| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07713876B2 |
Method for integrating a ruthenium layer with bulk copper in copper metallization
A method for integrating a Ru layer with bulk Cu in semiconductor manufacturing. The method includes depositing a Ru layer onto a substrate in a chemical vapor deposition process, modifying the deposited Ru layer by oxidation, or nitridation, or a combination thereof, depositing an ultra thin Cu layer onto the modified Ru layer, and plating a Cu layer onto the ultra thin Cu layer. |
| US07713874B2 |
Periodic plasma annealing in an ALD-type process
Methods for performing periodic plasma annealing during atomic layer deposition are provided along with structures produced by such methods. The methods include contacting a substrate with a vapor-phase pulse of a metal source chemical and one or more plasma-excited reducing species for a period of time. Periodically, the substrate is contacted with a vapor phase pulse of one or more plasma-excited reducing species for a longer period of time. The steps are repeated until a metal thin film of a desired thickness is formed over the substrate. |
| US07713873B2 |
Methods of forming contact structures semiconductor devices
Methods of forming a contact structure in a semiconductor device include providing a semiconductor substrate including active regions and word lines crossing the active regions. A first interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Direct contact plugs are formed extending through the first interlayer dielectric layer to contact selected ones of the active regions. Bit line structures are formed on the first interlayer dielectric layer and crossing the word lines that are coupled to the selected ones of the active regions by the direct contact plugs. A second interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate including the bit line structures. Barrier patterns are formed extending in parallel with bit line structures and into the second interlayer dielectric layer. Mask patterns are formed overlying an entirety of top surfaces of the direct contact plugs on the second interlayer dielectric layer and the bit line structures. The second and first interlayer dielectric layers are etched using the mask patterns, the barrier patterns and the bit line structures as an etching mask to form buried contact holes and buried contact plugs are formed in the buried contact holes. |
| US07713868B2 |
Strained metal nitride films and method of forming
A method for forming a strained metal nitride film and a semiconductor device containing the strained metal nitride film. The method includes exposing a substrate to a gas containing a metal precursor, exposing the substrate to a gas containing a nitrogen precursor activated by a plasma source at a first level of plasma power and configured to react with the metal precursor with a first reactivity characteristic, and exposing the substrate to a gas containing the nitrogen precursor activated by the plasma source at a second level of plasma power different from the first level and configured to react with the metal precursor with a second reactivity characteristic such that a property of the metal nitride film formed on the substrate changes to provide the strained metal nitride film. |
| US07713863B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device and method for etching the same
A method for manufacturing a dual damascene structure includes forming a wiring layer over a substrate, forming an inorganic insulating film over the wiring layer, forming a via hole in the inorganic insulating film using a first resist pattern with an opening as an etching mask, removing the first resist pattern, forming an organic insulating film on the inorganic insulating film and in the via hole, forming a hard mask on the organic insulating film, forming a hard mask pattern using a second resist pattern with an opening on the hard mask as an etching mask, forming a wiring groove by etching the organic insulating film using the second resist pattern and the hard mask pattern as etching masks until the organic insulating film inside the via hole is eliminated and simultaneously eliminating the second resist pattern, and implanting a conductive substance into the via hole and wiring groove. |
| US07713860B2 |
Method of forming metallic bump on I/O pad
The method mainly contains the following steps. First, an UBM is formed on a top side of a semiconductor's I/O pad. An isolative layer and a metallic foil are sequentially arranged in this order on the UBM. Then, a via is formed to expose the top surface of the UBM. Subsequently, a thin metallic layer is formed in the via and a resist is formed on the metallic foil. Then, by using the metallic foil and the thin metallic layer as an electrode to conduct electrical current, a metallic bump is formed using electroplating in the via on the top side of the UBM. Finally, the resist and the metallic foil are removed and the formation of the metallic bump is completed. |
| US07713859B2 |
Tin-silver solder bumping in electronics manufacture
A process for forming a solder bump on an under bump metal structure in the manufacture of a microelectronic device comprising exposing the under bump metal structure to an electrolytic bath comprising a source of Sn2+ ions, a source of Ag+ ions, a thiourea compound and/or a quaternary ammonium surfactant; and supplying an external source of electrons to the electrolytic bath to deposit a Sn—Ag alloy onto the under bump metal structure. |
| US07713856B2 |
Power semiconductor laser with low divergence and low astigmatism, and method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a high-power semiconductor laser having low divergence and low astigmatism, this laser being including, in an active layer, a first part in the form of a narrow monomode stripe with transverse index guiding terminating in a second part flaring out from the first part, also with transverse index guiding. |
| US07713849B2 |
Metallic nanowire arrays and methods for making and using same
Freestanding metallic nanowires attached to a metallic substrate are disclosed. A method of creating the nanowire structure using an anodized layer is presented. In one embodiment an optical SERS sensor is formed. The sensor head has at least one array of nanowires chemically functionalized to recognize molecules of interest. A method of forming a SERS sensor and using the sensor to analyze a sample is presented. |
| US07713848B2 |
Method for re-crystallization of layer structures by means of zone melting, a device for this purpose and use thereof
The invention relates to a method for re-crystallization of layer structures by means of zone melting, in which, as a result of convenient arrangement of a plurality of heat sources, a significant acceleration of the zone melting method can be achieved. The method is based on the fact that a continuous recrystallisation of the layer is ensured as a result of overlaps being produced. According to the invention, a device is likewise provided with which the method according to the invention can be achieved. The method according to the invention is used in particular in the production of crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells or for example in SOI technology. However the application likewise relates also in general to the processing of metals, plastic materials or adhesives and here in particular to the production of thin layers. |
| US07713845B2 |
Laser processing method for wafer
A laser processing method for a wafer such that a laser beam is applied to a work surface of the wafer along a separation line formed on the work surface to thereby form a laser processed groove along the separation line on the work surface by ablation. The laser processing method includes a protective material coating step for coating the work surface of the wafer with a liquid protective material mainly containing a water-soluble silicone oil and a laser processed groove forming step for applying the laser beam to the work surface coated with the protective material along the separation line in the condition that the protective material has fluidity, thereby forming the laser processed groove along the separation line. |
| US07713844B2 |
Nitride semiconductor substrate, and method for working nitride semiconductor substrate
A method for working a nitride semiconductor substrate, comprising the steps of: preparing a disk-shaped nitride semiconductor substrate comprising a plurality of striped regions having defect concentration regions in which crystal defect density is higher than in surrounding low defect regions; and forming a cut-out at a specific location along the edge of the nitride semiconductor substrate, using as a reference the direction in which at least one from among the plurality of striped regions extends. |
| US07713843B2 |
Method for fabricating optical semiconductor device
In the method of fabricating an optical semiconductor device, a semiconductor layer is formed on an InP region, and includes semiconductor films. A first etching mask is formed on the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is etched through the first etching mask to form a semiconductor mesa and a first marking mesa, each mesa includes an active layer and an InP cladding layer, the InP cladding layer being provided on the active layer. The active layer is made of semiconductor material different from InP. An InP burying region is grown through the first etching mask on a side of the semiconductor mesa and a side of the first marking mesa to bury the semiconductor mesa and the first marking mesa. A second etching mask is formed on the InP burying region after removing the first etching mask, and has an opening located above the first marking mesa. InP in the InP burying region and the first marking mesa is etched through the second etching mask to form a second marking mesa. The alignment mark includes the second marking mesa, and the active layer is exposed on the top of the second marking mesa. |
| US07713841B2 |
Methods for thinning semiconductor substrates that employ support structures formed on the substrates
A support structure for use with a semiconductor substrate in thinning, or backgrinding, thereof, as well as during post-thinning processing of the semiconductor substrate includes a portion which extends substantially along and around an outer periphery of the semiconductor substrate to impart the thinned semiconductor substrate with rigidity. The support structure may be configured as a ring or as a member which substantially covers an active surface of the semiconductor substrate and forms a protective structure over each semiconductor device carried by the active surface. Assemblies that include the support structure and a semiconductor substrate are also within the scope of the present invention, as are methods for forming the support structures and thinning and post-thinning processes that include use of the support structures. |
| US07713832B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an interlayer insulating pattern over a semiconductor substrate. The interlayer insulating pattern defines a plurality of storage node regions. A lining conductive film is formed over the interlayer insulating pattern including the storage node region. A capping insulating film is formed over the lining conductive film. The capping insulating film over the interlayer insulating film and the lining conductive film are selectively etched between two neighboring storage node regions to form a recess exposing the interlayer insulating pattern on the bottom of the recess and the lining conductive film on sidewalls of the recess. The capping insulating film and the lining conductive film is shaped to be planar so that the lining conductive layer is electrically separated from each other to form a respective lower storage electrode. A supporting pattern is formed to fill the recess. The capping insulating film and the interlayer insulating pattern are removed to expose the lower storage node. |
| US07713827B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
Disclosed herein is a method of making a semiconductor device. According to the method, a flowable oxide (FOX) is deposited over a semiconductor substrate, and a local active region is exposed to grow an active region, by a silicon epitaxial growth (SEG) method, to prevent generation of a void when a device isolation structure is formed by a Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) method, and to prevent formation of stress between the semiconductor substrate and the FOX. |
| US07713820B2 |
Method for manufacturing non-volatile memory
A method for manufacturing a non-volatile memory is provided. An isolation structure is formed in a trench formed in a substrate. A portion of the isolation structure is removed to form a recess. A first dielectric layer and a first conductive layer are formed sequentially on the substrate. Bar-shaped cap layers are formed on the substrate. The first conductive layer not covered by the bar-shaped cap layers is removed to form first gate structures. A second dielectric layer is formed on the sidewalls of the first gate structures. A third dielectric layer is formed on the substrate between the first gate structures. A second conductive layer is formed on the third dielectric layer. The bar-shaped cap layers and a portion of the first conductive layer are removed to form second gate structures. A doped region is formed in the substrate at two sides of each of the second gate structures. |
| US07713818B2 |
Double patterning method
A method of making a device includes forming a first photoresist layer over an underlying layer, patterning the first photoresist layer to form a first photoresist pattern, rendering the first photoresist pattern insoluble to a solvent, forming a second photoresist layer over the first photoresist pattern, patterning the second photoresist layer to form a second photoresist pattern over the underlying layer, and etching the underlying layer using both the first and the second photoresist patterns as a mask. |
| US07713813B2 |
Methods of forming capacitors
The invention includes methods in which silicon is removed from titanium-containing container structures with an etching composition having a phosphorus-and-oxygen-containing compound therein. The etching composition can, for example, include one or both of ammonium hydroxide and tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide. The invention also includes methods in which titanium-containing whiskers are removed from between titanium-containing capacitor electrodes. Such removal can be, for example, accomplished with an etch utilizing one or more of hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. |
| US07713810B2 |
Method for fabricating a layer arrangement, layer arrangement and memory arrangement
The disclosed embodiments relate to a method for the production of a layer arrangement, a layer arrangement and a memory arrangement. According to one aspect at least one respectively laterally defined first layer sequence is embodied on a first surface area of a substrate and at least one respectively laterally defined second layer sequence is embodied on a second surface area of the substrate in order to produce a layer arrangement. A first side wall having a first thickness is respectively produced from a first electrically insulating material on at least one partial area of the side walls of the first and second layer sequences. A second side wall layer having a second thickness is respectively produced from a second electrically insulating material on at least one partial area of the first side wall layers and the second side wall layers are removed from the first layer sequences. |
| US07713802B2 |
Method of sulfuration treatment for a strained InAlAs/InGaAs metamorphic high electron mobility transistor
This invention relates to a method of sulfuration treatment for InAlAs/InGaAs metamorphic high electron mobility transistor (MHEMT), and the sulfuration treatment is applied to the InAlAs/InGaAs MHEMT for a passivation treatment for Gate, in order to increase initial voltage, lower the surface states and decrease surface leakage current, which makes the MHEMT work in a range of high current density and high input power. |
| US07713801B2 |
Method of making a semiconductor structure utilizing spacer removal and semiconductor structure
A method for making a semiconductor structure (10) includes providing a wafer with a structure (16) having a sidewall, forming a sidewall spacer (22) adjacent to the sidewall, and forming a layer of material (28) over the wafer including over the sidewall spacer and over the structure having the sidewall. The method further includes etching the layer, wherein the etching (i) leaves at least portions of the sidewall spacer exposed and (ii) leaves a portion of the layer located over the structure having a sidewall. The portion of the layer located over the structure having a sidewall is reduced in thickness by the etching. Subsequent to etching the layer, the method includes removing the sidewall spacer. |
| US07713795B2 |
Flash memory device with single-poly structure and method for manufacturing the same
A flash memory device has a single-poly structure. A method for manufacturing the flash device includes forming an oxide layer over a semiconductor substrate having a P-well region or N-well region. A shallow trench isolation (STI) may be formed in the semiconductor substrate and the oxide layer. A drift region may be formed by injecting a dopant into a part of the P-well region or N-well region. A gate oxide layer and a poly-silicon layer may be formed over the well region, the drift region, and the STI. A control gate pattern may be formed by patterning the gate oxide layer and the poly-silicon layer. A source region and a drain region may be formed on opposite sides of the control gate pattern. A silicon nitride layer may be deposited over the control gate pattern and etching the silicon nitride layer to form a spacer around a sidewall of the control gate pattern. A plurality of insulating layers may be formed over the control gate pattern, and via-patterns may be electrically connected to the source region and the drain region, respectively. A drain electrode and a source electrode may be electrically connected to the via-patterns, respectively. |
| US07713793B2 |
Fuse of semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a fuse of a semiconductor device comprises forming an island-type metal fuse in a region where a laser is irradiated, so that laser energy may not be dispersed in a fuse blowing process, thereby improving repair efficiency. |
| US07713791B2 |
Panel and semiconductor device having a composite plate with semiconductor chips
The invention relates to a panel and a semiconductor device including a composite plate with semiconductor chips and a plastic packaging compound, and to processes for producing them. For this purpose, the panel having a composite plate has semiconductor chips arranged in rows and columns on a top side of a wiring substrate. The wiring substrate is covered by a plastic packaging compound in a plurality of semiconductor device positions, the rear sides of the semiconductor chips being fixed on the wiring substrate. A plastic packaging compound in the region of the boundary surfaces with the semiconductor chips has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is matched to that of silicon, while the remaining plastic packaging compound has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is matched to that of the wiring substrate and is therefore correspondingly higher. |
| US07713790B2 |
Method and system of tape automated bonding
A tape automated bonding (TAB) structure which includes a flex tape having a conductive lead pattern formed thereon. The conductive lead pattern includes a plurality of leads configured to form an inner lead bond (ILB) portion of the TAB structure. At least one of the plurality of leads is internally routed and has a contact exposed interior to the ILB portion of the TAB structure. |
| US07713786B2 |
Etching/bonding chamber for encapsulated devices and method of use
A method for activating a getter at low temperature for encapsulation in a device cavity containing a microdevice comprises etching a passivation layer off the getter material while the device wafer and lid wafer are enclosed in a bonding chamber. A plasma etching process may be used, wherein by applying a large negative voltage to the lid wafer, a plasma is formed in the low pressure environment within the bonding chamber. The plasma then etches the passivation layer from the getter material, which is directly thereafter sealed within the device cavity of the microdevice, all within the etching/bonding chamber. |
| US07713783B2 |
Electronic component package, electronic component using the package, and method for manufacturing electronic component package
An electronic component package that provides a high shielding performance and that can prevent failures such as short-circuiting with a component contained therein. A package includes a shield case formed of a metal plate and shaped to have a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a through hole; a resin case molded on inner and outer surfaces of the shield case and shaped to have a bottom portion; and a hot terminal that is insert-molded in the resin case such that the hot terminal is inserted into the shield case through the through hole without contact. One end of the hot terminal is exposed at an inner surface of the resin case, and the other end of the hot terminal is exposed at an outer surface of the resin case. An element contained in the package is surrounded by the shield case so that good shielding performance is obtained. |
| US07713782B2 |
Fusible I/O interconnection systems and methods for flip-chip packaging involving substrate-mounted stud-bumps
Methods are disclosed for electrically connecting I/O bond-pads on a chip to corresponding I/O bond-pads on a substrate. In an exemplary method a respective stud-bump is formed on each I/O bond-pad on the substrate. The stud-bumps can be made of a fusible material, or a layer of fusible material can be formed on each I/O bond-pad on the chip. The chip is flipped and placed on the stud-bumps such that the I/O bond-pads on the chip are registered with the corresponding stud-bumps on the substrate. At each stud-bump, the fusible material is caused to fuse with and electrically connect the respective stud-bump to the respective I/O bond-pad on the chip. The method can include forming under-bump metallization (UBM) on each of the I/O bond-pads on the chip before placing the chip on the stud-bumps. The resulting structures provide robust I/O connections and can be fabricated using fewer process steps and using process steps that are compatible with other processes in wafer-fabrication and chip-assembly facilities. |
| US07713781B2 |
Methods for forming quad flat no-lead (QFN) packages
Methods are provided for forming Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) packages. An embodiment includes disposing an active side of a semiconductor chip on a plurality of leads, coupling a plurality of wire bonds to the active side of the semiconductor chip, coupling the plurality of wire bonds to the plurality of leads in a space between the active side and the plurality of leads, and encasing the semiconductor chip, at least a portion of each of the plurality of leads, and the plurality of wire bonds in a mold material to define a mounting side of the QFN package. The mounting side has a perimeter, the plurality of leads are oriented on and exposed on the mounting side within the perimeter, and the plurality of wire bonds are oriented between the active side and the mounting side within the mold material. |
| US07713778B2 |
Nanostructured casting of organic and bio-polymers in porous silicon templates
A method of generating three-dimensional nanostructures that includes providing a silicon substrate, creating a porous silicon template from the silicon substrate, wherein the template is created to have a predetermined configuration, depositing a predetermined material on the porous silicon template, and removing the porous silicon template from the deposited material to leave a freestanding nanostructure. |
| US07713777B2 |
Method for manufacturing image sensor
A method for manufacturing an image sensor according to an embodiment includes performing a plasma surface treatment on an oxide film microlens to mitigate high surface morphology. The image sensor can include a passivation layer on a substrate having a pad region and a pixel region and a color filter layer on the passivation layer. A first low temperature oxide can be formed over the substrate including the color filter layer; and an oxide film microlens can be formed on the first low temperature oxide layer. A portion of the first low temperature oxide layer can provide a seed microlens upon which a second low temperature oxide layer is formed to form the oxide film microlenses. The plasma surface treatment can then be applied with respect to the oxide film microlenses. |
| US07713773B2 |
Contact layers for thin film solar cells employing group IBIIIAVIA compound absorbers
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for deposition of contact layers for Group IBIIIAVIA solar cells using electrodeposition and/or electroless deposition approaches, and solar cells that result therefrom. In one aspect of the invention, the solar cell that results includes a substrate, a stacked contact layer that includes a bottom film coated on a surface of the substrate and a top film formed by electroplating over the bottom film, wherein the top film comprises at least one of Ru, Ir and Os. A Group IBIIIAVIA compound film formed over the top film. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of depositing a stacked layer of a plurality of films in a plurality of sequentially disposed depositing units onto a continuously moving roll-to-roll sheet, preferably using electroplating of a stacked contact layer. |
| US07713771B2 |
Pressure sensor
A differential pressure sensor includes a micro-electromechanical sensor die fabricated as a plurality of sensor die sites on a semiconductor wafer, and then singularized, the sensor die having a top face surface including die electrical output pads exposed to a first test fluid source and a bottom side surface exposed to a second test fluid source. The differential pressure further has a sensor die support member having a die support member fluid access port with a support member port perimeter; wherein one of the top face surface or the bottom side surface is sealed fully around the support member port perimeter by a wafer scale seal formed on the plurality of sensor die sites before die singulation. Wafer scale seals may be formed by a photofabrication process, screen printing, stamp printing, or pressure transfer printing. Some embodiments may include a photofabricated seal formed by a photosensitive polydimethylsiloxane material, by a filled photofabricated mold, and by photopatterned glass frit. |
| US07713770B2 |
Fabrication method of nitride semiconductor light emitting device and nitride semiconductor light emitting device thereby
A method for fabricating a nitride semiconductor light emitting device, and a nitride semiconductor light emitting device fabricated thereby are provided. The method includes: forming a first conductive nitride semiconductor layer on a substrate; forming an active layer on the first conductive nitride semiconductor layer; forming a second conductive nitride semiconductor layer on the active layer; and lowering a temperature while adding oxygen to the result by performing a thermal process. |
| US07713769B2 |
Method for fabricating light emitting diode structure having irregular serrations
The present invention discloses a light emitting diode structure and a method for fabricating the same. In the present invention, a substrate is placed in a solution to form a chemical reaction layer on carved regions; the carved region is selectively etched to form a plurality of concave zones and form a plurality of convex zones; a semiconductor layer structure is epitaxially grown on the element regions and carved regions of the substrate; the semiconductor layer structure on the element regions is fabricated into a LED element with a photolithographic process. |
| US07713765B2 |
Optical semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a compound semiconductor layer that is provided on a substrate and includes a cladding layer of a first conductivity type, an activation layer, a cladding layer of a second conductivity type that is the opposite of the first conductivity type, includes the steps of: forming a diffusion source layer on the compound semiconductor layer; forming a first diffusion region in the compound semiconductor layer by carrying out a first heat treatment, so that the first diffusion region includes a light emitting facet for emitting light from the activation layer; removing the diffusion source layer; forming a first SiN film having a refractive index of 1.9 or higher on the compound semiconductor layer; and turning the first diffusion region into the second diffusion region by carrying out a second heat treatment. |
| US07713763B2 |
Test structure for monitoring process characteristics for forming embedded semiconductor alloys in drain/source regions
By providing a test structure for evaluating the patterning process and/or the epitaxial growth process for forming embedded semiconductor alloys in sophisticated semiconductor devices, enhanced statistical relevance in combination with reduced test time may be accomplished. |
| US07713761B2 |
Doping apparatus, doping method, and method for fabricating thin film transistor
It is an object of the present invention to provide a doping apparatus, a doping method, and a method for fabricating a thin film transistor that can carry out doping to the carrier concentration which is optimum for obtaining the desired electric characteristic non-destructively and in an easy manner. In accordance with the present invention, an electric characteristic of a semiconductor element (threshold voltage in a transistor and the like) is correctly and precisely monitored by using a contact angle, and is controlled by controlling a doping method. In addition, the present invention can be momentarily acquired information by in-situ monitoring the characteristic and can be fed back without a time lag. |
| US07713757B2 |
Method for measuring dopant concentration during plasma ion implantation
Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods for end point detection at predetermined dopant concentrations during plasma doping processes. In one embodiment, a method includes positioning a substrate within a process chamber, generating a plasma above the substrate and transmitting a light generated by the plasma through the substrate, wherein the light enters the topside and exits the backside of the substrate, and receiving the light by a sensor positioned below the substrate. The method further provides generating a signal proportional to the light received by the sensor, implanting the substrate with a dopant during a doping process, generating multiple light signals proportional to a decreasing amount of the light received by the sensor during the doping process, generating an end point signal proportional to the light received by the sensor once the substrate has a final dopant concentration, and ceasing the doping process. |
| US07713756B2 |
Apparatus and method for plasma etching
A plasma etching method for a plasma etching apparatus including: a processing chamber for performing plasma etching on an object to be processed; a first gas supply source; a second gas supply source; a first gas inlet for introducing a processing gas into the processing chamber; a second gas inlet for introducing a processing gas into the processing chamber; a flow rate regulator for regulating the flow rate of the processing gas; and a gas shunt for dividing the first processing gas into a plurality of portions, wherein the second processing gas is merged with at least one part between the gas shunt and the first gas inlet and between the gas shunt and the second gas inlet. |
| US07713754B2 |
Method of forming an amorphous ferroelectric memory device
This disclosure relates to amorphous ferroelectric memory devices and methods for forming them. |
| US07713748B2 |
Method of reducing the sensitivity of assay devices
A flow-through assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a scavenging zone that contains a capture reagent for the analyte of interest. The capture reagent may capture a quantity of the analyte that is less than or equal to a predefined base quantity of the analyte, such as a quantity considered “normal” for a particular test sample. Thus, the capture reagent is able to prevent some of the analyte from being detected. In this manner, the sensitivity of the assay device may be reduced in a simple, inexpensive, yet effective manner. |
| US07713746B2 |
Dipstick assay
The invention provides a dipstick and a kit comprising the dipstick, for testing for the presence of a plurality of different targets in a sample solution which comprises: a dipstick having a plurality of different capture zones and, immobilised to each capture zone, a different capture moiety, each capture moiety capable of capturing a different target; and, separately, a plurality of different detection probes, each detection probe capable of binding to a different target and each detection probe being labelled with or enabling the formation of a detection signal so that the presence of each target is indicated by the formation of a signal at the capture zone for that target; wherein the target for at least two of the capture moieties is a disease causing micro-organism or a marker indicating the existence of a disease, disorder, or condition of the host from which the sample solution was derived, and wherein at least two of the capture moieties are capable of binding to different components or markers of the same disease causing micro-organism as targets for those capture moieties. The dipsticks and kits may be used for confirmatory assays of infection by an infectious agent or disease causing microorganisms. |
| US07713745B2 |
Non-covalent immobilization of indicator molecules
The invention relates to immobilization methods, in particular for immobilizing indicator molecules on supports such as sensors and to sensors having those molecules immobilized to their surface. Non-covalent immobilization of macromolecular indicator molecules on those supports via mechanical interlacing with polymers at the surface of a support and via ionic bonding via charged moieties of indicator molecules and ionic groups on the surface of the support are disclosed. |
| US07713739B1 |
Microparticle-based transfection and activation of dendritic cells
The present invention provides an effective method for the transfection of dendritic cells by non-viral methods. The present invention provides this benefit by incubating dendritic cells and a specified transfection agent. The transfection agent comprises a polynucleotide and microparticles, with the microparticles being comprised of biodegradable polymer and cationic detergent. The dendritic cells and transfection agent are incubated for a time sufficient to transfect the dendritic cells with the polynucleotide. |
| US07713736B2 |
Cell mimic platform and method
A platform and method for mimicking the environment within a cell is provided. The platform includes a microfluidic device defining a chamber. At least one hydrogel post is positioned within the chamber of the microfluidic device. Each hydrogel post defines a corresponding pore for receiving a first molecule therein. Second molecules are introduced into the pores of the hydrogel posts and the interactions between the first and second molecules are observed. |
| US07713732B1 |
High strength modular support for biofiltration and composting
A modular support system for organic filter material, compost material or other material is formed of a multiplicity of polygonal bed platform modules with planar top surfaces, the modules arranged side by side contiguously to form a bed platform which is elevated above a base surface. Perforations are included in at least some of the bed platform modules to allow passage of air, gas or liquid through the elevated support bed platform. The bottom sides of the modules have sockets to receive legs, and special legs are provided at corners where a plurality of adjacent modules meet, to engage with sockets in the undersurface in all of the adjacent nodules. At corners the modules are preferably bolted down to the corner pedestals or legs. The modular support system can support very heavy loads, such as earth-moving equipment used to move and spread filter bed or compost material. |
| US07713731B2 |
Systems and methods for generating compost
Systems and methods for the generation of compost are provided. In one embodiment, the system for generating compost comprises an aeration floor having a plurality of gas flow apertures that connect to a network of gas flow channels, and a compost cover constructed of a gas and liquid impermeable fabric that is provided with a plurality of ports that permit the passage of gas and liquid through the compost cover. A compost biomass is placed on the aeration floor and the compost cover is placed over the compost biomass. An air suction manifold, connected to an outlet of the gas flow channels, draws exhaust gases from the compost biomass, through the plurality of gas flow apertures and through the gas flow channels. The exhaust gases are then conveyed to an air distributor and directed to an odor control device for substantially eliminating odors. |
| US07713730B2 |
Pneumatic bioreactor
A pneumatic bioreactor having a containment vessel which includes a semi-cylindrical concavity defined by the vessel bottom. A mixing apparatus includes a rotational mixer rotatably mounted within the containment vessel about a horizontal axis. The rotational mixer has buoyancy-driven mixing cavities which are fed by a gas supply beneath the rotational mixer. The mixing apparatus extends into the semi-cylindrical concavity to substantially fill that concavity. The rotational mixer is divided into two wheels with outer paddles extending axially outwardly and inner paddles extending axially inwardly on either side of each wheel. Blades between the outer and inner paddles form impellers in the wheels to induce axial flow through the wheels in opposite directions. Stationary baffles fixed relative to the containment vessel are inclined toward the rotational mixer in the direction of rotation. The containment vessel may be of film and supported by a structural housing also having a semi-cylindrical concavity defined by the housing bottom. |
| US07713729B2 |
Biochemical analysis unit
A biochemical analysis unit comprises a base plate, which has holes, and a porous adsorptive material, which is filled in each of the holes and forms each of adsorptive regions. Each of the adsorptive regions is provided with a layer, which has pores having a comparatively small mean pore diameter, and a layer, which has pores having a comparatively large mean pore diameter. In cases where the layers, which constitute each of the adsorptive regions, are connected with the layers, which constitute an adjacent adsorptive region, at one of surfaces of the base plate, the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a signal absorbing layer for absorbing a signal, which passes through layers located under the base plate and thus propagates from a certain hole toward an adjacent hole. |
| US07713727B2 |
Process for improving enzymatic degumming of vegetable oils and reducing fouling of downstream processing equipment
A process controls enzymatic degumming characteristics which cause fouling of post-reactor equipment of industrial scale processing of edible oils. An anti-fouling agent including an organic or mineral acid is added after the reactor and before any post-reactor equipment such as heat exchangers and centrifuges. Typically the anti-fouling agent is added at greater than about 100 ppm of the oil, and typically the pH of the aqueous phase of the oil is between about 3.5 and 4.2. |
| US07713725B2 |
Induction of gene expression using a high concentration sugar mixture
Described herein is a composition useful for inducing expression of genes whose expression is under control of an inducible promoter sequence and methods for the compositions preparation and use. |
| US07713724B2 |
Hydantoin racemase
The invention relates to isolated polypeptides with hydantoin recemase activity, that do not suffer from substrate inhibition. Such polypeptides arc for instance isolated polypeptides with at least 87% identity with SEQ ID: NO. 2 or SEQ ED: NO. 4. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding these polypeptides. The invention also relates to processes for the racemisation of enantiomerically enriched hydantoin compounds and to processes for the preparation of enantiomarically enriched I)-or I-α amino acids. |
| US07713723B1 |
Alpha-amylase mutants with altered properties
The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered stability, in particular at high temperatures and/or at low pH relative, and/or low Ca2+ to the parent alpha-amylase. |
| US07713721B2 |
Methods and composition for the production of orthogonal tRNA-aminoacyltRNA synthetase pairs
This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo. |
| US07713717B2 |
Method of preparing yeast for fermentation test
A method of preparing a yeast usable in a fermentation test for evaluating malt on the laboratory scale whereby more reproducible test data can be obtained regardless of the operation conditions of a plant, etc.; and a medium to be used therein. A yeast for the fermentation test for evaluating malt is prepared by culturing a yeast in a liquid medium containing 0 to 2.5% by weight of glucose, 6.0 to 9.0% by weight of maltose, 0 to 2.5% by weight of sorbitol, 0 to 1.0% by weight of peptone and 0.3 to 1.0% by weight of yeast extract at 10 to 20° C. for 2 to 4 days under shaking (primary culture), then in the medium in an increased amount compared with the primary culture at 10 to 20° C. for 3 or 4 days under shaking (secondary culture), then in the medium in a further increased amount compared with the secondary culture at 8 to 9° C. for 7 to 9 days under stirring until the plats attains 3.0° P. or less (tertiary culture), allowing to stand in a cold room for 3 to 24 hours and then collecting the yeast. |
| US07713716B2 |
Method for detecting presence of toxic material within sample
Provided is a method for detecting the degree of toxicity of toxic materials within a sample. The method includes contacting sub-mitochondrial particles having competent mitochondrial enzyme formed from the inner membranes of mitochondria, an electron donor which transmits electrons to the electron transfer system of the sub-mitochondrial particles, and a sample which will be tested; adding tris-2,2′-bipyridyl-ruthenium (II) ion to the reaction mixture; and measuring electrical variables of the reaction mixture. Also, provided is an apparatus and kit for detecting the presence of toxic materials within a sample. |
| US07713714B2 |
Isolated nona- and decapeptides which bind to HLA molecules, and the use thereof
A method for inducing proliferation of cytolytic T cells is described. |
| US07713712B2 |
Antibodies active against a fusion polypeptide comprising a histidine portion
The present invention relates to an antibody active against a fusion polypeptide comprising a histidine portion, a process for the preparation thereof and its use. |
| US07713711B2 |
Electronic methods for the detection of analytes
The present invention is directed to the detection of target analytes using electronic techniques, particularly AC techniques. |
| US07713710B2 |
Isolation and use of solid tumor stem cells
A small percentage of cells within an established tumor have the properties of stem cells. These solid tumor stem cells give rise both to more tumor stem cells and to the majority of cells in the tumor that have lost the capacity for extensive proliferation and the ability to give rise to new tumors. The solid tumor heterogeneity reflects the presence of tumor cell progeny arising from a solid tumor stem cell. This discovery is the basis for solid tumor stem cell compositions, methods for distinguishing functionally different populations of tumor cells, methods for using these tumor cell populations for studying the effects of therapeutic agents on tumor growth, and methods for identifying and testing novel anti-cancer therapies directed to solid tumor stem cells. |
| US07713706B2 |
Method of fixing low-molecular compound to solid-phase support
A method of fixing a low-molecular compound to a solid-phase support, by bringing a solution containing a low-molecular compound into contact with a solid-phase support having a photoreactive compound bonded to the surface, evaporating the solution containing a low-molecular compound to dryness, in the state of being in contact with the solid-phase support, and irradiating the solid-phase support with light to form a covalent bond between the photoreactive compound and the low-molecular compound. This fixing method enables a low-molecular compound to be fixed to a solid-phase support without the aid of a functional group. |
| US07713701B2 |
DNA-binding polymers
Methods and compositions are provided for forming complexes between dsDNA and novel DNA-binding polymers comprising N-terminal thiophene-containing moieties which exhibit selectivity for T-A base pairs. By appropriate choice of target sequences and DNA-binding polymers, complexes comprising polymer-DNA are obtained with high association constants. The formation of complexes can be used for identification of specific dsDNA sequences, for inhibiting gene transcription, and as a therapeutic for inhibiting proliferation of undesired cells or modulation of expression of specific genes. |
| US07713698B2 |
Massive parallel method for decoding DNA and RNA
This invention provides methods for attaching a nucleic acid to a solid surface and for sequencing nucleic acid by detecting the identity of each nucleotide analogue after the nucleotide analogue is incorporated into a growing strand of DNA in a polymerase reaction. The invention also provides nucleotide analogues which comprise unique labels attached to the nucleotide analogue through a cleavable linker, and a cleavable chemical group to cap the —OH group at the 3′-position of the deoxyribose. |
| US07713697B2 |
Methods and kits for amplifying DNA
Novel methods of synthesizing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence which are autocatalytic are disclosed (i.e., able to cycle automatically without the need to modify reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, or ionic strength and using the product of one cycle in the next one). In particular, methods of nucleic acid amplification are disclosed which are robust and efficient, while reducing the appearance of side-products. In general, the methods use priming oligonucleotides that target only one sense of a target nucleic acid, a promoter oligonucleotide modified to prevent polymerase extension from its 3′-terminus and, optionally, a means for terminating a primer extension reaction, to amplify RNA or DNA molecules in vitro, while reducing or substantially eliminating the formation of side-pro ducts. The disclosed methods minimizes or substantially eliminate the emergence of side-products, thus providing a high level of specificity. Furthermore, the appearance of side-products can complicate the analysis of the amplification reaction by various molecular detection techniques. The disclosed methods minimize or substantially eliminate this problem, thus providing enhanced levels of sensitivity. |
| US07713694B2 |
Method of enhancing fluorescence
A method of enhancing the fluorescence of and/or producing an increased Stokes' shift in a fluorescent dye comprising combining the dye with a base and/or a detergent is described. The method is suitable in chemical or biochemical techniques using fluorescent dyes, particularly techniques requiring staining or labeling of organic molecules, such as electrophoresis. |
| US07713692B2 |
Nucleic-acid probe substrate, system for temperature control of the substrate, and gene detection method making use of the same
A system used to detect and assay genes by using a nucleic-acid probe substrate is disclosed, which can be used in highly general-purpose genetic chips usable for various purposes, and has a temperature control means enabling control of temperature of the whole genetic chip in a high reproducibility and uniformity, and further even satisfies low-cost performance. A method for detecting and assaying gene nucleic acids by using such a system is also disclosed. A heat-conductive material made up using a material having good thermal conductivity, having a shape having general-purpose properties, is used as the temperature control means, and is disposed in such a form that it covers substantially the whole substrate face or stands in contact therewith, on the back of the substrate, or on the side facing the surface to which the detecting single-stranded nucleic acid fragments have been immobilized. This makes it possible to improve the diffusion of heat in the in-plane direction of the whole substrate face. In addition, heat is given and received through such a heat-conductive material. |
| US07713689B2 |
Non-fouling polymeric surface modification and signal amplification method for biomolecular detection
An article such as a biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon is described. The article comprises: (a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; (c) a polymer layer comprising brush molecules formed on the linking layer; and (d) optionally but preferably, a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) coupled to the brush molecules. The polymer layer is preferably formed by the process of surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) of monomeric units thereon. Preferably, each of the monomeric units comprises a monomer (for example, a vinyl monomer) core group having at least one protein-resistant head group coupled thereto, to thereby form the brush molecule on the surface portion. Methods of using the articles are also described. |
| US07713683B2 |
Apparatus and method for making a forming structure
A method for making a forming structure having columnar protrusions extending therefrom comprising the steps of exposing a liquid photosensitive resin to light having an activating wavelength thereby inducing partial curing of the photosensitive resin to form a monolithic slab of partially-cured photosensitive resin; and, including the step of inducing partial curing of a plurality of protrusions on the monolithic slab such that they are joined to and integral with the monolithic slab. The method can further comprise the step of laser etching a plurality of apertures through the forming structure. |
| US07713682B2 |
Substrate, method of exposing a substrate, machine readable medium
A multiple exposure method for enhancing the image resolution in a lithographic system is disclosed. The method comprises, for example, decomposing a desired pattern to be printed on the substrate into at least two constituent sub-patterns that are capable of being optically resolved by the lithographic system, coating the substrate with a positive tone resist layer and a relatively thin positive tone developable material layer on top of a target layer which is to be patterned with the desired dense feature pattern. The positive tone developable material absorbs exposure radiation during a first patterning exposure and, after development, during a second patterning exposure to prevent exposure of at least a portion of the positive tone resist layer, underneath exposed portions of the positive tone developable material layer, to an exposure dose above a fraction of an energy-to-clear exposure dose associated with the positive tone resist layer. |
| US07713680B2 |
Radiation sensitive resin composition for forming a protective film, method of forming a protective film from the composition, liquid crystal display device and solid-state image sensing device
A radiation sensitive resin composition for forming a protective film, comprising: [A] a copolymer of (a1) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or an unsaturated carboxylic anhydride, (a2) an epoxy group-containing unsaturated compound and (a3) an unsaturated compound different from the components (a1) and (a2); [B] a monofunctional polymerizable unsaturated compound having a molecular weight of 180 or more and a carboxyl group; [C] a polyfunctional polymerizable unsaturated compound; and [D] a photopolymerization initiator, a method of forming a protective film from the above composition and a protective film formed from the above composition. The composition can provide a cured film having high flatness, has high developability and heat resistance, is advantageously used to form a protective film for liquid crystal display devices and solid-state image sensing devices, and has high storage stability as a composition. |
| US07713677B2 |
Photoresist composition, method of patterning thin film using the same, and method of manufacturing liquid crystal display panel using the same
A photoresist composition capable of forming a high resolution pattern without an additional heating process includes an alkali-soluble phenol polymer in an amount of 10 to 70 parts by weight, including at least one unit of Formula 1, a photo-acid generator in an amount of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight, a dissolution inhibitor in an amount of 5 to 50 parts by weight, including at least one unit of Formula 2, and a solvent in an amount of 10 to 90 parts by weight, wherein the amounts of the foregoing components is based on a total of 100 parts by weight of alkali-soluble phenol polymer, photo-acid generator, dissolution inhibitor, and solvent, and wherein Formulas 1 and 2 have the structures: wherein R is a methyl group, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and are hydrogen or t-butyl vinyl ether protective groups. |
| US07713674B2 |
Emulsion polymerization process
An emulsion polymerization process comprising polymerizing monomer in an emulsion in a reaction vessel at a first temperature to form a resin; cooling the reaction vessel to a second temperature that is above the softening point of the resin yet below the temperature required for significant depolymerization reaction to occur; and adding water to the cooled reaction vessel in an amount sufficient to effect phase inversion with mixing for a sufficient time to form an aqueous latex emulsion in the absence of a surfactant. |
| US07713665B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and patterning device
A mask for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the mask having a patterned region bearing a pattern to be transferred onto a substrate and a border surrounding the patterned region, wherein at least part of the border has a plurality of elements, the dimensions of the elements being such that, during use, they would not be resolved at the substrate. Also, a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus having a projection system, a substrate table arranged to hold a substrate, and a patterning device having a patterned region which bears a pattern to be transferred using a radiation beam via the projection system onto the substrate, at least part of a border surrounding the patterned region comprising a plurality of elements arranged to direct radiation onto the substrate, the dimensions of the elements such that, during use, they are not resolved at the substrate. |
| US07713663B2 |
Mask blank, manufacturing method of mask blank, manufacturing method of transfer mask and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
In the photomask blank 100, which is an original plate of a transfer mask having a transfer pattern to be transferred to the body to be subjected to transfer on the substrate 10, the photomask blank 100 includes a light shielding film 20 becoming the transfer pattern and a resist film 30 on the substrate 10, and the resist film 30 formed on the peripheral edge of the main surface of the substrate 10 is removed in a predetermined region in a supported region 31 of the photomask blank 100 supported by the substrate holding member of the exposure device, so that a desired pattern positional accuracy and a desired focus accuracy are obtained, when the transfer mask having the transfer pattern obtained by patterning the light shielding film 20 is supported by the substrate holding member of the exposure device. With this structure, when a reticle is mounted on the substrate holding member of a stepper, the deformation of the reticle is suppressed, and lowering of a positional accuracy of the transfer pattern and the lowering of a focus accuracy can be suppressed to minimum. |
| US07713662B2 |
Lithium-manganese-based composite oxide containing titanium and nickel
The invention provides a lithium-manganese-based composite oxide containing Ti and Ni, which is represented by the compositional formula: Li1+x(Mn1−n−mNimTin)1−xO2, wherein 0 |
| US07713661B2 |
Negative electrodes for zinc nickel secondary batteries and their fabrication methods
The present invention relates to negative electrode for zinc nickel secondary batteries and the fabrication methods. These negative electrodes contain hydrophobic porous conductive granules such as carbon black granules with a hydrophobic material adsorbed. The fabrication methods for these negative electrodes include the following steps: adding a hydrophobic material to conductive porous granules such as granules in an aqueous solution; stirring the aqueous solution with the conductive porous granules and the hydrophobic material; fabricating the active material with the aqueous solution with the conductive porous granules and the hydrophobic material; and forming the negative electrode with the active material. Batteries with negative electrodes that are embodiments of this invention or are fabricated by the method of this invention are efficient in the recombination of oxygen at the electrodes during charging have low internal pressure, and are not subjected to electrolyte leakage. |
| US07713660B2 |
Method for manufacturing manganese oxide nanotube or nanorod by anodic aluminum oxide template
The present invention relates to methods for manufacturing manganese oxide nanotubes/nanorods using an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. In the inventive methods, the manganese oxide nanotubes/nanorods are manufactured in mild conditions using only a manganese oxide precursor and an anodic aluminum oxide template without using any solvent. The nanotubes/nanorods having uniform size can be easily obtained by adsorbing the manganese oxide precursor onto the surface of the anodic aluminum oxide template by a vacuum forming process using a vacuum filtration apparatus so as to maintain the shape of nanotubes/nanorods and drying the manganese oxide nanotubes. The manganese oxide nanotubes/nanorods made according to the inventive methods can be used as economic hydrogen reservoirs, the electrode of lithium secondary batteries, or the energy reservoirs of vehicles or other transport means. |
| US07713658B2 |
Material for electrolytic solutions and use thereof
It is an object of the present invention to provide a material for electrolytic solutions suited for use as material in electrolytic solutions serving as ionic conductors in electrochemical devices, such as large-capacity cells or batteries.The present invention is related to a material for electrolytic solutions which comprises, as an essential constituent, an anion represented by the general formula (1): wherein X represents at least one element selected from among B, N, O, Al, Si, P, S, As and Se; M1 and M2 are the same or different and each represents an organic linking group; a is an integer of not less than 1, and b, c and d each independently is an integer of not less than 0. |
| US07713657B2 |
Battery, charging apparatus and electronic device
In a battery (2) including a battery cell formed in a flattened substantially parallelepiped shape and a terminal contacting section (222) electrically connected to the battery cell, at one end in the longitudinal direction of a face of the battery opposing to the face on which the terminal contacting section (222) is provided, a projecting portion (26) which projects in the longitudinal direction of the face is provided. Meanwhile, another projecting portion (27) which projects in the longitudinal direction of the face is provided at the other end. The projecting portions (26, 27) may have projecting lengths different from each other or may have projecting lengths and projecting thicknesses different from each other. A charging apparatus into which the battery (2) is to be installed includes an accommodating section (40) for the battery (2) which in turn includes projection accommodating portions (46 and 47) configured to individually accommodate the projecting portions (26 and 27). The accommodating section (40) includes a space for accommodating a battery (2D, 2E) wherein the battery cell has a rectangular principal face and another space for accommodating another battery (2) wherein the battery cell has a substantially square principal face, and charging terminals serve as charging terminals not only for the battery (2) but also for the battery (2D, 2E). |
| US07713641B2 |
Magnetic material and antenna device
A magnetic material includes a substrate and a composite magnetic film formed on the substrate. The composite magnetic film comprises a plurality of columnar members formed on the substrate and having a longitudinal direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate, each of the columnar members containing a magnetic metal or a magnetic alloy selected from at least one of Fe, Co, and Ni, and an inorganic insulator formed between the columnar members and selected from an oxide, a nitride, and fluoride of metal. The composite magnetic film has a minimum anisotropy magnetic field Hk1 in a surface parallel to the substrate surface and a maximum anisotropy magnetic field Hk2 in a surface parallel to the substrate surface, a ratio Hk2/Hk1 is greater than 1. |
| US07713640B2 |
Epitaxial layer structures, precursors for topotactic anion exchange films
This invention disclosure describes methods for the fabrication of metal oxide films on surfaces by topotactic anion exchange, and laminate structures enabled by the method. A precursor metal-nonmetal film is deposited on the surface, and is subsequently oxidized via topotactic anion exchange to yield a topotactic metal-oxide product film. The structures include a metal-oxide layer(s) and/or a metal-nonmetal layer(s). |
| US07713637B2 |
Coating containing PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid polymer
Provided herein are a coating or a device (e.g., absorbable stent) that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof. |
| US07713635B2 |
Copper oxide thin film low-friction material and film-forming method therefor
A copper oxide thin film mainly containing CuO is formed by a plasma film-forming process on a substrate for film formation. The friction coefficient of the copper oxide thin film can be controlled remarkably low. |
| US07713634B2 |
Non-linear silicon compound, method of manufacturing oligomer probe array using the same, substrate for oligomer probe array with the same, and oligomer probe array with the same
A non-linear silicon compound is provided. The non-linear silicon compound may be a non-linear aromatic compound used as a linker for manufacturing an oligomer probe array. The non-linear silicon compound may reduce self-aggregation so as to form a stable and uniform monolayer. As a result, upon hybridization analysis, the fluorescent intensity may be increased. |
| US07713633B2 |
EMI filter for plasma display panel
A plasma display panel (PDP) includes an EMI filter at a front portion thereof for blocking/shielding substantial amounts of electromagnetic waves. The filters has high visible transmission, and is capable of blocking/shielding electromagnetic waves. In certain example embodiments, a silver based coating of the EMI filter reduces damage from EMI radiation through highly conductive Ag layers, blocks significant amounts of NIR and IR radiation from outdoor sunlight to reduce PDP panel temperature, and enhances contrast ratio through reduced reflection, while maintaining high visible transmission. In certain example embodiments, at least one layer of or including silicon nitride may be Si-rich, and/or at least one layer including an oxide of Ni and/or Cr may be a suboxide, in order to improve heat treatability of the coated article. |
| US07713632B2 |
Low-maintenance coatings
The invention provides a substrate bearing a low-maintenance coating. The coating includes two films: a first film comprising silica (e.g., silicon dioxide) and a second film comprising titania (e.g., titanium dioxide). Preferably, both films are provided within particular thickness ranges. The invention also provides methods of depositing such coatings. |
| US07713630B2 |
Glass optical element and method for manufacturing the same
A glass optical element including: a first surface which is formed by transcription of the first transfer surface of the molding die; a second surface which is formed by transcription of the second transfer surface of the molding die and is facing the first surface; and a side surface of the outer periphery formed by transcription of the side transfer surface of the molding die; wherein the glass optical element is characterized by further containing: a first free surface which is formed without contacting with any of the surfaces of the molding die and is connecting the first surface and the side surface of the outer periphery; and a second free surface which is formed without contacting with any of the surfaces of the molding die and is connecting the aforementioned second surface and the side surface of the outer periphery. |
| US07713622B2 |
Fixing solution, capsule structure, fixing method, fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing solution for fixing toner to a recording medium, includes aliphatic ester held by solvent in a soluble manner, and having solubility or swelling property with respect to resin included in the toner. |
| US07713614B2 |
Resin composition and multilayer structure
To provide a resin composition comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) having an ethylene content of from 15 to 65 mol % and a degree of saponification of 95 mol % or more, a phosphoric acid salt (B) which can form a hydrate, and a dispersing agent (C), wherein the dispersing agent (C) comprises at least one species selected from the group consisting of aliphatic acid salts, glycerol aliphatic acid esters and aliphatic acid amides, the resin composition comprises (A) and (B) in amounts of from 50 to 99 parts by weight and from 1 to 50 parts by weight, respectively, based on 100 parts by weight of (A) and (B) in total, and the resin composition comprises (C) in an amount of from 1 to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of (B). This resin composition excels in gas barrier property and also in moisture resistance at high temperatures and high humidities. Therefore, it is suitable for food packaging containers to be retorted. |
| US07713613B2 |
Composition for antistatic layer
The present invention discloses a composition for antistatic layer formation, which has realized antireflection and prevention of interference fringes. The composition for antistatic layer formation comprises electrically conductive fine particles, an ionizing radiation curing resin, and an organic solvent, the electrically conductive fine particles each comprising a core particle covered with an electrically conductive material, the refractive index of the core particle being lower than that of the electrically conductive material. |
| US07713611B2 |
Filter and display apparatus having the same
A display apparatus includes a display and a display filter, wherein the display filter includes a base film, a plurality of reflective elements, and a plurality of light absorbing elements, wherein each of the light absorbing elements corresponds to a reflective element. |
| US07713610B2 |
Sliding member
A sliding member includes convex portions are formed by directly quenching a sliding surface of a sliding member in a line shape or a dot shape, and concave portions are formed in indirectly quenched portions adjacent to the directly quenched portions. An irregular surface is formed on the sliding surface by the directly quenched portions and the indirectly quenched portions. The directly quenched portions are formed in a lattice shape, a parallel straight line shape, a concentric circle shape or a spiral shape. With the irregular surface on the sliding surface by the directly quenched portions and the indirectly quenched portions, the seizure resistance can be improved. |
| US07713609B2 |
Optical disk and method for manufacturing the same
A first substrate is formed to include a surface on which a first record layer is formed, and which includes an inner circumferential portion on which a ring-shaped member is provided. Ultraviolet curing resin is dropped onto part of the surface which is located inward of the ring-shaped member, and the first substrate is then spun to coat the first record layer with the ultraviolet curing resin. Furthermore, a second substrate is formed to include a surface on which a second record layer is formed, and the second substrate is spun to coat the second record layer with ultraviolet curing resin. Then, the first and second record layers are made to face each other, and the first and second substrates are bonded to each other by the ultraviolet curing resin. |
| US07713605B2 |
Container seal with integral, heat-releasable promotional token and method
A heat-sealable container seal having a integral, heat-releasable promotional token attached thereto comprises a promotional token bound to a sealant sheet by a layer of wax. At least one of the surfaces of the promotional token and the sealant sheet that contacts the layer of wax is capable of absorbing liquid wax when the layer of wax is melted. At least one surface of the promotional token has promotional indicia visible thereon. The sealant sheet has a heat-sealable container contacting surface. Preferably, at least one of the promotional token and the sealant sheet includes a layer of metal foil. In use, the container seal provides a seal over the access opening of a container and also provides a promotional token, such as a redeemable coupon, within the container closure, loosely disposed over the seal. |
| US07713604B2 |
Curable adhesive articles having topographical features therein
Curable adhesive articles having topographical features and methods of making curable adhesive articles are disclosed. |
| US07713603B2 |
Molded article method, and apparatus for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool
A molded article is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the molded article includes a blow-molded parison of material having an undercut formed in a surface of the parison of material. An apparatus for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more undercut forming surfaces and an actuator pin that causes the one or more undercut forming surfaces to move to/from an undercut molding position or an undercut de-molding position. A method for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes the step of moving an actuator to a position of engagement with one or more undercut forming surfaces to cause movement of the one or more undercut forming surfaces to/from an undercut molding position and an undercut de-molding position. A method for molding a molded article is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes the steps of moving an actuator to a first position of engagement with one or more undercut forming surfaces to cause movement of said one or more undercut forming surfaces to an undercut molding position proximate a surface in a mold tool cavity, providing material into the mold tool cavity, molding the material to conform to the one or more undercut forming surfaces and surface of the mold tool cavity, and moving said actuator to a second position of engagement with said one or more undercut forming surfaces to cause movement of said one or more undercut forming surfaces to a de-molding position proximate said surface in said mold tool cavity. |
| US07713599B2 |
Inkjet recording material
The object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording material which has no cracks on the surface of the ink-receiving layer and possesses both the color developability and the absorbability of pigment inks. According to the present invention, there is provided an ink jet recording material formed by coating a coating solution of a pigment layer and a coating solution of at least one ink-receiving layer in succession on at least one side of a paper support and drying the resulting coating layers, wherein the pigment contained in the pigment layer has an average secondary particle diameter of not less than 1 μm and not more than 5 μm, 50% by volume or more of the total volume of the pigment has a secondary particle diameter of not less than 1.2 μm and not more than 15 μm, a first ink-receiving layer directly coated on the pigment layer contains at least inorganic ultrafine particles, a hydrophilic binder and boric acid or a borate, and the dry coating amount of the first ink-receiving layer is not less than 20% by mass and not more than 120% by mass of the dry coating amount of the pigment layer. |
| US07713598B2 |
Ink jet recording medium with lenticular lenses
Disclosed is a recording medium with a lenticular lens for ink jet recording. The recording medium includes: a lenticular lens layer having a convex part surface, on which a plurality of semicylindrical or arcuate and elongated convexes are arranged in parallel, and a backside surface; and an ink absorptive layer provided on the backside surface of the lenticular lens layer. In the recording medium, an ink permeable layer for avoiding the stay of ink droplets on a recorded face after printing, or an adhesive layer for rendering the recording medium easily fixable to a wall, a mount and the like, or a temporarily applicable part is further provided. |
| US07713597B2 |
Durable optical element
A durable optical film or element includes a polymerized structure having a microstructured surface and a plurality of surface modified colloidal nanoparticles of silica, zirconia, or mixtures thereof. Display devices including the durable microstructured film are also described. |
| US07713596B2 |
Light shading structure, and color filter substrate, active device array substrate, liquid crystal display panel thereof
A light shading structure suitable for being disposed on a substrate is provided, wherein the substrate has a display region and a non-display region. The light shading structure includes a black matrix layer and a light shading layer. The black matrix layer is disposed on the substrate and defines multiple sub-pixel regions in the display region. The black matrix layer also covers the non-display region adjacent to the edge of the display region. The light shading layer is disposed on the black matrix layer in the non-display region adjacent to the edge of the display region and has at least one channel. The light shading structure can reduce light leakage at the edge of the display region of the LCD panel. During processes of manufacturing the LCD panel, the liquid crystal contamination caused by the contact of liquid crystal and sealant can be avoided by the light shading structure. |
| US07713595B2 |
Optical compensation films produced by a carrier-web-casting process
A method of forming an optical compensation film includes coating one or more first layers and one or more second layers onto a carrier substrate, and stretching the first layers and second layers simultaneously. The one or more first layers include a polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence (Δnth) not more negative than −0.005 and not more positive than +0.005, and the one or more second layers include a polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than −0.005 or more positive than +0.005. The overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the optical compensation film is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of the optical compensation film is more negative than −20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. |
| US07713588B2 |
Method and device of forming a piezo-electric film
A piezo-electric film forming method includes (1) a first moving step of moving a nozzle with respect to a substrate along a first direction to form a first piezo-electric band extending along the first direction, (2) a measuring step of measuring thickness distribution along the width of the first piezo-electric band, (3) a calculating step of calculating a shifting distance based on the thickness distribution, (4) a shifting step of moving the nozzle with respect to the substrate along a second direction by the calculated shifting distance, wherein the second direction intersects with the first direction, and (5) a second moving step of moving the nozzle with respect to the substrate along the first direction to form a second piezo-electric band extending along the first direction. The piezo-electric film is formed such that the first piezo-electric band and the second piezo-electric band are overlapped. |
| US07713586B2 |
Method for a surface being plated locally
A method for a surface being plated locally includes a fixture for holding at least a work piece and the fixture is supported with two opposite lateral walls of a plating tank. Hence, a plated zone on a surface of the work piece can be immerged into the liquid contained in the plating tank for the plated zone being coated with de-oxide layer and plating layer sequentially. |
| US07713583B2 |
Method for forming isotope-doped light element nanotube
An isotope-doped carbon nanotube (40) includes at least two kinds of carbon nanotube segments, each kind of carbon nanotube segment having a unique carbon isotope. The at least two kinds of carbon nanotube segments are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the carbon nanotube alternately or non-alternately. The carbon isotope is selected from the group consisting of a carbon-12 isotope, a carbon-13 isotope and a carbon-14 isotope. Three preferred methods employ different single isotope sources to form isotope-doped carbon nanotubes. In a chemical vapor deposition method, different isotope source gases are alternately or non-alternately introduced. In an arc discharge method, a power source is alternately or non-alternately switched between different isotope anodes. In a laser ablation method, a laser is alternately or non-alternately focused on different isotope targets. |
| US07713581B2 |
Method of impregnating a carrier a matrix with solid and/or liquid compounds using compressed gases, and materials thus impregnated
The invention relates to a method for impregnating a support matrix with solid and/or liquid compounds using a compressed gas or a compressed mixture of gases at densities ranging from 0.15 to 1.3 kg/l and at least two unsymmetrical pressure changes (pulsations). The method is further characterized in that both a multitude of impregnating substances such as biologically active compounds, technical materials or metal-organic compounds, as well as support matrices of biological origin and organic or inorganic substances can be used that have large inner surfaces and/or inner surfaces that are difficult to access. |
| US07713580B2 |
Image recording medium manufacturing method
The invention relates to a manufacturing method of an image recording medium wherein during the process of cutting a long roll body of the medium into sheet like product the curl tendency, a cause of poor printer feedability, is removed, and at the same time the generation of cracking in a recording layer is suppressed. In the manufacturing method a web of a long roll body, a sheet like material of a paper substrate with thermoplastic resin layers formed on both surfaces one of which also has a recording layer with the long roll body wound such that this recording layer surface is on the outside, is unwound into a cutting device whilst at the same time a straightening element of a roller of diameter between 8 mm and 16 mm is pressed against the side of the recording layer with a wrap angle that is less than 60 degrees. |
| US07713570B2 |
Process for preparing high liquid oil, no trans, very low saturates, regular margarine with phospholipids
The present invention provides a method for the preparation of high liquid oil margarine in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion wherein selected phospholipids (for example, PC, PE and lyso-PC/PE) play an important role in stabilizing the margarine. The total fat content of said high liquid oil margarine is made up of a minimum of about 96% liquid oil and a maximum of about 4% added hard fat and phospholipids. The method comprises preparing a water-in-oil emulsion by blending an aqueous phase with oil phase at a temperature above the crystallization temperature of the added hard fat and reducing said temperature until hard fat crystallization occurs, and supercooling in heat exchanger to obtain a high liquid oil margarine. The method of the invention uses selected phospholipids and the use of heat exchanger “votator” for fat crystal nucleation and provides a margarine comprising very low levels of saturated fats and virtually no trans fatty acids. |
| US07713569B2 |
Hydroxytyrosol-rich composition from olive vegetation water and method of use thereof
The invention provides olive-derived hydroxytyrosol. According to one aspect of the invention, vegetation water is collected from olives. Acid is added to stabilize the vegetation water and prevent fermentation. The mixture is incubated to allow oleuropein to convert to hydroxytyrosol, and then fractionated to separate hydroxytyrosol from other components. The hydroxytyrosol is useful as a therapeutic and anti-oxidant for a variety of health purposes, including for the treatment of skin damage. In addition, the hydroxytyrosol is useful as a natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and fungicidal product for agricultural and pest control applications. |
| US07713568B2 |
Method of making coffee compositions with stable flavor characteristics
A method for altering a coffee source component profile of a coffee source to mimic a target coffee component profile of a target coffee, wherein the coffee source and the target coffee each comprise multiple taste contributing acids. |
| US07713567B2 |
Method of making coffee compositions with stable flavor characteristics
A method for altering a coffee source component profile of an aged coffee source to mimic a target coffee component profile of a non-aged coffee source, wherein the aged coffee source and the non-aged coffee each comprise multiple taste contributing acids. |
| US07713565B2 |
Method of preparing a foaming soluble coffee powder
A process for preparing an instant beverage is provided which includes heating a dried soluble coffee under sufficient pressure thereby forcing gas into internal voids of the dried coffee. The heated dried soluble coffee is cooled and depressurized to produce a dried soluble coffee having internal voids filled with pressurized gas. An instant dry beverage comprising soluble coffee having internal voids filled with pressurized gas is also provided, and this product is advantageous in that it produces a beverage with foam on its surface when reconstituted. |
| US07713563B2 |
Method for producing good-flavor butter milk associated dairy product and dairy processed product
A process for preparing butter milk and/or butter serum, which comprises decreasing the dissolved oxygen concentration of at least one selected from the group consisting of milk, a milk product, butter milk and butter serum, followed by heating, and optionally fractionizing the heated product. |
| US07713562B2 |
Animal feed and methods for reducing ammonia and phosphorus levels in manure
An animal feed is provided that employs a substantially indigestible cation exchanger capable of binding ammonium cations and an acidogenic substance to acidify an animal's manure and thereby create ammonium cations that can be bound by the cation exchanger. The animal feed reduces ammonia emissions from manure produced by animals fed the animal feed compared to the emissions obtained from manure when an acidogenic substance is fed alone and compared to the emissions obtained from manure when a cation exchange capacity material is fed alone. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of lowering ammonia emissions from manure is provided. The present invention also provides a method for reducing soluble phosphorus levels in manure and a method for reducing total phosphorus levels in manure. In a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided that yields manure that may be used alone or in concert with other materials to act as a fertilizer having advantageous ecological properties. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for reducing insect populations associated with manure. |
| US07713559B2 |
Amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts and method of making and using same
Amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts having a mole ratio of calcium to citrate of less than 2.5:2, and powdered beverage mixes and liquid compositions fortified with these amorphous water-soluble calcium citrate salts as a calcium source, are provided. Liquid compositions fortified with calcium citrate according to this invention have superior dispersability, solubility, appearance, and storage stability. These liquid compositions are prepared by new methods that provide and preserve a stable amorphous character in the dry powdered product salts. The present invention also is directed to a method of administering such calcium citrate-fortified liquid compositions to increase the dietary calcium intake in individuals. |
| US07713557B2 |
Natural oriental medicinal composition for the promotion of hair growth and method of preparing the same
A natural oriental medicinal composition for the promotion of hair growth is provided. The oriental medicinal composition includes a black bean extract, a tangerine extract, a potato extract, a pine needle extract and a quartzite powder. Since the oriental medicinal composition includes crude drugs extracted from natural substances that can prevent hair loss, it is effective for hair growth and has ensured biostability. Particularly, the oriental medicinal composition allows newborn hair to grow in the form of stiff hair. |
| US07713553B2 |
Method of manufacture of a liquid pesticide containing copper and a liquid pesticide containing copper
A method of manufacture of a liquid pesticide containing copper. A first step involves forming of a solidified water soluble copper-borate complex. A second step involves dissolving the solidified water soluble copper-borate complex in water, until the water contains a concentration of at least 0.02% by weight of copper. |
| US07713550B2 |
Controlled release sodium valproate formulation
Disclosed is a controlled release formulation comprising valproic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, amide thereof, or derivative thereof. |
| US07713549B2 |
Extended release perforated tablet
A tablet for the controlled release of a pharmaceutically active ingredient. The tablet is in the form of coated DST's and MLDST's so that immediate release or time-delayed release can be achieved. Further, such extended release DST's and MLDST's may provide zero order or first order extended release kinetics depending on the excipients and types of pharmaceutically active ingredients in the tablet formulation. The time delay coating is made of high molecular weight water soluble polymers so that dose dumping can be minimized even when the hydrated surface of the DST and MLDST peels off. A second coating of low molecular weight water soluble polymer with a pharmaceutically active ingredient dispersed therein provides for pulsatile release. |
| US07713548B2 |
Amorphous solid dispersions
Disclosed are amorphous solid dispersion formulations comprising 7-chloro-N,N,5-trimethyl-4-oxo-3-phenyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyridazino[4,5-b]indole-1-acetamide. |
| US07713546B1 |
Corosolic acid formulation and its application for weight-loss management and blood sugar balance
A soft gelatin capsule and method to deliver an efficable dose of Lagerstroemia speciosa L. (marketed by Soft Gel Technologies under the trademark Glucosol™) for the assistance and maintenance of moderate weight loss through blood sugar maintenance. The product relies on the effects of corosolic acid on blood sugar levels to derive a healthy weight loss effect for Type II diabetics (non-insulin dependent) and healthy non-diabetics and the improved absorption of an oil based delivery system. The product provides safe and sustainable weight loss when combined with a restricted calorie diet and regular exercise. Its benefits include improvement of cardiovascular health, normalized blood sugar levels, and improved physical appearance with the positive psychological effects associated with successful and safe weight loss/maintenance. |
| US07713545B2 |
N-glycoside type glycolipids and hollow fiber type organic nanotubes made of the same
Presents novel hollow fiber shaped organic nanotubes that can be easily produced in a short time span and also have a broad range of utility. An N-glycoside type glycolipid represented by the general formula (1) shown below. G-NHCO—R (1) (In the formula, G represents a saccharide radical other than a hemiacetal hydroxyl group bonded to the anomer carbon atom of the saccharide, and R represents an unsaturated hydrocarbon group containing ten to 39 carbon atoms.) This molecule self-aggregates and forms hollow fiber shaped organic nanotubes in water when this N-glycoside type glycolipid is dissolved, allowed to cool gradually and allowed to stand undisturbed at room temperature. The average external diameter of the nanotubes is from 70 nm to 500 nm and the average internal diameter (average diameter of the cavity) is from 40 nm to 300 nm. |
| US07713543B2 |
Elastin stabilization of connective tissue
A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps. |
| US07713530B2 |
HIV-1 subtype isolate regulatory/accessory genes, and modification and derivatives thereof
The invention describes HIV-1 subtype isolate regulatory/accessory genes, and modifications and derivatives thereof. The genes which are described are the tat, nef and rev genes. Consensus amino acid sequences are also disclosed. The invention also relates to a vaccine including two or more of the nucleotide sequences, and nucleotide sequences from the pol and/or gag genes of HIV-1. |
| US07713522B2 |
Ex vivo and in vivo expression of the thrombomodulin gene for the treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases using ex vivo and in vivo gene delivery technologies. One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for treating a vascular disease by introducing a DNA sequence encoding a TM protein or its variant into a segment of a blood vessel ex vivo using a gutless adenovirus vector. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a gutless adenovirus vector carrying a transgene, such as a gene encoding TM protein or its variant. |
| US07713516B2 |
Method for determining suitability of various contrast agents for the imaging examination of the patient and uses of the ligand contained in a selected contrast agent
A method is for determining suitability of various contrast agents for the imaging examination of the. In this case, a tissue sample is taken from the patient, it is divided into a plurality of individual samples and a contrast agent which binds to a particular target structure in the tissue is added to each individual sample. The individual samples are examined by an analysis or imaging method in order to determine the suitability of the various contrast agents for the imaging examination of the patient. |
| US07713514B2 |
Multicomponent assemblies having enhanced binding properties for diagnosis and therapy
An organized mobile multicomponent conjugate (OMMC) and method of using to enhance binding of weakly binding compounds to a target. A lamellar structure containing at least two binding compounds is assembled under conditions in which the binding compounds self-regulate in or on the lamellar structure, forming a cooperative ensemble that is capable of binding with enhanced affinity to a complementary affinity site on a target. Each binding compound is bound to the lamellar surface, and may be connected by a linker. The OMMC may contain an effector molecule, such as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent, for administration to a patent who is then diagnosed or treated using the effector molecule. |
| US07713513B2 |
High silica zeolites: UZM-8HS
A family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites designated UZM-8HS and derived from UZM-8 have been synthesized. The aluminum content of the UZM-8HS is lower than that of the starting UZM-8 thus changing its ion exchange capacity and acidity. These UZM-8HS are represented by the empirical formula: M1an+Al(1−x)ExSiy′Oz″ and are prepared by treatments such as acid extraction and AFS treatments. |
| US07713512B2 |
Molecular sieve SSZ-75 composition of matter and synthesis thereof
The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-75 having STI topology prepared using a tetramethylene-1,4-bis-(N-methylpyrrolidinium) dication as a structure-directing agent, and methods for synthesizing SSZ-75. |
| US07713507B2 |
Tough diamonds and method of making thereof
A single crystal diamond grown by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition has a hardness of 50-90 GPa and a fracture toughness of 11-20 MPa m1/2. A method for growing a single crystal diamond includes placing a seed diamond in a holder; and growing single crystal diamond at a temperature of about 1000° C. to about 1100° C. such that the single crystal diamond has a fracture toughness of 11-20 MPa m1/2. |
| US07713505B2 |
XLi3N2 compounds and their hydrides as hydrogen storage materials
State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations provide the likelihood of the availability of YLi3N2, ZrLi3N2, NbLi3N2, MoLi3N2, TcLi3N2, RuLi3N2, RhLi3N2, GeLi3N2, InLi3N2, and SnLi3N2 as compounds for reaction with hydrogen under suitable conditions. Such calculations also provide the likelihood of the availability of YLi3N2Hn, ZrLi3N2Hn, NbLi3N2Hn, MoLi3N2Hn, TcLi3N2Hn, RuLi3N2Hn, RhLi3N2Hn, PdLi3N2Hn, AgLi3N2Hn, CdLi3N2Hn, AlLi3N2Hn, GaLi3N2Hn, GeLi3N2Hn, InLi3N2Hn, SnLi3N2Hn, and SbLi3N2H, (here n is an integer having a value of 1-6) as solid hydrides for the storage of hydrogen. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems. |
| US07713503B2 |
Sorbents and sorbent composition for mercury removal
A system for removing mercury from combustion gas. The system includes a combustion device, a stack, and a duct system that couples the combustion device to the stack. The system further comprises an injection system that is coupled to the duct system. The injection system injects sorbents including alkali-based sorbents and carbon-based sorbents into the duct system. |
| US07713495B2 |
Ozone generating apparatus
An ozone generating apparatus is provided which includes a pair of electrodes for producing a discharge by the application of an ac voltage therebetween, and at least one dielectric provided between the pair of electrodes. A source gas containing oxygen is provided into a discharge space in which the discharge is produced to generate ozone by the action of the discharge. A surface lying between at least one of the pair of electrodes and the discharge space and in contact with the discharge has a surface resistivity of 104 Ω to 1011 Ω. The source gas provided into the discharge space includes ultrapure oxygen having a purity of not less than 99.9%. |
| US07713493B2 |
Compact combination exhaust muffler and aftertreatment element and water trap assembly
An ultra-compact combination exhaust muffler and aftertreatment element and water trap assembly provides exhaust flow through an aftertreatment element surrounded by an annular water collection space receiving water diverted and shed from an upper dome cap above the aftertreatment element and below the upper outlet. In a further embodiment, the assembly includes housing sections separable from each other at a service joint axially between axial ends of the aftertreatment element for ease of servicing. In a further aspect, the aftertreatment element has an axial end within a housing section saving axial extension space. |
| US07713491B2 |
Dual riser venting method and system
Two or more cyclone systems can be contained in a single vessel. Each cyclone system can be in fluid communication with an inlet stream and a fluid discharge line. First cyclone system can include a vent open to the cyclone containing vessel. Second cyclone system can be sealed to restrict fluid entry from and/or exit into vessel, which can inhibit product vapors from exiting the vent of one cyclone system into the vessel and flowing into the vent of the other cyclone system. |
| US07713488B2 |
Prescented and custom scented light fixture attachment
A pre-scented or custom-scented attachment designed to fit onto any existing lamp or lamp shade. The scent attachment allows consumers to choose a scent additive to freshen their home, kitchens, bedroom, bathroom, common-space lobbies, bar, restaurant or any other place where these products are used, as well as to complement the light emitted from the actual light fixture. The attachment can be replaced easily to refresh the space, or change the fragrance for the desired area to be scented. The attachment can be sold with a matching lamp fixture and shade or individually as its own product. It is a shaped attachment, with fragrance embedded therein, being a central hole to fit in the lamp spider, and incorporate grooves to fix it in place. |
| US07713486B2 |
Well plate reactor
A well plate and its supporting devices provide capabilities found in larger fermenters, such as controlling the oxygen level, the pH level, and temperature of the contents of the well. The well plate includes a plurality of wells, each of which can be independently controlled. Apertures in the wells, for example, provide access for a gas supply and sensors within each well provide data relating to, e.g., oxygen and/or pH level in the well. A control system controls the gas supply for each well based on the information provided by the sensor within the well. Similarly, temperature control elements, such as a heater or cooler, is placed in thermal contact with the interior of the well, as is a temperature measurement element. A control system can independently control the temperature of the contents of the well based on information provided by the temperature measurement element for that well. |
| US07713482B2 |
Control scheme for enhanced filtered water systems
An enhancement control system that can be used as part of an enhanced water system to produce enhanced filtered water is described. The enhancement control system includes at least one enhancement delivery element that can dispense an enhancement(s) into filtered water in response to an enhancement delivery instruction(s). The enhancement control system can also include an input element that can enable transmittal of the enhancement delivery instruction(s) from a user to the enhancement delivery element(s). The control system can also include a memory element that can store information about the user and the user's preferences and information about the enhanced water system. The control system can also include a communication element that can provide information from the enhanced water system to the user. The control system can also include a monitor element that can gather data from outside the enhanced water system, such as user health information or environmental information, and provide the data to the enhanced water system. In some embodiments, a control logic element can be used to coordinate and control operation of the elements of the enhanced water system. |
| US07713480B2 |
Heater coil for gas sensor, detection element for gas sensor, contact combustion type gas sensor, and method for manufacturing contact combustion type gas sensor
A lead portion (25) of a heater coil (22) is constituted of a single coil wound into a coil and a bead portion (24) is constituted of a double coil formed by further winding the single coil into a coil. By constituting a detecting element (2) by burying the bead portion (24) in a heat conductive layer (21) and adhering a catalyst layer (23) on the surface of the heat conductive layer (21), improvement of the gas sensitivity and the response speed of a catalytic combustion gas sensor is facilitated. Zero point variation is reduced by improving impact resistance. When both ends of the heater coil are fixed to electrode pins, both ends of the heater coil are welded to the electrode pins using a resistance welding method, etc., with a platinum wire, etc., wound on a primary core wire, and thereafter, the primary core wire is melted and eliminated while leaving the platinum wire, etc., by a wet etching process. |
| US07713479B2 |
Liquid analyser and method
A liquid analyser has a reactor portion and an associated measurement portion. A sample pump is operable to deliver a liquid sample to a reactor vessel. A base pump supplies a base solution to the reactor vessel. An ozone generator supplies ozone to the reactor vessel. The liquid sample is oxidised in the reactor vessel by means of hydroxyl radicals which are generated using the base solution and ozone to reduce complex components of the liquid sample to their lowest state in solution. The oxidised sample solution is delivered to an optical detector in the measurement portion to determine the concentration of one or more selected materials such as nitrogen, phosphorous or a heavy metal in the oxidised sample solution. |
| US07713474B2 |
Liquid permeable composition in dry reagent devices
A device for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample includes a liquid permeable composition for making a physical separation between compositions of the sample or for reacting with components. The liquid permeable composition has adhesive properties and can be used to make a multi-layered test strip or the composition can be used in the sample wells of microfluidic devices. |
| US07713470B2 |
Die casting having high toughness
A thin and large high toughness die-cast product is provided that is formed from an Al—Mg casting alloy having the composition 3.5 wt %≦Mg≦4.5 wt %, 0.8 wt %≦Mn≦1.5 wt %, Si<0.5 wt %, Fe<0.5 wt %, a sum (Ti+Zr) of amounts of Ti and Zr added of equal to or greater than 0.3 wt %, and a ratio (Ti/Zr) of the amounts of Ti and Zr added of at least 0.3 but not more than 2, with the balance being Al. |
| US07713461B2 |
Process for producing an oral care device
The invention relates to a process for producing an oral care device, such as a toothbrush, having a body, which comprises a handle region, a head region and a neck region located between the handle region and the head region, and having functional elements which are arranged, at least in part, within the body and comprise an electrically operated functional unit and an electric supply device which has an energy store and is intended for the functional unit, in the case of which the body is produced, by injection molding, from at least one hard component, which serves as a reinforcement, and at least one soft component, and at least some of the functional elements, during the production of the body, are encapsulated, at least in part, directly by the plastic which forms the soft component. |
| US07713455B2 |
Method of manufacturing a molding with a core
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a molding with a core by using compression molding means having upper and lower double-structured punches; the method comprising the steps of supplying molding material for the core and molding material for the outer layer respectively, the step of compression-molding the molding material for the core and/or the molding material for the outer layer, and the step of compression-molding the whole molding with a core, wherein: the step of supplying the molding material for the outer layer posterior to the step of supplying the molding material for the core is performed until a tip of the lower center punch finally takes a position protruding from a tip of the lower outer punch; and the step of compression-molding the whole molding with a core is performed with the tips of the lower center punch and the lower outer punch aligned with each other. This method can be expected to bring about the effect of enhancing the strength of a portion of outer layer forming the sidewall of the molding and/or the effect of allowing the molding material for the outer layer supplied after the step of supplying the molding material for the core to be led to under the temporary molding of the core thereby making it possible to manufacture a molding with a core through the molding material supply step performed twice. |
| US07713450B2 |
Photocromic primer composition having high impact resistance and transparent material coated with the same
Disclosed are a primer composition having photochromic property and impact resistance for coating transparent materials and a photochromic transparent material having a primer layer formed by coating and curing the primer composition. The primer composition for coating transparent materials comprises: a) 5-90 parts by weight of a polyurethane containing Brønsted salt; b) 5-50 parts by weight of a polyepoxy resin; and c) 140 parts by weight of a photochromic dye, based on 100 parts by weight of the total primer composition. The photochromic transparent material having a primer layer formed by coating and curing the primer composition shows excellent photochromic property and impact resistance. |
| US07713449B2 |
Polymer electrolytic material, polymer electrolytic part, membrane electrode assembly, and polymer electrolyte fuel cell
A polymer electrolytic material has excellent proton conductivity and excellent fuel shutting property, and accordingly provide a polymer electrolytic fuel cell with a high efficiency. This polymer electrolytic material has an unfreezable water ratio Rw1 defined by the following expression (S1) in a range of 20 to 100% by weight in hydrated state: Rw1=[Wnf/Wfc+Wnf)]×100 (S1) in which Wnf represents the unfreezable water content per 1 g of the polymer electrolytic material in dry state and Wfc represents the low freezing point water content per 1 g of the polymer electrolytic material in dry state. |
| US07713447B2 |
Methods of detecting signals from subjects using hydro-insensitive alternating current responsive composites
A method is disclosed of detecting an output signal that is representative of an alternating electrical signal from a subject. The method includes the steps of: providing a monitoring sensor on the subject, wherein the monitoring sensor includes a conductive element and a composite material that includes a polar material that is substantially dispersed within a polymeric material; receiving the alternating electrical signal from the subject such that the composite changes its dielectric constant responsive to alternately ascending and collapsing voltages of the alternating electric signal from the subject; and providing an output signal via the conductive element responsive to changes in the dielectric constant of the composite that are representative of the alternating electric signal from the subject. |
| US07713445B2 |
Mixture for applying a non-corrosive, thin polymer coating which can be shaped in a low-abrasive manner, and method for producing the same
The invention relates to a mixture for applying a thin polymer, especially less than 6 μm, non-corrosive, electroconductive or semiconductive coating which can be shaped in a low-abrasive manner, to a base. Said mixture contains A) electroconductive and/or semiconductive elements/compounds selected from the group of a) electroconductive and/or semiconductive particles having a particle size distribution with a transfer value d80 which is less than or equal to 6 μm, b) electroconductive and/or semi-conductive polymer compounds, and c) electroconductive and/or semiconductive compounds containing amine and/or ammonium, B) at least one binding agent optionally containing reactive thinning agents, C) at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one photoinitiator, D) optionally at least one constituent selected from d) post-crosslinking compounds, e) additives, f) anticorrosion pigments, and g) non-particulate corrosion inhibitors, and optionally E) an organic solvent and/or water, the sum of all of the conductive and/or semiconductive elements/compounds A) amounting to between 0.5 and 70 wt. %, and the particle content a) amounting to between 0 and 60 wt. %. The invention also relates to a method for producing a non-corrosive, viscoplastic coating on a base, said coating containing polymer and inorganic particles, and to an electroconductive or semiconductive coating containing polymer and inorganic particles. |
| US07713444B2 |
Mixtures of sterically hindered amines for the stabilisation of polymers
This invention relates to mixtures of new polypiperidine compounds of general formula (I) with other known polypiperidine compounds which impart to polymer materials of different kinds, in particular polyolefins, high stability towards oxidative action and photodegradation. |
| US07713441B2 |
Fluorescent material, fluorescent device using the same, and image display device and lighting equipment
To present a green- to yellow-emitting phosphor whereby a light-emitting device having high color rendering properties and high luminance can be obtained, a light-emitting device employing such a phosphor, and an image display device and a lighting system, containing such a light-emitting device.A phosphor made of a compound represented by the following formula (I), which comprises, as matrix, a compound of a garnet structure and which contains, as a luminescent center ion, a metal element in the matrix: M1aM2bXcM3dM43Oe (I) wherein M1 is Mg and/or Zn, M2 is a bivalent metal element excluding Mg and Zn, X is a metal element as a luminescent center ion composed mainly of Ce, M3 is a trivalent metal element excluding X, M4 is a tetravalent metal element, and a, b, c, d and e are numbers satisfying the following formulae, respectively: 0.001≦a≦0.5 2.5≦b≦3.3 0.005≦c≦0.5 1.5≦d≦2.3 e={(a+b)×2+(c+d)×3+12}/2. |
| US07713439B2 |
Wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polyester resin composition, injection molded article thereof, and optical device using the molded article
Disclosed is a resin composition produced by melt-kneading a white pigment and a wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polyester. The resin composition can retain the excellent heat resistance and moldability of the wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polyester and have a satisfactory level of white light reflectance. The resin composition comprises 35 to 100 parts by weight of a white pigment particle and 100 parts by weight of a wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystal polyester, wherein the white pigment particle comprises 3 to 15 mass % of aluminum oxide and 97 to 85 mass % of a white pigment produced by a process including a roasting step and having a surface treated with the aluminum oxide (provided that the sum total of the white pigment and aluminum oxide is defined as 100 mass %). The resin composition can be produced by a process including a melt-kneading step. |
| US07713438B2 |
Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal device, reflective display material, and light modulating material
At least one cholesteric liquid crystal composition is mixed with at least one first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition, thereby exhibiting a TGBA phase at room temperature. The first nematic liquid crystal compound or composition preferably includes a compound having a cyano group, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a perfluoroalkoxy group or a perfluoroalkyl group at the terminal thereof. The cholesteric liquid crystal composition preferably contains a second nematic liquid crystal compound or composition and a chiral reagent. |
| US07713432B2 |
Method and apparatus to improve plasma etch uniformity
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for improving the etch uniformity across a substrate during a plasma etch process that employs the use of an inductively coupled plasma helical inductor. The plasma apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber, a support member in the vacuum chamber for holding the substrate, an etchant gas supply for providing an etchant gas to the vacuum chamber, an exhaust in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, an RF power source and a helical inductor disposed around or near a portion of the vacuum chamber. A sensor is provided for measuring a process attribute to generate a signal to a controller that then controls a mechanism that varies the position of the helical inductor so that the uniformity of the plasma etch is improved. |
| US07713431B2 |
Plasma processing method
A plasma processing apparatus for converting a processing gas into a plasma by a high frequency power in a processing chamber and performing a plasma processing on a substrate mounted on a mounting table includes a ring portion disposed to surround the substrate on the mounting table, and a temperature control unit for establishing a temperature difference between the ring portion and the substrate, such that the ring portion is at least 50° C. higher than the substrate. Further, the processing gas generates chlorine radicals, and the temperature control unit is at least one of a heating unit for heating the ring portion and a cooling unit for cooling the mounting table. |
| US07713424B2 |
Methods for purging absorptive materials used in the removal of contaminates from an aqueous medium
Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for purging an adsorptive material of entrapped particulates. Methods, systems and apparatus rely upon a reverse loop for reversing the flow of medium within an adsorption material, allowing particulates caught within the adsorption material to be preferentially moved through and out of the adsorption material. |
| US07713423B2 |
Reactive filtration
In one embodiment, a reactive filtration method includes continuously regenerating a reactive filter media while simultaneously filtering contaminants from fluid flowing through the filter media. In one embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises mixing metal granules with the filter media and agitating the mixture. In another embodiment, regenerating the reactive filter media comprises introducing a metal in the fluid flowing through the filter media and agitating the filter media. In one embodiment, a method for removing phosphorus, arsenic or a heavy metal from water includes introducing a metal salt reagent into the water at a molar ratio of 5:1 to 200:1 to the phosphorous or the arsenic in the water and passing the water through a bed of moving sand. |
| US07713422B2 |
Black liquor treatment method
Lignin and alkali are efficiently sorted out of alkaline black liquor discharged from the paper manufacturing/pulp and paper manufacturing industries and the treated water is made as purified water.Acid is added to the black liquor and its pH is adjusted to 2.5 to 3.5. An aggregating agent is added to have lignin contained in the black liquor settled and the black liquor is separated into lignin and clean water. Ozone gas, preferably in the micro bubble state, is given to the clean water for contact reaction. |
| US07713419B2 |
Method for treatment of sludge from waterworks and wastewater treatment plants
A method and construction for treatment of sludge from waterworks and wastewater treatment plants is disclosed. The method for treatment of sludge from waterwork or wastewater treatment plant, comprising precipitated inorganic chemical coagulants and precipitated organic substances, comprises adding an acid to the sludge in such a way that a first sludge mixture with low pH is received. The first sludge mixture includes the inorganic chemical coagulants in solution and the organic substances. The sludge mixture is pumped, via heat exchangers to a pressure tank. An obtained first concentrate is fed to at least one membrane filtration process in which a second concentrate and a first permeate are obtained. |
| US07713418B2 |
Process for recovering organic compounds from aqueous streams containing same
A method for a liquid-liquid extraction of hydrophilic organic compounds from aqueous solutions thereof is described. The method generally includes intermixing a sufficient quantity of a specified glycol ether with the aqueous liquor at a first temperature to form a suspension comprising an aqueous raffinate phase and a glycol ether extract phase; separating the glycol ether extract phase from the aqueous raffinate phase; heating the glycol ether extract phase to a second, higher temperature to form a suspension comprising an aqueous extract phase containing a portion of the hydrophilic organic compound and a glycol ether raffinate phase; and separating this glycol ether raffinate phase from the aqueous extract phase. The selected glycol ether has an inverse solubility in water and the partition ratio, value K, for the hydrophilic organic compound is greater than 0.1. This method is useful for recovering valuable hydrophilic organic acids produced via fermentation or produced or used in various manufacturing processes. |
| US07713417B2 |
Method for wastewater treatment with resource recovery and reduced residual solids generation
A wastewater treatment system is provided including an aerobic membrane bioreactor and an anaerobic digester system connected to receive wasted solids continuously from the aerobic membrane bioreactor and also connected to return effluent from the anaerobic digester system continuously to the aerobic membrane bioreactor. Further, a process is provided for treating wastewater including the step of wasting a volume fraction of organic cell mass from an aerobic membrane bioreactor to an anaerobic digester system and maintaining a solids retention time (SRT) in the bioreactor that is (1) greater than a time needed to achieve growth of organisms suitable for converting carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) into cell mass and (2) less than a time at which substantial decay of the organisms occurs. The system and process may further include optional pretreatment and/or phosphorus and/or nitrogen removal downstream of the membrane bioreactor system. |
| US07713415B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing aquatic environments
Submerged media useful with or without aeration and/or mixing to enhance an aquatic environment by promoting and retaining biogrowth. The media takes the form of a cluster of individual flexible elements having free ends. The media are submerged in a liquid such as a water or wastewater treatment basin or an aquaculture environment. The media are characterized by the ability to promote and retain microbial growth. The media clusters have substantial flow through thicknesses to provide a three dimensional effect along with baffling for increased contact with the liquid being treated. The media may be thin strips constructed to avoid sticking together to allow maximum exposed surface area. The media clusters can create oxic, anoxic and anaerobic environments for maximum treatment during flow through the media cluster. The flexibility of the media elements and their free ends automatically dislodges excessive biomass buildup to avoid clogging of the media. |
| US07713411B2 |
Fluid bed filter-dryer apparatus
A filter-dryer apparatus employing a single container for both filtering and drying operations including a container holding a material to be filtered and dried, adapted to connect to a filter system and to connect to a fluid bed dryer system, and a process for separating particulates from liquids by the operations of filtration and drying, which includes the steps of providing a single container for both filtering and drying operations; introducing a mixture of particles and liquid to said container; connecting the container to a filter system and filtering the particulates from the liquid; detaching the container from the filter system; connecting the container to a fluid bed drying system and removing the liquid from the particulates to result in dry particulates. |
| US07713409B2 |
Method for reducing the level of elemental sulfur and total sulfur in hydrocarbon streams
A method for reducing the level of elemental sulfur from sulfur-containing hydrocarbon streams as well as reducing the level of total sulfur in such streams. Preferred hydrocarbon streams include fuel streams such as naphtha streams that are transported through a pipeline. The sulfur-containing hydrocarbon stream is contacted with a mixture of water, a caustic, a surfactant, at least one metal sulfide, and optionally an aromatic mercaptan. This results in an aqueous phase and a hydrocarbon phase containing reduced levels of both elemental sulfur and total sulfur. |
| US07713407B2 |
Production of low sulfur fuels using improved hydrocracker post-treatment catalyst
A hydrocracking process for converting a petroleum feedstock to higher gravity, lower sulfur products, especially ultra low sulfur road diesel fuel. The process may be operated as a single-stage or two-stage hydrocracking. In each case, a hydrocracking step is followed directly by a post-treat hydrodesulfurization zone using a bulk multimetallic catalyst comprised of at least one Group VIII non-noble metal and at least two Group VIB metals with a ratio of Group VIB metal to Group VIII non-noble metal is from about 10:1 to about 1:10. In the two-stage option with interstage ammonia removal, the initial hydrocracking step may be followed by hydrodesulfurization using the bulk multimetallic catalyst prior to the ammonia removal which is followed by the second hydrocracking step. A final hydrodesulfurization over the bulk multimetallic catalyst may follow. The hydrodesulfurization over the bulk multimetallic catalyst is carried out at a pressure of at least 25 barg and preferably at least 40 barg. |
| US07713405B2 |
Quantitative transient analysis of localized corrosion
An electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system may be used to estimate and/or calculate parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article. The apparatus involves a working electrode (having substantially the same composition of the electrically conductive article), a reference electrode, and a counter electrode in an environment of interest. The working electrode is placed under potentiostatic control. A current transient between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. The working electrode is switched to open potential. A potential transient is measured over the duration of a localized corrosion event. The localized corrosion may then be calculated based on the measured potential transient and the current transient. |
| US07713399B2 |
Process for treating a sulfur-containing spent caustic refinery stream using a membrane electrolyzer powered by a fuel cell
A continuous method for the treatment of a spent aqueous caustic stream used to scrub a hydrocarbon process stream to remove oxidizable sulfur-containing compounds includes: a. mixing an oxidizing hypochlorous acid stream produced from an aqueous brine solution with the aqueous caustic stream to form a reactive mixed feedstream; b. contacting the reactive mixed feedstream with at least one catalyst to promote the oxidation of the sulfur-containing compounds and the neutralization of the sodium hydroxide; and c. recovering a neutral treated product stream comprising aqueous sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and sodium chloride that is odorless, non-toxic and environmentally acceptable for discharge into the sea or into a conventional sewage treatment system. Preferably, the hypochlorous acid is produced by an electrolyzer that also produces a (1) hydrogen stream that is directed to a PEM fuel cell to generate at least a portion of the electrical power requirement of the electrolyzer, and (2) water that is combined with fresh sodium hydroxide from the electrolyzer to form a fresh caustic stream for use in scrubbing the hydrocarbon process stream. |
| US07713396B2 |
Method and apparatus for recycling electrode material of lithium secondary battery
Lithium cobaltate forming the positive electrode of a lithium secondary battery is subjected together with lithium metal to reducing reaction in molten lithium chloride to produce lithium oxide and to precipitate and separate cobalt or cobalt oxide. The lithium oxide is subjected to electro-deposition in molten lithium chloride contained in a lithium electro-deposition tank provided with an anode and a cathode to recover lithium metal deposited on the cathode. |
| US07713391B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing an abnormality of a gas-concentration measuring apparatus
In an activation state of a sensor device, when voltage on the connection points between the sensor device and the sensor control circuit becomes a preset abnormal value, electric cut off is made between the sensor control circuit and the connection point. Then, the delivery of power to the heater is ceased to lower the temperature of the cells to a below of an activation temperature, thereby increasing the internal resistance of the cell. Thereafter, the sensor control circuit supplies to the sensor device a current in a degree not to damage the sensor device, to detect voltages on the connection points at that time. By comparing between the voltages on the respective connection points detected, a content and location of abnormality occurred is identified for the sensor device. |
| US07713388B2 |
Out-of-plane spring structures on a substrate
A structure has at least one structure component formed of a first material residing on a substrate, such that the structure is out of a plane of the substrate. A first coating of a second material then coats the structure. A second coating of a non-oxidizing material coats the structure at a thickness less than a thickness of the second material. |
| US07713385B2 |
Apparatus for treating a material web after a nip
Apparatus and method for treating a material web, which has at least one nip through which the material web is guided and which is formed between a first revolving, heated surface and a second revolving surface, it being possible for the first surface to be heated to at least 120° C. and both surfaces in the nip having the same direction of movement as the material web. Good surface quality of the material web is obtained by providing a box which bounds a space through which the material web is guided, the space being arranged after the first or after the last nip in the direction of movement of the web. |
| US07713381B2 |
TMP refining of destructured chips
A system for thermomechanical refining of wood chips comprises preparing the chips for refining by exposing the chips to an environment of steam to soften the chips, compressively destructuring and dewatering the softened chips to a solids consistency above 55 percent, and diluting the destructured and dewatered chips to a consistency in the range of about 30 to 55 percent. The destructuring partially defibrates the material. This diluted material is fed to a rotating disc primary refiner wherein each of the opposed discs has an inner ring pattern of bars and grooves and an outer ring pattern of bars and grooves. The destructured and partially defibrated chips are substantially completely defibrated in the inner ring and the resulting fibers are fibrillated in the outer ring. The compressive destructuring, dewatering, and dilution can all be implemented in one integrated piece of equipment immediately upstream of the primary refiner, and the fiberizing and fibrillating are both achieved between only one set of relatively rotating discs in the primary refiner. |
| US07713379B2 |
Plasma confinement rings including RF absorbing material for reducing polymer deposition
Plasma confinement rings are adapted to reach sufficiently high temperatures on plasma-exposed surfaces of the rings to substantially reduce polymer deposition on those surfaces. The plasma confinement rings include an RF lossy material effective to enhance heating at portions of the rings. A low-emissivity material can be provided on a portion of the plasma confinement ring assembly to enhance heating effects. |
| US07713378B2 |
Ozone processing device
A substrate ozone processing device includes: a substrate-carrying/heating platform; above the platform, a gas supply head made up of a main head unit bored with platform-directed vent holes, gas conduits connected at their basal ends to the gas vent holes and separated by an interspace communicating with the gas-supply-head exterior, and a plurality of coplanar facing plates perforated, top-side-to-underside, with gas-discharging through-holes receiving the distal ends of the gas conduits, and with a latticework of gaps surrounding the discharging through-holes and communicating with the interspace; and a gas supply device for supplying ozone gas to the discharging through-holes. The facing plates are of small volume such that even should heat transfer between the plates and the substrate occur, thermal equilibrium between the plates and the substrate is reached in a short time, facilitating substrate temperature management. |
| US07713374B2 |
Pipeline lining method
A pipe lining material is inserted into a pipeline and expanded to press against an inner peripheral surface of the pipeline. Hot water from a first fluid source is sprayed onto the pipe lining material via a hose to cure the thermosetting resin impregnated therein and thereby cure the pipe lining material, with the sprayed hot water being accumulated in a bottom part of the pipe lining material. The hot water accumulated in the bottom part of the pipe lining material is delivered to a second fluid source separate and independent from the first fluid source, cooled in the second fluid source to provide cooling water, and supplied to the hose. The cooling water is sprayed onto the cured pipe lining material via the hose to cool the cured pipe lining material. |
| US07713370B2 |
Clothing ventilation device allowing the human body to breathe, and method for producing the device
A ventilation device to be applied to items of clothing, which includes an assembly with through holes, which is composed of a band of material that is at least partially transparent and impermeable and is configured to be arranged externally. A layer is provided to be placed in view and is made of natural or synthetic fabric or natural or synthetic leather. At least one layer of adhesive polymeric material mutually joins the outer and the layer, between which it is sandwiched. A membrane which is impermeable to water and permeable to vapor, provided to be arranged internally, is sealed at least perimetrically to the assembly on the side of the layer to be placed in view. |
| US07713369B2 |
Detachable substrate or detachable structure and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to the preparation of a thin layer comprising a step in which an interface is created between a layer used to create said thin layer and a substrate, characterized in that said interface is made in such a way that it is provided with at least one first zone (Z1) which has a first level of mechanical strength, and a second zone (Z2) which has a level of mechanical strength which is substantially lower than that of the first zone. Said interface can be created by glueing surfaces which are prepared in a differentiated manner, by a layer which is buried and embrittled in a differentiated manner in said zones, or by an intermediate porous layer. |
| US07713368B2 |
Sheet peeling apparatus and peeling method
A sheet S is stuck on the front surface of a wafer W, and the wafer W is supported on a table 20. A peeling tape T is stuck onto a peripheral portion of the sheet S and the peeling tape T is held by a peeling head 13. The peeling head 13 and the table 20 perform a relative movement along guide rails 25, the table 20 rotates a predetermined angle in clockwise and counterclockwise directions alternately via a swing mechanism 21 thereby peeling off the sheet S from the wafer W accompanying a zigzag movement. |
| US07713367B2 |
Table coverings
A covering, particularly for tables, comprises a layer of semi-permanent adhesive (2) on a clear polymer carrier layer (3) bearing a printed display layer (4). The covering may additionally comprise a substrate (1) of release paper to assist in applying the covering. The covering can be used semi-permanently to cover tables in restaurants and bars for examples, enabling the cover to be removed after a selected period. The cover may be used to present advertising material and may permit the table top to be visible through non-printed regions of the covering. |
| US07713365B2 |
Water based aerosol adhesive
An adhesive composition of between 10-70% by weight of a latex emulsion, between 30-80% by weight of an acrylic, between 0.05-5% by weight of a surfactant, and between 1-50% by weight of water, and an adhesive application system for applying the adhesive composition having the adhesive, a propellant, a pressure container for containing the adhesive and the propellant under pressure, and a valve system to regulate the flow of the adhesive and propellant out of the pressure container. |
| US07713362B2 |
Method for making an abrasion resistant steel plate and plate obtained
A method for producing a plate of steel which is resistant to abrasion and whose chemical composition includes, by weight: 0.24%≦C<0.35%; 0%≦Si≦2%; 0%≦Al≦2%; 0.5%≦Si+Al≦2%; 0%≦Mn≦2.5% 0%≦Ni≦5%; 0%≦Cr≦<5% 0%≦Mo≦1%; 0%≦W≦2%; 0.1%≦Mo+W/2≦1%; 0%≦B≦0.02%; 0%≦Ti≦1.1%; 0%≦Zr≦2.2%; 0.35% |
| US07713358B2 |
Dishwashing machine with a gradual-start wash cycle
A dishwashing machine comprising a washing station having a wash water tank, a plurality of wash water dispensing nozzles, a recirculation pump adapted to circulate the wash water from the tank to the nozzles; and a hydraulic filling container communicating with the recirculation pump via a first and a second conduit respectively connected to a delivery conduit and to a suction conduit of the pump itself. |
| US07713353B2 |
β-Ga2O3 single crystal growing method, thin-film single crystal growing method, Ga2O3 light-emitting device, and its manufacturing method
A method for growing a β-Ga2O3 single includes preparing a β-Ga2O3 seed crystal and growing the β-Ga2O3 single crystal from the β-Ga2O3 seed crystal in a predetermined direction. |
| US07713350B2 |
Inorganic colors and related nanotechnology
A pigment with modified properties because of the powder size being below 100 nanometers. Blue, yellow and brown pigments are illustrated. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker inorganic fillers are included. Stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric composition are disclosed. The pigment nanopowders taught comprise one or more elements from the group actinium, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, cadmium, calcium, cerium, cesium, cobalt, copper, chalcogenide, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, gold, hafnium, hydrogen, indium, iridium, iron, lanthanum, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mendelevium, mercury, molybdenum, neodymium, neptunium, nickel niobium, nitrogen, oxygen, osmium, palladium, platinum, potassium, praseodymium, promethium, protactinium, rhenium, rubidium, scandium, silver, sodium, strontium, tantalum, terbium, thallium, thorium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc and zirconium. |
| US07713344B2 |
Liquid formulations for sealing of cracks in internal combustion engine cooling systems
Complete liquid formulations, that can seal up cracks on metal surfaces of devices participating in cooling of internal combustion engines and are composed of water soluble fibrous macromolecules, nanometer size metals, and silicon dioxide, are disclosed. |
| US07713341B2 |
Quaternary ammonium salt compositions
The present invention relates to a quaternary ammonium salt composition containing (a) a quaternary ammonium salt represented by the following general formula (1), (b) a specific tertiary amine and (c) an organic acid ester in specific mass ratios which is excellent in hue and storage stability, a process for producing the quaternary ammonium salt composition, and a wood preservative containing the quaternary ammonium salt composition. wherein R1 is an alkyl or alkenyl group; R2 is an alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl group; R3 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group; R4 is an alkylene group; n is a number of from 1 to 5; and A is a counter ion derived from sulfonic acid, etc. |
| US07713340B2 |
Pretreating agent for electroless plating, method of electroless plating using the same and product of electroless plating
The object of the present invention is to provide a pretreating agent for electroless plating that is stable and soluble in organic solvents, a method of electroless plating with excellent adhesiveness using it and an electroless plated product. An object to be plated is pre-treated using a pretreating agent for electroless plating comprising a noble metal soap of naphthenic acid or a fatty acid having 5 to 25 carbon atoms or preferably using a pretreating agent for electroless plating additionally comprising an imidazole silane coupling agent or other silane coupling agent having metal capturing ability, and then electroless plated. The noble metal soap is preferably a palladium soap. |
| US07713333B2 |
Adsorbents for pressure swing adsorption systems and methods of use therefor
The present invention relates generally to adsorbents for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) prepurification processes. The invention more particularly relates to the design of adsorbent zones to be used in PSA prepurification processes that are expected to provide for extensions in PSA cycle time, thereby reducing blowdown loss and operating costs associated with the process. One particular embodiment of the present invention includes a first adsorption zone containing activated alumina and a second adsorption zone of an alumina-zeolite mixture or composite adsorbent in which the volume of the first zone does not exceed 50% of the total volume of the first and second zone. |
| US07713331B2 |
Axial transfer line degassing
An elongated flow-through degassing apparatus includes an elongated gas and liquid impermeable outer member and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable inner barrier extending within the outer member and at least partially along a first chamber defined within the outer member. The apparatus also includes inlet and outlet connection structures operably coupled to respective portions of the outer member and a second chamber defined by the inner barrier to further enable a sealed engagement between the outer member and the inner barrier, and to provide for connection devices to operably couple the degassing apparatus of the present invention to respective spaced apart components. The degassing apparatus may be sufficiently flexible so as to be readily manipulatable into desired configurations. |
| US07713330B2 |
Tower ionizer air cleaner
A tower ionizer air cleaner is provided. The tower ionizer air cleaner includes a tower chassis, with a base of the tower chassis including a small footprint, one or more airflow inlet openings in the tower chassis, one or more airflow outlet openings in the tower chassis and substantially opposite to the one or more airflow inlet openings, and an ionizer element positioned within the tower chassis. The tower ionizer air cleaner further includes one or more fan units substantially vertically located within the tower ionizer air cleaner and affixed to the tower chassis. The one or more fan units are configured to provide an airflow between the one or more airflow inlet openings and the one or more airflow outlet openings and through the ionizer element. |
| US07713328B2 |
Metallic colloid particles and process for producing same
There are disclosed metallic colloid particles containing platinum fine particles wherein platinum colloid particles are supported on the surfaces of gold colloid particles, and the platinum fine particles have an average particle diameter of at most 5 nm; a process for producing the metallic colloid particles; a metallic corpuscular carrying body wherein the above metallic colloid particles are supported on a carrier and a process for producing the carrying body. The resultant metallic colloid particles, which have higher sensitivity, are well suited as a label for immunological measurement and protein-staining agent for various proteins. |
| US07713326B2 |
Controlled release fertilizer material and process for production thereof
Thiol ester compositions, methods of making the thiol ester compositions, and methods of using the thiol ester compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the thiol ester compositions include thiol esters, hydroxy thiol esters and cross-linked thiol esters. The thiol ester composition can be used to produce cross-linked thiol esters, sulfonic acid-containing esters, sulfonate containing esters and thioacrylate containing esters. The thiol ester compositions can be used to produce polythiourethanes. The polythiourethanes can be used in fertilizers and fertilizer coatings. |
| US07713320B2 |
Evacuable bag having filter for reducing particulate contamination of vacuum valve
An evacuable, reclosable bag including a receptacle having an interior volume and a mouth; a closure operable to open and close the mouth; a one-way valve penetrating a wall of the receptacle; and a filter attached to the same receptacle wall. The filter is arranged so that any air flowing from the interior volume outward through the one-way valve must flow through the filter before flowing through the valve. The filter may be a mesh or fabric (woven or nonwoven) having openings sized to prevent the passage of particulate matter placed inside the bag. |
| US07713309B2 |
System and method for detecting and reporting cable network devices with duplicate media access control addresses
The detection of devices with duplicate media access controller (MAC) addresses in a cable network. A cable network device (CND) having a MAC address is connected by the cable network to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) having a gateway interface address. A centralized storage of historical cable modem MAC address/giaddr tuple data is used to identify CNDs that report duplicate MAC addresses. The cable network tracks the CND MAC address/giaddr tuple data of all CND requests that it receives and stores the MAC address/giaddr tuple data into a datastore (such as a database). When a CND seeks to access the network, the cable network looks into the datastore to determine whether the CND MAC address of the CND has previously been stored with a different associated giaddr, which would imply that there are multiple CNDs attached to different CMTSs where the CNDs share the same MAC address. If such duplication is detected, an appropriate remedial response is taken. |
| US07713304B2 |
Transforaminal prosthetic spinal disc replacement
The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that are implanted using a transforaminal approach. |
| US07713303B2 |
Collagen-based materials and methods for augmenting intervertebral discs
A method of augmenting an intervertebral disc by injecting particles of collagen-based material into the disc. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper disc function. |
| US07713296B2 |
Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels
A stenting system includes a stent delivery catheter having a catheter shaft with a step balloon mounted thereon. The step balloon has a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is inflatable to a larger expanded diameter than the distal portion. A two-part stent has a proximal part that is mounted on the proximal portion of the step balloon and a distal part that is mounted on the distal portion of the step balloon and a non-link zone between the proximal part and the distal part of the two-part stent. The proximal part and the distal part of the two-part stent are each configured with stent struts that extend like interdigitating fingers into the non-link zone to provide improved strut coverage in the carina region of the bifurcated vessel. The non-link zone effectively eliminates any difficulties in alignment of the two parts relative to one another during placement of the two-part stent in a bifurcated vessel. |
| US07713291B2 |
Vertebral stabilization assembly and method
A vertebral stabilization assembly for stabilizing vertebrae is provided. The vertebral stabilization assembly includes a first and a second pedicle screw, a first and second connecting screw, and a connecting member. The first and second pedicle screws each have a shaft provided with a threaded portion operable for threading engagement of the first and second pedicle screws with a first and second vertebra, respectively, each shaft also has an engaging portion. The first and second connecting screws each have a first end adapted to be received by the engaging portions of the first and second pedicle screws, respectively. The connecting member has a first end connected to the first connecting screw and a second end connected to the second connecting screw for stabilization of the first and second vertebra. A guide member for placement of the connecting screw and method for anteriorly stabilizing vertebrae is also provided. |
| US07713289B2 |
Device for fixing a longitudinal carrier to a bone fixing element
The device is used for mutually securing or clamping a longitudinal carrier (e.g., a spinal rod) to a bone fixing element (e.g., a pedicle screw). The device includes a body having a channel that is open along its longitudinal axis on one side for receiving the longitudinal carrier. The body has a bore that extends fully through the body and at least partially intersects the channel. The bore is conical in form and has a large opening, a small opening, and an inner thread. The head of the bone fixing element has an outer thread that corresponds to the inner thread. As the fixing element is secured in the bore, it locks the longitudinal carrier to the device. |
| US07713282B2 |
Detachable atrial appendage occlusion balloon
Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed. |
| US07713281B2 |
Expandable guide sheath and apparatus and methods for making them
Apparatus and methods are provided for providing access to a body lumen. The apparatus includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a body lumen, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. A pushable stiffening member extends from the distal end of the tubular member, the elongate member terminating in a distal tip. An expandable sheath extends along at least a portion of the stiffening member, the sheath being expandable from a contracted condition to minimize a profile of the sheath to allow insertion along with the stiffening member into a body lumen, and an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen communicating with the tubular member lumen. In one embodiment, the sheath includes an outer lumen and an inner lumen floating within the outer lumen, and the stiffening member is carried in the inner lumen. |
| US07713280B2 |
Lancets
A return spring arrangement for a lancet (6) is provided by a pair of undulating plastic webs (14) formed integrally with the lancet. The undulations of the two webs (14) are shown out of phase with one another. These webs (14) are flexible and thus are caused to concertina when the tips (15) of the webs hit the interior of a lancet holder on release of a drive spring. The energy stored within the collapsed webs (14) is then released to drive the lancet back within the lancet holder. This positive return of the lancet ensures that a needle (5) will retract safely into the lancet holder, after operation, and does not rely on the spring being locked into the lancet holder and onto the lancet. |
| US07713277B2 |
Tissue reconfiguration
A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument. |
| US07713269B2 |
Devices for electrosurgery
Devices for electrosurgery by means of oxy-hydro combustion and methods for use of such devices in electrosurgical procedures. Provided are devices for combustion of oxygen and hydrogen, or other hydrocarbon fuels, wherein oxygen and hydrogen may be generated by electrolysis or oxygen and hydrogen, or other hydrocarbon fuels, may be supplied, such devices including an ignition source and an adjustable and translatable sheath for controlling such reactions. Also provided is a detachable and positionable sheath for controlling reactions and minimizing tissue damage with conventional electrosurgery devices. |
| US07713268B2 |
Thermokeratoplasty systems
The present invention provides applicators for performing thermokeratoplasty. One embodiment of such applicators includes two generally tubular electrical conducting elements coaxially disposed relative to one another and separated by an electrically insulating element having a selected thickness. At least a portion of each conducting tube is coated with an electrically insulating and thermally conductive material, e.g., anodized aluminum, so as to electrically insulate the conducting tubes from corneal tissue upon placement of the applicator on a subject's cornea while facilitating extraction of heat from the cornea. |
| US07713264B2 |
Detachable aneurysm neck bridge
In one embodiment, a neck bridge for bridging the neck of an aneurysm includes a junction region, a number of radially extending array elements attached to the junction region, and a cover attached to one or both of the junction region and an array element. The array elements are configured to be positioned within the aneurysm after the neck bridge is deployed from a delivery device. In a second embodiment, the neck bridge includes a junction region and a braided or mesh-like structure secured to the junction region. The braided or mesh-like structure is made from an elastic material. |
| US07713263B2 |
Friction compensation in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus
Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range. |
| US07713260B2 |
Catheter having an overmolded hub
Catheters having an overmolded hub are disclosed. The overmolded catheter hubs may include one or more access hubs that are overmolded with an overmold material. The catheter hub may also be formed as a single piece from the overmold material. The overmolded construction can result in a stronger bond between the catheter body and the hub and can provide for access hubs having sufficient clarity for the observation of air bubbles in a contained fluid. The disclosed catheter hubs may also demonstrate improved balloon deflation rates when utilized with a catheter body having a distal balloon. |
| US07713252B2 |
Therapeutic article including a personal care composition and methods of making the therapeutic article
A therapeutic article includes a skin contact layer having a plurality of fibers forming a plurality of point-bearing surfaces configured for wear against a user's skin; a personal care composition disposed proximate the fibers; an external layer attached to the skin contact layer; and an intermediate layer interposed between the skin contact layer and the external layer, the intermediate layer being configured to activate the personal care composition, the external layer being configured to direct the activated personal care composition through the skin contact layer to treat the user. |
| US07713251B2 |
Implantable vascular access device with ceramic needle guard insert
The present invention provides an improved vascular access port comprising a port base with a metallic dish insert molded (or bonded) into the bottom of the reservoir. In one embodiment, a single reservoir is provided. In another embodiment, plural reservoirs are provided. The metallic bottom of the reservoir provides a hard surface that will resist abrasion and puncture by the access needles used to infuse medication or withdraw blood. Additionally, the single and dual ports can include exit ports that are intended to better anatomically fit into the subcutaneous areas around muscle tissue. |
| US07713249B2 |
Medical valve and method of use
A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container. |
| US07713248B2 |
Medical valve and method of use
A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container. |
| US07713247B2 |
Medical valve and method of use
A closed system, needleless valve device includes a generally tubular body defining an internal cavity. On the proximal end of the body there is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The distal end of the body has a generally tubular skirt. The valve also includes a hollow spike having a closed tip. The spike includes at least one longitudinal 18-gauge hole located distal the tip, and is seated inside the cavity such that the tip is below the proximal end of the body. An annular support cuff is connected to the spike which seals off a portion of the cavity of the body such that an upper cavity containing the tip is defined. The valve also includes a plastic, resilient silicone seal which fills the upper cavity and opening and covers the tip of the spike so as to present a flush surface. An adaptor enables the valve to be attached to a resealable container. |
| US07713245B2 |
Plunger for retracting needle syringe
A plunger for a retracting needle syringe includes a hollow elongate body portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and a side wall therebetween defining a cavity. The distal end includes a distal wall having an inside surface and an outside surface. A stopper, at the distal end of the body portion, includes a peripheral portion performing a seal with the inside surface of a syringe barrel and at least one radial element extending from about a center of the outside surface of the distal wall to the peripheral portion. The distal end of the body portion includes at least one primary chamfer in the cavity at an intersection of the inside surface of the distal wall and the side wall. The chamfer is positioned under the at least one radial element for supporting the distal wall and the radial element when a hollow sleeve in the syringe barrel cuts through the end wall plunger. A secondary, smaller chamfer on each side of the primary chamfer is also provided. |
| US07713241B2 |
Rapid infusion system
A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge. |
| US07713235B2 |
Interventional catheters incorporating an active aspiration system
An interventional catheter assembly comprises an operating head for removing obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity and at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head and penetrating the catheter assembly, the aspiration port being in communication with a sealed lumen that communicates with a vacuum system for withdrawing aspirate fluid and obstructive material from the target site. A rotatable member is positioned inside the catheter assembly at the site of the aspiration port and rotates during operation of the vacuum system. The rotatable member is provided with at least one upstanding bar that is sized to cooperate with the walls of the aspiration port and the inner surface of the catheter assembly to macerate debris that is drawn into the aspiration port. |
| US07713229B2 |
Drug delivery pen with event notification means
Devices, systems and methods are provided for drug delivery and the monitoring thereof. The systems include a drug delivery device, a holder for the drug delivery device when the device is not in use, a detector for detecting the presence of the drug delivery device within or close to the holder, and at least one algorithm for querying and prompting a user of the drug delivery device, wherein the at least one algorithm is activated upon removal of the drug delivery device from the holder. |
| US07713227B2 |
Method and apparatus for medical device for aspiration of thromboemobolic debris
An apparatus for collecting blood clots, plaque, and other debris in arteries or veins, said apparatus comprising: a filter assembly having a chamber with a paddle assembly and a porous floor disposed therein; and tubes for coupling said filter assembly to an artery and to a vein. |
| US07713226B2 |
On demand and post-treatment delivery of saline to a dialysis patient
Apparatus for use in a dialysis system are disclosed including an apparatus for delivering saline during dialysis treatment, an apparatus for delivering saline to a patient after dialysis treatment has ended, and an apparatus for alerting a patient that dialysis treatment is about to end. In the apparatus for delivering saline during dialysis treatment, a controller is configured to automatically deliver saline in response to a request. In the apparatus for delivering saline to a patient after dialysis treatment has ended, a controller is configured to automatically deliver saline after dialysis treatment has concluded, but before the patient is disconnected in response to a request. In the apparatus for alerting a patient that dialysis treatment is about to end, a controller is configured to monitor a dialysis treatment and activate an alarm when treatment is about to end. |
| US07713223B2 |
Hand and/or wrist brace apparatus
Hand and/or wrist support apparatus, comprising in combination, a first brace configured for application to the hand and/or wrist of the user, and a second brace configured for application over at least a portion of the first brace, each brace configured for in-place retention, providing support to a substantial portion of the hand and/or wrist of the user, including the thumb. |
| US07713218B2 |
Removable applicator nozzle for ultrasound wound therapy device
A removable applicator nozzle for use in treating a wound is provided. The removable applicator nozzle includes a nozzle, a valve and a cup. The nozzle includes a proximal portion, a distal opening and a valve interface. The proximal portion of the nozzle is engagable with a portion of a transducer of an ultrasound wound therapy device. The distal opening of the nozzle allows at least a portion of a tip of the transducer to pass therethrough. The valve is engagable with the valve interface of the nozzle and the valve selectively allows fluid to flow therethrough. The cup includes an aperture and a puncturing device. The aperture is engagable with the valve and the puncturing device is able to puncture a bottle that is inserted on the cup. Fluid flows from the bottle, through the aperture and the valve and onto a tip of the transducer. The fluid is then moved to the distal opening of the nozzle by a vacuum effect. |
| US07713216B2 |
Method for cervical dilation and/or measurement
The present invention provides a medical device for measuring and/or providing cervical dilation including an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate body. An array of movable elements may be disposed circumferentially about the elongate body, where the array of movable elements is movably coupled to the distal end of the elongate body by a plurality of wires. The medical device may further include a measurement mechanism able to determine a radial spacing of the array of movable elements, as well as a dilation indicator in communication with the measurement mechanism. One or more pressure sensors may be coupled to the array of movable elements, whereby a control element is in communication with the pressure sensors. In addition, an inflation source may be included in fluid communication with the expandable element. |
| US07713212B2 |
Method and system for consciously synchronizing the breathing cycle with the natural heart rate cycle
The present invention provides a biofeedback system and method for the purpose of allowing a human subject to consciously synchronize one's rhythm of breathing with one's natural heart rhythm for purposes of maximizing coherence of one's heart rate variability pattern and consequent enhancement of physiological/psychological well being. It accomplishes this by facilitating a biofeedback signal that indicates to the human subject precisely when to inhale and exhale such that the breathing cycle will achieve a high degree of alignment with the natural heart rate cycle. It also specifies an instructive method for bringing a human subject to an adequately coherent heart rate variability pattern such that the preferred embodiment of the invention can be applied. |
| US07713209B2 |
Targeted contrast agent imaging with medical diagnostic ultrasound
Contrast agent enhanced medical diagnostic imaging is provided. Substantially stationary or bound contrast agents are detected. By tracking relative motion between frames of data, spatial locations associated with consistent detection of contrast agents are identified. The contrast agent detected at the identified spatial locations are substantially stationary contrast agents. |
| US07713205B2 |
Dynamic tracking of soft tissue targets with ultrasound images, without using fiducial markers
An apparatus and method of dynamically tracking a soft tissue target with ultrasound images, without the use of fiducial markers. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an ultrasound imager to generate a reference ultrasound and a first ultrasound image having a soft tissue target, and a processing device coupled to the ultrasound imager to receive the reference ultrasound image and the first ultrasound image, to register the first ultrasound image with the reference ultrasound image, and to determine a displacement of the soft tissue target based on registration of the first ultrasound image with the reference ultrasound image. |
| US07713203B2 |
Ultrasound treatment device and method
The inventive ultrasound treating device comprises a first processing transducer set (11) for transmitting a beam of high-intensity ultrasound waves to a treatable area (3), wherein said beam comprises an aspheric wavefront and forms a focal spot (6) on the treatable area elongated and inclined with respect to the direction of the ultrasound wave propagation and the focal spot (6) length is less than the length of the transducer (11). The inventive device is particularly suitable for treating an elongated area such as vein portions enveloping a pathological valve. |
| US07713191B2 |
Balloon controller for endoscope apparatus
A balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus which enables an operator to correctly and immediately grasp circumstances relating to an abnormal condition at the time of occurrence of the abnormal condition. The balloon controller controls expansion and shrinkage of each of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon attached to an insertion assist implement, by supplying air to the balloon or drawing air from the balloon. Pressure indicating portions on which the values of pressures in the first and second balloons are displayed are provided in a front surface of a main body of the balloon controller. When an abnormal condition occurs, an error code and the pressure values are alternately displayed on the pressure indicating portions. |
| US07713189B2 |
Video endoscope with a rotatable video camera
A video endoscope includes a tube fitted at its distal end with an affixed objective lens, a video camera mounted behind the objective lens in the tube, the camera together with an elongated rotation element constituting a swivel unit that is supported both at the distal and proximal end zones in each case by swivel bearing at the tube. The swivel element being rotationally adjustable relative the tube by a swivel drive system. The distal swivel bearing is axially and radially bearing and the proximal swivel bearing is only radially bearing. |
| US07713188B2 |
Surgical device forming a surgical prosthesis
The surgical device is for supporting a mammalian organ in need of support, and in particular for treating urinary incontinence. The device has at least one first support element of elongate shape for exerting a supporting action on the organ; and at least one first traction filiform element, to be fastened to the support element. One end of the traction element constituting at least one first anchor system, activated by traction exerted on the first traction element thereby simplifying the surgical procedure. |
| US07713187B2 |
Systems and methods for delivering a medical implant to an anatomical location in a patient
Medical implant delivery devices and systems are disclosed. In general, an exemplary delivery device comprises a shaft and a handle. An exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in trans-obturator approaches are disclosed. |
| US07713186B2 |
Detection and influencing of physiological and/or pathological states
A device for detecting and influencing the physiological and/or pathological state of the human or animal body, including a housing which has a first housing wall that, in turn, has an outer surface provided for placing against a body to be treated. A rotor is situated inside the housing and is rotationally driven about an axis that is essentially perpendicular to the first housing wall. First magnets are mounted on the rotor, and their magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction that is parallel to the rotation axis. At least one additional magnet is situated essentially coaxial to the rotation axis with a polarity of each being oriented in an opposite direction to the first magnets. |
| US07713183B2 |
Method and apparatus for storing robotic tooling for vehicle body sheet metal robotic assembly
Apparatus (12) for storing robotic tooling for vehicle body sheet metal robotic assembly operates a robot to transfer robotic tooling between an assembly station and a rotary storage rack (56) of a storage rack assembly (28). The storage rack (56) has vertically spaced storage locations and is rotated about a vertical axis to provide circumferentially spaced storage locations. |
| US07713179B2 |
Dual action weightlifting machine
A dual action weightlifting machine has a stationary frame and first and second spaced vertical guides slidably mounted on the stationary frame for horizontal sliding movement relative to the frame. A horizontally extending exercise bar assembly has spaced first and second vertical slides slidably mounted on the vertical guides for vertical sliding movement relative to the frame, a user engaging portion for gripping by a user when performing weightlifting exercises, and opposite end portions for receiving one or more selected weights. The user engaging portion is located between the vertical slides and rotatably mounted relative to the vertical slides for free rotation through 360 degrees, so that the user's hands may be rotated relative to the vertical slides while lifting weights. |
| US07713178B2 |
Skating simulation exercise device
The invention relates to a skating simulating exercise device including a force transmission means, which exponentially increases the amount of force required to spin a flywheel as the user approaches the limits of ovoid shaped boundaries, thereby eliminating abrupt stoppages and to simulate the digging in and pushing off actions in a real skating stride. The skating simulating exercise device also includes resistance to both rearward and lateral motion, which can be linked together to more effectively strengthen all aspects of a skater's motion. |
| US07713163B2 |
Control system for hybrid vehicles
A control system for hybrid vehicles, in which a second prime mover is connected to an output member to which a power is transmitted from a first prime mover through a transmission in which a torque capacity is varied in accordance with an oil pressure, and which has a first hydraulic pump driven by the first prime mover for establishing an oil pressure to be fed to the transmission, and a second hydraulic pump arranged in parallel with the first hydraulic pump and driven by an electric motor. A torque limiter limits an output torque of the second prime mover temporarily to a predetermined torque which is lower than a maximum output torque, at a starting time of the first prime mover. |
| US07713162B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member. |
| US07713160B2 |
Multistage automatic transmission with three planetary gear sets
A multi-stage automatic transmission possesses an input drive shaft (AN), an output drive shaft (AB), three single planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3) as well as five shifting elements (A to E), via the pairwise selective closure of which, an entry speed of rotation of the input drive shaft (AN) can be transmitted to the output drive shaft (AB) without group shifting. A sun gear (SO3) of the third planetary gear set (RS3) can be set motionless by the first shifting element (A) on the transmission housing (GG). The input drive shaft (AN) is bound to a sun gear (SO2) of the second planetary gear set (RS2) and via the second shifting element (B) can be connected with a sun gear (SO1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1) and via of the fifth shifting element (E) with a spider (ST1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1). |
| US07713159B2 |
Power transmitting apparatus
A differential mechanism 3 is contained and supported at inside of a bell housing 7 integrally provided to a transmission case 11 of a transmission 9 to constitute a common lubrication environment. A limited slip differential mechanism 5 for limiting differential movement of the differential mechanism 3 is made to be selectively attachable to outside of the bell housing 7. The limited slip differential mechanism 5 is not restricted by a size of the bell housing 7, the sufficient limited slip differential mechanism 5 can be provided, and an interchangeability of presence/absence of the limited slip differential mechanism 5 can be provided. |
| US07713157B2 |
Planetary gear controlled alternator
An alternator system includes an input shaft, a planetary gear assembly, a variable resistance generator, and a control unit. The alternator assembly is structured to produce an output current having a frequency. The planetary gear assembly disposed between, and operatively coupled to, the input shaft and the alternator assembly. The planetary gear assembly has a planet gear carrier body with an outer radial surface having teeth. The variable resistance generator has an external generator shaft with a generator gear. The generator gear is structured to engage the outer radial surface teeth. The control unit structured to detect the frequency of the alternator assembly output current and to alter the resistance of the generator. The control unit is structured to maintain the frequency of the alternator assembly output current within a selected range by increasing or decreasing the resistance of the generator. |
| US07713156B2 |
Chain transmission device
In a chain transmission having a sprocket with an elastic ring sandwiched between a central hub and an annular toothed outer member, the tooth form is such that the root diameter, that is, the diameter of the tooth gap bottom circle, is greater than the root diameter in a sprocket having a standard ISO tooth form. |
| US07713153B2 |
Infinitely variable transmission
An IVT machine includes an input shaft, a drive wheel on the input shaft, an output shaft, a ratio changing device which is mounted on the output shaft, an endless belt which passes over the drive wheel and in an open loop on the ratio changing device, control elements for enlarging and reducing the belt loop dimension about the output shaft axis, belt guide elements providing a throat through which the belt enters and leaves its loop on the ratio changing device, and a drive arrangement on the ratio changing device for the transmission of drive power to the output shaft and is engaged with the belt in a portion of its loop on the device and engageable with the belt on both sides of the throat in its transition across the throat during rotation of the ratio changing device. |
| US07713148B2 |
Topography linked golf aid
A method, apparatus, and program for computing a path, starting velocity, aim angle, and aim points for directing a putted golf ball from a point on a golf course to another point and incorporating such data into easily read charts or electronic media is provided. The invention also provides a means of determining the initial launch conditions and actual path a putted golf ball traveled on given its starting and ending ball positions. |
| US07713146B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. At least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of less than 1.05 g/cc and/or at least one of the core layers has a specific gravity of greater than 1.25 g/cc. |
| US07713145B2 |
Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. |
| US07713138B2 |
Wood club
A wood type club is provided. A toe-side part and a heel-side part located between the crown part and the sole part of the head are provided with at least one concave groove opened outward in a horizontal direction and extending from the face part to the back part in a longitudinal direction to guide an air stream to the head in a swing action; and a whole or part of the concave groove has a curved part bulging outwardly so that an angle in which a concave groove bottom formed from an inlet of the concave groove to an inside thereof is inclined inward with respect to a line perpendicular to the face part is smaller than an angle in which a line connecting an inlet of the concave groove bottom and an outlet thereof is inclined inward with respect to the line perpendicular to the face part. |
| US07713135B2 |
Golf pitch mark repairer
A golf pitch mark repairer (101) is adapted to be removably retained on an extremity of a golf club, thereby allowing a golfer to utilize the reach afforded by the golf club to facilitate repair of the pitch mark. The pitch mark repairer (101) comprises a sleeve (103) for receiving the golf club extremity, and a retaining mechanism in the form of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) adapted to resist movement of the golf club relative to the pitch mark repairer (101). The golf club extremity is inserted with a sliding collar (117) positioned towards closed end (105) of sleeve (103). The sleeve (103) comprises windows (116a, 116b) through which respective portions of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) are urged to protrude outwardly when the golf club extremity is inserted. Thereafter the sliding collar (117) is engaged by sliding it along the sleeve (103) towards its open end (107). This acts to urge tabs (111a, 111b), and in particular respective valley portions (114a, 114b) thereof, into tighter engagement with the putter handle, resulting in a strong grip on the putter handle. |
| US07713131B2 |
Drive assembly and sleeve assembly therefor
A sleeve assembly includes a sleeve having an inner surface with a first splined portion, and a biasing system biasing a rolling member through the first splined portion. A drive assembly includes the sleeve assembly and a shaft with a second splined portion engageable with the first splined portion of the shaft. When the sleeve assembly is coupled with the shaft to form the drive assembly, the biasing system biases the rolling member into engagement with the second splined portion of the shaft. |
| US07713127B1 |
Simulating dialog in electronic games
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to simulating dialog in electronic games. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving a player interruption signal during presentation of a speech by a machine-controlled character in an electronic game, modifying a state of the machine-controlled character based on a time of the received player interruption relative to a length of the speech, and generating an action of the machine-controlled character based on the modified state. Modifying the state of the machine-controlled character can include adjusting an attitude variable of the machine-controlled character based on the time of the received player interruption, selecting a location in a dialog tree for the machine-controlled character based on the time of the received player interruption, or both. |
| US07713124B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing group play with divided bonus features
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. Upon a suitable triggering event at a triggering gaming device in the gaming system a bonus event occurs. When the bonus event occurs, the players actively playing each auxiliary gaming device in the gaming system are each provided a chance to participate in the bonus event as well. Each remaining gaming device's chance of participating in the bonus event is based on the individual accumulated bonus event pool for that gaming device. |
| US07713123B2 |
Slot machine bonus game
A bonus round for a slot game. A player can select random elements in order to win prizes, different elements may have different award amounts. A player is offered an opportunity to receive a hint, and if the player accepts a hint then the player is provided a clue of which random element(s) to select or avoid to obtain a greater award. |
| US07713122B2 |
Wagering game with bonus game elements dictated by basic game
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of conducting a wagering game having a basic game and a secondary game is disclosed. A wager is received from a player to play a basic game. A plurality of bonus objects are provided within the basic game. The bonus objects are capable of being collected in the basic game. A secondary game is initiated and at least one collected bonus object is provided as a player-selectable bonus object within the secondary game. The bonus object may be capable of providing an enhanced payout in the secondary game. A system is further provided for playing the above-described wagering game having a basic game and a secondary game. |
| US07713118B2 |
Timed gaming event
A timed gaming event has a start time, a defined duration, and an end time. In one embodiment, the timed gaming event comprises a period of time during which the payout for winning results is enhanced, such as by a multiplier. In another embodiment, the timed event is a tournament in which players of multiple gaming machines play a plurality of games. The winner(s) of the tournament is determined by the aggregate outcomes of each player's play of the multiple games during the event, such as the player having the highest aggregated winnings for games played during the event. Another event is a timed bonus period of a main game, during which a player is provided the opportunity to play a bonus game for enhanced winnings. |
| US07713117B2 |
Scoring system for games
Scoring a board configuration for a territory board game is often not straightforward and yet there is a desire to determine such scores quickly and accurately. For example, in the game of GO, determining the score at the end of the game involves assessing whether stones on the board are alive or dead which is a difficult judgment. Given a board configuration, the game is played by a scoring system to obtain a terminal board configuration. This is repeated to obtain a plurality of terminal board configurations from which an assessment can be made as to how likely each board position is to be won by a particular player at the end of the game. The scoring system obtains the terminal board configurations by playing random moves or by making a biased sampling of moves. The biased sampling is made using an evaluation function or in any suitable way. In the game of GO, seki positions are quickly and easily identified. An automated game playing system uses the output of the scoring system to assess when to offer to end a game. The output of the scoring system can also be used to provide hints to players during a game. |
| US07713116B2 |
Inventory management of virtual items in computer games
Within a game, a filter is applied to a game inventory based on an attribute of each one of a plurality of virtual items. The filter can be player defined, game developer defined, system programmer defined, or a combination thereof. In certain versions, the virtual items that satisfy the query provided by the filter are displayed to the player. The player can thereupon access any one of the virtual items that are represented by the icons that satisfy the filtering query. In one version, the attributes of the virtual items can be changed using the filtering game inventory system. |
| US07713114B1 |
Chimney cap
A cap capable of being secured to a chimney or flue of either air cooled or non-air cooled type and including a base, an annular collar member for insertion into a chimney or flue, an annular shaped mesh member that is supported from the base; a top supported on the annular shaped mesh member, means supported from an outer surface of the collar member below the base and forming a ledge for support of the collar member from the chimney or flue, and an over lap joint including a lower segment that extends substantially longitudinal of the collar member and a top segment that extends diagonal to the lower segment enabling compression of the diameter of the collar member. |
| US07713113B2 |
Coin counter that stops operating automatically when overload of the coins happens
A coin counter includes a base frame including a support board, a rotation unit including a rotation disk, a connecting unit including a mounting bracket, and a receiving unit including a receiving seat and a protective plate. Thus, the protective plate is located above the rotation disk of the rotation unit to protect the rotation disk of the rotation unit so as to prevent the coins in the receiving seat from directly contacting and hitting the rotation disk of the rotation unit. In addition, the protective plate of the receiving unit has two opposite sides each supported by the side edge of the receiving seat so that the protective plate of the receiving unit is supported by the receiving seat to bear the heavy load of the coins. |
| US07713111B2 |
Water supply for a hand-held power tool
A device for supplying water to a cutting wheel of a hand-held cut-off machine has a water-conducting line and a valve arrangement arranged in the line. The valve arrangement has a shut-off valve for controlling the water flow flowing through the line. The shut-off valve is actuated as a function of an operating signal of the cut-off machine such that in operation of the cut-off machine the water flow through the line is released by the shut-off valve. The shut-off valve interrupts the water flow through the line when the operating signal is absent. |
| US07713102B2 |
Amphibious vehicle speed change transmission arrangement
A power train configuration for an amphibious vehicle especially well suited for sit-astride applications. A prime mover drives a marine propulsion unit and/or at least one road wheel wherein the such road wheel is driven through a speed-change transmission. The speed-transmission is positioned above or below the axis of the prime mover's output shaft and preferably such that its input and output shafts are aligned at an angle of up to 90 degrees relative to the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral axes and/or the axis of the prime mover's output shaft. |
| US07713099B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector element including a first section and a second section. The first section has a general hook shape with a first conductor contact surface on an inward facing surface of the general hook shape. The second section is integrally formed with the first section. The second section has a first side forming a second conductor contact surface and an opposite second side. The second side faces the first conductor contact surface. The second side is sized and shaped to slidably interlock directly with another electrical connector element. The second side has at least one wedging surface. |
| US07713096B2 |
Modular electrical connector
A modular electrical connector including at least one body portion having an electrical terminal and at least one mating surface. An end portion has a mating surface interconnected to the mating surface of the body portion. The body portion and the end portion define a connector body. |
| US07713095B2 |
Contact
A contact includes: an insulating housing, including a first face and a second face opposite to the first face, and formed with an insertion hole parallel to the first face and the second face, the first face formed with a first slit extending in an axial direction of the insertion hole, the insertion hole opening through the first slit; an electrically conductive case, formed with a second slit extending in the axial direction, and inserted into the insertion hole, the second slit facing the second face, a part of the case projected from the first face through the first slit; an electrically conductive plunger, disposed in the case, and having a distal end portion projected from the case; and a spring coil, disposed in the case, and urging the plunger in the axial direction. |
| US07713094B1 |
Telecommunications connector configured to reduce mode conversion coupling
A communication connector including a plug and jack configured to lessen potential for crosstalk caused by unintended mode conversion coupling along wire pairs connected to tine pair 2 (tines T1 and T2) and tine pair 4 (tines T7 and T8). In the plug, twisted pair 2, connected to tine pair 2, and twisted pair 4, connected to tine pair 4, exchange lateral positions with one another thereby reducing differential voltage therebetween and unwanted transmission line mode conversion coupling. In the jack, cross-members and insulators laterally exchange longitudinal routing of the jack tine pair 2 with the jack tine pair 4 for those portions extending away from the plug engagement area of the jack. In particular, the longitudinal routing between tine T1 and tine T8 are laterally exchanged and longitudinal routing between tine T2 and tine T7 are laterally exchanged. |
| US07713089B2 |
Photovoltaic roofing tile with a plug and socket on 2 opposite edges
A low profile integrated solar roofing tile connecting system for the formation of a solar roof. The system is aesthetically appealing because the tiles lay relatively flat with a very low profile without any bulges or ridges because all wires and connectors embedded in the tiles. This low profile optimizes the roof's ability to withstand wind loads as well as minimizes cracking or breaking of the tiles due to external load forces. The connectors produce uniform spaces between adjacent tiles as well as providing an easy way to extend or exchange tiles. An integrated shunting or bypasses diode provides a current shunt path in the event of a modules' impedance upsurge cause by shading or by non-functioning tiles. This also allows for the flexible arrangement of the PV roofing tiles for a variety of system configurations, e.g. grid-tied, and off-grid systems, while maintaining system reliability and a modularized design. |
| US07713087B2 |
Terminal structure and vacuum pump
A vacuum pump casing has an opening that is covered and sealed by a cover member. The cover member is formed of molded resin with connector pins molded therein. The connector pins project outwardly from opposite sides of the cover member and are connected outside the pump casing to cables leading to a control device and connected inside the pump casing to cables leading to components within the pump casing. |
| US07713085B2 |
Connector interface
The present invention provides a connector interface comprising a connector socket interface and a connector plug interface, the connector socket interface comprising metal shell, insulator, band-shaped recess provided on said insulator and metal contacts and the connector plug interface comprising metal shell, insulator, and band-shaped protrusion provided on said insulator and metal contacts, said connector socket interface and said connector plug interface being able to be coupled together, wherein: said connector socket interface has a plurality of band-shaped recesses and said connector plug interface has a plurality of band-shaped protrusions. In a connector interface with the same number of metal pieces according to an embodiment of the present invention, the footprint of the coupling part is reduced, the footprint per pair of contacts is reduced, and the objective of increasing the pin density of the contacts in a connector is achieved. |
| US07713084B1 |
Protective electrical wiring device and system
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system that includes a plug device having a plurality of wires configured to be connected to an electrical distribution circuit. An electrical wiring device includes an input receptacle and at least one electrical element. The input receptacle is configured to receive the plug device to thereby establish electrically a continuous path between the at least one electrical element and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the input receptacle, the electrical wiring device including no external terminal connection elements. |
| US07713083B1 |
Jumper device for controlling connection of pins of electrical device on mainboard
A jumper device configured for adjusting connections between a number of pins of a jumper block includes a non-conductive casing, a number of conductive members, and a switch. The non-conductive casing includes a number of slots in linear alignment defined in the casing and through a bottom of the casing, and a sliding groove communicating with tops of the slots. The conductive members each include a top wall, disposed in the plurality of slots and configured for electrically connecting with the plurality of pins of the jumper block respectively. The top wall of each of two alternate conductive members includes a conductive tab. The switch is slidably disposed in the sliding groove configured to selectively connecting the top walls of two adjacent conductive members, or connecting the tabs of two alternate conductive members, thereby electrically connecting two corresponding pins of the jumper block. |
| US07713081B2 |
Communication jack
A communication is jack adapted to connect a cable that has an exposed ground wire mesh. The communication jack includes a first member, a second member, and a clamping component. The second member and the first member are capable of pivotally rotating relatively to be combined to form a clamping area. The cable is gripped by the clamping component and the second member in the clamping area, and the clamping component and the second member keep in contact with the ground wire mesh of the cable. Thus, the cable is fixed and grounded by simply combining the first and second members. |
| US07713079B2 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector includes an insulating body having opposite lateral side frames for mounting respectively two metallic pieces thereon, and terminals mounted in the insulating body and coupled to a circuit board. When an insertion side with conductive terminals of an electronic card is inserted into an insertion groove in the insulating body, the conductive terminals contact respectively contact portions of the terminals extending into the insertion groove. Each metallic piece includes first and second resilient arms extending from a base, and a carved metallic piece extending from the first resilient arm. When the insertion side of the electronic card is inserted into the insertion groove, each lateral side of the electronic card is clamped between the anchoring member and the second resilient arm of a corresponding metallic piece, and is formed with a notch engaging a projection of the second resilient arm of the corresponding metallic piece. |
| US07713074B2 |
Portable data storage apparatus with connector retraction
Portable data storage apparatus includes a housing having a front wall, and an opening in the front wall. A circuit board is located within the housing. A connector is electrically connected to the circuit board and extends outwardly therefrom for movement therewith. A cap is pivotally connected to the housing for movement relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. An operating mechanism operatively connects the cap and the circuit board for moving the circuit board and the connector with the movement of the cap. The circuit board and the connector are in a retracted position when the cap is in the first position, and are in an extended position when the cap is in the second position. |
| US07713071B2 |
Electrical earthing nut
The invention relates to an electrical earthing nut (1). In the past these have sometimes vibrated loose, with the result that a failsafe safety device has been rendered inoperable. The invention overcomes this problem by providing a nut (1) that has a nut body (2) having an internal thread (4) to receive a threaded shaft and an external perimeter shaped to receive a tensioning device such as a spanner. Body (2) has opposing generally planar faces 5,6. Threaded apertures (7A, 7B, 7C) are p nut body to receive a bolt (8A) to secure an earth connector (8B) to the nut body (2) and grub screws (8C, 8D). F 9B, 9C, 9D) are provided on planar face (5) to scrape or cut into a surface against which the nut is to abut. Earthing used with a cable gland. |
| US07713067B1 |
Connector with a conductive shell with an extension to stradle a circuit board
A connector adapted for edge mounting on a circuit board employs a conductive shell with at least one insulating spacer mounted therein. A center contact is mounted in the spacer. The proximal end of the shell has an extension adapted to extend proximally and attach to the circuit board. The center contact and the extension are spaced to straddle the circuit board. The extension is disposed along most of its length entirely to the outside of a reference plane that is parallel to and spaced from the center contact. The extension for most of its length extends proximally beyond any portion of the shell located to the inside of the reference plane. A sleeve lining the shell is polished to avoid reflections of electromagnetic energy passing through the shell. A C-shaped clip is attached to the outside of the extension and then pressed into holes on the circuit board while compressing the clip to squeeze the extension. |
| US07713063B2 |
Dental training device
A dental training aid and method which assists a student in learning how to determine the position of a root canal apex, repair of dental decay, and how to perform crown and bridge procedures. In certain embodiments, modular inserts are utilized that include structure thereon for performing root canal procedures, repair of dental decay procedures, crown and bridge procedures or other procedures. The inserts can be assembled and configured to all provide practice on the same procedure or on different procedures and can be exchanged for other inserts once they are no longer reusable or because the user wants to train on a different procedure. |
| US07713058B2 |
Dental mirror, and an intraoral camera system using the same
An intraoral camera system is disclosed, which includes a dental mirror having a aperture for transmitting light therethrough, the aperture being provided in the center or any other part of the mirror by removing a reflective material therefrom. A CCD camera is secured on a back surface of the dental mirror in such a manner that the aperture coincides with its incident portion coincides with aperture in the dental mirror. A hand mirror shaped monitor is also provided for displaying image data received from the CCD camera via cable or radio, and a server is also provided that is capable of storing and outputting the image data any time onto the monitor, wherein even though a patient is laid down on a chair in a horizontal position, the patient or a third party can utilize the hand mirror shaped monitor to view an image which is very close to the image that a dentist views through reflection from the dental mirror having said CCD camera built therein. |
| US07713052B2 |
Processing method of fine structure and processing equipment for fine structure
In a processing method of a fine structure according to the present invention, an opposed platen (211) is moved from a retreat position to a molding/processing position, so that a film (1) is pressed against a mold (5) and processed. Thereafter a second block (211b) is separated from a first block (211a). Thus, improvement of the cooling rate for the opposed platen (211) can be attained by reducing the total thermal capacity of the opposed platen (211) by reducing the volume of the opposed platen (211) in cooling and physically discharging heat stored in the opposed platen (211). Thus, cooling efficiency for the opposed platen (211) is improved, and the heat cycle of the opposed platen (211) can be reduced. |
| US07713045B2 |
Injection apparatus for producing molded food products
An extrusion-based injection molding system is designed for use in food processing applications. Interior surfaces, such as the barrel exit line and/or fill line, of the system may be coated with a friction-reducing agent. |
| US07713039B2 |
Helical screw compressor having a vented sealing arrangement
A helical screw compressor includes two rotors which are mounted in the rotor housing. The helical screw compressor includes sealing arrangements (11, 11′) for sealing the pressure-sided shaft journals of the rotors. Each sealing arrangement includes a plurality of annular seals (11a, 11b) which are arranged in a row adjacent to each other, and an annular-shaped discharge chamber (51) is associated with the system on an intermediate position and is connected, via a discharge channel (53), to the chamber in the rotor housing, wherein pressure which is higher than the atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the discharge channel is connected to the suction chamber (10) of the rotor housing (1), and is impinged upon by precompressed gas from an upstream compressor step. |
| US07713038B2 |
Scroll fluid machine
A scroll fluid machine comprises a driving shaft in a housing. An orbiting scroll is eccentrically revolved around an eccentric axial portion of the driving shaft via a bearing. Air is introduced from outside through an intake port of a circumferential wall of the housing and directed toward the bearing by a guide to cool the bearing. |
| US07713036B2 |
Roller-type liquid pumping apparatus with improved installation capability
A liquid pumping apparatus comprising a rotor housing, a rotor having at least one roller, to be rotated by a prime mover, an inner periphery wall of the rotor housing, a flexible tube to be inserted into a gap formed between the rotor and the inner periphery wall and squeezed when the rotor is rotated so as to transfer a liquid fed into the tube, and a deformable guide for guiding the flexible tube in a moving path of the roller. At least one portion of the inner periphery wall is movable so as to approach or separate from the rotor. |
| US07713035B2 |
Cyclonic debris removal device and method for a pumping apparatus
A pumping apparatus and method incorporates at least one and preferably as many as four components that are configured to improve debris removal capabilities as compared to prior art apparatuses. The apparatus and method impart cyclonic motion to pumped fluid, in a manner that tends to separate entrained solids and other impurities, and further that helps draw solid impurities away from the pump barrel. In a preferred embodiment, a cyclonic effect first occurs in a seat plug having a funnel-shaped accumulator region leading to an interior passage therethrough, and at least one off-center opening extending from the interior passage to the exterior of the plug. In one embodiment, that effect is continued at a plunger adapter that has a plurality of inward-angled rings, and that also features off-center openings through which debris may pass to the interior of the plunger adapter. A top plunger adapter may also be provided, having angled veins and openings therethrough to impart cyclonic motion to the pumped fluid as it exits the interior of the top plunger adapter. Finally, it may also be desired to provide a cage having angled veins, to continue the cyclonic effect on the fluid as it travels northward and into the pump barrel. |
| US07713034B2 |
Diaphragm pump and manufacturing device of electronic component
A diaphragm pump 1 has a base block 2, a diaphragm 8 and a drive unit for driving the diaphragm to reciprocate. The base block 2 has three or more liquid flow paths, each having three recesses 23 through 25 or more recesses. The diaphragm 8 and the respective recesses 23 through 25 define a plurality of valve chambers and the metering chamber. The drive unit includes: pressing rods 73 through 75 arranged corresponding to the respective recesses with the diaphragm interposed therebetween; and a pressing member drive controller adapted to execute a liquid discharging operation and a liquid sucking operation at a predetermined timing defined for each of the pressing rods, in which in the liquid discharging operation, each of the pressing rods is moved toward the respective recesses so as to gradually decease the volume of the respective valve chambers and the metering chamber and eventually hermetically seal the metering chamber; while in the liquid discharging operation, each of the pressing rods is moved away from the respective recesses so as to gradually decease the volume of the respective valve chambers and the metering chamber. |
| US07713033B2 |
Double-acting, duplex pump controlled by two, two position spool valves
The present invention provides a fluid control system and associated methods. The fluid control system includes a source of a pressurized fluid and a first spool valve having at least two positions, wherein the first spool valve is connected in fluid communication with the source of the pressurized fluid. The fluid control system further includes a second spool valve having at least two positions, wherein the second spool valve is connected in fluid communication with the first spool valve and the source of the pressurized fluid. When the first spool valve is in a first position and the second spool valve is in a second position, a first portion of the pressurized fluid is directed from the source of the pressurized fluid to the second spool valve via the first spool valve. |
| US07713030B2 |
Fan with improved heat dissipation
A fan includes a rotatable center member that is centered relative to an axis of rotation of the fan. The fan includes a number of blades radially extending from the rotatable center member. Each blade may have one or more ribs extending therefrom non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan. Each blade may be may be flat in shape, except for the ribs extending therefrom, or it may have a cycloidal curvature that curves away from the direction in which the rotatable center member rotates. In addition to or in lieu of the ribs, each blade may have a side profile that is non-linear. The side profile may be a zigzag or a curvy shape. The side profile may have one or more notches pointed in a direction opposite that in which the rotatable center member rotates, or may have one or more holes extending through the blade. |
| US07713027B2 |
Turbine blade with split impingement rib
A gas turbine engine is provided with an airfoil component that is disclosed as a turbine blade. Internal cooling passages circulate air within the blade. An impingement rib separates a cooling air channel from a pedestal array, and includes cross-over holes to meter the flow of air into the pedestal array. A lower end of the impingement rib is split to reduce stress concentrations between the impingement rib and a platform. Further, the pedestals adjacent to the lower end of the impingement rib are formed to be stubs, which do not extend entirely across a width of the blade. The disclosed structure reduces the stress concentration at an area where the impingement rib meets the platform. |
| US07713025B2 |
Assembling member
An assembling member disposed on a heatsink fan in pairs for detachably disposing the heatsink fan on a fixed frame is provided. The assembling member includes a jointing part and an operating part. The jointing part matches with the fixed frame, and extends a plurality of fastening pins capable of being hooked at the assembly holes of the heatsink fan. The operating part is extended from one end of the jointing part, and passed and grasped by human fingers, so as to hook the jointing part on the heatsink fan. Thus, the heatsink fan is mounted on the fixed frame only by hooking the operating part through human fingers. |
| US07713024B2 |
Bling nozzle/carrier interface design for a steam turbine
A bling nozzle/carrier interface design for a steam turbine is provided wherein there is limited contact between the carrier (casing, shell) to allow for ease of assembly. There is also limited contact in strategic locations to both reduce the roll, or downstream deflection, of the inner portion and to improve disassembly due to limited contact in areas where corrosion can occur. |
| US07713023B2 |
Steam turbine nozzle box and methods of fabricating
A method of fabricating a steam turbine nozzle box is provided, wherein the method includes forming an annular chamber defined by a radially outer wall and a radially inner wall and coupling a plurality of inlets in flow communication with the annular chamber such that steam is discharged from each of the plurality of inlets into the chamber at an oblique discharge angle with respect to an inlet axial centerline. |
| US07713021B2 |
Fan containment casings and methods of manufacture
A fan containment casing includes a core comprising a number of tows. The core has a central region and two end regions. The tows are grouped into a number of bands and form a number of filament-wound radially disposed layers. The bands of tows are interleaved as a number of direct bands and indirect bands along at least a portion of one or more of the layers. A method of forming a fan containment casing includes winding a number of tows on a liner to form a number of radially disposed layers, where each of the layers is continuously connected to at least one adjacent one of the layers across one of the end regions via at least one of the tows. |
| US07713019B2 |
Flat-bed truck with crane, lift or hoist
A flat-bed truck system and method for efficiently delivering and unloading items using special crane, lift or hoist elements. The cranes are foldable downward into a horizontal position. Lower plural and parallel drive elements are used to drive upper pivoting arms which are connected by a cross-bar element. The cranes are designed with a low center of gravity so they may be positioned at various points around the bed of the truck. The lower plural drive elements are fixed in a horizontal position by brackets which may be easily applied and removed. |
| US07713016B2 |
Journal notebook binding machine
A dual function binding machine for making journal notebooks at home includes a hole punching mechanism and a binding mechanism. A punch die includes a plurality of rectangular punch teeth in a graduated configuration to minimize the amount of force required to penetrate through the journal book materials. A guide provides different positions for punching through covers, inner pages and continuous punching of both. This allows the perfect alignment and fit of the outside covers with the inside pages. A spring biased lever operates the punch die in a horizontal direction. The binding mechanism included in the same machine has a vertical outer vise wall that is horizontally movable to compress the binding material to the pages and covers of the journal notebook. |
| US07713015B2 |
Bookbinding apparatus and image forming system
Provided is a bookbinding apparatus including: a conveying unit which sequentially conveys sheets; a gluing unit which glues the sheets conveyed by the conveying unit; a stacking unit which sequentially stacks the sheets glued by the gluing unit; a pressurizing unit which pressurizes glued portions of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit; and a control unit which temporarily stops a stacking process carried out by the conveying unit onto the stacking unit and causes the pressurizing unit to execute a pressurizing process on the sheets stacked on the stacking unit when an operation interrupting event occurs during the stacking process. |
| US07713014B2 |
Explosive bolt
An explosive attachment device for mechanical connection of components, internally provided with an explosive charge, the detonation shock effect of which is strong enough for rupturing a connection forming part of the attachment device for a rapid disconnection, whereby the attachment device incorporates an attachment screw (2) and an explosive attachment element (4-14) which comprises a cylinder (4), a cover (5), and a piston (6) mounted in the cylinder (4), a space between the piston (6) and the bottom of the cylinder (4) is provided with a circular row of small holes (14), the piston (6) is provided with a rod (7) that the attachment screw (2) is mounted to, in the space between the piston and the cover (5) is arranged the explosive charge (9) with a firing device (10,11,12,13) having a delay mechanism, whereby the blasting pressure is converted to a pulling stress, which acts upon the attachment screw (2) to be pulled off without the other parts splintering. |
| US07713011B2 |
Fastener assembly having marginal end portion of body deformed about captured nut
This invention provides a fastener (20) that is adapted to be mounted in a hole provided in a wall (not shown). The improved fastener comprises: an elongated tubular body (21) having a first end (23) and a second end (24), having an outwardly-extending flange (25) adjacent the first end, having an intermediate portion (27), and having a distal marginal end portion (37) adjacent the second end, the body also having an abutment surface (32) facing toward the second end; and a member (22) adapted to be inserted into the body through the second end, the member having an abutment surface (40) adapted to bear against the body abutment surface, and having an outer polygonal surface (41); and wherein the body marginal end portion (37) is adapted to be plastically deformed about the member to hold the member within the body. |
| US07713008B2 |
Method and device for making a cargo deck
A method of making a deck for storing cargo in a shipping vehicle comprising: securing two pairs of braces to opposed surfaces associated with the shipping vehicle by engaging opposed ends of first elongated supports with the pair of braces such that each first elongated support interconnects one of the pairs of braces and extends substantially parallel to a base associated with the shipping vehicle; engaging second elongated supports with each of the braces, each second elongated support interconnecting a respective brace and the base; and positioning a decking on the first elongated supports for supporting the cargo. A brace for making the cargo deck engageable with a horizontally-extending support and a vertically-extending support. |
| US07713004B2 |
Tool for chip removing machining as well as a basic body therefore
A tool for chip removing machining, including a long narrow basic body having an envelope surface which is concentric with a center axis, and two opposite ends, and a replaceable loose top which is connected to the basic body via a first coupling that includes a first seating formed in one end of the basic body and a first male element formed in one end of the loose top. The basic body includes a primary part body made of a first material having a first modulus of elasticity, and a secondary part body which includes the first seating and is made of a second material having a second modulus of elasticity which is lower than the first modulus of elasticity. The two part bodies of the basic body are interconnected via a second coupling which includes a second seating in the secondary part body as well as a second male element that is formed on the primary part body and has one or more precision machined flank surfaces that are arranged to apply, together with one or more co-operating and precision machined flank surfaces of the second seating, joining axial forces to the part bodies by turning the part bodies in relation to each other. |
| US07713003B2 |
Ground anchors
The ground anchors of the type which are attached to cables, rods and the like, which are driven into the ground and tilted transversely of the hole by tensioning the cable are provided. A ground anchor including a central hollow tubular body portion extending substantially along the length of the anchor and a pair of laterally projecting wings extending from opposing sides of the body portion, wherein the wings are bent at an angle to the horizontal plane, and a portion of an edge of each wing is bent at an angle to the plane of the wing. |
| US07713002B2 |
Drilling device and method for producing a drilling column in the soil
The invention relates to a drilling device for producing a drilling column in the soil comprising a mast, a drill drive arranged on a carriage, which is movably supported along the mast, a drilling tube which can be driven in a rotating manner by the drill drive and is movable along the mast in order to produce a drill hole, and a tube hopper that is connected to the drilling tube and comprises a storage space for filling material to fill the drill hole during the extraction of the drilling tube. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the tube hopper to be arranged in the drilling direction above the drill drive and to be connected to the drilling tube. The invention further relates to a method for producing a drilling column in the soil. |
| US07713000B2 |
Method and device for positioning ends of pipe sections relative to one another
The invention relates to a method for positioning an end (19) of a first pipe section (14) relative to an end (20) of a second pipe section (18), the method comprising: (a) prepositioning the end (19) of the first pipe section (14) near the end (20) of the second pipe section (18), defining a connection area (51) comprising the respective ends (19, 20) of the first and second pipe sections (14, 18); (b) performing a measuring process comprising a plurality of measuring steps, each measuring step comprising: (b1) moving a sensing device (86) to a location (89a, 89b, 89c) near the connection area (51); (b2) automatically measuring the location (89a, 89b, 89c) of the sensing device (86) relative to a reference location (87); (b3) automatically measuring point positions (98a, 98b, 98c, 98d) of points on the ends (19, 20) of the first and second pipe sections (14, 18) relative to the sensing device location (89a, 89b, 89c); (c) determining a target position of the end (19) of the first pipe section (14) relative to the end 20) of the second pipe section (18) on the basis of the measured point positions (98a, 98b, 98c, 98d); and (d) moving at least one of the first and second pipe sections (14, 18) in order to obtain the target position. |
| US07712998B2 |
Flood wall
A portable, inflatable flood wall is characterized by a sheet of synthetic plastic material which is folded back on itself to define a chamber between bottom, rear and front portions of the sheet and within which at least one inflatable bladder is secured. When the bladder is inflated, the rear portion of the sheet is erected to a vertical position which prevents water from passing beyond the sheet. The front portion preferably contains a plurality of openings to allow water to enter the chamber. The weight of the water on the bottom portion of the sheet serves to hold the wall in place. A plurality of such walls may be connected in end-to-end relation to construct a wall of a desired length. |
| US07712997B2 |
Infiltration block
A plastics infiltration block for infiltration or attenuation purposes is disclosed. The infiltration block has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body having pairs of opposed first, second and third faces. At least one inspection channel extends through the infiltration block and inspection channel openings are positioned in opposed third faces of the infiltration block. The area of each inspection channel opening is at least 10% of the size of the area of the third face. The infiltration block can include a single infiltration block element or multiple coupled infiltration block elements. The infiltration block element has an essentially rectangular parallelepipedal body. A grid of duct walls forming substantially parallel ducts extend between each first face and the one or more inspection channels of the infiltration block, and between each second face and the inspection channels of the infiltration block. |
| US07712996B2 |
Fogging system for an asphalt recycling machine
In one aspect of the invention, an asphalt recycling machine has a passageway in communication with a fluid source secured to a motorized vehicle and a fogging nozzle. The fogging nozzle is connected to an underside of the motorized vehicle. The fogging nozzle is also proximate a rotary degradation element connected to the underside of the motorized vehicle. The rotary degradation element has an axis of rotation nonparallel with a paved surface. |
| US07712995B2 |
Method of controllably venting gases generated by explosions in a manhole space
A method for controllably releasing venting gases from a manhole space around the perimeter of a manhole cover by allowing the manhole cover to rise up in stages upon development of upward forces in an explosion to vent gases developed by the explosion while being restrained from being completely blown free except under extreme conditions. A lock body mounts a latch slide which has an outer end and which can be extended to prevent removal of the manhole cover. When a shear pin fails the lock body pivots down, to a limited extent, and a secondary shear pin can also be included allowing the cover to be blown completely free upon development of pressures of a great magnitude. A slotted skirt is used to direct venting gas flow so as to retard the inflow of free air and attenuate the explosion. |
| US07712987B2 |
Sheet holding structure and printer for an electronic voting apparatus
A sheet holding structure comprises a container for holding fanfold paper layered by being alternately folded every predetermined length as a sheet. The container has upper and lower sections that are fixed to each other so as to be non-movable relative one another and that collectively form an accommodation portion that accommodates the fanfold paper. The lower section of the container has an inner wall surface formed in a concave shape along a lengthwise direction of the fanfold paper so that the fanfold paper curves in an inward direction and exerts an expanding force acting, at least in part, against the self-weight of the fanfold paper and in a direction opposite to the inward direction. |
| US07712983B2 |
Printing device and movie data generating method using printing device
When a printing device inputs image data from a memory card, the printing device prints an order sheet whereon are arranged a chart of the image data and setting entry fields for filling in a variety of settings for generating a movie based on these image data. The user uses various marking fields provided on the order sheet to specify the display times for the various image data and the effects to be performed on the various image data. When the printing device uses a scanner to read in the filled-out order sheet, movie data is generated based on the content that is set using this order sheet. The user is able to generate movies easily using this type of printing device. |
| US07712978B2 |
Optical module having improved access to ultraviolet curing light
The optical module comprises a device mounted with a photoelectric element and a receptacle to optically connect this device and an optical fiber is provided. The receptacle comprises a device holder at its one end, allows the device holder to be fitted to the top end side of the device, and fixed and held through the interposition of the ultraviolet curing resin. The device holder comprises a window area relatively large in an amount of ultraviolet transmission dispersedly arranged on the entire periphery of the fitted portion with the device. |
| US07712976B2 |
Active optical cable with integrated retiming
An active cable that is configured to communicate over much of its length using one or more optical fibers, and that includes an integrated electrical connector at least one end. The active cable includes an integrated retiming mechanism. Thus, multiple links of cable may be used while reducing the chance that the jitter will exceed allowable limits. The cable may be an electrical to optical cable, and electrical to electrical cable, or one of many other potential configurations. |
| US07712974B2 |
Method of assembling an optical connector and an optical connector
An optical connector and a method of assembling an optical connector that is capable of avoiding generation of unnecessary tension in the optical fiber cable in which plain fiber portions are optically connected to each other using a splice assembly. The optical connector comprises a connector housing having splice means configured to abut a stripped and cleaved end surface of a plain fiber of an optical fiber cable (2) onto an end of a fiber stub predisposed in the splice means to form an optical connection; and a cable fixing assembly (26, 40), that includes a cable fixing member (26) and a cable holder (40), for fixing an outer covering (2c) of the optical fiber cable (2) introduced into said connector housing (10). The cable fixing member (26), which includes an opposing piece (26b) for slidably engaging with a guide section (24) formed on the wall of an end cap (21) of the connector housing (10), is pressed in from the direction perpendicular to the axis of the optical fiber cable (2) and is mounted on the wall of the end cap (21). A step section is formed on the sliding surface of the opposing piece (26b) to be in sliding contact with the sliding surface of the guide section (24), for moving the cable fixing member (26) together with the optical fiber cable (2) so as to reduce a distance between the splice means (3) and the cable holder (40). |
| US07712972B2 |
Optical receptacle
The present invention relates to an optical receptacle which prevents the occurrence of a large impact by collision of a plug body with an optical propagation member. The optical receptacle includes a solid sleeve having a cavity hole into which the plug body is inserted from its one end side and which has an even inner diameter so as not to substantially define a gap with respect to an outer diameter of the plug body and an optical propagation member fixedly secured to the other end side of the cavity hole, with the solid sleeve being formed such that a length from an end portion of the cavity hole on the plug body insertion side to the optical propagation member is longer than a maximum length of extension due to the elastic body of the terminal member. |
| US07712965B2 |
Piston pin bushing
A piston pin bushing consisting of a brass alloy containing between 30 and 32.2 wt. % zinc. between 1.8 and 2.2 wt. % aluminium, between 1.8 and 2.2 wt. % manganese, between 1.4 an 2.2 wt. % nickel and between 1.4 and 2.0 wt. % iron, in addition to optional contaminant-related constituents with a respective maximum content of 0.2 wt. % and a maximum total content of 1 wt. %, the remaining percentage consisting of copper. The bushing is cut in the form of a longitudinal section from a continuously cast pipe, whose exterior has been previously machined and can be used without being subjected to a forging process following the cutting operation. |
| US07712960B2 |
Device for optimization of experimental parameters on synchrotron beam lines
Enhanced methods and a device enabling a plurality of tools for implementing a plurality of procedures for the accurate alignment and calibration of multiple components of the experimental set up at a synchrotron beam line are provided. The device includes an alignment pin or needle for centering a sample rotation axis. The device includes a YAG crystal for visualization of the beam and beam alignment and a metal foil for transmission or fluorescence measurements used for the monochromator calibration. The same, or different foils, or powders, or polymers, can be used for obtaining powder rings for finding the direct beam coordinates, for centering the beamstop on the direct beam and for calibration of the sample-to-detector distance. |
| US07712958B2 |
Measuring device, especially temperature measuring transducer
The invention relates to a measuring device, in particular a temperature measuring transducer, comprising an electrical resistor, which alters its value based on a chemical or physical variable that is to be measured and which is connected to an evaluation device via at least three lines. Said evaluation device checks the lines for line breaks and if such a break has occurred, switches from a four-wire circuit to a three- or two-wire circuit as required, in order to permit the continuation of the measuring operation. This improves the reliability of the measuring device. |
| US07712957B2 |
Device for measuring temperature in molten metals
A device is provided for temperature measurement in metal melts, particularly in iron or steel melts, having a thermoelement, which is arranged in a thermoelement tube, and having an exterior protective body, which is essentially formed of graphite and metal oxide. The thermoelement tube is arranged in the protective body with a spacing, forming an intermediate space, and an insulating material and an oxygen-reducing material are arranged in the intermediate space. The insulating material and the oxygen-reducing material, as a powder mixture, form a tube (2), which surrounds the thermoelement tube (3) with a spacing and/or which is surrounded by the protective body (1) with a spacing. |
| US07712954B2 |
Device for assembling a touch-type crystal on a case
The crystal (10), in the inner surface of which contact zones (17) are structured, includes close to its edge a hollow (14) machined in one of its faces (11, 12) or a groove (25) machined in its thickness and provided with an enamel deposition (20) for concealing said contact zones (17) after bonding. |
| US07712952B2 |
Mixer device for divided solid waste
A mixer device for materials made up of various divided solid waste, in a vertical silo (1). The device includes the following: a central working area extending along the entire height of the silo (1); a peripheral zone; elements (6) which are distributed vertically at different successive levels (n1, n2, n3 . . . n21) of the working area, along the entire height of the silo (1) and which can lift materials from each of the levels of the working area and release the materials; elements (1a, 19) for bringing matter from the upper part of the peripheral area to the lower center part of the silo (1). |
| US07712950B1 |
Detachable light assembly
An improved multi-point locking mechanism in combination with a lamp assembly and a support assembly with mating, cooperating plug connectors providing a detachable lamp assembly for use on vehicles, such as boat trailers, for quick removal before exposure to corrosive water. The improved locking mechanism, in addition to providing a means for quick detachment and removal of the light assembly, provides a stronger and durable engagement with the support assembly preventing accidental dislodgement while towing vehicles, like boat trailers. The locking mechanism comprising a corrosive resistant L-shaped member having a horizontal extending plate with a hole through the distal end, and a downward depending section retractably positioned within the support assembly. In the engaged position, the L-shaped member being in a downward position, a receiving pin on the lamp assembly is mated with the support assembly by alignment with the hole in the horizontal plate and the depending section being in communication with a cut-out section in the cooperating plug connector providing the multi-point locking mechanism. |
| US07712948B2 |
Light-source module and holder therefor
A light-source module is described having at least one light-emitting element (3) such as, in particular, LEDs, light guides, collimator elements or lens elements, which together form a light exit area, as also is a holder for a module of this in the form of an LED module, system, such as in particular a motor vehicle headlight or a lighting or projecting means, that is intended to have a given light emission pattern. For this purpose, the module is able to be positioned relative to at least one reference plane of the optical system and, at the same time, is able to be replaced easily without soldered, bonded or welded connections being required. |
| US07712946B2 |
Liquid crystal display and assembly thereof
The present invention is broadly directed towards a receiving container for an LCD apparatus for securing a lamp and lamp wiring connected to a lamp. The receiving container has features for substantially preventing the lamp wiring from being disconnected from the lamp. For example, a first through-hole for receiving the lamp wiring, a first trench, securing members, and securing projections are utilized to substantially prevent lamp wiring from being disconnected from a lamp. Additionally, the LCD apparatus is easily handled, dissipates heat effectively, and has a light weight. |
| US07712945B2 |
Prism sheet and backlight module using the same
An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A plurality of elongated V-shaped protrusions are formed on the first surface. A plurality of micro-depressions are defined in the second surface. Each micro-depression is defined by at least three connecting inner sidewalls. A transverse width of each inner sidewall of each micro-depression progressively decreases with increasing distance from the second surface. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided. |
| US07712942B2 |
Backlighting light pipe for illuminating a flat-panel display
A light pipe includes a light input end and a diffractive structure. The diffractive structure includes elongated formations having diffractive properties for coupling light out from the light pipe to provide backlighting of a flat-panel display. The elongated formations are curved, the curvature being dependent on the location of a light source at the light input end. |
| US07712938B2 |
Socket for a lamp
A socket for a vehicle lamp, including a base housing and at least two contact spring elements fixed in the base housing for housing and electrically contacting the lamp. The contact spring elements of the socket housing are fixed to the base housing by means of a base slide having a slot recess for receiving a leg of a first contact spring element, and an abutment surface for contacting a leg of the second contact spring elements. |
| US07712930B2 |
Module for projecting a light beam
An optical module for projecting a light beam comprises a solid body of transparent material into which a light source is sunk and which is delimited by an annular surface and by a central surface, and a substantially annular reflecting surface arranged around the solid body. The central and annular surfaces are suitable for receiving respective distinct portions of the luminous flux produced by the source. The reflecting surface may have a reflecting coating or may form part of a transparent body, in which case it works by total internal reflection. The reflecting surface reflects a portion of luminous flux refracted by the annular surface and shapes the flux into a predetermined distribution of luminous intensity about the principal axis. The annular surface is designed in a manner such as to reduce the overall thickness of the module by moving the refracted ray away from the principal axis. The central surface shapes the other portion of the luminous flux emitted by the source into a predetermined distribution of luminous intensity about the principal axis. The surfaces cooperate so as to shape the luminous flux as a whole emerging from the source into a distribution of luminous intensity having divergences which may be different in two directions that are perpendicular to one another and to the principal axis. |
| US07712929B2 |
Lighting device with composite reflector
A light fixture device comprises a reflector portion having a pair of parallel longitudinal boundary regions and a pair of parallel lateral boundary regions; the reflector portion being shaped according to a longitudinal focal line, a pair of housing portions, each for engaging a corresponding lateral boundary region; at least one connector portion for coupling the housing portions together with the reflector portion. |
| US07712927B2 |
LED lamp with improved heat dissipating structure
An LED lamp includes a top cover, a heat sink, and a conducting member, a plurality of light bars and a light cover. The top cover has a plate and a head extending upwardly from a centre of the plate. The heat sink has a conducting tube coupled to the plate of the top cover and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the conducting tube. The conducting member is received in and thermally contacts with the conducting tube, and has a top surface attached to the plate and an inner surface on which the plurality of light bars are mounted. The inner surface is oriented downwardly and concaved from a bottom of the conducting member. Each light bar has a printed circuit board and a plurality of LEDs thereon. |
| US07712924B2 |
Optical device for adjusting the F-number of an elliptical lamp
An optical device for effectively adjusting the F-number of an elliptical lamp is provided, the elliptical lamp for producing a focused light beam at a given focal point having a given cone angle. The optical device comprises a light interaction portion for optically interacting with the focused light beam when the light interaction portion is in general longitudinal alignment with a light emitting aperture of the elliptical lamp, the light interaction portion for triggering optical adjustment of a cone angle of at least a high cone angle portion of the focused light beam to a smaller cone angle. The optical device further comprises a light egress portion, coupled to the light interaction portion, for enabling exit of the focused light beam from the optical device with an effective cone angle smaller than the given cone angle, after the cone angle of the at least the high cone angle portion of the focused light beam has been adjusted to the smaller cone angle. |
| US07712923B2 |
LED lamp assembly
An LED lamp assembly includes an LED lamp and a driving circuit module mounted on the LED lamp. The LED lamp includes an airproof chamber. A plurality of LED modules is received in the airproof chamber. A gasbag is located at the driving circuit module and communicates with the airproof chamber of the LED lamp. The gasbag receives air from the airproof chamber when the LED modules are activated to lighten and heat the airproof chamber. |
| US07712922B2 |
Illumination unit comprising an LED light source
An illumination unit comprising an LED light source is disclosed, which has a first optical element disposed downstream of the LED light source in an emission direction, an electronic control unit, and a second optical element disposed downstream of the first optical element. The LED light source, the first optical element and the electronic control unit are arranged in a common housing, and the housing is covered by the second optical element. |
| US07712921B2 |
Light source device, method of manufacturing light source, and projector
A light source unit comprising an arc tube 11 having a light emitting section 111 sealed sections 1121, 1122, an oval reflector 12, and a secondary reflecting mirror 13 for covering the front side of the arc tube 11 and reflecting a luminous flux radiated from the arc tube 11 toward the oval reflector 12, the center of discharging emission from the arc tube 11 is disposed at a first focal position L1 of the oval reflector 12, and the secondary reflecting mirror 13 is configured as a separate member from the arc tube 11, so that the outer peripheral portion of the secondary reflecting mirror 13 is accommodated within a circular cone shown by boundaries L3, L4 connecting a second focal position L2 of the oval reflector 12 and the distal end of the sealed section 1122 of the arc tube 11 when being mounted to the front sealed section 1122 of the arc tube 11. |
| US07712920B1 |
Light color adjustment structure for illuminated keyboards
A light color adjustment structure for illuminated keyboards to resolve the shortcomings of conventional illuminated keyboards that generate mono light and unalterable includes a light source module located in an illuminated keyboard and a brightness control module located in the illuminated keyboard and electrically connected to the light source module. The light source module has at least a first light source and a second light source of different light colors that are mixed to generate a light color for the illuminated keyboard. The brightness control module generates a brightness control signal sent to the light source module to control the brightness of the light source module. Thus through brightness alterations and mixing of the first and second light sources varying light colors can be generated. |
| US07712914B2 |
Make-up applicator with LED light source
A device is provided to apply make-up (10) in low-light situations. The device has a body tube (14), with a first and a second and a intermediate portion therebetween. The first end has a radial cross-section with an inner portion and an annular outer portion. Mounted in the inner portion of the first end is a make-up (10) applying means (16). Surrounding the make-up applying means (16) is an illuminating means (22) for illuminating, positioned in the annular outer portion of the first end. It is adapted to project the illumination axially outwardly. The illuminating means (22) is power by a powering means (24) is activated by a switch (621). |
| US07712911B2 |
Image display device and light diffusion component for use therein
The light diffusion component in accordance with the present invention includes light transmission pieces that are juxtaposed at predetermined intervals in one direction and have a substantially trapezoidal section, and a light absorption piece that is juxtaposed alternately to the light transmission pieces and has a substantially wedged section. The upper base of the substantially trapezoidal section of each light transmission piece adjoins the base of the substantially wedged section of the light absorption piece. The area of the substantially wedged section of the light absorption piece is equal to or larger than one-third of the area of a trapezoid bordering the substantially wedged section, and equal to or smaller than two-thirds thereof. |
| US07712910B2 |
Low-profile backlight with flexible light guide
Backlighting methods and apparatuses to backlight a device. The backlighting apparatus includes a flexible light guide, a light source, and a housing. The light source is disposed adjacent to a transmission interface of the flexible light guide to illuminate the flexible light guide. The housing at least partially encloses the flexible light guide and the light source. A surface area of the flexible light guide is visible through the housing. By using a flexible light guide to backlight the device, the size of the device is reduced compared to conventional devices. Alternatively, the device may accommodate additional components. Other advantages also may be achieved. |
| US07712909B2 |
Rotating lamp
A rotating lamp comprises a translucent globe, a shaft portion, arranged in the globe, made of a material containing metal, an LED device provided on the shaft portion, a rotatable support member rotatably set along the outer peripheral direction of the shaft portion, a reflecting mirror supported by the rotatable support member for reflecting light received from the LED device, a driving portion rotating/driving the rotatable support member and a heat radiating portion provided on the shaft portion. Thus, heat generated in LED devices can be discharged and a problem resulting from heat can be solved. |
| US07712905B2 |
Imaging system with mirror group
An imaging system for imaging an off-axis object field arranged in an object surface of the imaging system onto an off-axis image field arranged in an image surface of the imaging system while creating at least one intermediate image has: an optical axis; an in-line mirror group having an object side mirror group entry, an image side mirror group exit and a mirror group plane aligned transversely to the optical axis and arranged geometrically between the mirror group entry and the mirror group exit, the mirror group including: a first mirror having a first mirror surface for receiving radiation coming from the object surface in a first reflecting area asymmetric to the optical axis; at least one second mirror having a second mirror surface facing the first mirror surface for receiving radiation coming from the first mirror in a second reflecting area asymmetric to the optical axis; at least one of the first and second mirrors being a concave mirror having a concave mirror surface defining a mirror axis on the optical axis; wherein the mirrors of the mirror group are arranged such that radiation coming from the mirror group entry passes at least four times through the mirror group plane and is reflected at least twice on a concave mirror surface of the mirror group prior to exiting the mirror group at the mirror group exit. A strong overcorrection of image field curvature can be effected in an axially compact design. |
| US07712903B2 |
Remote instruction system, remote instruction method and program product for remote instruction
A remote instruction system includes a control portion. The control portion transmits an image captured by an image capturing portion provided for capturing the image of a subject to a remote terminal, and controls a projection portion to project an annotation image onto the subject according to an instruction issued from the remote terminal on the basis of the image captured. The control portion measures a reflection characteristic of a surface of the subject on the basis of the image captured, and converts a color of the annotation image to be projected onto the subject on the basis of a comparison result between the color of the annotation image instructed by the remote terminal and the reflection characteristic of the surface of the subject to project the annotation image onto the subject. |
| US07712902B2 |
Projector
A projector includes: a first light modulation device that modulates illumination light; a second light modulation device that further modulates the illumination light modulated by the first light modulation device; a projection unit that projects the modulated illumination light toward a screen; and an optical device moving unit that moves an optical device blocking at least part of the illumination light relatively to a light path of the illumination light to move the device off the light path in response to an external request. |
| US07712901B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing conditions of the eye with infrared light
A method and apparatus for imaging an eye of a patient and detecting any condition or disease in the eye. A near infrared light beam is emitted into the eye through the skin adjacent to the eye. A digital image is acquired from the light reflected from the eye. The image shows details that are not perceivable using current examination techniques. Images are acquired using more than one infrared wavelength using a multispectral illumination device for a more thorough analysis. |
| US07712900B2 |
Wavefront characterization of corneas
Apparatus for determining whether cornea (vitro or in vivo) has been modified (surgically or otherwise). The method includes the steps of: passing a beam of collimated light through the cornea to produce a distorted wavefront; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. The analysis of the distorted wavefront can be for the presence of higher order aberrations, or Gausian characteristics which are indicative of modifications. The method includes the steps of providing an optical system that has a pupil plane and an image plane at a detector; positioning the cornea in the pupil plane; passing a collimated beam of light through the cornea to produce at least two images in the image plane; determining the characteristics of the distorted wavefront; and analyzing the distorted wavefront for characteristics that identify the presence of a modification. |
| US07712898B2 |
Methods and systems for optic nerve head segmentation
A method of classifying an optic nerve cup and rim of an eye from a retinal image comprising receiving a retinal image, determining a feature vector for a candidate pixel in the retinal image, and classifying the candidate pixel as a cup pixel or a rim pixel based on the feature vector using a trained classifier. The retinal image can be a stereo pair, the retinal image can be color or monochrome. The method disclosed can further comprise identifying an optic nerve, identifying an optic nerve cup and optic nerve rim, and determining a cup-to-disc ratio. |
| US07712886B2 |
Composite heating system for use in a web printing system
A composite heating system for use in a wallpaper printing system, the wallpaper printing system passing a media web along a media path from a media cartridge, past a printhead, to a wallpaper exit region, the composite heating system comprising: a first heating system, disposed between the media cartridge and the printhead, comprising a pre-heater; and, a second heating system, disposed between the printhead and the wallpaper exit region, comprising: an heating element provided within a first chamber positioned on one side of the media web; at least one fan positioned to force air past the heating element; the first chamber adapted to direct the heated air through an opening into a second heating chamber positioned on the other side of the media web; and, the second heating chamber receiving subsequent portions of the printed media web passed into the second heating chamber through the opening. |
| US07712881B2 |
Apparatus for attaching and detaching ink cartridge, recorder comprising the same and liquid spraying apparatus comprising the same
An attaching and detaching device includes a cartridge holding unit configured to hold an ink cartridge by insertion of the ink cartridge by a first predetermined stroke and a power transmitting and converting mechanism configured to convert turning of a lever arm into motion of a second predetermined stroke required for mounting the ink cartridge while held by the cartridge holding unit. The cartridge holding unit includes an integrated engagement member configured to engage with a surface of the ink cartridge, the surface being parallel to a mounting direction. When engaging with the ink cartridge, the engagement member lies in a central portion in a width direction with respect to the mounting direction at the surface. |
| US07712878B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow channel substrate having a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle aperture through which liquid is ejected, and a piezoelectric element disposed on one surface of the flow channel substrate. The piezoelectric element includes a common electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an individual electrode. The piezoelectric layer is made of lead zirconate titanate having a rhombohedral or monoclinic crystal structure preferentially oriented in the (100) plane. The saturated polarization Pm and the residual polarization Pr of the piezoelectric layer satisfy the relationship 33%≦2Pr/2Pm≦46%. |
| US07712876B2 |
Inkjet printhead with opposing actuator electrode polarities
An inkjet printhead that has an array of nozzles arranged in adjacent rows, each nozzle having an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture, each actuator having electrodes spaced from each other in a direction transverse to the rows. It also has drive circuitry for transmitting electrical power to the electrodes. The electrodes of the actuators in adjacent rows have opposing polarities such that the actuators in adjacent rows have opposing current flow directions. By reversing the polarity of the electrodes in adjacent rows, the punctuations in the power plane of the CMOS can be kept to the outside edges of the adjacent rows. This moves one line of narrow resistive bridges between the punctuations to a position where the electrical current does not flow through them. This eliminates their resistance from the actuators drive circuit. By reducing the resistive losses for actuators remote from the power supply side of the printhead IC, the drop ejection characteristics are consistent across the entire array of nozzles. |
| US07712872B2 |
Inkjet nozzle arrangement with a stacked capacitive actuator
An inkjet nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate. A layer of drive circuitry is deposited on the wafer substrate, and subsequent etchant layers are deposited on the drive circuitry to define a nozzle chamber with walls and a roof structure defining an ink ejection port. The arrangement also includes a stacked capacitive actuator arranged in said chamber, said actuator having alternative electrode plates sandwiched between a compressible polymer, wherein activation of the stacked actuator draws the electrode plates together to compress the polymer storing energy therein, with subsequent de-activation releasing said energy to eject ink from the ejection port. |
| US07712871B2 |
Method, apparatus and printhead for continuous MEMS ink jets
An embodiment relates generally to a method of ejecting ink. The method includes providing a continuous stream of ink from a pressurized fluid chamber and activating a drive signal to activate a micro-electrostatic mechanical system (MEMS) membrane. The method also includes stably breaking up the jet stream into uniform droplets in response to deflecting the MEMS membrane to perturb the continuous stream of ink. |
| US07712865B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus with a transporter surface including at least one hard porous member
There are provided a sucking unit having a recording medium transportation surface including a plurality of sucking holes, a decompression chamber communicating with the sucking holes and a sucking device for sucking air in the decompression chamber, and a delivering device for sucking a recording medium supplied onto the recording medium transportation surface of the sucking unit onto the recording medium transportation surface through the sucking hole by the sucking device, and delivering the recording medium from an upstream side of the sucking unit to a downstream side thereof. Each sucking hole of the sucking unit is formed by a through hole section communicating with the decompression chamber and a sucking chamber having a larger area of a sucking surface opposed to the recording medium than a sectional area of the through hole section. |
| US07712864B2 |
Apparatus and method for maintaining recording head
An apparatus for maintaining a recording head which has a nozzle opening in a nozzle-defining surface thereof, and ejects, from the nozzle, a droplet of an ink toward a recording medium, in a state in which the recording head is separate from a remaining portion of a recording device. The apparatus includes a cover member which is adapted to air-tightly contact the recording head to cover the nozzle-defining surface of the recording head such that a space is formed between the cover member and the nozzle-defining surface. The apparatus further includes a selectively communicating device which can selectively take (a) a first state thereof in which the selectively communicating device allows the space to communicate with an atmosphere so that substantially no difference is produced between an air pressure in the space and an atmospheric pressure, when the cover member is air-tightly contacted with the recording head; and (b) a second state thereof in which the selectively communicating device shuts off the communication between the space and the atmosphere, and thereby air-tightly closes the space, after the cover member is air-tightly contacted with the recording head. |
| US07712859B2 |
Printhead with multiple nozzles sharing single nozzle data
An inkjet printhead for use in a printer so that it can print onto a substrate at different print resolutions. The inkjet printhead has an array of nozzles, each nozzle having an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture. A print engine controller sends print data to the array of nozzles in accordance with a designated print job. During use, the print engine controller can selectively reduce the print resolution by apportioning print data for a single nozzle between at least two nozzles of the array. The invention recognizes that some print jobs do not require the printhead's best resolution—a lower resolution is completely adequate for the purposes of the document being printed. This is particularly true if the printhead is capable of very high resolutions, say greater than 1200 dpi. By selecting a lower resolution, the print engine controller (PEC) can treat two or more transversely adjacent (but not necessarily contiguous) nozzles as a single virtual nozzle in a printhead with less nozzles. The print data is then shared between the adjacent nozzles—dots required from the virtual nozzle are printed by each the actual nozzles in turn. This serves to extend the operational life of all the nozzles. |
| US07712854B2 |
Piezoelectric fluid injection devices and driving voltage calibration methods thereof
A piezoelectric fluid injection device and a driving voltage calibration method thereof. The piezoelectric fluid injection device includes at least one inkjet printhead comprising a plurality of nozzles, at least one voltage control element connecting to the inkjet printhead, a controller connecting to the voltage control element, a reference capacitor connecting to an auxiliary voltage control element and the controller in parallel with the inkjet printhead. |
| US07712852B2 |
Double drawer of refrigerator
A double drawer for a refrigerator has a main drawer, an auxiliary drawer having drawings rails which assist the main drawer to slide out, and guide rails assisting the auxiliary drawer to slide out. A sufficient extended length can be secured, the space usability is improved. The durability can also be improved despite its extended length. |
| US07712851B2 |
Slide rail assembly
A slide rail assembly includes a first slide rail having a release portion, a second slide rail having a slot, a third slide rail having a stop portion, a latch member slidably attached to a slot of the second slide rail, and a resilient member connected to the latch member for returning the latch member to an original position. The latch member includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion located at opposite sides of the second slide rail. Wherein the first engaging portion engages with the stop portion of the third slide rail such that the third slide rail is capable of driving the second slide rail to slide together relative to the first slide rail. The release portion of the first slide rail is capable of engaging with the second engaging portion to bias the latch member to slide along the slot to release the third slide rail from the first engaging portion. |
| US07712845B2 |
Method to reduce the turn radius of motor vehicles utilizing automatic single side rear brake application
A method of selective, automatic application of one rear brake of a motor vehicle under appropriate vehicle operating conditions in response to intent of a driver to make a turn, whereby the rotational speed of the selected braked rear wheel is reduced so as to reduce the turn radius of the vehicle. Vehicle sensor outputs and calculated parameters in conjunction with vehicle systems such as, but not limited to, ESC, ABS, and traction control are used to determine if appropriate vehicle operating conditions exist to actuate the present invention. The method of the present invention is implemented via an algorithmic control, preferably within an ESC system. |
| US07712839B1 |
Tiles or bricks shoveling device
A tiles or bricks shoveling device includes a body having front wheels and rear wheels, and a handle is connected to a rear end of the body. A motor is connected to the body and drives a circular member by its eccentric shaft. A block is fixed to the body and two posts movably extend through the block. A front board and a rear board are connected to the front and rear ends of the posts. Two springs are connected to the two posts to return the rear board. A shoveling blade is connected to the front end of the front board such that when the motor is activated, the posts are moved reciprocally and the shoveling blade moves linearly back and forth with the front board to shovel the tiles and bricks up. |
| US07712837B2 |
Padding for furniture
The present invention concerns a padding for a cushion (1), such as a cushion for a seat, comprising foam material (100), with modified resilience provided by recesses (101), in at least one section of the cushion, the size and/or density of the recesses being different in adjacent sections providing a varying softness or collapsibility in the foam material (100) in one surface direction of the cushion, wherein the recesses (101) may be non-transient and a frame (410) may be completely or partly embedded in the foam. The invention also concerns a seat cushion or furniture comprising such padding and the method for producing such padding. |
| US07712805B2 |
Sifting shovel
A sifting shovel for sifting particulate matter from a volume of material comprising a shovel head and a handle with an end fixed to the shovel head. The shovel head has a base plate, a sifting plate disposed in spaced relation relative to the base plate, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a proximal end wall. The sifting plate has a plurality of apertures therein, and the base plate, the sifting plate, and the first and second side walls have distal ends that together define an open mouth of the shovel head. The open mouth can have a minimum opening height greater than a maximum aperture dimension, and the shovel head can have a truncated wedge shape. At least a portion of the handle can be disposed below a longitudinal center of gravity of the sifting shovel, such as by forming a bend in the handle, to enable the sifting shovel to tip automatically. |
| US07712804B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a rope
A method of directing a rope around a cantilevered support including the steps of: a) providing an apparatus having i) an elongate pole with a proximal region and a distal region spaced from each other in a lengthwise direction, and ii) a rope engaging assembly at the distal region and having at least one surface facing away from the proximal region; b) configuring the rope so that the rope bears against the at least one surface and a portion thereof is thereby formed to be generally U-shaped opening towards the proximal region with the rope in an operative position; c) holding a second portion of the rope and the elongate pole at the proximal region to bear the rope against the at least one surface to maintain the “U” shape; and d) manipulating the elongate pole to cause the U-shaped portion of the rope to be directed around the cantilevered support. |
| US07712803B2 |
Handle apparatus for vehicle door
A handle apparatus is provided to a door of a vehicle and inside the vehicle compartment. The handle apparatus includes a handle lever, a locking knob, and cover member. A latch mechanism is released and a door of a vehicle can be opened by operating the handle lever. The locking knob is movable between a lock position and an unlock position by moving a lock operational unit in a specific region. The door gets locked when the locking knob is in the lock position, and the door gets unlocked when the locking knob is in the unlock position. The cover member covers at least a rear region of the specific region in which the lock operational unit can move. |
| US07712802B2 |
Cassette clamping mechanism
A mechanism having a pair of pivoting cassette clamping bars. The clamping bars are connected to a pneumatic cylinder or an electromechanical actuator through a series of links and an actuator wheel so that extension and retraction of the pneumatic cylinder or the electromechanical actuator causes the clamping bars to rotate and counter-rotate. The use of a pneumatic cylinder provides smooth, well-controlled movement of the clamping bars. |
| US07712798B2 |
Locking handle, in particular for a motor vehicle
A locking handle which is in particular provided for a motor vehicle comprises a star handle which is rotatably supported around an axle and to which one or more locking rods are fastened. An improved locking handle of this type comprises a longitudinally displaceably guided slide actuator with an actuator part. An engagement part is provided at the star handle. |
| US07712794B2 |
Rapid coupling device for hydrogen storage canister
A rapid coupling device couples a hydrogen storage canister and a fuel cell. The rapid coupling device includes first and second coupling assemblies. The first coupling assembly includes a base, and a communicating member coupled to the fuel cell, and carrying a first ejector, a separating member embracing the base, a moving member reciprocating longitudinally inside the base, and elastic members therebetween. The base is provided with abutting members which, depending on the respective positions of the moving member and the separating member control interconnection between the first and second coupling assemblies. The second coupling assembly includes a body carrying a second ejector and lockable inside the base for connection of the first and second ejectors. |
| US07712787B2 |
Connecting device and process for the manufacture of ducts for heating, conditioning, and ventilation
It is disclosed a connecting device for the manufacture of ducts for heating, conditioning, ventilation comprising a plate-like element (2) which is provided, on a face (2a) thereof at opposite positions, with at least two hooking points (3) adapted to penetrate contiguous portions to be joined of a duct (4) segment or of two consecutive duct segments. Also provided is a connecting process comprising a step of applying at least one connecting device (19 on either side of a junction line (4a) defined by two opposite longitudinal bands of a panel (5) adapted to form a duct (4) segment. |
| US07712785B2 |
Webbing guide mechanism
A webbing guide mechanism includes an upper webbing guide (58) and a lower webbing guide (60) that are disposed on the side portion of a seat back (30) of a front seat (24) that is a tumbling seat. A webbing (50) is wound in a looped manner on these guides (58, 60). The webbing (50) is pulled forward and a loading/unloading space (78) is easily enlarged by sequentially changing the seat back (30) from a standard state to an inclined state and then to a tumbled state. According to the invention, a webbing guide mechanism is provided which can easily secure, without troubling a passenger, loading/unloading space behind the front seat (24) when the passenger climbs into or out of the space or when the passenger loads items into or unloads items from the space. |
| US07712783B2 |
Modular column mount
A modular column mount comprising a base fixture, a clamp float in engagement with the base fixture, and a first ring in engagement with the clamp float, the ring defining an aperture adapted to accept a steering column therethrough. The modular column mount further comprising at least one of a plurality of second rings of different predetermined inner and outer diameters used singularly or mixed and matched between the aperture of the first ring so as to provide various combinations providing a column mount of predetermined aperture size. The cost of manufacturing and inventory control of various first and second rings is substantially less than the cost of manufacturing and inventory control of column mounts of fixed aperture size in all the various aperture sizes that are possible and provided by the modular column mount. |
| US07712780B2 |
Gas generator with hybrid spring
The present invention provides an inflator for an inflatable restraint system in an automobile, or more generally, a gas generator. The inflator includes an inflator body having a plurality of inflation apertures and defining a first combustion chamber wherein a first propellant charge is positioned. At least one annular spring containing a cushion is provided for maintaining the integrity of the shape of the propellant charge. |
| US07712779B2 |
Side airbag having pipe type adaptive vent hole
Disclosed is a side airbag, which controls the pressure of the airbag by controlling the outflow of gas in such a manner as to block or open a vent hole depending on the physical size of the occupant. The side airbag includes a side airbag cushion disposed to at least one side of a seat and having at least a vent hole formed at an upper part and at least a gas control member disposed to block or open the vent hole of the side airbag, for allowing or preventing gas to flow out through the vent hole by the inner pressure of the gas upon deployment of the side airbag cushion. Thus, injury to the occupant can be reduced. |
| US07712778B2 |
Dual stage cylindrical inflator with outside to inside axial flow
A new type of inflator that may be used to inflate an airbag is disclosed. The inflator will have a longitudinal axis, a first chamber, and a filter. The filter may be positioned outside of the first chamber. A first quantity of gas generant is positioned within the first chamber. A first strainer having a plurality of gas flow holes is also positioned within the first chamber. The first quantity of gas generant is located exterior of the strainer. Upon combustion of the first quantity of gas generant produces a first quantity of gas that flows towards the longitudinal axis while passing through the gas flow holes, enters the filter, and then flows away from the longitudinal axis while passing through the filter. |
| US07712777B2 |
Airbag deployment control based on contact with occupant
Method for controlling outflow of gas from an airbag includes deploying the airbag toward an occupant prior to or during an accident involving the vehicle, detecting contact between the airbag and the occupant by means of a sensor, and controlling outflow of gas from the airbag based on the detected contact. Contact between the airbag and the occupant may be detected by analyzing deceleration of the airbag, e.g., via an accelerometer arranged on a surface of the airbag, a pressure sensor arranged to sense the pressure in the airbag which is correlatable to the deceleration of the airbag and tension sensors arranged on tethers between opposed inner surfaces of the airbag. Outflow of fluid from the airbag may be controlled by arranging an exit control valve or vent in, on or in connection with the airbag and which is adjustable to provide variable outflows of gas from the airbag. |
| US07712776B2 |
Method and control system for predictive deployment of side-impact restraints
A side-impact control system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes an adaptive restraint (15). A side sensor (30) is configured to detect an object, in a restraint dependent detection zone (60) along a side (13) of the vehicle (12), and generates an object detection signal. A controller (16) determines an activation time for and a deployment status of the adaptive restraint (15), and activates the adaptive restraint (15) before or after contact between the object and the side (13). |
| US07712775B2 |
Arranging structure of vehicle interior components
A structure of arranging interior components of a vehicle is provided. The structure includes a panel member extending along a side of a roof of the vehicle, and a bracket having a fixing base attached to the panel member, a first attaching base to which a first interior component is attached, and a bent piece connecting the fixing base and the first attaching base. The bent piece includes a sideward extending portion which inwardly extends in a width direction of the vehicle from the fixing base, and a downward extending portion which downwardly extends from the sideward extending portion and to which the first attaching base is connected. A second interior component is arranged between a space surrounded by the panel member and the bent piece. |
| US07712774B2 |
Tension-based airbag mounting system
An airbag assembly including a tension mounting mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a one-way locking mechanism via an attaching element to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail. |
| US07712772B2 |
Thorax airbag device, seat provided with the same and method for activating said thorax airbag
The invention relates to a thorax airbag device without housing which is mounted between a guide yoke and a tearing thread. The invention also relates to a seat which is provided with a thorax airbag device without housing which is mounted by a guide yoke and a tearing thread. |
| US07712766B2 |
Side airbag
A side airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag which is provided for the protection of a vehicle occupant and which has at least two inflatable chambers which are in each case to assume a specific position in a motor vehicle after inflation. A functional band is provided, which is secured by a portion outside the airbag. At least a portion of the functional band exerts on at least one of the chambers of the airbag a holding force, which has the effect that the chamber, after inflation, assumes the position provided for the chamber. |
| US07712762B1 |
Vehicle-attachable apparatus
A trailer (50) is attachable to a pulling vehicle (22). Attachment to the pulling vehicle (22) provides steering rigidity around a vertical axis (32), permits pivotal freedom around a horizontal transverse axis (30), and optionally permits pivotal freedom around a longitudinal axis (34). A wheel (14), which preferably is steerable, at least partially supports the trailer (50). In a preferred embodiment, a body of the trailer (50) is a clamshell body (52) that is disposed vertically and transversely for traveling, and that includes clamshell portions (54A and 54B). Optionally, the clamshell body (52) is positioned horizontally, the clamshell portions (54A and 54B) are separated, and a tent (74) is erected above one of the clamshell portions (54A or 54B). |
| US07712760B2 |
Towing device for electric vehicle
When the electric vehicle is to be towed by a towing vehicle, the two vehicles are connected by a connection tool, and a drive motor prioritization control unit is connected to the communication network by a communication cable. Power from a battery is then supplied to the low voltage line by a power supply cable, and the inverter is controlled by a signal from the drive motor prioritization control unit of the towing vehicle. |
| US07712758B2 |
Bicycle frame construction
A bicycle frame is provided in which the head tube, top tube and down tube are constructed as a single structural unit with the ends of the top tube and down tube left open to allow for ease of molding. |
| US07712756B2 |
Steering damper mounting structure
To arrange a steering damper behind a head pipe in a compact manner while suppressing the influence of the steering damper on an intake duct which penetrates the vicinity of head pipes of a vehicle body frame. A steering damper is arranged between left and right main frames of a vehicle body frame and, at the same time, is arranged above or below an intake duct which penetrates the vicinity of a head pipe of the vehicle body frame. |
| US07712754B2 |
Vehicle front end suspension
A leaf spring assembly for a vehicle having a frame and an axle. The leaf spring assembly includes a first leaf spring and a trailing arm having first and second ends. The first end of the trailing arm adapted to be coupled to the frame to form a trailing arm attachment point. The first leaf spring is disposed beneath the trailing arm and includes a width defining a lateral direction and first and second ends defining a longitudinal direction. The first end of the first leaf spring being concentrically wound with the first end of the trailing arm and adapted to be attached to the frame. |
| US07712750B2 |
Upholstered creeper
A creeper includes an inner framework having longitudinally extending, laterally spaced side rails interconnected by one or more cross members extending therebetween. A support plate is secured to the inner framework. A pad is positioned on the support plate and a cover encompasses the pad and at least a portion of the inner framework therein. A plurality of caster assemblies are secured to the inner framework. |
| US07712749B2 |
Footwear
A footwear includes a main shoe body provided with a recess on a bottom thereof; an upper body fixed to the recess and having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction; a lower body having a plurality of magnets arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction, and connected with the upper body to be rotatable relative to the upper body; and rollers mounted to the lower body. The magnets of the upper body and the lower body are arranged so as to return the rollers always to a regular position by magnetism acting between the magnets of the upper body and the magnets of the lower body. |
| US07712747B2 |
Retaining assembly
A retaining assembly includes a body and a retainer. The body includes a compartment defined in an end thereof. The compartment is defined by a perimeter wall and an end wall. A coupling hole is defined in the end wall for receiving a tool. The retainer is mounted in the compartment of the body and has a through-hole aligned with the coupling hole of the body. The retainer further includes at least one resilient positioning portion abutting against the perimeter wall of the body for retaining the retainer in the compartment of the body. The retainer further includes at least one resilient clamping portion extending into the coupling hole of the body for pressing against at least one face of the tool received in the coupling hole of the body. |
| US07712746B2 |
Chuck
A chuck, which is releasably connectable with a tool spindle (1), includes a guide sleeve (3) having a plurality of openings (4), a plurality of locking elements formed as tilt segments (5) each having an axially fixedly supported, support part (7) and a radially tiltable locking part (8) extendable into a respective opening (4) of the guide sleeve (3) for engaging the tool spindle (1), and a manually displaceable locking sleeve (6) for radially locking the locking elements. |
| US07712743B1 |
Three-dimensional reactionary turkey target
A three-dimensional reactionary turkey target includes a target stand shaped to represent the body of a turkey and a reactionary head and neck target that is shaped to represent the vital region of a turkey's head and neck. The head and neck target connects to the target stand, which is held in position via a support means. The target allows youth, novice, and experienced turkey hunters to assess the pattern of a turkey gun, gauge the shooter's accuracy, determine the efficacy of ammunition, and practice with a life-like target. |
| US07712742B1 |
Game of chance
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a game of chance is provided. Cards for use in the game of chance have rows and columns that define “boxes having numbers contained in the boxes. A random number generator generates an initial number of numbers, preferably two. The initial numbers correspond to the numbers contained in the boxes, thus representing a numerical spread based on the position the numbers correspond to on the card. Depending on the numerical spread based on the position the numbers correspond to on the card, either a payoff is determined, a push is called or at least an addition number is generated. If the additional number is generated, either a payoff is determined or a push is called. |
| US07712739B2 |
Conveying apparatus, inkjet recording apparatus, and method for controlling conveyance
A recording paper conveying apparatus is disclosed. The recording paper conveying apparatus includes a conveying part for conveying a recording paper, the conveying part including a first encoder, and a driving part for driving the conveying part, the driving part including a second encoder, wherein the first and second encoders have different resolutions. |
| US07712738B2 |
Gain-scheduled feedback document handling control system
Methods and systems for performing sheet registration are described. A device having a plurality of drive rolls may receive a sheet. Each drive roll may operate with an associated angular acceleration. A state vector, including a plurality of state variables, may be identified. Error-space state feedback values may be determined based on a difference between each state variable and a corresponding reference state variable based on a desired sheet trajectory. Control input variable values may be determined based on the error-space feedback values and one or more gains. A motor control signal for a motor for each drive roll may be determined based on the control input variable values and the state variables. Each motor control signal may impart a desired angular acceleration for at least one drive roll. The identifying step and each determining step may be performed repeatedly to register the sheet to the desired trajectory. |
| US07712737B2 |
Gain-scheduled feedback document handling control system
Methods and systems for performing sheet registration are described. A device having a plurality of drive rolls may receive a sheet. Each drive roll may operate with an associated angular velocity. A state vector, including a plurality of state variables, may be identified. Error-space state feedback values may be determined based on a difference between each state variable and a corresponding reference state variable based on a desired sheet trajectory. Control input variable values may be determined based on the error-space feedback values and one or more gains. A motor control signal for a motor for each drive roll may be determined based on the control input variable values and the state variables. Each motor control signal may impart a desired angular velocity for at least one drive roll. The identifying step and each determining step may be performed repeatedly to register the sheet to the desired trajectory. |
| US07712735B2 |
Device for unstacking postal items with optimized management of unstacking conditions
An unstacker device for unstacking flat objects comprises a motor-driven feed magazine controlled so as to move flat objects in a stack and on edge facing an unstacking head provided with a motor-driven drive having a perforated belt and a suction chamber, which motor driven drive is actuated so as to separate a current first object from the stack and so as to eject it in a direction that is transverse to the direction in which the stack of flat objects is moved, in which device the motor-driven drive is actuated and stopped each time a current object is unstacked, and the stack of flat objects is straightened up in the magazine in response to detection of signals delivered by a plurality of sensors disposed in the unstacking head. The sensors are disposed in the unstacking head in a manner such as to deliver signals indicating that the current object is presented appropriately relative to the unstacking head, and the drive of the unstacking head is actuated if the signals indicate that the current object is presented appropriately. |
| US07712732B2 |
Sheet-folding apparatus and image-forming system equipped with the same
Sheets after having been sequentially folding-processed are stowed neatly without becoming dog-eared, wrinkled, etc. in the course of being transported to a stacker. A folding process unit folds sequentially fed copy paper or other sheets, and a sheet stacking unit loads/stows sheets from the folding unit. A conveyance device conveying one folding-processed sheet at a time is furnished between the folding unit and the sheet stacking unit. The conveyance device includes a first, upstream conveyance unit conveying sheets from the folding process unit in a direction approximately orthogonal to the sheets' crease(s), and a second, downstream conveyance unit conveying sheets in the orientation of the crease(s). The second conveyance unit is configured with a tray member where sheets are supported one at a time, and is configured so as to sequentially deliver each sheet to the sheet stacking unit along the tray member in the orientation of the crease(s). |
| US07712727B1 |
Air cushion vehicle bow skirt retraction system
A system and method retracts and lets-out a laterally extending flexible bow seal on an air cushion vehicle having a bow ramp. Attachment loops on the forward outside surface of the bow seal receive a skirt cable. A separate cable routing system is connected to opposite ends of the skirt cable for selectively retracting and letting-out the bow seal. The cable routing systems also include ramp cables connected to the bow ramp to raise or lower the bow ramp. The cable routing systems retract the bow seal with the skirt cable simultaneously as the bow ramp is lowered by letting out the ramp cables, and the cable routing systems let-out the bow seal with the skirt cable simultaneously as the bow ramp is raised by drawing in the ramp cables. |
| US07712726B1 |
Machine for pulling wire through a conduit
A device for pulling wire through a conduit with sheave head, sheave head support boom, wire puller frame, conduit interface, and wire pull assembly. The wire pull assembly further comprises a capstan, a gear box having an input axle and an output axle, and a means to interface a power source to impart rotating force to the capstan. |
| US07712723B2 |
Lever positioning device for valve actuator
A valve actuator comprises a housing, a lever, and a positioning device. The lever is disposed within the housing and is adapted to be operatively coupled to rotate the valve shaft The positioning device is operatively coupled to the lever to bias the lever into a predetermined position |
| US07712722B2 |
Anchor structure for electronic devices
An anchor structure for electronic devices includes a plurality of bars that are pivotally coupled through a hinged means. At least one of the bars has a housing space formed in a portion of the interior to allow the bars to be swivelable relative to one another. The anchor structure further has a fastening means which has a handle with a bottom end located in the housing space and hinged on a corresponding bar. The hinged portion on the bottom end of the handle runs through the bar and is fastened to a cam. The housing space also holds a slidable brake element corresponding to the cam and a spring to keep the brake element in contact tightly with the cam so that turning of the cam can selectively move the brake element to a position to escape the axle or to another position to form a tight contact with an axle. |
| US07712720B1 |
Resizable device stand
A resizable device stand includes a suction base, an adjusting module mounted on the suction base, and a load-supporting module mounted on the adjusting module. The load-supporting module includes a housing, a pair of clamps, elastic pieces, and a wedge. The housing defines a first channel and a second channel therein. The clamps include vertical parts and horizontal parts. The horizontal parts are received in the first channel. The vertical parts extend upwardly from the housing. The elastic pieces are configured for driving the clamps to clamp the device. The wedge is received in the second channel, configured to press and open the clamps via the interaction of the inclined surfaces when receiving a user operation. The stand is adapted for supporting different types and sizes of devices. |
| US07712717B2 |
Display mounting apparatus
A mounting apparatus for attaching a flat panel display for a similar device to a vertical surface. The mounting apparatus includes a pair of mounting brackets each having first and second support flanges extending outwardly therefrom. First and second transverse arms are mounted upon the first and second support flanges respectively. The second transverse arm is configured to rotate between an unlocked and locked position to secure a support arm which is affixed to a display bracket which in turn is adapted to be affixed to the flat panel display. The support arm is pivotally attached at one end thereof to the display bracket an defines a curved slot at the opposite end thereof. A link arm is pivotally secured at one end thereof to the display bracket with the other end thereof slidably connected to the curved slot to enable tilting of the flat panel display. |
| US07712716B2 |
Adjustable height scaffold combination
A clamp for mounting an angle bracket on a tubular upright having a side member, an outer jaw and an inner jaw coupled to the side member, and coupling means permitting the side member to pivot relative to the angle bracket about a fixed or non-fixed pivot axis. The inner and outer jaws preferably feature contact surfaces that are portions of circular, cylindrical outer surfaces, but in any case are shaped to contact the cylindrical outer surface of the upright. The clamp is attached to the angle bracket and the jaws are pivotally mounted in the clamp so that the jaws have the necessary number of degrees of freedom with respect to the side member to permit them to contact the upright on extended areas. |
| US07712712B2 |
Object carrier with flexible exchangeable support arm
In an object carrier for supporting apparatus such as a minicomputer, a navigation apparatus or cell phones, which carrier comprises a foot adapted to be attached to a support surface, a top part for supporting an apparatus holder or directly an apparatus, and a flexible arm extending between the foot and the top part, the flexible arm is releasably connectable at least to the foot by a plug-in connection consisting of a receptacle part formed at least in the foot for receiving an end of the flexible arm in a rotationally fixed relationship and the plug-in connection further includes locking structure for firmly retaining, and releasably locking, the end of the flexible arm in the foot and respectively, top part. |
| US07712708B2 |
Fastener clip
A fastener or routing clip for use in a vehicle is configured to reduce the surface area of that is in contact with the tube, wire, or cord to which it is mounted. The fastener clip simultaneously reduces vibration noise. The fastener clip may include two ends which may be connected to each other by a swivel hinge, which allows the two ends of the clip to close and snap-fit together. When in the closed position, the two ends, which further define corresponding semi-circular sections, will capture the tube, wire, cord, etc. thereby mounting them to the clip. The clip may then be mounted to the vehicle. The fastener clip may include at least one flex arm having a bulbous-like end that contacts and pushes on the tube, wire, cord, etc. to reduce the amount of surface contact between the tube, wire, cord, etc. and the clip, and functions as a dampener to reduce vibration noise. |
| US07712707B2 |
System for mounting a display
A method that pivotably mounts a display screen includes a housing and a display holder. A bearing is disposed between the housing and the display holder. The bearing may include a bearing protrusion or curved projection extending from a sidewall of the s display holder. The bearing includes a race in communication with the housing and has a concave surface portion, and a clamping member having a convex portion. The convex portion of the clamping member may be juxtaposed with the concave surface portion of the race to form an annular channel between the clamping member and the race. The curved protrusion may be slidingly secured in the annular channel to pivotally mount the display holder relative to the housing. A bearing may support each side of the display holder. |
| US07712706B2 |
Space tethers for limiting the dynamic response of structures
Methods and systems for providing space tethers for limiting the dynamic response of structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for limiting the dynamic response of a structure having a base member and a substructure projecting outwardly from the base member includes coupling a first end of an elongated flexible tether to the substructure at a first location spaced apart from the base member; and coupling a second end of the elongated flexible tether to the base member at a second location spaced apart from the substructure, the tether being configured to be in a non-taut configuration when the substructure moves within a design volume with respect to the base member, the tether being further configured to be in a taut position when the substructure displaces to a limit of the design volume. |
| US07712704B2 |
Arrangement of seats and baggage compartments in an aircraft cabin
An aircraft cabin segment includes at least one longitudinally extending aisle, seats disposed in rows, at least two assemblies of baggage compartments, and ventilation outlets. The seats disposed in rows are transversal relative to the longitudinal aisle. The at least two assemblies of baggage compartments are aligned and positioned overhead. The baggage compartments of each of the two assemblies are aligned in a transversal direction and are positioned above the seats such that bottom surfaces of the baggage compartments form a sinusoidal wave along a longitudinal direction of the aircraft cabin segment. The ventilation outlets are disposed between the two assemblies of the baggage compartments. |
| US07712703B2 |
Flap simulators
A flap simulator for an aircraft has a support with a handle. A first couple is on the support and is selectively engageable to a flap track for guiding an aircraft flap. A second couple is also on the support and is selectively engageable to a flap actuator for moving the aircraft flap along the flap track. The support may have an adjustment feature that allows a size of the second couple to be changed to accommodate the flap actuator. The support is apart from the aircraft flap. |
| US07712702B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft, including releasably gripping aircraft during launch and breaking subsequent grip motion
Methods and apparatuses for launching unmanned aircraft and other flight devices or projectiles are described. In one embodiment, the aircraft can be launched from an apparatus that includes a launch carriage that moves along a launch guide. The carriage can accelerate when portions of the carriage and/or the launch guide move relative to each other. A gripper carried by the launch carriage can have at least one grip portion in contact with the aircraft while the launch carriage accelerates along the launch axis. The at least one grip portion can move out of contact with the aircraft as the launch carriage decelerates, releasing the aircraft for takeoff. A brake can arrest the motion of the gripper after launch. |
| US07712698B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a sheeted roll of material
An apparatus for forming a wound roll of discrete overlapping sheets of web from a supply of continuous web. The web preferably is passed around a nip roller that steers the web onto the surface of a take-up core. A knife assembly including a knife blade extended from a knife holder is driven by a traversing mechanism across the width of the web to cut the wound web on the core into discrete sheets, the extended height of the knife blade being preferably the exact thickness of the web. In transverse cutting by the knife of the web wound on the take-up core, the knife holder travels on the outer surface of the web, thus assuring that the knife blade extends just to the outer surface of the next inner convolution of web, thereby cutting the continuous web into sheets without damaging previously wound web convolutions. |
| US07712690B2 |
Exit valve for blowing insulation machine
A machine for distributing blowing insulation including a shredding chamber having an outlet end, a plurality of shredders configured to shred and pick apart the blowing insulation, and a discharge mechanism mounted at the outlet end of the shredding chamber and configured for distributing the blowing insulation into an airstream. The discharge mechanism includes housing and a plurality of sealing vane assemblies mounted for rotation. The sealing vane assemblies are configured to seal against the housing as the sealing vane assemblies rotate. The housing includes an eccentric segment extending from the housing. A blower is provided and configured to provide the airstream which flows through the discharge mechanism. The sealing vane assemblies become spaced apart from the housing as the sealing vane assemblies rotate through the eccentric segment. |
| US07712685B2 |
Device for fuel injection rate shaping
The present invention relates to fuel injection in internal combustion engines and to fuel rate shaping. Especially, the invention relates to combustion engines utilizing heavy fuel oil as a fuel. In the body of the device there is arranged a chamber, in which a movable piston is arranged dividing the chamber into a first main volume and a second main volume, the volumes of which depend upon the position of the piston. Moreover, the device comprises at least one auxiliary volume, which can be united with the main volumes. The auxiliary volume can be filled with the fuel entering the device through the first main volume by utilizing the piston motion. By establishing a connection from the auxiliary volume to the second main volume a fuel flow to the second main volume is allowed. |
| US07712682B2 |
Spray gun with rotatable reservoir
A reservoir (402) for connection to a spray gun has a lid (410) provided with an outlet spout (415) that is rotatably received in a socket of an inlet adaptor (419) connectable to the spray gun. The lid (410) has a spring leg (425) spaced from the outlet spout (415) with a projection (426) at the distal end for self-latching engagement with a flange (423) of the adaptor (419) to secure releasably the reservoir (402) to the spray gun. The engagement of the projection (426) and flange (423) enables the reservoir (401) to be rotated through 360° to adjust the position of the reservoir (402) while attached to the spray gun. |
| US07712676B2 |
Device, and method for manufacturing the same
In a method for manufacturing a flexible memory device and semiconductor device, a stack including an element layer and an insulating layer which seals the element layer is formed over a substrate having a separation layer, and the stack is separated from the separation layer. The element layer includes a memory element having a layer containing an organic compound between a pair of electrodes, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, and at least one of the pair of electrode layers is formed using an alloy layer containing tin. The flexible memory device and semiconductor device include a memory element having a layer containing an organic compound between a pair of electrodes, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, in which at least one of the pair of electrode layers is formed using an alloy layer containing tin. |
| US07712674B1 |
RFID devices for verification of correctness, reliability, functionality and security
The present invention differs from the prior art in that the present invention provides one or a network of passive or active radio frequency identification (RFID) transceivers and antenna elements in different numbers, in various network sizes, in different configurations and on various substrates. The RFID transceiver can be co-located with standard semiconductor devices, for cost-effective circuit design and non-destructive fabrication test and analysis of integrated circuits and printed circuit boards after fabrication, and to locate, track and identify the integrated circuit, printed circuit boards and products in which they are implemented. The RFID transceivers can be coupled to substrates containing matter in gas, liquid, or solid form, such as medical devices like breast implants, for effective monitoring of the substrates to ensure that the substrate is in an unaltered state and the matter is still contained securely within. The RFID transceivers can be coupled to secure tapes of various lengths and widths and mesh bags or sheets of various sizes and they can be applied at the carton-level using them to locate, track and identify the integrated circuit, printed circuit boards and products in which they are implemented and/or the cartons in which they were placed. |
| US07712666B2 |
Automatically-triggered digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting dynamically controlled object illumination and digital video-imaging operations
An automatic automatically-triggered digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing an adaptive control process involving the real-time analysis of the exposure quality of captured frames of digital image data and the real-time reconfiguration of system control parameters (SCPs) based on the results of such exposure quality analysis. By virtue of the present invention, the system enables the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, under demanding point-of-sale lighting conditions and other challenging environments. |
| US07712664B2 |
2-dimensional code pattern, 2-dimensional code pattern supporting medium, 2-dimensional code pattern generating method, and 2-dimensional code reading apparatus and method
A 2-dimensional code reading apparatus includes a code position detector receiving an input image that is formed by optically reading 2-dimensional codes, and extracting a 2-dimensional codes from the input image. A data acquisition unit acquires identification information of a document page and positional information of the 2-dimensional codes on the document page, from the 2-dimensional codes. A data decoder performs decoding of the identification information and the positional information. The code position detector is provided with a code frame detector detecting a code frame which defines a fixed region of the 2-dimensional codes, and determining a dot of a target pixel as being a corner dot of the code frame. |
| US07712657B1 |
Automated banking machine that enables multiple users to conduct concurrent transactions at different areas of a display surface
An automatic banking machine includes at least one computer, a card reader, transaction function devices, and a display. The display includes a touch display surface having multiple spaced user locations at which transaction sessions by different user can be concurrently conducted. Multiple users can at the same time receive visible outputs from the display surface and provide inputs through physical contact with the display surface. An eye sensing device enables the display surface, based on sensing where a user is looking at the display surface, to display data at the user location. |
| US07712652B2 |
Component mounting apparatus and component mounting method
First components and second components in which bumps are formed on the lower surface thereof and laminate structures are formed by mounting them to stack with each other on a circuit board 13 are picked up from a component supply unit 1 using a placement head 16, and by lifting and lowering the placement head 16 holding the first components and the second components relative to a paste transfer device 5 supplying a flux 10 in the manner such as coating films having two types of different thicknesses, the flux 10 is supplied to the bumps of the plurality of components in a bundle using a transfer coating method. With such a configuration, it is possible to efficiently perform a component mounting with a satisfactory adhesiveness by ensuring an optimal amount of application quantity of a paste. |
| US07712650B2 |
Method of mounting a semiconductor chip
When a semiconductor chip is mounted using ultrasonic vibration, a method of mounting makes it possible to bond the semiconductor chip and bonding patterns with sufficient bonding strength without making the construction of a circuit board complex. The method of mounting a semiconductor chip causes ultrasonic vibration to act on the semiconductor chip to mount the semiconductor chip on a circuit board by flip-chip bonding. As the circuit board, a circuit board is used where protrusion patterns are provided at positions on bonding patterns to which the semiconductor chip is bonded corresponding to antinodes of vibration for a case where the bonding patterns resonate due to ultrasonic vibration applied by the semiconductor chip. |
| US07712646B2 |
Adaptor for a tool
An adaptor (10) for a fastening tool (12) having an attachment portion (18) for coupling the adaptor (10) to the fastening tool and a support (14, 16) for coupling a mounting bracket (26) to the adaptor (10), arranged so as to hold the mounting bracket (26) relative to a substrate and allow a fastener from the tool to be driven through the mounting bracket to secure the mounting bracket to the substrate (52). A holder for holding an item to facilitate attachment of said item to a substrate by a fastener, wherein the holder magnetically retains the item in a position to receive the fastener from a fastener tool. A method of securing a mounting bracket to a substrate including the steps of coupling the mounting bracket (26) to an adaptor (10) which is arranged so as to hold the mounting bracket relative to a fastening tool (12), supporting the mounting bracket in position relative to the substrate (52), and operating the tool to drive a fastener through a mounting portion of the mounting bracket to secure the mounting bracket to the substrate. |
| US07712645B2 |
Medical chest bag for military, emergency rescue and other personnel
A chest bag apparatus is arranged to be worn and carried in position secured against the chest of a wearer both in a first, closed, carrying condition and in a second, open, substantially L-shaped, tray-like condition providing facilitated access to the interior of the bag and its contents during its use while being worn by a wearer. The chest bag may further have a second, fully open condition for use of the chest bag in a hanging condition on a support hook or in condition laid out on an underlying ground surface. The chest bag preferably includes a quick release, temporary closure arrangement to permit the bag to be quickly closed temporarily so that it does not obstruct the wearer's view and activity. |
| US07712644B2 |
Vehicular transponder intermediary device and system
A transponder intermediary device enables a user to selectively retain a toll transponder device in toll-paying position upon a vehicle. The transponder intermediary device comprises a transponder-receiving slot and a vehicular interface. The transponder-receiving slot comprises a superior slot end, an inferior slot end, laterally-opposed slot ends, an anterior slot portion, a posterior slot portion, an inner slot surface, and a relaxed equilibrium position. The inner slot surface is sized and shaped to snugly and removably receive transponder housing. The vehicular interface comprises certain attachment structure for attaching the transponder intermediary device in toll-paying position upon the vehicle. As the transponder housing is received in the transponder-receiving slot, the housing snap-clicks into place, thus aurally alerting the user as to when the housing is securely held by the transponder intermediary device. |
| US07712635B2 |
Quick load caulking gun cartridge holder
A caulking gun cartridge caddy has back to back cartridge clamps which surround a portion of the circumference of two caulking gun cartridges, holding them in parallel juxtaposition whereby one cartridge is held in readiness for replacing another while the latter is in use. The caddy holds the cartridges oriented in opposite directions to minimize interference by the spare cartridge with using the caulking gun. The caddy may include means on its side for also holding a smoothing tool commonly needed by users to smooth a bead of the fill material after it has been distributed from the cartridge nozzle. |
| US07712632B2 |
Material discharge apparatus and method
This invention is a material discharge apparatus for controlling the flow rate of flowable material being conveyed through a hopper, the apparatus includes a hopper with an inlet at the top to receive flowable material and a discharge outlet at the base of the hopper, a valve configured and arranged in the hopper, the valve has a lower end portion adjacent the discharge outlet forming a gap between the hopper and the valve for material discharge, with the valve fixedly connected to a fixed support beam, the hopper elastically connected to the same fixed support beam such that as the more material is received by the inlet, the more the hopper sags, the larger the gap formed between the valve and the hopper grows, thereby increasing the rate of flow of material discharge. |
| US07712630B2 |
Pivot mechanism for ejecting a cigarette contained in a cigarette case
A cigarette case includes a cigarette casing including a corner outlet; a double-layer hinged cover including a first slit proximate the outlet and a second slit proximate the adjacent other corner; and a spring biased ejection means within the cover and including a pivotal L-shaped ejector, a pivotal trigger, a pivot bar, a link moveable in the first slit and including an end pusher extending through the first slit, the link having the other end pivotably secured to one portion of the ejector, and a sliding member moveable in the second slit and pivotably secured to the other end of the pivot bar, the sliding member including a door extending through the second slit to block the outlet when the case is closed. Pivoting the trigger will pivot the pivot bar to move the sliding member and the link to cause the pusher to eject a cigarette from the outlet. |
| US07712628B2 |
Advertising apparatus for vending machines
Advertising apparatus for vending machines, mainly of the type of those which have a glass front which allows the products to be seen presented in the different compartments of the plurality of storage trays and from which compartments they are delivered to a reception tray formed in an ascending/descending body, by way of an elevator, for their carriage to the delivery box for collection by the user, so that to the ascending/descending body (7), proximate to the internal face of the glass door (2) of the machine (1), is fastened, by one of its sides, a laminar element (9) that holds publicity, which laminar element (9) on its opposing side is fastened to and wound on a winding roller (10), which is driven by a spring tending to cause its rotation and the winding of the laminar element (9), the laminar element (9) in the unwinding thereof remaining abutting on the internal face of the glass front (3) of the machine door. |
| US07712624B2 |
Plastic coffee container with top load support by particulate product
A rigid container for a particulate product with enhanced top load support includes an interior volume formed by a base, a surrounding wall member upstanding from the base, and an opening formed in a top. A particulate product, such as coffee, is provided in the interior volume, and is provided in sufficient quantity to fill the interior volume up to a predetermined minimum headspace. The predetermined minimum headspace is that headspace which produces a top load ratio of at least 3:1; where the top load ratio is defined as a ratio of the top load force sufficient to cause a 0.30″ deflection in the container when filled to the top load force sufficient to cause a 0.30″ deflection in the container when empty. In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of plastic and includes a flexible closure attached to the top and spanning the top opening. |
| US07712613B2 |
Water filter materials and water filters containing a mixture of microporous and mesoporous carbon particles
A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided. |
| US07712610B2 |
Sensor vial having a deformable seal
The present invention is directed to a vial including a stack of test sensors, wherein the vial includes a vial body and a vial cap and a seal. In one embodiment of the present invention, the seal includes an annular ledge, a flange attached to the annular ledge, a hinge, also referred to as an annular line of weakness, and a skirt. In one embodiment of the present invention, the annular line of weakness is positioned between the skirt and the flange such that the skirt folds outward when pressure is applied to the annular ledge, such as, for example, when the skirt is pressed against a sealing surface of the vial body. |
| US07712607B2 |
Rigid swing-open packet of cigarettes
A rigid, swing-open packet of cigarettes having: at least one group of cigarettes; at least one inner container housing the group of cigarettes; an outer container housing the inner container and having at least one open lateral end; and a hinge connecting the inner container and the outer container to allow the inner container to rotate between a closed position, in which the inner container is inserted inside the outer container, and an open position, in which the inner container is at least partly extracted from the outer container; the hinge being located close to an edge of a wall of the inner container and close to an edge of a bottom wall of the outer container at the open lateral end of the outer container. |
| US07712606B2 |
Two-part package for medical implant
The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment. |
| US07712604B2 |
Device for receiving and transporting articles
A device for receiving and transporting articles, in particular syringes and the like, of a type comprising a transfer carousel destined to be rotated about a substantially vertical axis peripherally bearing a series of seatings for receiving single articles from a supply station and for transferring the articles to a receiving station. The seatings are fashioned from respective shaped and recessed surfaces realized on respective appendages peripherally associated to the carousel and elastically deformable such as to absorb any variations in size of the articles. |
| US07712603B2 |
Device for monitoring sheet products held together in a clamp
A device according to the invention for monitoring two sheet products transported by means of a clamp of a transport device. The device has at least two sensors that are intended to generate signals on the basis of which the number of products held in the clamp can be determined. A first sensor hereby generates a first detection signal referred to as reference signal when a clamp passes a reference area assigned to this first sensor. The second sensor is arranged in such a way that it generates a second detection signal when at least one section of one of the products in a second side edge area free from the clamp passes through its assigned detection area. |
| US07712599B1 |
In-line carton feeding and forming machine with carton lug conveyor and related methods
In a machine for feeding a partially formed carton in a conveying direction and reorienting the carton for completion, a turn-assist mechanism and related methods help to ensure that proper turning of a skewed carton is achieved in a reliable and highly efficient manner. The mechanism comprises a bed for supporting the carton, which may be skewed from a first orientation in which one of the side flaps could be folded and sealed in an upstream procedure. A conveyor includes at least one lug with a portion generally elongated in a direction transverse to the conveying and vertical directions for engaging a trailing end of the carton. This engagement helps to turn the carton to a second, squared orientation approximately 90° rotated from the first orientation so that the forming operation may be completed, such as by folding and sealing any other side flaps. |
| US07712598B1 |
Robotic tread system having a net-zero motion head for moving objects
The system (50) includes at least one tread (52) secured to a tread drive means (54) for moving the tread (52) in a direction of a tread work-axis of motion (58) adjacent an object (78) to be moved. A head (57) is secured to the tread (52), and the head (57) includes a device (66) for grabbing the object (78). The head (57) selectively moves in at least a direction opposed to the tread work-axis of motion (58) and at a rate of speed at least the same as the rate of speed the drive means (54) moves the tread (52) in the tread work-axis of motion (58) direction to thereby achieve a net-zero motion relative to the object (58) to facilitate picking and placing the object (58). A plurality of treads (52) with such heads (57) may be secured in an endless loop (56). |
| US07712592B2 |
Spring travel limiter for overrunning alternator decoupler
A decoupler assembly for transferring rotary movement between an engine driven shaft and a serpentine belt. The decoupler includes a hub configured to be assembled to the shaft. The hub has a helical first slot formed therein. A pulley is rotatably coupled to the hub. A carrier is mounted on the hub and includes a helical second slot formed therein, as well as an anti-ramp up boss formed thereon. A thrust plate is fixed to the hub and has a slot formed therein. A torsion spring is compressed between a hub end retained in the helical first slot and a carrier end retained in the helical second slot for transferring torque between the hub and carrier. The anti-ramp up boss travels within the slot formed in the thrust plate for limiting rotation between the carrier and thrust plate and preventing rotation of the torsion spring relative to the hub and carrier. |
| US07712588B2 |
Temperature based clearance control for vehicle brake
An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle brake uses an electric motor to adjust brake clearance based on brake temperature and wheel speed. A temperature sensor transmits brake temperature data to a controller. If a brake is dragging during non-braking events, the controller identifies an increase in brake temperature and actuates the electric motor to increase brake clearance. The controller also adjusts brake clearance to accommodate for brake wear. When wheel speed is above a predetermined speed value, the controller actuates the electric motor to move a non-rotating brake component toward a rotating brake component until a predetermined temperature increase is sensed. Once the predetermined temperature increase is identified, the electric motor moves the non-rotating brake component away from the rotating brake component to provide an optimized brake clearance. |
| US07712587B2 |
Elevator system and method of monitoring elevators by using a virtual elevator group
The present invention relates to a method and an elevator system for monitoring elevators by using a virtual elevator group. The method for monitoring elevators in an elevator system including a plurality of elevators classified into a plurality of elevator groups, and at least one virtual elevator group including a plurality of elevators, at least one of which is included in a different elevator group and displaying the elevator related information on the elevators included in the selected virtual elevator group. |
| US07712577B2 |
Air induction housing having a perforated sound attenuation wall
An air induction housing having a perforated wall which simultaneously provides ample air entry into the air induction housing and excellent intake noise attenuation. The size, number and arrangement of the perforations is selected such that ample airflow is provided and audibility of intake noise is minimized, based upon simultaneous optimization of: providing a plurality of perforations which collectively have an opening size that accommodates all anticipated airflow requirements; sizing each of the perforations such that the airflow demand involves an airflow speed through each perforation that is below a predetermined threshold at which perforation airflow noise is generated; and arranging the perforation distribution in cooperation with configuring of the air induction housing to provide a highest level of intake noise attenuation. |
| US07712575B1 |
Spiral cut stethoscope wrap
A stethoscope protective wrap for a stethoscope including a pair of ear inserts attached to a pair of arms, a sound tube and a stethoscope head, the wrap including a protective wrap installed over the sound tube of the stethoscope, the protect wrap comprising a spiral cut material. A method of assembling the stethoscope is also provided. |
| US07712573B2 |
Working vehicle
An object of the invention is to change a layout structure of a hydraulic continuously variable transmission apparatus (HST) particularly constituting a hydromechanical continuously variable transmission apparatus (HMT) as a continuously variable transmission apparatus, thereby achieving a simplification of structures of a working vehicle and a traveling drive system, and an easiness of a maintenance. In a working vehicle provided with an HMT structured such as to combine an HST and a planetary gear mechanism as the traveling drive system so as to output and rotate a power of an engine while shifting gear, the HST is provided with a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor integrally in a front wall of a transmission case, and is arranged in an upper side of a transmission shaft transmitting the power to the transmission case from the engine. |
| US07712572B2 |
Steering actuation device for a vehicle, in particular for an industrial truck
The invention relates to a steering actuation device for a vehicle, in particular for an industrial truck, having an operating element for inputting steering commands by exerting torques on the operating element, having a sensor arrangement for monitoring the steering command input state of the operating element and having a control device for converting the steering command input data detected by the sensor arrangement into control information for a steering drive apparatus of a wheel, which can be steered, of the vehicle, the sensor arrangement detecting the respective steering command input state of the operating element by means of monitoring the elastic material deformation, in particular torsion, of an element, which is subjected to elastic deformation by means of a steering command input torque on the operating element and is coupled to or associated with the operating element. |
| US07712567B2 |
Seat belt apparatus
The seat belt retractor is provided that comprises an electric motor; a spool operatively associated with the electric motor for winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint; and a controller. The controller can be configured to control a drive of the electric motor based on a seat belt storage starting condition defined by information about a state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and information about a state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt. The controller can be configured to control the drive of the electric motor to rotate the spool to wind up the seat belt when the seat belt storage starting condition is satisfied and to temporarily stop the rotation of the spool for a time period when a seat belt load acting on the seat belt exceeds a predetermined amount. The time period can be set according to a satisfaction pattern of the seat belt storage starting condition. |
| US07712561B2 |
Driving wheel structure for motor vehicle
A driving wheel structure (100) for a motor vehicle employing an in-wheel motor arrangement includes first (105) and second (108) electric motors for generating drive torques to rotate a wheel (102), a first support member attached to the vehicle body for supporting the first motor on a vehicle body, and a second support member attached to the vehicle body for supporting the second motor on the vehicle body. When the wheel (102) is rotated in one direction by the first motor (105), a reaction torque (F1) is induced in the first support member by the drive torque of the first motor (105) that applies a down-ward bias force (F1) to the wheel (102). When the wheel (102) is rotated in said one direction by the second motor (108), a reaction torque (F2) is induced in the second support member by the drive torque of the second motor that applies an upward bias force (F2) to the wheel (102). |
| US07712560B2 |
Hybrid electric vehicle powertrain
A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has motor-generator units and gear units assembled in an efficient configuration with an economy of space. Engine power and motor-generator power are distributed through split-power flow paths to front traction wheels of the vehicle. |
| US07712559B2 |
Front-wheel drive steering compensation method and system
A method of controlling the speed of a right front wheel and a left front wheel on a work machine includes receiving a speed command based at least partially on an operator input and monitoring at least one wheel steering angle of at least one front wheel. A first front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. In addition, a second front wheel speed command may be determined based at least partially on the at least one wheel steering angle. The first front wheel speed command and the second front wheel speed command may be output to independently control the speed of the right and the left front wheels. |
| US07712554B2 |
Percussive drill bit provided with an improved chuck assembly
A percussive drill bit provided with an improved chuck assembly for a down-the-hole drill hammer. The bit has a head at its forward end with a shank extending from the head. The shank is screw threaded along its length. A reciprocating chuck is provided as a sleeve with internal screw thread as corresponding to those of the shank. The shank is releasably secured in the chuck with the read end of the shank providing a striking face. An arrangement of external splines on the chuck, and a retaining shoulder at its rear end, provide for the required guided movement of the chuck within a drill hammer wear sleeve. |
| US07712553B2 |
Method and apparatus for selectively leaching portions of PDC cutters used in drill bits
A polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter having a body of diamond crystals containing a catalyzing material is coated with a material impervious to a given acid. After the coating has dried, a segment of the coating is removed and acid is supplied to the diamond crystal body through the template in the coating to leach out the catalyzing material contained within the body of diamond crystals. |
| US07712552B2 |
Water hammer
A water hammer using a drive rod is provided. The water hammer includes a tubular main body having a hollow portion; a socket coupled to an upper end of the main body and having a water pressure supply passage; a cylindrical piston housing connected to the main body; a piston slidably installed in the piston housing, for striking a bit of a bit unit installed at a lower portion of the main body, having a hollow portion through which water is discharged, an annular pressurizing portion protruding on its outer circumferential surface, and a first communication hole connected to the hollow portion; a sliding member fitted into the main body to be coupled to the piston housing, defining a valve installation space, and creating a space portion in which the piston is received when the piston is elevated; a valve member defining the valve installation space into first and third space portions along the length of the piston, the first and second space portions having different cross-sectional areas from each other, and valve member forming a second space portion between the first and third space portions, connected to the hollow portion of the piston and connected to the first space portion when the piston is elevated; and a water pressure supply unit for supplying high pressure water delivered to the water pressure supply passage of the socket to the first and second space portions. |
| US07712550B2 |
Thrust bearing assembly
A thrust bearing assembly comprising a rotating bearing runner and a stationary bearing carrier, the carrier defining a plurality of thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier constraining movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. An embodiment comprises a rotating bearing runner having a wear resistant face and a stationary bearing carrier defining cavities disposed annularly around the carrier. A deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is disposed in a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The pad is at least partially disposed within the cavity. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier. |
| US07712549B2 |
Drilling tool
A drilling tool (10) includes a pilot bit (14) and a plurality of mills (16) encircling the pilot bit. The pilot bit and the plurality of mills are each driven by a separate, hydraulically powered turbine or positive displacement motor. (20) The drilling tool does not include a transmission for transmitting power from the turbine or motor to any of the plurality of mills or the pilot bit. |
| US07712545B2 |
Telescopic feed beam for rock drill
A telescopic feed beam for a rock drill includes a lower beam and an upper beam arranged to move with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction. The cross section of the lower beam is such that there is a groove-like open space at the bottom of the lower beam and a transfer cylinder between the lower beam and the upper beam is mounted in the groove. |
| US07712537B2 |
Method and apparatus for continuously injecting fluid in a wellbore while maintaining safety valve operation
A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240). |
| US07712535B2 |
Oxidative systems for breaking polymer viscosified fluids
A fluid breaking composition which includes an effective amount of an alkali chlorite and/or hyperchlorite, where the composition reduces a viscosity of a polymer viscosified fluid to a desired low value at down hole conditions within a time period coincident with a formation stimulation time, generally between about 30 minutes and 195 minutes and to methods for making and using the breaking composition. |
| US07712531B2 |
Methods for controlling particulate migration
Methods are provided for stabilizing a portion of a subterranean formation or reducing the production of particulates from a portion of a subterranean formation comprising contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a pre-flush fluid; contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a consolidation fluid comprising a resin and an aqueous dissolvable solvent; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with an after-flush fluid. Other methods are provided for fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation while controlling particulates comprising contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a pre-flush fluid; contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a consolidation fluid comprising a resin and an aqueous dissolvable solvent; and, contacting the portion of the subterranean formation with a fracturing fluid at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance a fracture in the subterranean formation. |
| US07712530B1 |
Pre-stressed annular sealant and method of creating a durable seal in a well bore annulus
A pre-stressed annular sealant and method of creating a durable seal in a well bore annulus which is based on hydraulic cement that is designed to be easily pumped and placed into a casing-wellbore annulus, to set into a hardened mass, and to then undergo post-set crystal growth and phase changes in the crystalline matrix to combat inherent volumetric shrinkage and to create internally-generated compressive stress in the cement matrix. This internally-generated compressive pre-stressing compensates for tensile stress induced by well operations. The tensile stress must be greater in magnitude than the magnitude of the compressive pre-stress plus the magnitude of the cement's tensile strength before the cement sheath will fail in tension. This expansion and pre-stressing also creates significantly higher shear bond strengths than those developed with ordinary hydraulic cement. |
| US07712529B2 |
Sand control screen assembly and method for use of same
A sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (44) having a plurality of openings (45) in a sidewall portion thereof and a swellable material layer (46) disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (44) and having a plurality of openings (47) that correspond to the openings (45) of the base pipe (44). A plurality of telescoping perforations (48) are operably associated with the openings (45) of the base pipe (44) and at least partially disposed within the corresponding openings (47) of the swellable material layer (46). A filter medium (56) is disposed within each of the telescoping perforations (48). In operation, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46), in response to contact with an activating fluid, causes the telescoping perforations (48) to radially outwardly extend. |
| US07712527B2 |
Use of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in well treatments
A method comprising placing a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors in a wellbore and allowing the sealant composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a MEMS interrogator tool in the wellbore, beginning placement of a sealant composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors into the wellbore, and terminating placement of the sealant composition into the wellbore upon the interrogator tool coming into close proximity with the one or more MEMS sensors. A method comprising placing a plurality of MEMS sensors in a wellbore servicing fluid. A wellbore composition comprising one or more MEMS sensors, wherein the wellbore composition is a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, a sealant, or combinations thereof. |
| US07712524B2 |
Measuring a characteristic of a well proximate a region to be gravel packed
A gravel pack service tool is lowered into a well. At least one sensor proximate a well region to be gravel packed measures at least one characteristic of the well, where the measuring is performed during a gravel pack operation by the gravel pack service tool. The gravel pack service tool is removed from the well after the gravel pack operation. |
| US07712521B2 |
Device of a test plug
A device is described for a plug (12) for pressure testing of bore holes and the like in a formation or the like, and associated pipe (10) in which the plug is installed in a plug-carrying chamber (14), and the plug (12) seals the passage through the pipe by cooperating with sealing bodies (23, 25), with the underside of the plug (12) being arranged (rests) in a seat at the bottom of the chamber. The plug is characterized in that it comprises a number of layer-formed or tier-formed ring disc elements of a given thickness, on fitted on top of the other. |
| US07712520B1 |
Brush for a well bore casing
A brush for cleaning debris from the inner surface of a well bore casing. The brush includes an inner base ring adapted to fit on a shaft, and at least one bristle assembly engaged around the circumference of the base ring. The brush features wire bristles extending radially from its circumference forming a brushing surface, and at least one channel formed in the brushing surface to provide for the evacuation of loosened debris. |
| US07712519B2 |
Transverse magnetization of casing string tubulars
A method and apparatus for imparting a transverse magnetization to a wellbore tubular is disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments, tubulars are magnetized to include at least one flux reversal (e.g., at the center of the tubular) at which the direction of the transverse field changes (i.e., from pointing radially inward to pointing radially outward). A plurality of such magnetized wellbore tubulars may be coupled together and lowered into a target well to form a magnetized section of a casing string. Exemplary embodiments of the invention may be utilized to impart a strong, highly uniform magnetic field about a string of wellbore tubulars, thereby providing for improved passive ranging and wellbore twinning. |
| US07712518B2 |
Heat dissipation apparatus
A heat dissipation apparatus used in a computer comprises a heat sink and a star-shaped spring with multiple directional arms, wherein each directional arm extends in a corresponding direction, and the tangent direction of the corresponding contact boundary formed by securing the direction arm to the heat sink is perpendicular to the corresponding direction. The force imposed from the spring on the heat sink is uniform as a result of the perpendicular mechanism. |
| US07712515B2 |
Municipal casting frame and method of manufacturing same
A municipal casting frame is provided with cast nut retainers that allow the frame to be used with or without a bolt-down cover. The frame defines one or more bolt holes of sufficient dimension to allow free passage of the cover bolts. The undersurface of the frame defines a cast nut retainer adapted to securely receive a nut. In one embodiment, the nut retainer includes protrusions that permit the nut to be snap-fitted into the nut retainer. In another embodiment, the nut retainer is configured to frictionally receive the nut in a wedging interaction. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a frame with integral cast nut retainers. The method generally includes the steps of (a) providing a core corresponding in shape to the bolt hole and the cast nut retainer, the cast nut retainer being configured to receive and retain a nut, (b) casting a frame in a mold about the core, (c) removing the cast frame from the mold and (d) removing the core from the cast frame. The process may also include the step of inserting a nut into the cast nut retainer in a direction that is in substantial coaxial alignment with the bolt hole. |
| US07712513B1 |
System and method for controlling casting shakeout retention
A method for controlling the retention time of a casting retained in a mold comprises providing a vibratory shakeout conveyor having a conveying surface, placing the mold on the conveyor; and imparting a vibratory force to the conveyor at a predetermined angle to the conveying surface whereby the predetermined angle determines the retention time of said casting in said mold. A plurality of sensors for detecting mold position and media breakdown may also be employed to detect appropriate mold retention time. |
| US07712512B2 |
Method for manufacturing composite metal material and method for manufacturing composite-metal molded article
A method for manufacturing a composite metal material combined with a nanocarbon material comprises heating a metal alloy to a half-melted state in which both liquid and solid phases are present. Next, a nongraphitized nanocarbon material is added to the half-melted metal alloy and stirred to form a composite metal material combined with a nanocarbon. |
| US07712508B2 |
Combination type tape dispenser
A combination type tape dispenser includes a first member having a cutter and a first tape roll mount, and a second member having a second tape roll mount. The first member and the second member is manipulative to be combined and separated. When the first member and the second member are combined, the first member and the second member form a big tape dispenser to mount a big tape roll on the second tape roll mount and cut a tape of the big tape roll by the cutter. When the first member and the second member are separated, the first member forms a small tape dispenser to mount a small tape roll on the first tape roll mount and cut a tape of the small tape roll by the cutter. |
| US07712506B2 |
Tape dispenser equipped with extra tool
A tape dispenser includes a handle, a base plate fixed on the handle, a tape reel pivoted on a rear of the base plate, and a seat on a front of the base plate, on a top of which a cutter is provided. The handle has a chamber therein, which is open at a bottom thereof. A holder is fixed in the chamber of the handle. A tool (utility knife) is received in the chamber of the handle and held by the holder. Therefore, the tool may be stored in the chamber of the handle and may be drawn out of the handle for operation. |
| US07712505B2 |
Tape cutter device
To provide a tape cutter device that allows a cutting blade to be disposed at a non-adhesion-surface side of an adhesive tape and that can easily form a fold, including a non-adhesion portion, at a cut end portion of the adhesive tape after a cutting operation.A structure in which a cutting blade 11 is disposed at a non-adhesion-surface side 2b of an adhesive tape 2, and is provided so as to be rotatable in a drawing-out direction of the adhesive tape 2 as the adhesive tape 2 is drawn out; in which a torsion spring 17 that biases the cutting blade 11 in a direction opposite to the drawing-out direction of the adhesive tape 2 is provided; and in which a rotating roller 18 is disposed at a holding-portion-3 side near the cutting blade 11 so that the non-adhesion surface 2b of the adhesive tape 2 is wound thereupon, and rotates as the adhesive tape 2 is drawn out, to form a fold 2b, including a non-adhesion portion, at a cut end portion of the adhesive tape 2 so as to be situated between the rotating roller 18 and the cutting blade 11 when the adhesive tape 2 is cut. |
| US07712501B2 |
Heavy duty tire
A heavy duty tire comprises a single carcass ply and a tread reinforcing belt. Each carcass ply turnup portion comprises a base part under a bead core and a radially outer part extending axially inwardly towards the carcass ply main portion. The belt consists of three plies of cords, wherein the cords of the radially outer ply are inclined toward one direction at an angle of from 13 to 23 degrees with respect the fire equator; the cords of the intermediate ply are inclined at an angle of from 13 to 23 degrees toward one direction being opposite to that of the radially outer ply; and the cords of the radially inner ply are arranged at an angle of from 30 to 70 degrees toward one direction being opposite to that of the radially outer belt ply. |
| US07712499B2 |
Pneumatic radial tire with specified belt layer
In the pneumatic radial tire of the present invention, a total strength K0 of a belt layer 20 in a circumferential direction of the tire per unit of width at a tire equator surface position P0 is set greater than a total strength of the belt layer 20 in the circumferential direction of the tire per unit of width at a width position P2 corresponding to ⅔ of a maximum width of the belt layer having the tire equator surface CL as a center. |
| US07712498B2 |
Run flat tire
A flat tire (2) according to the present invention includes a load support layer (12) positioned on an inside in an axial direction of a sidewall (6). The tire (2) further includes a belt (14) constituted by an inner belt ply (40) and an outer belt ply (42), and a full band (16) substantially covering a whole surface on an outside in a radial direction of the belt (14). The full band (16) is formed by a cord and a topping rubber. When a tensile load of 50N is applied, the cord has an elongation of 3.0% or less. The tire (2) may include a center band which has a smaller width in the axial direction than the width of the full band (16) and is laminated on the full band (16) in the vicinity of an equator (CL). |
| US07712493B2 |
Folding work bench
The folding work bench folds compactly for storage when not in use and occupies a minimal work space. The folding work bench has a durable work surface, a top storage shelf, a back board for hanging tools, a locking mechanism, and a work table that can be folded up against the back board and locked in a compactly folded configuration that also secures the tools on the back board in the work bench. |
| US07712489B2 |
Process for the zero emission storage of sulphur
A storage tank that stores sulphur with zero emissions uses reinforced EPS panels and an impermeable bottom. The reinforced EPS panels are reinforced with networks of horizontal and/or vertical galvanized or stainless steel wires that are interconnected by galvanized or stainless steel orthogonal wires. Both inner and outer walls of the reinforced EPS panels are plastered before sulphur is placed in the storage tank. Larger storage tanks may be assembled by vertically interconnecting one or more reinforced EPS panels. This interconnection is achieved by corrugating the reinforced EPS panels, or forming their edges in a Greek-key shape. The Greek-key shape prevents sulphur from escaping the storage tank. |
| US07712482B2 |
Pressure-reducing valve
A pressure-reducing valve includes a housing, a pressure-reducing piston, a driving piston, and a spring mechanism. The housing is provided with a primary port and a secondary port. The pressure-reducing piston is displaceably retained in an interior of the housing. The pressure-reducing piston is displaced to control an opening degree of the primary port and configured to separate the interior of the housing into a primary-pressure space connected to the primary port and a secondary-pressure space connected to the secondary port. The driving piston is displaceably retained in the interior of the housing. The driving piston is displaced to cause the pressure-reducing piston to be displaced in association therewith and has a secondary-pressure receiving surface that receives a secondary pressure from a fluid in the secondary-pressure space. The spring mechanism is configured to exert a spring force against the secondary pressure to at least one of the pistons. |
| US07712481B1 |
Suction hose arrangement for refuse tank trucks
A tank truck is provided for collecting and transporting flowable material. The tank truck may include a tank configured to store flowable material, a retractable suction hose assembly connected to the tank and supported by a retractable boom, the suction hose assembly including an arrangement of telescoping tubes and a hose, and a drive assembly for selectively adjusting the horizontal and vertical position of the suction hose. |
| US07712480B2 |
Method of extracting contents from sealed flexible containers using irrigation water, device for implementing same and associated container
The invention relates to a method of extracting contents from sealed flexible containers using irrigation water, to a device for implementing same and to the container used. The inventive method essentially comprises the following steps: a) perforation of the container (1) with the closure of a container support (10); b) injection of irrigation water into the container (1) through the perforations thus produced; c) breakage of the container, by applying same against breaking means comprising projecting elements (16) that are disposed on the container support (10), such that the container (1) is subjected to the pressure of the irrigation water; and d) extraction of the soluble fertiliser (3) contained in the container (1) by means of the stream of irrigation water. The invention also relates to the device used to perform said method, comprising a container support (10) which is divided into a body (12) and a lid (13), perforation means in the form of points (15), water injection means, breaking means consisting of projections (16) which are disposed inside the container support (10) and means for opening and closing the container support (10). The container (1) used comprises a receptacle (2) which is closed with a cover (4) having a peripheral rim (7). |
| US07712479B2 |
Folding crutch
A crutch enabled to fold on itself so the crutch can be stored in small places or confined areas. The crutch attaches to the forearm of a user with a flexible cuff during use. After use, an upper section and lower section of the crutch rotate toward one another using a pivoting joint. Further, the lower section of the crutch has telescoping sections, allowing the crutch to use substantially less space during storage. |
| US07712472B2 |
Smoking article with removably secured additional wrapper and packaging for smoking article
A smoking article includes a tobacco column, a binder surrounding the tobacco column, a first wrapper surrounding the binder, and at least one additional removable wrapper which surrounds the first wrapper and is removably secured to a wrapper beneath the additional removable wrapper. Packaging for a smoking article involves a supportive tube surrounding the smoking article and sealed in a package, where the package is made from a front and a rear sheet sealed together to form a sealed envelope. |
| US07712466B2 |
Intra-oral nebulizer
An improved nebulizer places a venturi in close proximity to or inside a patient's oral cavity. One or more medicine feed lines feeds the medicine to a location proximate to a venturi. A plurality of medicines may be administered simultaneously to the patient, with preferably each medicine vial being shape-keyed to a medicine receiver of corresponding shape. The medicine vial or vials may contain a standard unit dose of medication. A portable gas canister can be utilized to supply air pressure to the venturi when a press open release closed type valve is actuated. |
| US07712460B2 |
Release device with follow-through
A release device with a follow-through or recoil motion for use with mechanically launched projectiles. A recoil motion is in a direction opposite the path of the projectile. Releasing an arrow from a bow provides correct form and follow-through motion of a user hand directly opposite to a direction of a path of the launched arrow, to improve flight accuracy. The release device includes a housing, a trigger, a keeper and a recoil assembly. This invention also relates to a method of using the release device. |
| US07712457B2 |
Method for taking into account the outgassing of fuel from the engine oil of an internal combustion engine
The invention deals with a method for operating an internal combustion engine with engine oil as the lubricant and a fuel supply by means of direct injection, wherein an air number (lambda) of a fuel-air mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine is determined. Provision is made in the method according to the invention for the internal combustion engine to be transferred to an operating state with higher fuel consumption, when a low air number (lambda) is detected in driving conditions with a high percentage of fuel ingress from a crankcase ventilation system into the fuel-air mixture. By means of this increase in the fuel requirement, the fuel, which exited the engine oil into the intake air of the internal combustion engine, can be combusted; and an increase in the exhaust gas emissions by means of incompletely combusted fuel, in which typically hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide arise, can be avoided. In a warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, the fuel, which ingressed into the engine oil, can thus likewise be combusted, even if under certain temperature-time conditions, particularly in the partial load operating mode and during idling, more fuel is present in the fuel-air mixture than is actually required for operating the internal combustion engine. |
| US07712455B2 |
Magnetic device for treating liquids and gases
Magnetic device (1) for treating liquids and gaseous materials, comprising a housing (2) within which permanent magnets (6) are arranged defining a flow path (3). The housing (2) is made of magnetizable material, preferably soft iron, the flow path (3) consists of at least one magnetic pretreating unit (4) and at least one magnetic aftertreating unit (5) in which the permanent magnets (6) are arranged at the boundary of the flow path (3) in such a manner that the north (N) pole or the south (S) pole of the permanent magnets (6) faces the flow path (3). In the magnetic pretreating unit (4) the permanent magnets are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (10) with alternating polarity, while the permanent magnets (6) are arranged with the same polarity in the magnetic aftertreating unit (5). |
| US07712449B1 |
Lost motion variable valve actuation system for engine braking and early exhaust opening
A method and system for actuating an internal combustion engine exhaust valve to provide compression release actuation during an engine braking mode of engine operation and early exhaust valve opening actuation during a positive power mode of engine operation is disclosed. The system may include a first cam having a compression release lobe and an early exhaust valve opening lobe connected to a hydraulic lost motion system including a first rocker arm. A hydraulically actuated piston may be selectively extended from the hydraulic lost motion system to provide the exhaust valve with compression release actuation or early exhaust valve opening actuation. The hydraulically actuated piston may be provided as a slave piston in a master-slave piston circuit in a fixed housing, or alternatively, as a hydraulic piston slidably disposed in a rocker arm. The method and system may further provide exhaust gas recirculation and/or brake gas recirculation in combination with compression release actuation and early exhaust valve opening actuation. |
| US07712446B2 |
Control device and method of controlling an internal combustion engine
A control device of an internal combustion engine includes: a target negative pressure setting section that set a target negative intake pipe pressure during cold acceleration to a negative intake pipe pressure larger than a negative intake pipe pressure prior to the cold acceleration; a throttle valve control section that controls a throttle valve so that the negative intake pipe pressure increases during cold acceleration; and an intake valve control section that controls a variable valve mechanism of an intake valve, based on the target negative intake pipe pressure, to obtain a target intake air amount. |
| US07712444B2 |
Sheathed-element glow plug
A sheathed-element glow plug is used to be situated in a chamber in an internal combustion engine. The sheathed-element glow plug has a housing, a pin-shaped heating element, which extends partially from the housing and a pressure sensor which is situated in an inner chamber of the housing. A prestressing sleeve is provided, in this context, which applies a prestressing to the pressure sensor. |
| US07712435B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus with insulated gas inlet pore
A plasma processing apparatus includes: a reaction chamber; two electrodes provided inside the reaction chamber for generating a plasma therebetween, wherein at least one of the electrodes has at least one gas inlet pore through which a gas is introduced into the reaction chamber; and a gas inlet pipe coupled to the gas inlet pore for introducing the gas into the reaction chamber. The gas inlet pipe is grounded and insulated from the gas inlet pore, wherein an insulation member is placed inside the gas inlet pipe and the gas inlet pore. |
| US07712434B2 |
Apparatus including showerhead electrode and heater for plasma processing
A plasma processing apparatus includes a heater in thermal contact with a showerhead electrode, and a temperature controlled top plate in thermal contact with the heater to maintain a desired temperature of the showerhead electrode during semiconductor substrate processing. A gas distribution member supplies a process gas and radio frequency (RF) power to the showerhead electrode. |
| US07712431B2 |
Thermochromic washer for monitoring performance or integrity of electrical connections
Washers partially coated with a thermochromic material are incorporated into bolted electrical connections to monitor or record temperature changes undergone by the electrical connections as indications of the performance or integrity of the electrical connections. For monitoring ongoing performance, the color changes undergone by the thermochromic coated washers can be compared to each other within a common field of view or to a common datum, such as a nearby thermochromic coated washer mounted in a bolted non-electrical connection. Irreversible thermochromic materials can be used to record elevated temperature events such as approaching or reaching a design temperature limit or a fault condition. Different thermochromic materials can be combined within the same washers to monitor different ranges of temperature or to record multiple threshold events. |
| US07712429B1 |
Launch and recovery system for unmanned undersea vehicles
A system operable by a single workman safely launches and recovers an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using a motor-driven carriage to transport the UUV to the water. The UUV is fitted to a reconfigurable sabot. An elevating ramp on the carriage supports the sabot and UUV on an elongate conveyer assembly having inclined rollers aligned with motor-driven belts to selectively outwardly and inwardly displace the UUV between the carriage and the water. Hinge members are used to rotatably connect the elevating ramp to the carriage, and a lifting mechanism connected to the carriage and ramp rotatably displaces the ramp about the hinge members. The rollers and belts displace the UUV on the conveyer assembly. A winch on the elevating ramp has a line connected to the UUV to lower and raise the UUV during launch and recovery operations. |
| US07712427B2 |
Apparatus for control of pivoting wing-type sail
A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran. The control mechanism for the secondary airfoils may operate the airfoils in response to signals received from one or more onboard sensors. The system is suitable for use on an autonomous unmanned surface vessel (AUSV). |
| US07712425B2 |
Floating drive on boat docking apparatus
An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further allow for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism. |
| US07712415B2 |
Drive devices and method for driving a processing machine
A processing machine for webs includes second units which are driven independently of each other by drives. Signals for a lead axle position of a virtual lead axle are supplied to at least one signal line that connects the drives for these several units. The drives are each provided with an offset, which offset determines a permanent, but adjustable, displacement of a set angular position relative to the lead axle. |
| US07712412B2 |
Stencil printer with pressing member and moving device integrally movable out of printer body
A stencil printer of the present invention includes a printer body, a print drum rotatably mounted on the printer body, a press roller for pressing a sheet against the circumferential surface of the print drum, and a moving device for selectively moving the press roller into or out of contact with the outer circumference of the print drum. The press roller and moving device are capable of being pulled out from the printer body integrally with each other. |
| US07712410B2 |
Method of and system for sedimentation retaining barrier packing and handling
An erosion control log and method for packing and handling erosion control logs. In one aspect, the erosion control logs are formed, stacked, compressed and prepared for delivery while retaining maximum decompressibility. |
| US07712409B2 |
Modular body for use on an armored vehicle
A modular armored cab kit is provided for use on an armored vehicle that includes a cab body having a frame, an armored roof, an armored floor and a plurality of attachment elements, with the roof, floor and attachment elements being permanently attached to the frame. The cab kit further includes at least one non-armored panel, at least one non-armored door, at least one armored panel and at least one armored door, each for attachment to the cab body. The attachment elements facilitate field installation and removal of the panels and doors, wherein the non-armored panel and door are removably attached to the frame in a relatively low threat environment and are removed from the frame and replaced with the armored panel and door in a heightened threat environment. |
| US07712407B2 |
Ballistic armor
A composite armor plate with a layer of pellets in a binder matrix, the pellets having domed front and planar back end and a reduced weight. A method of producing the plate comprises providing front and back layers, applying binder material to the pellets and the layers, and heating the binder material to form the matrix and bind the front and back layers thereto. Each pellet may be coated with a primer adapted to facilitate the binding. |
| US07712406B2 |
Method and device for activation of a detonator
A method is described for detonation of a blasting charge in a fluid environment and which is placed inside a hollow body, such as in an ignition pellet. The method is characterised in that an ignition pellet is used, which is arranged to be deformed under the influence of a number of alterations or pulsations between high and low pressure in the surrounding fluid environment, with the detonation triggering unit inside the body being activated at the subsequent contact with the fluid environment as a consequence of the pellet being deformed. In rupturing, external fluid at overpressure is released into the cylinder and drives a firing pin against a detonating cartridge. A device for an ignition pellet is also described. |
| US07712403B2 |
Actuators for use in fast-acting safety systems
Cutting machines with high-speed safety systems, and actuators used in high-speed safety systems, are disclosed. The cutting machines may include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a cutting tool and a person. A reaction system performs a specified action, such as stopping the cutting tool, upon detection of the dangerous condition. An actuator may be used to trigger the reaction system to perform the specified action. |
| US07712402B2 |
Adjustable slicer
A food slicer for slicing a food product is provided. The slicer may have an adjustable surface and a stationary surface with a blade interposed therebetween. The food product may be sliced with a specific thickness via the blade by traversing the food product from the adjustable surface to the stationary surface. A trailing edge of the adjustable surface and an edge of the blade may define a gap distance which determines a slicing thickness of the food product. A cam may contact an underside of the adjustable surface to set the gap distance. The gap distance may be reset by rotating the cam. More particularly, the cam may have a plurality of cam surfaces. Each of the cam surfaces may have a different distance to a rotating axis of the cam. The gap distance may be changed by rotating the cam such that a different cam surface contacts the adjustable surface's underside. |
| US07712396B2 |
Laminated stamping tool
A stamping tool and a method of making a punch assembly and a die assembly of the stamping tool. At least one of the punch and die assemblies including a plurality of laser-cut steel plates having hardened edges suitable to withstand high pressures and impacts generated during stamping operations. The assembly further including an internal passage defined by holes formed in a number of plates of the plurality of laser-cut steel plates. |
| US07712394B2 |
Handlebar grip
A handlebar grip for a transportation vehicle includes a grip body having a body portion and an annular flange provided on one end of the body portion, a tightening member mounted on the outer surface of the annular flange, a locating ring mounted on the outer surface of the annular flange in such a way that the tightening member is placed in between the locating ring and the annular flange, and a fastener inserted into a through hole of the locating ring. When the fastener is fastened up, one end of the fastener leans against the outer surface of the tightening member such that the annular flange of the grip body is pressed by the tightening member to be radially inwardly deformed and compressed against the periphery of a handlebar of the transportation vehicle. Thus, the handlebar grip is firmly fixed to the handlebar of the transportation vehicle. |
| US07712391B2 |
Gearing mechanism and vehicle seat with such a gearing mechanism
The invention relates to a gearing mechanism for the adjustment of two reciprocally adjustable parts (60, 61), especially vehicle parts of a seat adjustment device, a window lifter or a sunroof, wherein the first of the parts (60) has a nonrotating spindle (62) or a fixed tooth rack. The gearing mechanism is formed with a wormwheel (4, 41), which has a spindle nut (42) non-rotatingly connected thereto in order to drive the spindle (62) or a worm non-rotatingly connected thereto in order to drive the tooth rack, with a worm (3, 31) that can be driven so as to transfer a driving force to the wormwheel (4, 41), and with a gear housing (1), which houses the worm (3) and wormwheel (4) in a supporting manner, and which can be connected immovably with the second of the parts (61) in its adjusting direction, wherein the gear housing (1) is formed of a single-piece body with a worm support (14) and a wormwheel support (19). |
| US07712389B2 |
Lifting device having parallel double screw rods
A lifting device having parallel double screw rods includes a motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The first transmission includes a screw rod driven by the motor and a telescopic tube assembly threadedly connected to the screw rod and linearly movable relative to the screw rod. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is fixedly connected on a connecting piece. The second transmission is provided at one side of the first transmission and parallel thereto. Further, the second transmission includes a sleeve driven by the motor to rotate, a telescopic tube assembly accommodated within the sleeve and axially movable relative to the sleeve, and a screw rod threadedly connected to the telescopic tube assembly and linearly movable relative to the telescopic tube assembly. The distal end of the telescopic tube assembly is connected to the connecting piece. With the above arrangement, each screw rod is interchangeable and the cost can be reduced. |
| US07712386B2 |
Method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects
A method and device for the contactless detection of flat objects, particularly in sheet form, such as paper, films, foils, plates, and similar flat materials or packs. At least one correction characteristic is supplied to an evaluating device downstream of a sensor device, specifically a receiver, by means of which the characteristic of an input voltage of a measuring signal in the receiver is so simulated as a function of the gram weight or weight per unit area of flat objects as a target characteristic that there is a linear or almost linear dependence or a characteristic approximated to the ideal characteristic for single sheet detection in the form of a target characteristic. |
| US07712385B2 |
Method for the preparation of samples for an analyzer and sampling station therefor
A method for the preparation of samples for an analyzer and a sampling station therefor are provided which allow automated injection of larger inert-gas volumes to be introduced into a sample container via a packing, in order to enrich the packing of the substances of a sample to be investigated. |
| US07712381B2 |
Antenna device for injecting or extracting microwaves into/from tubular hollow bodies, and device for measuring mass flow by using antenna devices of this type
An antenna arrangement for coupling high frequency electromagnetic waves into or out of a pipe-shaped hollow body includes two patch antenna elements that are located opposite one another and integrated in the pipe inner wall (5) of the hollow body (1), and have curved surfaces fitted to the curved longitudinal pipe inner wall of the hollow body (1). An apparatus for mass flow measurement includes at least two of such antenna arrangements axially spaced apart from one another in a conveyor pipe section. |