable an enhanced, interactive voice response (IVR) system to securely authenticate a user at a telecommunications terminal, without some of the disadvantages in the prior art. In particular, after the user at the telecommunications terminal requests access to a resource, the controlling IVR system of the illustrative embodiment issues a random challenge sequence to the user, along with interspersed “camouflage elements” and one or more directions as to how to respond. The user is then free to speak a returned sequence that answers the combined challenge sequence and interspersed camouflage elements; as a result, an eavesdropper overhearing the user hears what sounds like a random number or string. In short, the technique of the illustrative embodiment uses a challenge-response exchange of a substitution cipher interspersed with camouflage elements. |
| US07694134B2 |
System and method for encrypting data without regard to application
Systems and methods are provided for encrypting data without regard to applications writing the data to, or reading the data from, encrypted data storage devices. An operating system intercept detects information indicating that a file will be encrypted and, in respond, sets device-level flags indicating encryption and also establishes one or more encryption keys to be used in the encryption process. A second intercept detects an input/output event and, in response, calls an encryption application to encrypt (or decrypt) the data before it is written to (or read from) the data storage device. |
| US07694132B2 |
Secure intermediary communications system
A system for communication of a message in which the message intended for a third computer is first encrypted by a first computer and is sent to a second computer. The second computer, acting as an intermediary, + decrypts the message and re-encrypts the message before sending the message to the third computer which again decrypts the message. |
| US07694128B2 |
Systems and methods for secure communication delivery
Systems and methods for secure delivery of electronic communications are provided. A communication transmitted over a communications network is received by a system processor. The system processor selects a secure delivery mechanism for delivering the communication. The system processor attempts to deliver the communication to the predetermined recipient via the selected secure delivery mechanism. Some systems can further provide for determining whether a particular received communication requires secure delivery. |
| US07694126B2 |
Method and system for recovering the validity of cryptographically signed digital data
According to the present invention, techniques, including a method and system, for restoring and/or validating data and/or associated signature log entries are provided. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for validating a restored message, having an entry generated in a signature log for a message, where the entry includes cryptographic information associated with the message. Next, when said message is lost, the restored message is generated responsive to a request; and the restored message is validated using the signature log. In another embodiment a method for validating a selected log entry by using a signature log having a plurality of recorded log entries is provided. The method includes: computing a cryptographic value for the selected log entry; and determining if the cryptographic value is part of another recorded log entry. |
| US07694124B2 |
System for registering and initiating pre-boot environment for enabling partitions
A method for registering and initiating a pre-boot environment for enabling partitions. The method provides a basic input output system (CIOS) with an application program interface (API) that accesses a Logical Clock Address (LCA) sector number when a boot configuration flag is set, the LCA sector number stores an operating environment manager which then boots the information handling system to an appropriate partition. |
| US07694122B2 |
Electronic device and booting method thereof
An electronic device and a booting method thereof are provided, wherein the method includes the steps of copying the boot image from the first non-volatile memory to the internal RAM when a booting operation of the electronic device begins, setting a stack pointer in the internal RAM by executing a control code to set the stack pointer among control codes of the boot image, and activating the main memory by executing a control code to initialize the main memory controller and activate the main memory among the control codes of the boot image, the control code to initialize the main memory controller and activate the main memory using the stack pointer. Accordingly, since the control code to initialize the main memory controller to activate the main memory is written in a high-level programming language instead of assembly language, the display device can be driven before the main memory is activated. |