| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07718367B2 |
Markers for prenatal diagnosis and monitoring
Methods and kits are provided for diagnosing, monitoring, or predicting preeclaimpsia in a pregnant woman, trisomy 18 and trisomy 21 in a fetus, as well as for detecting pregnancy in a woman, by quantitatively measuring in the maternal blood the amount of one or more RNA species derived from a set of genetic loci and comparing the amount of the RNA species with a standard control. |
| US07718366B2 |
Methods and compositions relating to COL2A1 gene mutations and osteonecrosis
Methods, compounds, and kits for the diagnosis or screening of osteonecrosis are described, and the development of animal models for COL2A1 function in osteonecrosis is put forth. Novel mutations in the COL2A1 gene are identified that are associated with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Methods of treatment of osteonecrosis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, including gene therapy approaches comprising introduction of COL2A1 nucleic acid are contemplated. |
| US07718365B2 |
Microarray analysis of RNA
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of performing an array analysis, the method including contacting a sample of RNA with an analogous DNA set to provide a DNA/RNA duplex, contacting the DNA/RNA duplex with an enzyme having a DNA:RNA nuclease activity to provide a digested RNA sample, and contacting the digested RNA sample with an array under conditions sufficient to provide for specific binding to the array. The array typically is then interrogated. Kits in accordance with the invention are also described which include an analogous DNA set and an array. |
| US07718363B2 |
Tissue protective cytokine receptor complex and assays for identifying tissue protective compounds
The present invention is directed methods for identifying compounds that have a tissue protective activity using a heteromultimer receptor complex that mediates the tissue protective activities. The complex consists of at least one EPO-R in complex with at least one βc Receptor. These compounds used in the assays to identify tissue protective compounds include, but are not limited to, small molecules and biologics. The compounds identified using these assays can be used to treat various conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as those of other erythropoietin-responsive or excitable cells, tissues, and organs. |
| US07718362B2 |
DNA chip based genetic typing
This invention relates generally to the field of nucleic acid analysis. In particular, the invention provides a method for typing a target gene, using, inter alia, a chip comprising a support suitable for use in nucleic acid hybridization having immobilized thereon an oligonucleotide probe complementary to said target nucleotide sequence and at least one of the following oligonucleotide control probes: a positive control probe, a negative control probe, a hybridization control probe and an immobilization control probe. Oligonucleotide probes or probes arrays for typing a HLA target gene are also provided. |
| US07718360B2 |
Composition (RCUD) for protecting and/or repairing DNA from oxidative damages and a method thereof
A composition useful for protecting and/or repairing DNA from oxidative damages said composition comprising redistilled cow's urine distillate (RCUD) having components benzoic acid, and hexanoic acid, with ammonia content of the composition ranging between 5-15 mg/L, and optionally along with anti-oxidants; and a method of protecting and/or repairing DNA from oxidative damages using composition of claim 1, said method comprising steps of estimating the amount of folded DNA in a sample, mixing the said composition to the said DNA either before or after the exposure of the DNA to the oxidatively DNA-damaging agent, and determining percentage folded DNA in the mixture showing protection and/or repair of DNA from oxidative damages. |
| US07718359B2 |
Method of immunization against the 4 serotypes of dengue fever
The invention relates to a method for inducing protection against the 4 serotypes of dengue fever in a patient, comprising: (a) the administration of a monovalent vaccine comprising a vaccinal virus of a first serotype of dengue fever, and (b) the administration of a tetravalent vaccine comprising vaccinal viruses of the four serotypes of dengue fever, in which administration (b) is made between at least 30 days and not more than 12 months following the first administration (a). |
| US07718358B2 |
Method of immunization against the 4 dengue serotypes
The invention relates to a method for inducing a protection against the 4 dengue serotypes in a patient, comprising (a) a first series of administrations (i) of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a first serotype and of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a second serotype, and (ii) of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a third serotype and of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a fourth serotype, and (b) a second series of administrations of doses (i) and (ii), in which the doses (i) and (ii) are administered simultaneously at separate anatomical sites, and in which the second series (b) is implemented at least 30 days to at most 12 months after the first series (a). |
| US07718357B2 |
Method of immunization against the 4 dengue serotypes
The invention relates to a method for inducing a homologous protection against the 4 dengue serotypes in a patient, comprising the sequential administration, to said patient, (i) of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a first serotype and of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a second serotype, and (ii) of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a third serotype and of a dose of a vaccinal dengue virus of a fourth serotype, in which the vaccinal dengue viruses (ii) are administered at least 30 days and at most 1 year after administration of the vaccinal viruses (i). |
| US07718355B2 |
Method of detecting pathogenic microorganism in real-time, using modified flow-type surface plasmon resonance biosensor
There is provided a method of detecting a pathogenic microorganism in real-time, using a modified flow-type surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, comprising the steps of: i) performing, in a batch-type, an immune reaction of a pathogenic microorganism and an antibody thereto; ii) selectively separating the pathogenic microorganism bound with the antibody; and iii) binding the pathogenic microorganism bound with the antibody on a surface of a chip of a flow-type SPR sensor system in real-time. |
| US07718352B2 |
Process for producing electroluminescent element
There is provided a process for producing an EL element by photolithography, which process can produce an EL element having improved luminescence efficiency. The production process comprises the steps of removing a photoresist from photoresist layer-covered parts of an electroluminescent layer and cleaning the surface of the electroluminescent layer parts from which the photoresist has been removed. |
| US07718351B2 |
Three-dimensional fabrication of biocompatible structures in anatomical shapes and dimensions for tissue engineering and organ replacement
Methods and apparatuses involving biocompatible structures for tissue engineering and organ replacement and, more specifically, biocompatible structures formed by three-dimensional fabrication, are described. In some embodiments, the biocompatible structures are scaffolds for cells that can be used as tissue engineering templates and/or as artificial organs. The structures may be three-dimensional and can mimic the shapes and dimensions of tissues and/or organs, including the microarchitecture and porosities of the tissues and organs. Pores in the structure may allow delivery of molecules across the structure, and may facilitate cell migration and/or generation of connective tissue between the structure and its host environment. Structures of the invention can be implanted into a mammal and/or may be used ex vivo as bioartificial assist devices. |
| US07718347B2 |
Method for making an improved thin film solar cell interconnect using etch and deposition process
The present invention provides a method of forming interconnects in a photovoltaic module. According to one aspect, a method according to the invention includes processing steps that are similar to those performed in conventional integrated circuit fabrication. For example, the method can include masks and etches to form isolation grooves between cells, and additional etches to form a conductive step adjacent to the grooves that can be used to form interconnects between cells. According to another aspect the method for forming the conductive step can be self-aligned, such as by positioning a mirror above the module and exposing photoresist from underneath the substrate at an angle one or more times, and etching to expose the conductive step. According to another aspect, the process can include steps to form grid lines in the module to improve current transport in the structure. |
| US07718344B2 |
Resist composition and pattern forming method using the same
A resist composition, includes: (B) a polymer having a group capable of decomposing under an action of an acid and having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 5,000, of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (Z) a compound containing a sulfonium cation having a structure represented by formula (Z-1): wherein Y1 to Y13 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and adjacent members of Y1 to Y13 may combine with each other to form a ring; and Z represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. |
| US07718340B2 |
Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and process cartridge
To provide an image forming apparatus, image forming method and process cartridge, which are excellent in low-temperature fixation properties, storage stability, durability and filming resistance, can reduce generation of odor, and are capable of forming an extremely high quality image. The apparatus includes: a latent electrostatic image bearing member; a charging unit; an exposing unit; a developing unit; a transferring unit; and a fixing unit; wherein the toner comprises a binder resin and coloring agent, and the binder resin comprises a polyester-based resin (A) and polyester-based resin (B) having a melting point at least 10° C. higher than that of the polyester-based resin (A), and at least one of the polyester-based resins (A) and (B) is a resin derived from a (meth)acrylic acid modified rosin and includes a polyester unit obtained by condensation polymerization of an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component containing a (meth)acrylic acid modified rosin. |
| US07718338B2 |
Charge control resin, and toner
A charge control resin containing a copolymer which has a unit having a sulfonic acid ester group having a specific structure and has the unit in specific proportions. The charge control resin can provide a toner with superior charging performance. Also disclosed is a toner having such a charge control resin. |
| US07718337B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising an electroconductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed thereon, wherein the photosensitive layer contains a polyester resin consisting of a repeating ester structure consisting of at least one bivalent phenol residue having formula (1) and at least one of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid residue having formula (2): where, each of R1 to R4, which are independent of one another, represents hydrogen or a methyl group, and R5 represents a methyl group, where (i) R1 to R4 are hydrogen atoms; or (iii) R1 and R3 are methyl groups and R2 and R4 are hydrogen atoms, and where the polyester resin is a copolymer, and an amount of the repeating ester structure consisting of the bivalent phenol residue having the above formula (1) and the aromatic dicarboxylic acid residue having the above formula (2) is at least 10 wt % of the entire polyester resin of the copolymer. |
| US07718332B2 |
Titanyl phthalocyanine silanol photoconductors
A photoconductor containing an optional supporting substrate; a photogenerating layer comprised of a chelating agent and a titanyl phthalocyanine; and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and wherein a silanol is present in at least one of said photogenerating layer and charge transport layer. |
| US07718324B2 |
Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography
A reflective mask blank for EUV lithography, which comprises a substrate, and a reflective layer to reflect EUV light and an absorber layer to absorb EUV light, formed in this order on the substrate, wherein the absorber layer contains tantalum (Ta) and hafnium (Hf), and in the absorber layer, the content of Hf is from 20 to 60 at. % and the content of Ta is from 40 to 80 at. %, and wherein the absorber layer has a content of N being 0 to at most 35 at. %. |
| US07718323B2 |
Optical proximity correction mask pattern
An optical proximity correction (OPC) mask pattern used in a layout for a photolithography process. An OPC mask pattern may include a first mask pattern for an active region and a second mask pattern for a gate pattern. The second mask pattern may have a plurality of micro patterns stacked at the end, which avoids unintended overlapping of the first mask pattern and the second mask pattern. |
| US07718320B2 |
Cathode material for Li-ion battery applications
A family of Li-ion battery cathode materials and methods of synthesizing the materials. The cathode material is a defective crystalline lithium transition metal phosphate of a specific chemical form. The material can be synthesized in air, eliminating the need for a furnace having an inert gas atmosphere. Excellent cycling behavior and charge/discharge rate capabilities are observed in batteries utilizing the cathode materials. |
| US07718316B2 |
Alkaline electrochemical cell with a blended zinc powder
An electrochemical cell with a blended zinc powder is disclosed. The blended zinc powder includes selected portions of a first zinc powder and a second zinc powder. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second powders are divided into groups based on ranges in their particle size distribution. Particle characteristics such as roughness and elongation are used to selected groups of both powders that are combined to produce the blended zinc powder. The blended zinc powders enable battery manufacturers to maximize the cell's run time while minimizing the cost of the zinc. |
| US07718313B2 |
Anode material and battery using the same
An anode material capable of improving cycle characteristics, and a battery using the anode material are provided. A disk-shaped cathode contained in a package can and a disk-shaped anode contained in a package cup are laminated with a separator in between. The anode includes an alloy or a compound including iron in addition to at least either tin or silicon. The ratio of iron in the alloy or the compound is preferably about 15% by mass or less. Moreover, it is preferable that the alloy or the compound further includes chromium in an amount of less than 1500 ppm by mass. |
| US07718311B2 |
Electrolytic solution and battery
A battery capable of improving battery characteristics such as cycle characteristics is provided. An electrolytic solution is impregnated in a separator. The electrolytic solution contains 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one. Fluorine ion content in the electrolytic solution is preferably from 10 weight ppm to 3200 weight ppm. Thereby, chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is improved, and cycle characteristics are improved. The present invention is effective for the case using an anode active material containing Sn or Si as an element for an anode. |
| US07718310B1 |
Electrochemical cell having a galaxy wind design
An electrochemical cell is described. The cell comprises a cathode material contacted to a perforated current collector having a portion left uncovered and an anode material contacted to an anode current collector. The anode comprises first and second strips positioned on opposite sides of the cathode, which is also in the form of a strip, but one that is much longer than each of the anode strips. Proximal ends of the anode strips reside adjacent to where the cathode is secured to a terminal pin/sleeve assembly. Distal ends of the anode strips are adjacent to the opposed ends of the cathode strip. A separator sheet segregating the anode from direct contact with the cathode provides an upper portion at least partially sealed to a lower portion along an aligned peripheral edge and through the uncovered perforations of the cathode current collector to lock the cathode in position. The anode and cathode are then wound into a galaxy electrode assembly housed in a cylindrical casing and activated with an electrolyte. |
| US07718308B2 |
Temperature fuse and battery using the same
A thermal fuse includes an insulating case having a bottom and having an opening provided therein, a fusible alloy provided in the insulating case, a lead conductor having one end connected to the fusible alloy and other end led out from the insulating case through the opening of the insulating case, a flux provided on the fusible alloy, and a sealer for sealing the opening of the insulating case. The volume of a space between the fusible alloy in the insulating case and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux. Sealing of the fuse is prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating film is prevented from damage even when the thermal fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage. |
| US07718307B2 |
Negative electrode material for nonacqueous electrolyte secondary battery of high input/output current, method for producing the same and battery employing negative electrode material
A negative electrode material for a high input/output currant-type non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, comprising a carbon material having an average (002) interlayer spacing d002 of 0.355-0.400 nm determined by X-ray diffractometry and a true density of 1.50-1.60 g/cm3, and exhibiting a capacity (A) of at least 50 mAh/g in a battery voltage range of 0.3-1.0 V and a ratio ((A)/(B)) of at least 0.3 between the capacity (A) and a capacity (B) in a battery voltage range of 0-1.0 V when measured as discharge capacities with a counter electrode of lithium. The negative electrode material is non-graphitizable and has properties suitable for a negative electrode material for high input/output current non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries as used in HEV, etc. |
| US07718304B2 |
Electrode for fuel cell, method of producing the same, and fuel cell including the electrode
An electrode, a method of producing the same, and a fuel cell including the electrode are disclosed. The electrode includes: a support; and a catalyst layer formed on the support, the catalyst layer includes: a support catalyst; and a proton conductor having an amorphous phase greater than about 60% by weight. The proton conductor includes: at least one material from the group of B2O3, ZrO2, SiO2, WO3, and MoO3; and P2O5, the proton conductor being 0.5-60 parts by weight where the support catalyst is 100 parts by weight. The proton conductor can be synthesized at a low enough temperature so that it can be applied to the support with catalyst particles to form a catalyst layer. The coated proton conductor is in a solid state so the fuel cell is stable over time and it does not obstruct a fuel gas so that the catalyst can be more efficiently used. |
| US07718303B2 |
Membrane-electrode assembly and fuel cell
An electrolyte layer (121) and a hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) are fitted in a fitting portion (131) of a low thermal expansion member (130), and a cathode electrode (110) is provided on the electrolyte layer (121). Gas separators (100, 150) are provided such that a low thermal expansion member (130) is held between the gas separators (100, 150). Since the low thermal expansion member (130) is made of metal which has a thermal expansion coefficient lower than that of the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122), thermal expansion of the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) can be suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce shear stress applied to an interface between the electrolyte layer (121) and the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) due to the thermal expansion. It is possible to suppress separation of the electrolyte layer (121) from the hydrogen-permeable metal layer (122) and occurrence of a crack in the electrolyte layer (121). |
| US07718300B2 |
Frame elements for monopolar fuel cell stacks
The present invention relates to frame elements for monopolar fuel cell stacks, permitting a simplified electrical wiring and/or a simplified and improved assembly of monopolar fuel cell stacks. They permit a significant miniaturization of monopolar arrangements. |
| US07718298B2 |
Bifurcation of flow channels in bipolar plate flowfields
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided that includes a flowfield having an active surface with an inlet region and an outlet region. The active surface of the flowfield is in communication with the inlet region and the outlet region and has at least one flow channel formed therein. The at least one flow channel further has a cross-sectional area at the outlet region that is less than a cross-sectional area at the inlet region. In particular embodiments, the at least one flow channel is bifurcated. A fuel cell stack including a fuel cell and the bipolar plate is also provided. |
| US07718288B2 |
Integration of an electrical diode within a fuel cell
A fuel cell system that employs a diode electrically coupled between bipolar plates in a fuel cell of a fuel cell stack for preventing the fuel cell between the plates from reversing its polarity. The diode is a thin-sheet p-n diode including doped semiconductor layers and has a thickness relative to the thickness of the MEA in the fuel cell so that the overall stack thickness does not increase. When the fuel cell is operating properly the diode does not conduct and all of the current through the fuel cell goes through the MEA. If the electric load on the stack increases to a level beyond the capability of the fuel cell, where the potential across the fuel cell goes significantly below zero, the diode will begin to conduct so that any current that cannot travel through the MEA with the cell voltage less than one negative forward diode voltage drop is able to go around the MEA through the diode. |
| US07718287B2 |
Compact anode flow shift design for small fuel cell vehicles
An anode inlet unit for a split fuel cell stack or two fuel cell stacks having two anode inlets. The anode inlet unit has particular application for a small vehicle that requires less power. In one embodiment, the anode inlet unit only includes three injectors. Two of the injectors provide flow control for the hydrogen gas to the two anode inlets to provide the desired turn-down ratio. For a split stack design, the two injectors may provide flow-shifting where the injection of hydrogen gas into the sub-stacks is alternated. The other injector injects a small amount of hydrogen into the cathode side of the fuel cell stack at system start-up to quickly increase the operating temperature of the system. Additionally, two valves can be provided in the unit that receive a flow of air to purge the anode side of the stack for system shut-down. |
| US07718286B2 |
Abnormality detecting device of fuel cell system
An abnormality detecting device of a fuel cell system according to the invention includes a hydrogen off-gas circulation passage for making hydrogen off-gas discharged from a fuel cell flow back to an anode; a discharge passage for discharging part of the hydrogen off-gas, which is circulated through the hydrogen off-gas circulation passage, from the hydrogen off-gas circulation passage; a hydrogen discharge valve provided in the discharge passage; abnormality determining means for determining whether an abnormality has occurred in opening/closing of the hydrogen discharge valve and gas state quantity detecting means for detecting a gas state quantity of the hydrogen off-gas, the gas state quantity detecting means being provided in the discharge passage at a position downstream from the hydrogen discharge valve. The abnormality determining means determines whether an abnormality has occurred in opening/closing of the hydrogen discharge valve based on the gas state quantity of the hydrogen off-gas. |
| US07718284B2 |
Printed circuit board and fuel cell
A base insulating layer of an FPC board includes a rectangular first insulating portion and a second insulating portion that outwardly extends from one side of the first insulating portion. A conductor layer is formed on one surface of the base insulating layer. The conductor layer includes a pair of rectangular collector portions and a pair of extraction conductor portions that extend in a long-sized shape from the collector portions. One collector portion is formed in a first region of the first insulating portion of the base insulating layer, and the other collector portion is formed in a second region of the first insulating portion. One extraction conductor portion extends from the one collector portion to the second insulating portion, and the other extraction conductor portion extends from the other collector portion to the second insulating portion. |
| US07718278B2 |
Anthrancene derivative compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
Provided is an anthracene derivative compound represented by Formula 1 below and an organic light-emitting device using the same: wherein Ar1, Ar2, R1, R2, R′, m, n, j, k, and X are as defined in the specification. The anthracene derivative compound is advantageously used in the production of an organic light-emitting device with better driving voltage, efficiency, and color purity. |
| US07718263B2 |
Aqueous primer composition, method of surface treating by using the same and laminated structure thereof
An aqueous primer composition of the present invention includes a water-dispersible polyisocyanate (A) and an acrylic resin water dispersion (B), wherein a polystyrene equivalent weight average molecular weight, determined using gel permeation chromatography, of an acrylic resin in the acrylic resin water dispersion (B) is 350,000 or more, and a glass transition temperature, determined by using a differential scanning calorimeter, of the acrylic resin is 15° C. to 130° C., and a weight ratio between the water-dispersible polyisocyanate (A) and the acrylic resin water dispersion (B) is (A):(B)=70:30 to 50:50. |
| US07718262B2 |
Magnetic microspheres for use in fluorescence-based applications
Microspheres, populations of microspheres, and methods for forming microspheres are provided. One microsphere configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes a core microsphere and a magnetic material coupled to a surface of the core microsphere. About 50% or less of the surface of the core microsphere is covered by the magnetic material. The microsphere also includes a polymer layer surrounding the magnetic material and the core microsphere. One population of microspheres configured to exhibit fluorescent and magnetic properties includes two or more subsets of microspheres. The two or more subsets of microspheres are configured to exhibit different fluorescent and/or magnetic properties. Individual microspheres in the two or more subsets are configured as described above. |
| US07718259B2 |
Composite yarn comprising a filament yarn and a matrix comprising a foamed polymer
The invention relates to a composite yarn including a filament yarn of an inorganic or organic material and a matrix of polymer material, the filament yarn being coated, extruded, or incorporated in the polymer material matrix. The matrix includes at least one foamed polymer. A composite yarn is characterized in that it has a core of an above-mentioned composite yarn and is coated, extruded or incorporated in a second polymer material matrix surrounding the core. Various methods may be used for producing the inventive yarns by coating and extrusion. |
| US07718256B1 |
Thermal interface material for electronic assemblies
Thermal interface materials are essential for proper operation of electronic assemblies. They are used between surface mount components and printed wiring boards and between printed wiring boards and metal heat sinks. Their function is to bond the components together and allow good heat transfer between the parts being bonded. The approach disclosed in this invention is a fully-cured, flexible, filled elastomer that is coated on both sides with a partially cured, filled adhesive, which can be conveniently made by a low cost tape casting process. This unique approach offers a combination of good adhesion to both bonding surfaces, good heat transfer, compliance to accommodate mismatched coefficient of thermal expansion, rework capability, control of flow of the adhesive during cure, and easy handling of uncured material. |
| US07718254B2 |
Method of forming pores in crystal substrate, and crystal substrate containing pores formed by the same
A crystalline substrate 1 having straight or spiral deep pores is obtained in cost effective manner. A method for forming pores comprises the steps of preparing the monocrystalline substrate 1 of which (100) surface is processed to be perpendicular to the depth direction of pores to be formed, and an etchant containing 10.0% by weight or less hydrofluoric acid; and chemically etching the substrate surface with metallic particles 2 such as silver, platinum and palladium electroless-plated on it. |
| US07718251B2 |
Systems and methods for manufacturing reinforced weatherstrip
Methods for manufacturing fabric-reinforced weatherstrip include incorporating a fabric application step into a process for making coated substrates. In one embodiment, a strip of the fabric from a roll of material may be applied directly onto a coating after it has been applied in a coat die to a foam profile, while the coating is still in the molten state. Alternatively, a fabric application plate may be attached to an upstream side of coating die with a fabric feed channel cut into the plate. The fabric follows the channel to contact and mate with the foam profile. The fabric applicator plate may be configured so as to exert pressure on only the part of the product where the fabric is being applied. Ultrasonic welding techniques may also be employed. |
| US07718249B2 |
Nonwoven spacer fabric
The invention provides a non-woven fabric comprising at least two separate but interconnected layers, each of the layers being provided with discrete interconnections so as to provide discrete voids between the two layers of fabric. |
| US07718248B2 |
Process and apparatus for molding a plastic component onto a prefabricated plastic part
In a process for molding a plastic component onto a prefabricated plastic part, a first mold plate (1) and a second mold plate (105) are closed, a cavity in which the prefabricated plastic part (101) is located being formed between the closed mold plates (1, 105). One of the mold plates (105) is formed with a depressed zone (108) and a polymer feed (115) opening out into the depressed zone (108) for molding the plastic component onto a region of the prefabricated plastic part (101) that lies opposite the depressed zone (108). Subsequently, polymer melt is injected into the depressed zone (108) and, during the injection of polymer into the depressed zone (108), the mold plates (1, 105) are moved apart. |
| US07718246B2 |
Honeycomb with a fraction of substantially porous cell walls
An artificial honeycomb structure, and simple constructions therefrom, are provided, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the enclosing honeycomb cell walls is substantially porous, open, or permeable, and wherein at least one of the hollow cells comprises at least one substantially nonporous enclosing wall. The honeycomb and its constructions can be useful in applications that include, but are not limited to, heat exchange and storage, structural support, impact absorption, filtration, acoustic dampening, catalysis, and flow control and distribution. |
| US07718243B2 |
Tufted laminate web
A laminate web comprising a first and second precursor webs, at least the first precursor web being a nonwoven web, the laminate web having a first side, the first side comprising the second precursor web and at least one discrete tuft, each of the discrete tufts having a linear orientation defining a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of tufted fibers being integral extensions of the first precursor web and extending through the second precursor web; and a second side, the second side comprising the first precursor web. |
| US07718239B2 |
Gas tight vessel with a diffusion barrier layer of metal hydrides
The present invention relates to a gas tight storage and/or transport tank for low molecular filling media, in particular for hydrogen, with a tank wall which comprises a thermoplastic polymer and at least one diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier comprises a metal hydride. |
| US07718236B2 |
Inkjet recording element and method
An inkjet recording element having a support having thereon in sequence (a) a transparent, non-porous layer that can be swelled by water less than 0.67 of its original weight, and (b) a fusible, porous image-receiving layer. The inkjet recording element exhibits improved adhesion and excellent image quality. A method of inkjet printing is also disclosed. |
| US07718230B2 |
Method and apparatus for transferring an array of oriented carbon nanotubes
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transferring an array of oriented carbon nanotubes from a first surface to a second surface by providing the array of oriented carbon nanotubes on the first surface within a vacuum chamber, providing the second surface within the vacuum chamber separate from the first surface, and applying an electric potential between the first surface and the second surface such that the array of oriented carbon nanotubes are sublimed from the first surface and re-deposited on the second surface. |
| US07718229B2 |
Process for preparing vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having I-form crystal structure
The present invention provides a process for easily preparing a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising an I-form crystal structure at high purity by selecting a solvent, and the process for preparing the vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprises not less than 70% by mass of I-form crystal structure, which is obtained by dissolving a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having a number average degree of polymerization of 3 to 20 in a solvent consisting of an organic solvent having a dipole moment of not less than 2.8 alone or comprising the organic solvent in a part, thereafter, evaporating the solvent. |
| US07718228B2 |
Composition for forming silicon-cobalt film, silicon-cobalt film and method for forming same
There are provided a composition and method for forming a silicon-cobalt film at low production cost without expensive vacuum equipment and high-frequency generator. The composition is a silicon-cobalt film forming composition comprising a silicon compound and a cobalt compound. A silicon-cobalt film is formed by applying this composition on a substrate and subjecting the resulting substrate to a heat treatment and/or a light treatment. |
| US07718226B2 |
Method of forming a layer with controlled grain size and morphology for enhanced wear resistance
A method of forming a coated body composed of small columnar crystals coated using the MTCVD process. Wear resistance of the prior-art Ti(C,N) layers can be considerably enhanced by optimising the grain size and microstructure. Considerably better wear resistance in, for example in many carbon steels, can be obtained by modifying the grain size and morphology of prior art MTCVD Ti(C,N) coatings. The method includes a step of doping by using CO, CO2, ZrCl4, HfCl4 and AlCl3 or combinations of these to ensure the control of the grain size and shape. Doping has to be controlled carefully in order to maintain the columnar structure and also in order to avoid nanograined structures and oxidisation. The preferred grain size should be in the sub-micron region with the grain width of from about 30 to about 300 nm. The length to width ratio should be more than 5, preferably more than 10 and the coating should exhibit a strong preferred growth orientation along 422 or 331. The XRD line broadening should be weak. |
| US07718218B2 |
Thin-film magnetic head, method of manufacturing the same, head Gimbal assembly, and hard disk drive
A thin-film magnetic head has a laminated construction comprising a main pole layer having a magnetic pole tip on a side of the medium-opposing surface opposing a recording medium, a write shield layer opposing the magnetic pole tip forming a recording gap layer, on the side of the medium-opposing surface, and a thin-film coil wound around at least a portion of the write shield layer. The thin-film magnetic head has an upper yoke pole layer having a larger size than the portion of the main pole layer which is more distant from the medium-opposing surface than the recording gap layer, wherein the upper yoke pole layer is joined to the side of the main pole layer which is near the thin-film coil. |
| US07718216B2 |
Low temperature bumping process
A method for low temperature bumping is disclosed. A resin capable of being cross-linked by free-radical or cationic polymerization at low temperature is provided. Electrically conductive particles are then added to the resin to form a mixture. The mixture is then activated by heat or exposure to light to polymerize the mixture. In an alternative embodiment, a vinyl ether resin is used, to which electrically conductive particles are added. The mixture is polymerized by exposure to light. |
| US07718214B2 |
Method for producing fiberglass materials and compositions resulting from the same
A method for reducing the amount of binder or resin used in glass fiber manufacturing while improving processing and product performance is disclosed. The method generally reduces the amount of binder or resin used in a manufacturing process by adjusting other factors in the manufacturing process. Specifically, ramp moisture and silane content are factors that are adjusted to achieve the results of the disclosed method. Additionally, glass fiber compositions resulting from the method are disclosed. |
| US07718213B1 |
Holding device and method for coating a substrate
A holding device and method is provided for efficiently applying a coating on the exterior surface of a tubular hollow body, while preventing coating application on the interior surface and coating defects. The holding device of the present invention comprises at least two structures contacting the inner surface of the tubular hollow body and extending to a portion where the structures are connected and rotary motion is induced to rotate the tubular hollow body. The structures are arranged and shaped so that an inner hollow section is formed in which excess coating material can accumulate. |
| US07718211B2 |
Low trans-stereoisomer shortening system
Shortening systems are prepared which include hydrogenated edible oils that are hydrogenated in a manner to minimize the formation of trans-stereoisomers. A conditioned catalyst is used which disfavors trans-stereoisomer formation without significantly negatively impacting the length of time required to form solids for a useful shortening base stock through hydrogenation. Preferred conditioning agents are organic acid phosphates and phosphoric acid, In a preferred embodiment, a confectionary shortening is provided which incorporates a polyglycerol ester emulsifier. |
| US07718208B2 |
Vacuum skin packaging structure with high oxygen permeability
Disclosed are improved packages and methods for packaging meat, fish, poultry, vegetables or other food products. A package of the present invention is a vacuum skin package comprising a multilayer film comprising at least one layer of an organic acid modified ionomer blend and at least one layer of an ethylene-containing polymer, such as an ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, wherein the film has specific gas permeability requirements. |
| US07718207B2 |
Process for the preparation of smoke-impregnated tubular casings
A method of preparing smoke-impregnated tubular casings is described. The process comprises: (a) providing a tubular casing having interior and exterior surfaces, the tubular casing being selected from cellulose fiber tubular casings and synthetic tubular casings, and the tubular casing being suitable for encasing food fillings having a form selected from one of liquid and paste; (b) applying to the interior surface of the tubular casing a mixture comprising, (i) liquid smoke, (ii) browning agents, and (iii) optionally water; (c) allowing the mixture to remain in contact with the interior surface of the tubular casing for at least 5 days; and (d) optionally shirring and watering the mixture treated casing. The smoke-impregnated tubular casings prepared in accordance with the method of the present invention are suitable for liquid or paste-like food fillings, such as sausage meat emulsions. |
| US07718204B2 |
Foodstuff
There is provided use of a conversion agent to prepare from a food material a foodstuff comprising at least one functional ingredient, wherein the at least one functional ingredient has been generated from at least one constituent of the food material by the conversion agent. |
| US07718203B2 |
Protecting and regenerating composition
The invention relates to a protecting and regenerating composition.This composition comprises an association of a first cosmetically active ingredient comprising a dried vine shoot extract, and a second cosmetically active ingredient comprising a component of the ectoine type.This composition makes it possible to affect anti-ageing cosmetic care and skin revitalization. |
| US07718202B2 |
Method for treating erectile dysfunction with acantopanax extract (ogalpi)
The present invention relates to an alcohol extract of ogalpi, erectile dysfunction improving health food and a treating agent containing the same, more precisely, an alcohol extract of ogalpi having an effect of improving erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction improving health food and an erectile dysfunction treating agent containing the same. The alcohol extract of ogalpi of the present invention has a promoting effect of penile erectility, so that it can be effectively used for the improvement of erectile dysfunction. |
| US07718201B2 |
Method of inducing liver phase II enzymes
The present invention is directed to plant based formulations for improving liver health by protecting the liver from alcohol and chemical insults and/or by inducing phase II enzymes. Formulations according to the present invention include wasabi root fiber powder, artichoke leaf extract, asparagus dehydrate, kudzu root extract, oregano extract, schisandra berry extract, notoginseng (ethanol extract of Panax notoginseng root), sanchi (water extracts from Panax notoginseng root), Gegen root extract (Pueraria omeiensis), spinach dehydrate, or combinations thereof. |
| US07718199B2 |
Extracts obtained from cell line cultures from plants belonging to the Oleaceae family (e.g. Syringa vulgaris), their preparation and use
The present invention refers to the use of extracts from selected and stabilized cell lines comprising phenylpropanoids with high anti-oxidant capacity having a verbascoside titre of between 20% and 90% and a chromophore-free fraction of between 80% and 10%, in human and veterinary medicine, and for nutritional and cosmetic purposes. |
| US07718198B2 |
Treatment modalities for autoimmune diseases
Compositions of reduced isoalpha acids, vitamins and minerals are disclosed as well as methods of using the same for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Additional combinations including other compounds are also contemplated. Synergistic properties and methods exploiting such synergy are also disclosed. |
| US07718193B2 |
Temperature- and pH-responsive polymer compositions
Temperature- and pH-responsive copolymer compositions, and drug delivery devices, conjugates, nanoparticles, and micelles that include the compositions. |
| US07718188B2 |
Transdermal patch for external use comprising fentanyl
A transdermal patch for external use having a backing layer and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on one surface of the backing layer, which contains polyisobutylene, a mineral oil and fentanyl employed as the active ingredient in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and in which the contents of polyisobutylene and fentanyl in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer respectively range from 75.2 to 94.2% by mass and 1 to 6% by mass while the content of the mineral oil is from 0.25 to 0.05 parts by mass based on polyisobutylene. This patch can be easily produced, has a long-lasting effect and is excellent in adhesion to the skin and tolerability against movement to the body parts. |
| US07718182B2 |
Polypeptides for inducing a protective immune response against Staphylococcus aureus
The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1 or a fragment thereof, S. aureus AhpC-AhpF compositions, and uses of such polypeptides and compositions. SEQ ID NO: 1 has a full length S. aureus AhpC sequence. A derivative of SEQ ID NO: 1 containing an amino His-tag and three additional carboxyl amino acids was found to produce a protective immune response against S. aureus. MGHHHHHHHHHHSSGHIEGRHMSLINKEILPFTAQAFDPKKDQFKEVTQE DLKGSWSVVCFYPADFSFVCPTELEDLQNQYEELQKLGVNVFSVSTDTHF VHKAWHDHSDAISKITYTMIGDPSQTITRNDVLDEATGLAQRGTFIIDPD GVVQASEINADGIGRDASTLAHKIKAAQYVRKNPGEVCPAKWEEGAKTLQ PGLDLVGKIAEQ |
| US07718179B2 |
Ostertagia vaccine
The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding Ostertagia ostertagi proteins and to parts of such nucleic acid sequences that encode an immunogenic fragment of such proteins, and to DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof. The invention also relates to Ostertagia ostertagi proteins and immunogenic parts thereof encoded by such sequences. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vaccines comprising such nucleic acid sequences and parts thereof, DNA fragments, recombinant DNA molecules, live recombinant carriers and host cells comprising such nucleic acid sequences or such parts thereof, proteins or immunogenic parts thereof and antibodies against such proteins or immunogenic parts thereof. Also, the invention relates to the use of said proteins in vaccines and for the manufacture of vaccines. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said nucleic acid sequences, proteins or antibodies for diagnostic or vaccination purposes. Finally the invention relates to diagnostic kits comprising such nucleic acids, proteins or antibodies against such proteins. |
| US07718178B2 |
Allergen formulation
Provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising tyrosine, an optionally modified allergen, and 3-DMPL, the composition is useful in the prevention and treatment of allergies. |
| US07718177B2 |
Antibodies directed to fragments of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) polypeptide and methods and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to CTGF fragments comprising at least exon 2 or exon 3 of CTGF and having the ability to induce extracellular matrix synthesis, in particular, collagen synthesis and myofibroblast differentiation. The present invention is further directed to methods using said CTGF fragments to identify compositions which modulate the activity of said CTGF fragments and to the compositions so identified. The invention also relates to methods of treating CTGF-associated disorders and diseases associated with the overproduction of the extracellular matrix. |
| US07718175B2 |
Method of modulating the activity of functional immune molecules to interleukin-5 receptor protein
The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, such as an antibody, a protein, a peptide or the like, an agent of promoting the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, and an immunologically functional molecule having the promoted activity. |
| US07718174B2 |
Anti-HGF/SF humanized antibody
The inventive anti-HGF/SF humanized antibody prepared by displaying on the surface of a phage an anti-HGF/SF chimeric Fab library comprising a set of human antibody light chain variable region (VL) and human antibody heavy chain variable region (VH) which are grafted with heavy chain complementary determining regions (HCDRs) of an anti-HGF/SF antibody of an animal other than human, has the equal or greater binding affinity than that of the parent anti-HGF/SF antibody, the neutralizing activity inhibiting the binding of HGF/SF to its receptor, cMET while having the reduced immunogenicity in human. Therefore, the inventive anti-HGF/SF humanized antibody can be used for preventing and treating diseases effectively, e.g., cancers, by the action of binding HGF/SF to cMET. |
| US07718172B2 |
Anti-IL-TIF antibodies and methods of using in inflammation
The present invention relates to blocking the activity of IL-TIF polypeptide molecules. IL-TIF is a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-TIF using such antibodies and binding partners in IL-TIF-related human inflammatory diseases, amongst other uses disclosed. |
| US07718171B2 |
Reducing heart rate in mammals using milk derived fermentation products produced using Lactobacillus helveticus
Use of a composition obtainable by a process comprising fermenting a food material, comprising animal milk or vegetable proteins, with a lactic acid bacterium to obtain a fermented food material which comprises active components with heart rate reducing properties for the manufacture of a product for reducing the heart rate and/or the fluctuations in the heart rate of a mammalian. |
| US07718169B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating pancreatic insufficiency
The present invention relates to compositions for the treatment of conditions, including pancreatic insufficiency. The compositions of the present invention comprise lipase, protease and amylase in a particular ratio that provides beneficial results in patients, such as those afflicted with pancreatic insufficiency. This invention also relates to methods using such compositions for the treatment of pancreatic insufficiency. The compositions specifically comprise crosslinked Burkholderia cepacia lipase crystals, Aspergillus melleus protease crystals and amorphous Aspergillus oryzae amylase in a ratio of about 1:1:0.15 USP units. |
| US07718166B2 |
Immunotherapy for prostate cancer using recombinant bacille Calmette-Guerin expressing prostate specific antigens
The present invention relates to the treatment of prostate cancer. Methods and compositions comprising recombinant BCG are provided for eliciting potent immune responses against prostate specific antigens that are effective for treatment of prostate cancer and metastatic disease. |
| US07718165B2 |
Live genetically attenuated malaria vaccine
Method for inoculating a vertebrate host against malaria, by administering to the host a live Plasmodium organism that is genetically engineered to disrupt a liver-stage-specific gene function. |
| US07718164B2 |
Optically colored body and optical structure
The present disclosure relates to an optically colored body comprising at least one micelle, wherein the micelle comprises a liquid medium and colloid microcrystals having aggregates of spherical nano-particles and a cosmetic composition comprising the optically colored body. The present disclosure also relates to an optical structure comprising at least one substrate, and at least one wall that covers the at least one substrate and has optical transparency, wherein the space between the at least one substrate and the at least one wall is filled with colloid microcrystals having arrays of spherical nano-particles. Further, the present disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising at least one optically colored body and/or at least one optical structure and a method for producing the optical structure. |
| US07718161B2 |
Method for treating a motoneuron disorder
The present invention is directed to the use of a class of peptide compounds for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other forms of motoneuron diseases and peripheral neuropathies. |
| US07718154B2 |
Process for producing boranes
This idea relates to the synthesis of salts of dodecahydrododecaborate B12H12 (2-). In the proposed process a metal hydride is reacted with an alkyl borate in the presence of a Lewis base to produce Lewis base-borane compex, which is thermally decomposed to produce salts of B12H12 (2-), while alkyl borare is recovered from the reaction by-product and is recycled. |
| US07718153B2 |
Catalytic process for control of NOx emissions using hydrogen
A selective catalytic reduction process with a palladium catalyst for reducing NOx in a gas, using hydrogen as a reducing agent. A zirconium sulfate (ZrO2)SO4 catalyst support material with about 0.01-2.0 wt. % Pd is applied to a catalytic bed positioned in a flow of exhaust gas at about 70-200° C. The support material may be (ZrO2—SiO2)SO4. H2O and hydrogen may be injected into the exhaust gas upstream of the catalyst to a concentration of about 15-23 vol. % H2O and a molar ratio for H2/NOx in the range of 10-100. A hydrogen-containing fuel may be synthesized in an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plant for combustion in a gas turbine to produce the exhaust gas flow. A portion of the fuel may be diverted for the hydrogen injection. |
| US07718150B2 |
Reverse platinum group metal zoned lean NOx trap system and method of use
The invention, in at least one embodiment, relates to a reverse platinum group metal zoned lean NOx trap system included in a vehicle and its method of use. One embodiment of the trap system is in a vehicle exhaust system operable during lean and rich periods. The trap system may include a first trap having a first substrate supporting a quantity of platinum and a second trap, positioned downstream of the first trap, and having a second substrate supporting a quantity of platinum and a quantity of rhodium. The total loading of platinum plus rhodium on the second trap is greater than or equal to the platinum on the first trap. In at least one embodiment, the second trap has a higher overall NOx conversion at a low temperature and the first trap has a higher overall NOx conversion at a high temperature. |
| US07718149B2 |
Cupola flue gas treatment
An additive and method of use for treating flue gas of a coke-fired cupola following removal of the blast air during shutdown to adjust the charge and reduce acid buildup in the condensate and corrosion in downstream equipment by injecting into the flue gas a finely divided spray comprising an additive containing a volatile amine mixed with an antistatic agent that creates a positive static charge in the additive, and elevates the pH of the condensate by reducing the formation of sulfuric acid from entrained sulfur-containing compounds. |
| US07718141B2 |
Automatic VOC concentration control apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
An automatic VOC concentration control apparatus is capable of adjusting the concentration of VOC in a catalytic device under a predetermined value. The automatic VOC concentration control apparatus includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port for introducing and discharging VOC vapor, respectively, one or more cooling tubes for cooling the VOC vapor introduced through the inlet port, and one or more porous members for holding droplets of VOC liquid thereon as the VOC vapor is condensed into liquid. |
| US07718139B2 |
Process and apparatus for olefin polymerization in a fluidized bed reactor
A process and apparatus for gas phase polymerization of olefins in a fluidized bed reactor are disclosed. The process and apparatus employ a vertically oriented fines ejector in order to reduce fouling and reactor downtime. |
| US07718136B2 |
Fine particle diffuser and refrigerator with the same
It is an object of the invention to provide a microparticle diffusing apparatus capable of largely elongating the spray travel distance of microparticles emitted from the microparticle diffusing apparatus and, also, capable of emitting the microparticles in a wide range, enhancing the effect of the microparticles and reducing the noise. The microparticle diffusing apparatus includes a microparticle generating apparatus which generates microparticles from a microparticle generating part, a wind-blowing path which transfers the microparticles generated from the microparticle generating apparatus, and a blowout opening which is formed in an end of the wind-blowing path and which discharges the microparticles, and an aspect ratio of a cross section of the wind-blowing path is gradually increased from a start point to an end point. |
| US07718134B2 |
Controlling gas in a 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. |
| US07718133B2 |
Multilayer processing devices and methods
Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer. |
| US07718129B2 |
Bioassay substrate and bioassay device and method
A bioassay substrate (1) takes a flat-plate shape in which the principal surface similar to that of optical disc such as CD, etc. is circular. At the center of the substrate (1), there is formed a center hole (2) into which a chucking mechanism for rotation and holding is inserted. The substrate (1) is rotationally driven with the center hole (2) being as center. On the substrate (1), there are formed two regions of a recording region (3) and a reaction region (4) which are formed in concentrical form in a radial direction. The recording region (3) is a region where, similarly to the optical disk information recording medium, laser beams are irradiated so that recording/reproduction of information is optically performed. The reaction region (4) is a region serving as the filed of mutual reaction between probe DNA (nucleotide chain for detection) and sample DNA (marked or labeled nucleotide chain), in concrete terms, the field of hybridization reaction. |
| US07718125B2 |
Sterilization challenge specimen holder
A sterilization challenge specimen holder is used with a test indicator to challenge sterilization on a consistent basis. The holder includes a body having an internal chamber region. A cap is sealable on the holder. A plug is positioned in the body. The plug has a wall having a spiral formed groove therein in communication with the internal chamber region. An opening provides for a single flow path for communication between the environs and the internal chamber via the groove. |
| US07718121B2 |
Method and reaction apparatus for treating object with gas
A method and a reaction apparatus which can safely and continuously treat/discharge especially a short object is treated without any direct contact with a gas atmosphere, and which surely/efficiently treats the object with a gas without any uneven treatment. A short object A to be treated is put in a hermetically sealed cylindrical treatment section 1. In the treatment section 1, the object is held in a predetermined position by a first operation piece 11 to be treated with a gas for a predetermined time. Then, the holding by the first operation piece is released to move the object A by a desired distance. Subsequently, the object is held in a predetermined position by a second operation piece 12 to be treated again with the gas for a predetermined time, and then a treated object A1 is discharged. This discharged treated object A1 is conveyed to the outside of the apparatus. |
| US07718120B2 |
RF plasma system for medical waste treatment
A system and method are provided for the thermal and non-thermal (oxidation) plasma treatment of medical waste using an electrode-less induction (thermal) and capacitive (non-thermal) plasma torches. The medical waste is pre-treated by liquid nitrogen, crushed and pulverized by LN2 crusher/pulverizer, and conveyed to the nitrogen/water thermal plasma reactor, which converts the powdered medical waste into carbon black and generated gas (resulting from the thermal step) is directed to the Oxygen non-thermal plasma reactor for post-treatment. The system is equipped with an emission control unit, dual frequency pulse RF power supply, and Liquid Nitrogen Generator. The off gas from LN2 crusher (nitrogen) is used for the induction plasma torch and off gas from LN2 generator (oxygen) is used as a plasma gas for the Non-thermal plasma torch. |
| US07718118B2 |
Creep resistant magnesium alloy with improved ductility and fracture toughness for gravity casting applications
The present invention relates to creep-resistant magnesium-based alloys with low susceptibility to hot tearing, and with improved ductility, impact strength and fracture toughness, and corrosion resistance. The alloys contain at least 96 wt % magnesium, 1.5 to 1.9 wt % neodymium, 0.10 to 0.30 wt % yttrium, 0.35 to 0.70 wt % zirconium, 0.05 to 0.35 wt % zinc, 0.01 to 0.10 wt % calcium, 0.01 to 0.15 wt % strontium, and 0.0000 to 0.0005 wt % beryllium, and they are suitable for low pressure and gravity castings. Articles, that are castings of the alloys, are suitable for applications at temperatures as high as 175-250° C. |
| US07718116B2 |
Forged carburized powder metal part and method
A method for obtaining a selectively non-carburized powdered metal part. The steps include compacting, sintering, removing, forging and cooling. A metal powder is compacted to form a preform having at least one first surface in which a forged part is required to have a case depth and at least one second surface in which a carburized portion is required to be removed prior to forging. The preform is then sintered and carburized. After carburizing the at least one second surface of the preform is removed and subsequently forged and cooled. The forged part has at least one second surface having improved post forging properties and at least one first surface having improved performance features. A part made from the present method is also provided. |
| US07718113B2 |
Gas delivery substrate
A gas delivery substrate and method of manufacture is disclosed. A thermoplastic extrusion compound is created comprising a ceramic material and a thermoplastic resin, a green body is formed by thermoplastic extrusion of the compound, and the green body is sintered to form the gas delivery substrate. Such gas delivery substrates may be thin walled, highly porous and have secondary operations such as crimping and machining done prior to sintering. |
| US07718107B2 |
Mold for golf ball
A mold (1) includes an upper mold half (U) and a lower mold half (L). The mold (1) includes a gate (G), a pole vent pin (P), a support pin (S) and an intermediate vent pin (M). The support pin (S) has a latitude (θs) of 45 degrees to 85 degrees. Each of the upper mold half (U) and the lower mold half (L) has at least three support pins (S). The intermediate vent pin (M) has a latitude (θm) of 45 degrees to 85 degrees. Each of the upper mold half (U) and the lower mold half (L) has at least three intermediate vent pins (M). A difference between the latitude (θm) of the intermediate vent pin (M) and the latitude (θs) of the support pin (S) is equal to or smaller than 15 degrees. A clearance between the intermediate vent pin (M) and a pin hole (13) is 5 μm to 50 μm. By the mold (1), a cover having a thickness of 1.4 mm or less is formed. |
| US07718104B2 |
Process for the production of brittle polymeric film
A process for the production of a polymeric film comprising a copolyester having an acid component and a diol component, said acid component comprising a dicarboxylic acid and a sulfomonomer containing a sulfonate group attached to the aromatic nucleus of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid, said process comprising the steps of: (i) melt-extruding a layer of said copolyester; (ii) stretching the extrudate in at least one direction; (iii) heat-setting the film by raising the temperature of the stretched film to a temperature T1 in a first heating zone such that (TM-T1) is in the range of from 5 to 30° C., and then raising the temperature of the film to a temperature T2 in a second heating zone such that (TM-T2 is in the range of from 0 to 10° C., wherein TM is the peak melting temperature of the polymeric film; wherein T2 is greater than T1; and wherein the times which a transverse section of the film spends in the first and second heating zones are defined by t1 and t2, respectively, such that the ratio of t1 to t2 is at least 2:1; and a polymeric film obtainable thereby having an ultimate tensile strength at destruction in the range of 2 to 15 kgf/mm2 in the machine direction and 2.5 to 17 kgf/mm2 in the transverse direction. |
| US07718103B2 |
Method of manufacturing noise attenuating flexible cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers
A process for forming flexible noise attenuating cutting line for use in rotary vegetation trimmers formed of at least two monofilament polymer strands bonded together in a twisted disposition or a single strand twisted about its central axis in which the strand or strands are extruded in a molten disposition through a single die that is rotated during the extruding step either to twist the two strands together about a central longitudinal axis or a single strand about its own longitudinal axis such that upon cooling, stretching and heating, a flexible noise attenuating line is created in a continuous online process. |
| US07718102B2 |
Froth and method of producing froth
Foam for making pads and belts with controlled, reproducible microcellular structure and method of making such foam in a fast and efficient manner. Under constant pressure and temperature, a prepolymer is mixed with the nucleation surfactant in a tank in the presence of a frothing agent metered into the tank by way of a dip tube or sparge. The nitrogen gas is sheared into small bubbles and is drawn off from the headspace of the tank creating a continuous flow of nitrogen. The pressure of the tank may vary from any absolute pressure down to near complete vacuum, thereby all but eliminating the pressure requirement. The froth of the present invention has a more consistent cell structure and increased cell count. |
| US07718096B2 |
Stabilized electrochromic media
Disclosed are compositions, which are stabilized against degradation and yellowing during exposure to ultraviolet light by the presence of certain nitroxyl, hydroxyl amine and hydroxyl amine salt additives, a method of stabilizing the compositions by the addition of said additives, to the use of such compositions as media in electroactive devices such as electrochromic and electrophoteric devices, and the electroactive devices comprised of these media. |
| US07718094B2 |
Preparation of metallic nanoparticles
A method for the formation of metallic nanoparticles, such as gold and silver nanoparticles, which involves, combining in a single solution, solvent, metal ions and copolymers under conditions such that metal nanoparticles are formed. The copolymers have both reducing components and stabilizing components. The method can be used to form metal nanoparticles having a desired shape and size. |
| US07718091B2 |
Coating which is applied to substrate, a solar cell, and method for applying the coating to the substrate
The invention relates to a coating which has been applied to a substrate, comprising at least a first film and a second film which have been applied on top of each other and each comprise a transparent conducting oxide and an electron donor, wherein the second film comprises relatively at least 10 percent less electron donor than the first film. The invention also relates to a solar cell comprising a coating according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for applying the coating according to the invention to a substrate, wherein at least a first and a second mixture which each comprise one or more precursors for a transparent conducting oxide and an electron donor are applied to the substrate, wherein the second mixture is composed such that relatively at least 10 percent less electron donor is incorporated in the film compared with the film deposited by the first mixture. |
| US07718089B2 |
Solvent compositions comprising unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbons
Disclosed is a method for removing residue from a surface comprising: contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula E- or Z—R1CH═CHR2, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, or C1 to C6 hydrofluoroalkyl groups, and recovering the surface from the composition. |
| US07718086B2 |
Dichroic dye, and liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal device using the same
The present invention provides one or more dichroic dyes which exhibit high solubility in liquid crystal and a high order parameter. The dichroic dyes each have a first substituent having at least one cis-cyclohexane ring and/or a second substituent having at least one trans-cyclohexane ring. The dichroic dye(s) may be provided as a mixture including at least a first dichroic dye having at least the first substituent and a second dichroic dye having at least the second substituent. The dichroic dye(s) may also be provided as a plurality of dichroic dyes, each of the molecules of which has at least the first substituent and the second substituent. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal composition and a liquid crystal element including the one or more dichroic dyes. |
| US07718085B1 |
High-solids lime slurry
Novel hydrated-lime slurry compositions are disclosed, which include a heat-stable polymeric dispersant. The polymeric dispersant is capable to withstand temperatures in excess of 212° F. experienced by the slurry as a result of the hydrolysis of quicklime to produce hydrated lime, and accordingly can be added to the slurry composition prior to the addition of quicklime. Methods for making such slurry compositions are also disclosed. |
| US07718081B2 |
Techniques for the use of amorphous carbon (APF) for various etch and litho integration schemes
A method of etching a substrate is provided. The method of etching a substrate includes transferring a pattern into the substrate using a double patterned amorphous carbon layer on the substrate as a hardmask. Optionally, a non-carbon based layer is deposited on the amorphous carbon layer as a capping layer before the pattern is transferred into the substrate. |
| US07718079B2 |
High density plasma chemical vapor deposition process
A method for depositing dielectric material into gaps between wiring lines in the formation of a semiconductor device includes the formation of a cap layer and the formation of gaps into which high density plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDPCVD) dielectric material is deposited. First and second antireflective coatings may be formed on the wiring line layer, the first and second antireflective coatings being made from different materials. Both antireflective coatings and the wiring line layer are etched through to form wiring lines separated by gaps. The gaps between wiring lines may be filled using high density plasma chemical vapor deposition. |
| US07718076B1 |
Methods of and common gantry drive for single-pass cleaning of multiple stages of a material separation and removal system
Efficient methods and apparatus for separating both settleable-particles and finer-non-settlable-particles from particle-laden fluid are provided by combining many successive settling, filtration, and treatment stages in one basin. A sludge and finer-particle removal system combined into the one basin is configured with a common gantry drive having many arms hanging from an overhead beam, each arm carrying a particle remover configured for the corresponding stage. In one stage, a practical method of removing sludge from between closely-spaced settler flow trays is provided by one pair of arms that straddle the trays and move an array of pushers during movement of the common gantry drive. During that movement the common gantry drive also removes the finer-non-settleable-particles from all downstream stages of filtration and treatment, and each stage continues operating while the common gantry drive operates to perform the respective removal. |
| US07718067B2 |
Septic system remediation method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for remediating a failing wastewater treatment system comprising a positive air, oxygen, ozone, or combination thereof, generating pressure pump (40) directing the air, oxygen, ozone or combination through a tube (50) to an air stone (60) suspended in the effluent. Attached growth bacteria grow on a plurality or random directional brushes (116) in an effluent tank, e.g., septic tank (14). |
| US07718060B2 |
Filter device
Filter device (10) is provided with a head (20), a filter element (40), and a housing (30). The head (20) is provided with an inlet (24) which is attached to a hydraulic circuit (5), and into which flows the operating oil (L1) that is to be filtered. The filter element (40) filters the operating oil (L1) that is to be filtered. The housing (30) has an opening (30b) through which the filter element (40) passes, and which holds the filter element (40) inside it. The filter element (40) is provided with an element main body (48), and an element pressing part (47). The element pressing part (47) is provided to the element main body (48). The element pressing part (47) is provided with a contact part (53) that can be shifted toward or away from the inner surface (30a) of the housing (30). A groove (35) that holds the contact part (53) is provided to the housing (30). The contact part (53) can be shifted until it comes out of the groove (35). |
| US07718059B2 |
Apparatus for producing magnetized water
An apparatus for producing magnetized water. The apparatus comprises a plurality of magnet bars arranged in a radial manner, in which each magnet bar is structured such that a plurality of neodymium based permanent magnets is stacked in a stainless steel pipe in a manner such that like poles of the permanent magnets face each other. Thanks to this structure, the apparatus has a large contact area between the magnetic field and water flowing through the apparatus, thereby activating water by changing the structure of water. In more detail, the apparatus comprises a magnet bunch including a plurality of fixed magnet bars, a plurality of standard magnet bars, an upper plate disposed on upper ends of the fixed and standard magnet bars, a lower plate disposed on lower ends of the fixed and standard magnet bars, and a spacing plate disposed between the upper and lower plates; a housing having a cylindrical main body for enclosing the magnet bunch therein, an opening in an upper end portion thereof, and a lower part having a funnel shape and a liquid passage; and a cover 50 for covering the opening of the housing, the cover being coupled to the housing in a detachable manner and having a funnel shape and a liquid passage. |
| US07718055B2 |
Automatic cleaning drain structure
An automatic cleaning drain structure includes a cover member, a base, a fan blades set and an object expeller set. The fan blades set is installed interior of a holding space of the base A wind power device extends from the object expeller set, and functional connection of the bearing between the fan blades set and the wind power device is used to effect rotation thereof, Accordingly, when a water flow flows past the fan blades set or the wind power device is blown by the force of wind, then a plurality of strip members of the object expeller set and a plurality of strip members of the wind power device rotate around the cover member about the bearing as center, thereby enabling the drain to achieve the objective of clearing away foreign objects to allow unimpeded water flow. |
| US07718053B2 |
Selective hydrogenation process employing a catalyst having a controlled porosity
A process for jointly carrying out selective hydrogenation of polyunsaturated compounds into monounsaturated compounds contained in gasolines, and for transforming light sulphur-containing compounds into heavier compounds by reaction with unsaturated compounds employing a supported catalyst, comprising at least one metal from group VIB and at least one non-noble metal from group VIII used in the sulphurized form deposited on a support and having a controlled porosity, and comprising bringing the feed into contact with the catalyst at a temperature in the range of 80° C. to 220° C. at a liquid hourly space velocity in the range of 1 h−1 to 10 h−1 and at a pressure in the range of 0.5 to 5 MPa. |
| US07718050B2 |
Process of mild hydrocracking including a dilution of the feedstock
The invention relates to a process for FCC pretreatment by mild hydrocracking of a hydrocarbon feedstock that comprises a vacuum distillate fraction or a deasphalted oil or else a mixture of these two fractions, said primary feedstock, to produce gas oil and an effluent having an initial boiling point of more than 320° C., said effluent (FCC feedstock) then being subjected to a catalytic cracking, process in which at least 85% by weight of said primary feedstock ends above 375° C. and at least 95% by weight of said primary feedstock ends below 650° C., whereby the mild hydrocracking is performed under an absolute pressure of 2 to 12 MPa and at a temperature of between 300 and 500° C., characterized in that the hydrocarbon feedstock also comprises a lighter hydrocarbon fraction, a so-called secondary feedstock, of which at least 50% by weight ends below 375° C. and at least 80% ends above 200° C. |
| US07718049B2 |
Method for processing hydrocarbon pyrolysis effluent
A method is disclosed for treating gaseous effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit to provide steam cracked tar of reduced asphaltene and toluene insolubles content. The method is suitable for preparing reduced viscosity tar useful as a fuel blending stock, or feedstock for producing carbon black, while reducing or eliminating the need for externally sourced lighter aromatics additives to meet viscosity specifications. The method comprises drawing steam cracked tar from a separation vessel, e.g., a primary fractionator or tar knock-out drum, cooling the tar, and returning it to the separation vessel to effect lower overall tar temperatures within the separation vessel, in order to reduce viscosity increasing condensation reactions. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided. |
| US07718045B2 |
Ground shield with reentrant feature
The invention generally provides a ground shield for use in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber. In one embodiment, a ground shield includes a generally cylindrical body comprising an outer wall, an inner upper wall, an inner lower wall having a diameter less than a diameter of the inner upper wall and a reentrant feature coupling the upper and inner lower walls. The reentrant feature advantageously prevents arching between the shield and target, which promotes greater process uniformity and repeatability along with longer chamber component service life. |
| US07718044B2 |
Method for controlling shaft coating taper
A component of a disc drive has a coating of a predetermined length on its surface, the coating having at least two separate tapered regions applied in independent steps, the at least two separate tapered regions each having a length that is less than the predetermined length of the component surface. When the component is a shaft of a spindle motor, the ends of the shaft are masked before the tapered regions of coating are applied, and the thickness of the masks covering the shaft ends is varied to control a taper of tapered regions. |
| US07718043B2 |
Multilayer hard coating for tools
A multilayer hard coating for tools for machining applications with a multilayer structure for improving the wear resistance of workpieces includes at least one (AlyCr1-y)X layer (0.2≦y≦0.7), wherein X is one of the following elements N, C, B, CN, BN, CBN, NO, CO, BO, CNO, BNO, CBNO, but preferably N or CN, and/or a (TizSi1-z) layer (0.99≧z≧0.7). The hard coating also includes at least one layer stack with one (AlCrTiSi) X mixed layer, followed by another (TizSi1-z)X layer, followed by another (AlCrTiSi) X mixed layer, followed by another (AlyCr1-y)X layer. |
| US07718041B2 |
Method for obtaining oligomers of polytetrahydofurane or tetrahydrofurane
A process for obtaining oligomers of polytetrahydrofuran or of tetrahydrofuran copolymers from a methanolic crude product which contains polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymers and is obtained in the transesterification of the mono- and/or diesters of polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymers with methanol, which includes a) removing the majority of the methanol from the crude product in a first distillation stage, b) separating the resulting bottom product by distillation into a top fraction containing the oligomers of polytetrahydrofuran or of tetrahydrofuran copolymers, and polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymer, and c) condensing the oligomers of polytetrahydrofuran or of tetrahydrofuran copolymers out of the top fraction from stage b). |
| US07718040B2 |
Propylene oxide recovery process
Product propylene oxide in a reaction mixture resulting from the reaction of propylene, oxygen and hydrogen or from the reaction of propylene and hydrogen peroxide is separated from propylene and/or propane by extractive distillation using methanol and/or water extractive distillation solvent. |
| US07718039B2 |
Process for reactive distillation of a carboxylic acid
A process for reactive distillation wherein a carboxylic acid is reacted in a reaction section of a reactive distillation column with an alcohol under esterifying conditions in the presence of a catalyst to form an ester, wherein a first supply stream comprising the carboxylic acid, a second supply stream comprising the alcohol and a third supply stream comprising an inert entrainer are supplied to the reactive distillation column, wherein the first supply stream is supplied to the column at a first entry level located just above or at the top of the reaction section, the second supply stream is supplied to the column at a second entry level located in or just below the reaction section and below the first entry level, and the third supply stream is supplied to the column at a third entry level located in or below the reaction section and not above the second entry level and wherein a bottom stream comprising the ester formed and unreacted carboxylic acid is obtained and a top stream comprising unreacted alcohol, water and entrainer is obtained. |
| US07718035B2 |
Phosphoric acid quenched creping adhesive
An improved creping adhesive is prepared by first reacting a dibasic carboxylic acid, or its ester, half-ester, or anhydride derivative, with a polyalkylene polyamine, preferably in aqueous solution, under conditions suitable to produce a water soluble polyamide. The water-soluble polyamide is then reacted with an epihalohydrin until substantially fully cross-linked, and stabilized by acidification with phosphoric acid at the end of the polymerization reaction to form a water-soluble poly(aminoamide)-epihalohydrin creping adhesive that is re-wetable and facilitates water spray removal of buildup so as to lengthen the life of the creping blades, with attendant significant decrease in downtime and maintenance. |
| US07718034B2 |
Refiner steam separation system for reduction of dryer emissions
A refiner steam separation system according to the present invention includes a blowline for transporting a mixture of fiber material from a refiner to an inlet of a steam separator. Waste steam is discharged from the separator through a waste steam outlet. Cleaned fiber material is discharged from the separator through an exit, which prevents a substantial portion of the waste steam from passing through the exit. A relay pipe communicates with the exit and a dryer duct, and transports cleaned fiber material therebetween. A resin input communicates with the relay pipe, and supplies resin therein. The resin is mixed with the cleaned fiber material prior to the cleaned fiber material being dried in the dryer duct. The present invention is also directed to a method of reducing VOC emissions generated during refining cellulosic fibrous material. |
| US07718033B1 |
One-step method for the production of nanofluids
A one step method and system for producing nanofluids by a particle-source evaporation and deposition of the evaporant into a base fluid. The base fluid such (i.e. ethylene glycol) is placed in a rotating cylindrical drum having an adjustable heater-boat-evaporator and heat exchanger-cooler apparatus. As the drum rotates, a thin liquid layer is formed on the inside surface of the drum. A heater-boat-evaporator having an evaporant material (particle-source) placed within its boat evaporator is adjustably positioned near a portion of the rotating thin liquid layer, the evaporant material being heated thereby evaporating a portion of the evaporant material, the evaporated material absorbed by the liquid film to form nanofluid. |
| US07718032B2 |
Dry non-plasma treatment system and method of using
A dry non-plasma treatment system and method for removing oxide material is described. The treatment system is configured to provide chemical treatment of one or more substrates, wherein each substrate is exposed to a gaseous chemistry, including HF and optionally NH3, under controlled conditions including surface temperature and gas pressure. Furthermore, the treatment system is configured to provide thermal treatment of each substrate, wherein each substrate is thermally treated to remove the chemically treated surfaces on each substrate. |
| US07718029B2 |
Self-passivating plasma resistant material for joining chamber components
Embodiments of the invention provide a robust bonding material suitable for joining semiconductor processing chamber components. Other embodiments provide semiconductor processing chamber components joined using a bonding material having metal filler disposed in an adhesive layer. Other embodiments include methods for manufacturing a semiconductor processing chamber component having a bonding material that includes metal filled disposed in an adhesive layer. The metal filler is suitable for reacting with halogen containing plasmas such that a halogen based metal layer is formed on the exposed portion of the bonding material upon exposure to the plasma. |
| US07718028B2 |
Fluid filled unit formation process
A process for forming fluid filled units is disclosed. In the process, a web having a series of side connected pouches are fed to an inflation station. The pouches are connected by a line of perforations. First perforations of the line of perforations that extend from an inflation opening of each pouch are shorter than second perforations of the line of perforations that extend from the first perforations toward a side edge of each pouch. The pouches filled with fluid and sealed to form fluid filled units. |
| US07718025B2 |
Method of forming folded-stack packaged device using progressive folding tool
An embodiment of the present invention includes a plunger, a heating element, and first and second arms. The plunger affixes a first unit to a second unit with adhesive. The first and second units are on a strip of a flexible tape. The strip is on a folding base unit. The folding base unit folds the first unit on top of the second unit. The heating element is attached to the plunger to cure the adhesive. The first and second arms are positioned on first and second sides of the plunger via first and second hinges, respectively, to secure the first and second units underneath the plunger. Another embodiment of the invention includes a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly supports a first unit. The first sub-assembly, when activated, folds the first unit on top of a second unit. The first and second units are on a strip of a flexible tape. The second sub-assembly supports the second unit. |
| US07718014B2 |
Low alloy steel and weld joint thereof excellent in corrosion resistance to hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid
The present invention provides a low alloy steel and a weld joint thereof excellent in hydrochloric acid corrosion resistance and sulfuric acid corrosion resistance, said low alloy steel containing, in mass, C: 0.001 to 0.2%, Si: 0.01 to 2.5%, Mn: 0.1 to 2%, Cu: 0.1 to 1%, Mo: 0.001 to 1%, Sb: 0.01 to 0.2%, P: 0.05% or less, and S: 0.05% or less, with the balance consisting of Fe and unavoidable impurities; and the acid corrosion resistance index AI of said low alloy steel being zero or positive. Here, said AI is given by the following expression, AI/10,000=0.0005+0.045×Sb %−C %×Mo %, where % means mass %. |
| US07718012B2 |
Method of degasification in semiconductor cleaning
A method of improving the effectiveness of semiconductor cleaning solvents is provided. Insoluble gas bubbles, typically air, hinder wet chemical cleaning methods. Preferred embodiments include purging a first, insoluble gas from the cleaning system and replacing it with a second, soluble gas. After replacing the first gas with the second gas, the wafer is rinsed in the cleaning solvent. Any gas bubbles trapped within narrow, recessed features during cleaning rapidly dissolve due to the second gas's solubility. Temperature adjustments during the process may further enhance cleaning. |
| US07718011B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning and drying substrates
A method and apparatus for cleaning, rinsing and Marangoni drying substrates is provided. The invention includes spraying a line of fluid to a substrate, thereby creating an air/fluid interface line on the substrate; supplying a line of drying vapors to the air/fluid interface line, thereby creating a Marangoni drying effect along the air/fluid interface line; and moving the substrate relative to the air/fluid line. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US07718007B2 |
Substrate supporting member and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate supporting member, and a substrate processing apparatus including the substrate supporting member are provided. The substrate supporting member for mounting and supporting a substrate on a substrate supporting surface thereof, and controlling a temperature of the substrate by thermal transfer between the substrate and the substrate supporting surface, wherein the substrate supporting surface is smaller than the substrate, and includes a central region, an intermediate region, and a peripheral region. A thermal conductivity between the substrate and the peripheral region is greater than that between the substrate and the central region which is greater than that between the substrate and the intermediate region located between the central region and the peripheral region. |
| US07718004B2 |
Gas-introducing system and plasma CVD apparatus
A gas-introducing system for plasma CVD and cleaning includes: a showerhead including a top plate with a gas inlet port and a shower plate; a rectifying plate installed in the interior space of the showerhead and dividing the interior space into an upper space and a lower space; a structure for inhibiting inactivation of active species of the activated cleaning gas at the rectifying plate; and a piping unit for connecting the gas inlet port of the showerhead to a remote plasma unit and a reaction gas introduction port. |
| US07717999B1 |
Titanium production waste byproduct as partial cement replacement
An industrial waste byproduct from a titanium metal or a titanium dioxide production process can be utilized as a partial cement replacement. In some embodiments, the byproduct can comprise a byproduct from the production of titanium dioxide pigment from a sulphate process or from a chloride process. The cement can be used to make concrete and other cementitious material products for structural and non-structural uses, for example, grout, mortar, gunite, stucco, masonry, decorative stonework, bricks, blocks, roof tiles, floor tiles, cobblestones, pavers, combinations thereof, and the like. |
| US07717996B2 |
Sprayable coating agent, its production, further processing and use thereof
A sprayable coating agent is disclosed in the form of granules with which the granules are compacted to form a pressed piece, subsequently ground up and optionally sieved, whereby the granules have the following particle-size distribution: 0%-40% by weight: 0-600 microns; 5%-55% by weight: 600-1250 microns; 5%-95% by weight: >1250 microns; or 15% by weight: 0-800 microns; 0%-85% by weight: 800-2000 microns; 0%-15% by weight: >2000 microns. Likewise disclosed are its production, further processing and use for internal and external applications. |
| US07717980B2 |
Contaminant extraction systems, methods and apparatuses
A contaminant extraction apparatus, systems and method for extracting contaminants, such as particles and polar molecules, from an air flow containing a contaminated gas such as air so that the contaminants are expelled from the embodiments after they are extracted. One method includes the steps of generating two electric fields in separate air flow channels separated by an extraction grid with the second electric field having a greater potential difference than the first electric field; generating a first air flow through the first air flow channel and a second air flow through a second air flow channel; dispensing charged liquid droplets into the first air flow using at least one charged droplet generator; allowing the droplets to transfer charge to those contaminants; and expelling the contaminants into the second air flow using the potential difference in the second electric field. |
| US07717977B2 |
Method and unit for continuously producing metal microparticle
The producing unit for continuously producing metal microparticles formed of a multicomponent alloy accompanied by the generation of a byproduct gas through an early reaction of the formation of the metal particles comprises a first mixing unit for continuously supplying and mixing a plurality of solutions for conducting the early reaction, a second mixing unit for continuously supplying another solution to the reaction liquid containing the metal microparticles formed in the early reaction and for mixing the two solutions, to introduce dissimilar metal atoms into the crystal lattices of the metal microparticles, and a gas-liquid separation unit that is installed in a midway of the pipe which is made so as to have enough length to finish the early reaction, and which continuously passes the reaction liquid to the second mixing unit from the first mixing unit, and that continuously removes the byproduct gas generated with the proceeding of the early reaction. |
| US07717976B2 |
Method for making strain aging resistant steel
A method for making a strain aging resistant steel comprises adding boron to the steel, wherein substantially all of the boron in the steel forms boron nitride. A method for making steel comprises adding a nitride-forming element to the steel to lower the free nitrogen content of the steel to a free nitrogen content specification. A high-carbon steel contains boron nitride, wherein the free nitrogen content of the steel is less than 80 ppm. A strain aging resistant steel wherein the carbon content of the steel is between about 0.54 percent and about 0.75 percent. |
| US07717975B2 |
Reduced solidity web comprising fiber and fiber spacer or separation means
A web can comprise a substantially continuous fiber mass and a separation means dispersed into the fiber. The web having a preferred thickness resulting from forming a polymer material and a particulate into a fine fiber layer can have a variety of end uses. A filtration media can include a structure comprising such a web of fine fiber and a substantial volume of particulate embodiment of the separation means. The resulting fine fiber structure provides an improved filtration medium having substantial depth, thickness, and a layered structure. The improved properties of the web results from inclusion of the separation or spacer particulate. |
| US07717970B2 |
Fuel reforming device
A reformer (8) reforms hydrocarbon fuel and generates reformate gas. A first carbon monoxide oxidizer (1) and second carbon monoxide oxidizer (2) disposed in series decrease the carbon monoxide concentration of the reformate gas by a prefential oxidation. The air for the preferential oxidation is supplied to the carbon monoxide oxidizer (1, 2) from a compressor (9). The reformer (8) consumes the water heated by the reaction heat of the first carbon monoxide oxidizer (1). The water amount supplied for the reformer (8) increases as a fuel reforming requirement of the reformer (8) increases. When the fuel reforming requirement increases, the water heating capability of the first carbon monoxide oxidizer (1) is enhanced with a sufficient response by increasing the proportion of air supplied to the first carbon monoxide oxidizer (1). |
| US07717969B2 |
Future haul—alternative fuel
An emulsified liquid fuel utilizes minor proportions of petroleum, maximum proportions of water (H2O) and minimal amounts of acetone and alcohol, all readily available, plentiful and inexpensive. |
| US07717965B2 |
Mixtures of reactive dyes and their use
Dye mixtures that compriseat least one dye of formula together with at least one dye from the group of formulae wherein the radicals have the definitions given in the claims, are suitable, with good build-up behaviour, for dyeing or printing cellulose-containing fibre materials, and yield dyeings having a deep shade and good fastness properties. |
| US07717961B2 |
Apparatus delivery in an intervertebral disc
The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. Methods include performing procedures such as implant delivery, tissue manipulation, tissue diagnostics, and therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery at selected locations within intervertebral discs. |
| US07717959B2 |
Intervertebral device and method of use
An intervertebral disc replacement device is disclosed and includes a first implantable member having a first anchor plate and a concave body detachably coupled to the first anchor plate, and a second implantable member having a second anchor plate and a convex body detachably coupled to the second anchor plate, the convex body configured to engage the concave body in movable relation thereto. |
| US07717958B2 |
Prosthetic nucleus apparatus
A spinal mobility preservation apparatus and methods are disclosed. The spinal mobility preservation apparatus may include a proximal body, an intermediate body, a distal body, and an expandable membrane. The proximal body and the distal body secure the mobility preservation apparatus to adjacent vertebral bodies. At least one of an intermediate body and an expandable membrane secure the proximal body to the distal body and provide a degree of support to a spinal motion segment defined by the adjacent vertebral bodies. A single proximal body and an expandable membrane may also compose a spinal mobility preservation apparatus. The proximal body secured to one of a superior or an inferior vertebral body and the expandable membrane extending into the intervertebral disc space to support the spinal motion segment. |
| US07717956B2 |
Joint arthroplasty devices formed in situ
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. |
| US07717955B2 |
Conformable prosthesis for implanting two-piece heart valves and methods for using them
A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a valve prosthesis. The annular prosthesis includes an annular ring for dilating tissue within a biological annulus and a conformable sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member. The valve prosthesis includes a frame and a valve component. The annular ring is introduced into the biological annulus to dilate tissue surrounding the biological annulus and the sewing cuff conforms to tissue above the biological annulus. Fasteners are directed through the sewing cuff to secure the annular prosthesis to the biological annulus. The annular prosthesis may include a baleen element for biasing fabric on the annular ring outwardly to enhance sealing against the biological annulus. A valve prosthesis is then advanced into the sinus cavity, and secured relative to the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may enhance a seal between the valve prosthesis and annular prosthesis. |
| US07717951B2 |
Delivery system that facilitates visual inspection of an intraluminal medical device
Delivery systems, methods of making delivery systems, and methods of treatment are provided. A delivery system according to the invention facilitates a visual inspection of an intraluminal medical device included in the delivery system. |
| US07717946B2 |
Polymeric plate bendable without thermal energy and methods of manufacture
An implantable plate for providing support to a bone of a subject when affixed thereto includes a polymeric body of a biocompatible polymer having a desired amount of polymer molecule orientation in a first direction so that the plate can be bent to conform with a contour of the bone of the subject. The polymeric body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one fastener portion. The fastener portion includes a recess and a fastener hold that is configured for receiving a fastener when affixed to the bone of the subject. A method of manufacturing the implantable plate includes: (1) injection molding a biocompatible polymeric composition into a polymeric body within an injection mold; (2) removing the polymeric body from the injection mold; and (3) forming at least one fastener hole within polymeric body. |
| US07717940B2 |
Cross-connector assembly
A novel cross-connector assembly for interconnecting first and second bracing members or rods, one to the other. The cross-connector assembly is capable of multi-directional articulation in three dimensions, length, azimuth, and elevation and is also capable of having one end rotated along its longitudinal axis in relation to the other end so as to custom fit and securely connect the assembly to two opposing bracing members or rods. Also provided is a kit including the device and ancillary instrumentation to facilitate the method of the present invention. |
| US07717937B2 |
Closure devices, related delivery methods and tools, and related methods of use
A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible. |
| US07717935B2 |
Guidewire filter and methods of use
A filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The filter system includes a guidewire that is first positioned across a lesion within a vessel. The guidewire may include a distal stop. A slideable filter is then advanced along the guidewire using an advancing mechanism, typically an elongate member slideable over the guidewire and contacting the filter. A capture sheath may be disposed about the filter during advancement. Once the filter is positioned downstream of the lesion, the capture sheath is withdrawn, allowing the filter to expand. Further distal advancement of the filter is prohibited by the stop. After expansion of the filter, the capture sheath and the advancing mechanism are withdrawn from the region of interest, and removed from the patient's vessel. The filter may then be retrieved using a capture sheath or exchanged for a second filter after removing the first filter. |
| US07717933B2 |
Balloon catheters and methods for treating paranasal sinuses
A method of treating a patient's maxillary sinus having an obstructed or narrowed maxillary ostium. A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated in the obstructed or narrowed maxillary ostium to enlarge the ostium. The ostium remains enlarged after the balloon catheter is removed. |
| US07717932B2 |
Instrument and system for surgical cutting and evoked potential monitoring
A surgical cutting instrument for use with a drive motor, and related system and method, is described. The surgical cutting instrument includes an elongated drive member, a cutting tip secured to the drive member, a non-conductive coupling body adapted for connection to a motor assembly, a housing maintaining the coupling body, and an electrical connector for connection to a stimulating energy source. The electrical connector is in electrical communication with the cutting tip via an electrical pathway. |
| US07717924B2 |
Medical retrieval device
Immobilization and/or retrieval of material from a body can be accomplished, in accordance with the invention, with a device that includes a sheath and a basket. The basket is movable relative to the sheath from a retracted position in which the basket is withdrawn within the sheath and an expanded position in which the basket is extended beyond the distal end of the sheath and open. The basket has a first portion and a second portion with two or more legs extending from the first portion to the second portion. The basket further includes an intermediate portion between the first and second portions in which the legs are spirally arranged, substantially parallel, and non-intersecting. The intermediate portion of the basket is displaced radially outward relative to the first and second portions when the basket is in the expanded position. The basket in the expanded position may be used to immobilize and/or capture material within a body. |
| US07717922B2 |
Vacuum sealing device
A vacuum sealing devices (10) used for surgical procedures, particularly on the eye. The device (10) comprises a flexible sleeve (11) which terminates in a platter (11a) having a sealing suction ring (12, 112, 212). The suction ring (12, 112, 212) couples the sleeve (11) to the body and isolates the surgical site from surrounding tissue. The sleeve (11) may be provided with a opening (22, 113) which allows instrumentation access through and incision such as a corneal incision (13). |
| US07717920B2 |
Ankle replacement prostheses
A prosthesis is installed in a cavity that traverses a joint between a talus and a calcaneus. The cavity is established by intramedullary guidance with respect to the major axis of the tibia by access through the calcaneus. |
| US07717919B2 |
Application of therapy aligned to an internal target path
An alignment jig that creates a plurality of parallelograms may be used to align an external alignment line with an internal target path. The internal target path is within the patient's body and may be defined by two guide pin tips. The alignment jig may be created so that it creates the external alignment line to be co-linear with the internal target path or the external alignment line may be parallel to the internal target path by offset a distance from being co-linear. The external alignment line may be used in the provision of therapy such as the delivery of a screw to a precise location in the provision of therapy to a portion of the spine. |
| US07717918B2 |
Bone treatment systems and methods
The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices for treating osteoplasty procedures such as vertebral compression fractures. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to instruments and methods for controllably restoring vertebral body height by controlling the geometry of bone cement introduced into the interior of a vertebra. An exemplary system utilizes Rf energy in combination a conductive bone cement for polymerizing the inflow plume to control the geometry of the fill material and the application of force caused by inflows of cement. In another embodiment, a method of treating bone includes utilizing a controller to control (i) bone cement inflow parameters and (ii) energy delivery parameters selectively modify the viscosity of a selected portion of bone cement as it is introduced. A system for treating bone includes an introducer for delivering bone and an energy source selectively coupleable to the bone cement to alter the viscosity of the fill material as it flows out of the introducer. One method includes pulsing the inflows of bone cement and further applying pulsed aspiration forces to the interior of the vertebra to relieve interior pressures to prevent emboli from migrating into the venous system. |
| US07717907B2 |
Method for intrastromal refractive surgery
A method for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the method creates cuts in the stroma over all, or portions of, a plurality of concentric cylindrical surfaces (circular or oval). Importantly, these cuts are all centered on the visual axis of the patient's eye. In accordance with the present invention, cuts can be made either alone or in conjunction with the removal of predetermined volumes of stromal tissue. The actual location of cuts in the surgery will depend on whether the treatment is for presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. |
| US07717906B2 |
System and method for photoablation using multiple focal points with rotating beam splitter
A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery requires splitting a laser beam into a pattern having a plurality of focal points. The pattern is then moved along a spiral path according to a predetermined, two-phase protocol. In the first phase, a radial spacing “Δr” between spiral lines, and the velocity of the pattern “rω” are held constant as the radius “r” is decreased from r1 to r2. In the second phase the angular velocity “ω” is held constant and the radial spacing “Δr” is proportionally increased as “r” is further decreased from r2 to r3. Additional LIOB is required both inside r3, as r is reduced to zero and, then, along the periphery of the treatment area for a rim cut at r1. |
| US07717894B2 |
Liquid-absorbent sheet and method for producing the same
A liquid-absorbent sheet containing: a liquid-absorbent surface material mainly containing a pulp; a liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric; a liquid-absorbent rear material mainly containing a pulp; and a super absorbent polymer; wherein the super absorbent polymer is disposed at least between the liquid-absorbent surface material and the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric as an A layer and between the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric and the liquid-absorbent rear material as a B layer, the super absorbent polymer being contained in a total amount of 200 to 400 g/m2, which is allocated in the A layer at 30 to 50% by mass, the liquid-absorbent nonwoven fabric layer at 0 to 40% by mass, and the B layer at 30 to 70% by mass, and the content ratio of the super absorbent polymer in the A layer is less than or equal to the content ratio of the super absorbent polymer in the B layer. |
| US07717893B2 |
Absorbent articles comprising a slow recovery elastomer
An absorbent article comprising at least one topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet joined with the topsheet; an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a slow recovery elastomer. The slow recovery elastomer exhibits a normalized unload force at 37° C. of greater than about 0.04N and at least about 20% post elongation strain at 22° C. after 15 seconds of recovery. |
| US07717888B2 |
Safety needle with collapsible sheath
The Huber needle is drawn into a protective cap and sheath arrangement after use for disposal purposes. The cap is tethered to a housing in which the needle is mounted by the sheath. The sheath is made of a film material that has a high tensile strength and a low percent of elongation, such as polyester. The sheath is initially mounted about the needle in a collapsed accordion-like condition between the cap and housing. When the cap is moved along the needle, the sheath is played out over the needle. The cap houses a spring clip to snap over a bore through which the needle is retracted to prevent re-emergence of the needle. The flexible nature of the sheath allows the sheath to pass about the two legs of the Huber needle. |
| US07717887B2 |
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. |
| US07717885B2 |
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. |
| US07717882B2 |
Medical access device
A medical access device provides needleless access to patient fluid lines such as intravascular catheters. A preformed crimp ring is attached around a septum and the top end of the housing of the medical access device. The crimp ring is configured to hold the septum in place. The septum provides access for a tubular portion of a medical device such as a male luer taper of a syringe. The crimp ring is then attached by mechanical attachment and/or chemical adhesion to the housing to minimize axial and rotational movement between the septum and the housing. |
| US07717881B2 |
Controlled release structure for attaching medical devices
A medical device for use with a fluid transfer device includes a hub having an open proximal end with a frusto-conically-shaped cavity therein, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The cavity is part of the passageway. A release element in the passageway of the hub is positioned to block fluid-tight engagement of the frusto-conically-shaped tip with the cavity of the hub. Structure is provided to release at least part of the release element, upon application of a proximally directed force on the hub, to allow the abrupt fluid-tight engagement of the tip and the cavity in the hub. |
| US07717879B2 |
Anesthetic syringe
An improved, very wieldy anesthetic syringe that allows for precise and repeated injection has a first hydraulic chamber behind a feed piston and a second hydraulic chamber behind the first hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic chambers being connected so as to allow for regulation of the flow resistance. A special receiver for cannulae that have been specifically developed for use with the proposed syringe is also provided. |
| US07717878B2 |
Surgical portal with seal system
A surgical seal system is adapted for use with a cannula assembly having a cannula housing and a cannula sleeve extending from the cannula housing. The surgical seal assembly includes a seal assembly and an adapter assembly. The seal assembly is mountable to the cannula housing. The seal assembly includes a seal housing and a seal defining inner portions adapted to form a substantial seal about an instrument with a first cross-sectional dimension. The adapter assembly includes an adapter body adapted for releasably coupling to the seal housing of the seal assembly. The adapter body has an adapter seal and a tether. The adapter seal is adapted to form a substantial seal about an instrument with a second cross-sectional dimension less than the first cross-sectional dimension. The tether is mountable to the cannula sleeve thus securing the adapter assembly to the cannula. |
| US07717877B2 |
Injecting apparatus
An injector is automatic in that the needle is inserted into the injection site (e.g., a patient's skin) with user or caregiver assistance, the delivery is automatically initiated upon needle insertion, and the needle is retracted automatically after the end of delivery. Preferably the needle is not seen by the user prior to, during or after injection. Prior to and after injection, the needle is hidden in the device so as to avoid any potential injury or health risk to the user or health care provider. The injector includes a housing and a shield arranged to slide relative to the housing and a driver moving during drug delivery. The housing and shield form a cartridge enclosure. The cartridge is shielded and locked after delivery is completed. A needle-locking mechanism can be used in any number of pen-like injectors or safety needles. |
| US07717874B2 |
Needle-free injection system
A needle-free injection device in which a gas cartridge or other source of pressurized gas is used to advance a piston and forcibly expel injectable fluid out through an injection orifice. When a gas cartridge is used, the gas cartridge may be moveable from an initial position to an actuating position in which gas is released to drive the injection, and a recoil inhibiter may be employed to prevent the gas cartridge from moving back to the initial position. A gas cartridge seal may be disposed on the gas cartridge and moveable with the gas cartridge to seal the gas cartridge against an interior wall of a gas cartridge housing. The needle-free injection device may also be configured so that sealing is compromised upon full advancement of the piston, so as to de-pressurize the device after delivery of an injection. |
| US07717871B2 |
System and method for site specific therapy
A system, including catheter apparatus, and related method for performing site specific therapy. The catheter apparatus can include one or more semipermeable microcatheters for use in performing site specific microdialysis. The system and method are particularly suited for use in addressing cerebral edema by affecting the osmolar relationship between fluids making up the brain tissue. Also disclosed is an apparatus having a delivery/recovery mechanism in the form of a pump reservoir and one or more catheters in the form of semipermeable microcatheters, for use in delivering and/or recovering fluid to and/or from a tissue site or for performing tissue engineering outside of the body. The apparatus can be used in a method to perform site specific microtherapy, including for the treatment of avascular necrosis, compartment syndrome, cerebral edema, and to improve skin flap survival in the course of reconstructive surgery. |
| US07717869B2 |
Pressure maintained inflatable boot
An inflatable boot used for treating lower extremity injuries. The boot may encase at least a portion of a lower extremity, and may include a bladder defined by a substantially gas impermeable cover and liner. The bladder may include fluidically interconnected sole and leg portions. Additionally the boot may include a pump is configured to draw air into the bladder upon ambulatory motion, and a pressure release valve adapted to limit the pressure within the bladder. |
| US07717868B2 |
Chair-type massaging apparatus, cover for massaging apparatus, cover for leg rest, and massaging apparatus
Disclosed is a chair-type massaging apparatus that is capable of massaging lower legs freely and precisely in pressing angles or pressing positions with a user seated therein and allows the user to assume a desired posture without interference. The chair-type massaging apparatus of the present invention typically includes a leg rest including a support portion configured to support lower legs of a user, and massaging portions configured to protrude and retract to press the lower legs of the user. The support portion includes protrusible portions that is mounted on both sides in the rightward and leftward direction and is protrusible to rise up inward in the rightward and leftward direction and is retractable. The massaging portions are mounted on the protrusible portions. With the protrusible portions and the massaging portions retracting, the protrusible portions and the support portion located inward relative to the protrusible portion in the rightward and leftward direction and the massaging portions form a substantially flat surface. |
| US07717866B2 |
Portable device comprising an acceleration sensor and method of generating instructions or advice
The invention pertains to a portable device comprising a housing, a display, a storage medium, at least one acceleration sensor, means for calculating an activity parameter based on the signal generated by the acceleration sensor, storing the calculated parameter in the storage medium, and showing the same in the display. The said parameter is the Physical Activity Index (PAI) or a derivative thereof. |
| US07717865B2 |
Side loading wire torquing device
A side loading, wire torquing device includes a body portion having a channel in which a wire is fitted. In one embodiment, a slider is movable along the channel to secure the wire between the slider and the fixed surface in the channel such that rotation of the torquing device rotates the wire therein. In another embodiment of the invention, the torquing device includes a bottom and top section folded over a wire. In another embodiment, the channels impart a bend to the wire to increase the effective torque that can be applied to the wire by rotating the device. In yet another embodiment, the torquing device has a tapered shape and includes a ring that is slideable over the device to compress a wire in a channel. In all embodiments, the torquing device may include a clip to secure several looped coils of wire when not in use. |
| US07717859B2 |
Method and combination electronic communication and medical diagnostic apparatus for detecting/monitoring neuropathy
A combination electronic communication and medical diagnostic apparatus includes a first component for transmitting or receiving a remote communication signal and a second component for generating vibration to be used in a medical diagnosis. The apparatus functions as a beeper/pager or cellular phone, as well as a medical diagnostic tool to detect and/or monitor neuropathy. |
| US07717857B2 |
Diagnosis of P. aeruginosa infection in the lungs of patients
The present invention relates to methods for detecting P aeruginosa infection and bacterial burden in the lungs of patients who are at risk for P. aeruginosa infections, especially including patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The present method provides numerous tests (breath, blood, urine) which are readily administered to a patient that will sensitively and specifically detect the presence and extent of lung infection P. aeruginosa (both mucoid and non-mucoid), and allow monitoring of bacterial load as a parameter in monitoring treatment. |
| US07717851B2 |
Ultrasonic observation apparatus having multi-beam scan function
An ultrasonic observation apparatus in which the frame rate can be made higher than that in a mechanical or conventional electronic scan method. The ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: an ultrasonic endoscope including ultrasonic transducers; a transmission aperture setting unit for setting ultrasonic transducer groups as transmission apertures; a transmission frequency setting unit for setting respective frequencies of drive signal groups for the transmission apertures; a drive signal generating unit for generating the drive signal groups having the set frequencies; a reception aperture setting unit for setting ultrasonic transducer groups as reception apertures; a signal processing unit for performing signal processing on reception signal groups respectively outputted from the ultrasonic transducer groups; and a control unit for controlling the transmission aperture setting unit to sequentially change regions of the ultrasonic transducer groups to be set as the transmission apertures at a predetermined time interval. |
| US07717848B2 |
Collecting sleep quality information via a medical device
At least one of a medical device, such as an implantable medical device, and a programming device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are associated with a current therapy parameter set. In some embodiments, a programming device presents sleep quality information to a user based on determined sleep quality metric values values. A clinician, for example, may use the sleep quality information presented by the programming device to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device, to adjust the therapy delivered by the medical device, or to prescribe a therapy not delivered by the medical device in order to improve the quality of the patient's sleep. |
| US07717845B2 |
Fluid reservoirs for penile implant devices and methods of manufacturing
A fluid reservoir for a penile implant device that includes a body portion having a sleeve from which a tube may extend. The body portion includes support structure positioned at an interior surface of the body portion near an orifice of the reservoir, which orifice leads to a fluid passage of the tube. The support structure may comprise a plurality of protrusions that are arranged around the orifice and that extend from a base portion of the body portion. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a fluid reservoir for a penile implant device, which includes positioning a tube in a mold and injection molding a reservoir body onto the tube. More particularly, the method may include providing a mold, positioning a tube in the mold, injecting material into the mold, curing the material, and opening the mold to remove the reservoir body and tube assembly. |
| US07717844B2 |
Method and apparatus for stabilization and positioning during surgery
Novel surgical devices for off-pump surgery are described herein. The disclosed apparatus employs a novel suction element that releasably couples to a surgical connector. In an embodiment, a surgical device comprises a suction element adapted to be releasably coupled to a surgical connector. The suction element has an opening for stabilizing said surgical connector against the surface of an organ by suction. The surgical device further comprises a flexible arm connected to the suction element. The flexible arm is capable of being fixed in a stationary position to hold the surgical connector and the organ in place. The novel suction element in combination with a flexible arm not only positions and stabilizes an organ during surgery, but also positions and stabilizes the surgical connector on the organ during a surgical procedure such as an LVAD implantation. |
| US07717838B2 |
Blank and methods and apparatus for forming a dispenser case from the blank
A machine for forming a case from a blank of sheet material includes a body, a mandrel mounted on the body and having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the case, a member mounted on the body adjacent the mandrel for applying a force to the blank for at least one of folding a portion of the blank around the mandrel, moving the blank, and securing portions of the blank together, and a servomechanism operatively connected to the member for driving and controlling movement of the member to apply the force to the blank. |
| US07717834B2 |
Therapeutic shoulder apparatus
In one embodiment, a shoulder exercise and stretching apparatus includes a forearm support, a forearm securing means for securing a user's forearm to the forearm support, an elbow support to capture the elbow of a user and keep the user's arm in a desired position to isolate the user's shoulder as a pivot point for rotation, and a rotation member coupled to the forearm support to rotate the forearm support through a desired plane and thereby provide an angular force to a target shoulder of the user. One or more handles, may be provided for grasping by a user's free hand to assist in the movement of the rotation member. Measurement means may be provided for determining the rotation of the apparatus. Resistance means may be provided to provide for resistance exercises of the shoulder. |
| US07717828B2 |
Exercise device with pivoting assembly
A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, resistance assembly, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly contains a pair of link arms pivotally coupled to a pair of foot support members. The link arms have handles for the user to grip and the foot support members have foot platforms for the user to stand upon. The foot platforms have a wheel attached to them and the wheel rests upon curved or arced ramps of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the handles and/or foot platforms. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride. |
| US07717826B2 |
Electrical signature analysis to quantify human and animal performance on fitness and therapy equipment such as a treadmill
The invention is a human and animal performance data acquisition, analysis, and diagnostic system for fitness and therapy devices having an interface box removably disposed on incoming power wiring to a fitness and therapy device, at least one current transducer removably disposed on said interface box for sensing current signals to said fitness and therapy device, and a means for analyzing, displaying, and reporting said current signals to determine human and animal performance on said device using measurable parameters. |
| US07717817B2 |
Electrically variable transmissions having two planetary gear sets and clutched input
The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, four or five selectable torque transmitting devices, and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least one mechanically fixed forward speed ratio. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode. |
| US07717815B2 |
Power-branched transmission having a plurality of transmission ration ranges with continuously variable transmission ratio
A power-branched transmission having a plurality of transmission ratio ranges and having a continuously variable transmission ratio. The transmission includes at least one drive shaft operatively connected to an engine with a rotationally fixed connection, a power divider, a variable speed drive, and an output shaft. The power divider is a planetary gear train and the drive shaft is directly coupled with the internal ring gear of the planetary gear train. Also disclosed is a shift system for such a transmission and a variable speed drive unit clutch arrangement. |
| US07717814B1 |
Expandable arrow broadhead with spring biased sliding shaft and pointed tip
An expandable arrow broadhead used for releasable attachment to one end of a hollow arrow shaft. The broadhead includes a rotating, sliding shaft with a spirally wound, scalloped grooved, pointed tip and tip base having two or more of cutting blades mounted thereon. A portion of the sliding shaft is slidably received inside a hollow collar attached to a sliding shaft housing. In a retracted position, the blades are held in a refracted position using a coil spring mounted in a collar bore in the sliding shaft housing and a blade catch extending outwardly from an inner edge of the cutting blades. When the pointed tip engages a target upon impact, the sliding shaft moves rearward sliding inside the hollow collar. As the sliding shaft moves rearward, the blades are released from the blade catch and the beveled cam surface engages a portion of the collar and moves the blades outwardly into an extended position. |
| US07717811B1 |
Adjustable golf tee with associated measuring device
The present invention is a golf tee and golf tee system, and method for its use, which system includes a golf tee adapted to allow a person to determine the desired position of a teed golf ball with respect to a desired striking position on the golf club face of a golf club striking the teed golf ball once the tee is placed, the golf tee comprising: (a) a cup portion; (b) a stake portion, the stake portion having at least one measurement scale and a guide scale, each scale having respective corresponding indicia, the measurement scale being arranged so as to allow the player to determine the desired striking position on the golf club face, and the guide scale having respective corresponding indicia so as to allow a person to determine the attachment position of a removable insertion restriction portion; and a plurality of receivers aligned along the stake portion and adapted to releasably attach the removable insertion restriction portion; and (c) a removable insertion restriction portion, adapted to be removable and to be placed on at least two positions along the length of the stake portion. |
| US07717807B2 |
Golf club head with tungsten alloy sole applications
A wood-type golf club head (20) with a main body (22) and a minor body (24) is disclosed herein. The main body (26) has a front portion (30), a crown portion (25), a partial toe portion (27), a partial heel portion (26), a partial rear portion (28) and a partial sole portion (29). The minor body (24) preferably has a sole wall (31), a partial toe wall (33), a partial heel wall (32) and a partial rear wall (34). The minor body (24) is preferably welded to the main body (22). The minor body (24) preferably has a mass ranging from 80 grams to 110 grams. The minor body (24) is preferably from 50 weight percent to 35 weight percent of the total mass of the wood-type golf club head (20). |
| US07717803B2 |
C-shaped golf club head
A C-shaped golf club head is disclosed herein. The body has a striking plate wall, a crown section, a sole section and a rear wall. The golf club head also has a plurality of weight members positioned on the rear wall of the body. Each of the plurality of weight members is movable along the rear wall. |
| US07717799B2 |
Glider teeter-totter
An improved teeter-totter has a pair of seats mounted at opposite ends of a longitudinal seat support member. The seat support member is suspended from overhead pivots by a pair of linkage arms to provide riders with a motion that combines the up-and-down arcuate motion of a conventional teeter-totter with a back-and-forth gliding motion, thus creating a more stable and balancing effect allowing users of different weights, to use the teeter-totter without other counter balance features. |
| US07717793B2 |
Fixed-center constant velocity joint
A fixed-center constant velocity joint has a race located concentrically to a rotational first axis, and a ring-shaped cage located concentrically to a rotational second axis. Both the race and the cage are centered to a common center point lying on the first and second axes regardless of the angular state of the joint. A spherical surface carried by the race radially opposes a spherical face carried by the cage for angular movement with respect to the center point. The surface and face are in close or contacting relationship to prevent telescoping movement with respect to the first and second axes. |
| US07717790B2 |
Symbol display device for game machine
A symbol display device for a game machine includes a reel unit having a plurality of reels, each having a peripheral surface with a plurality of peripheral symbols. An end reel arranged at an end position of the reels has a lateral surface where a pointer is displayed. A reel supporting member that supports the reels rotatably independently includes a lateral wall having a window through which the lateral surface of the end reel is seen. The lateral wall of the reel supporting member has a plurality of lateral symbols arranged around the window, whereby any one of the lateral symbols is pointed by the pointer on the lateral surface of the end reel due to rotation of the end reel. A pivoting unit pivots the reel unit to a first position where the peripheral surfaces of the reels are observable and to a second position where the pointer on the lateral surface of the end reel and the lateral symbols on the lateral wall of the reel supporting member are observable. |
| US07717787B2 |
Electronic amusement device and method for operating a game offering continuous reels
A gaming device and method for controlling operating the gaming device is disclosed. The gaming device initiates a paid play, and determines an outcome of the play. The outcome is visually displayed using at least two graphical displays. The graphical displays comprise a first and second visual continuum, without discrete reel stops. The outcome is represented by the relative positions of the first and second visual continuums. The outcome may also be based on the relative position of the first and second continuums to a payline. A payout corresponding to the outcome is determined by the device, and is awarded to the player. |
| US07717785B2 |
Electronic bingo game and method
A Bingo game and method are set forth wherein a player inputs a wager and at least one Bingo card is generated. A first outcome set is selected and compared to the indicia on the Bingo card. If a predetermined winning pattern(s) is obtained, the player receives a first reward. A second outcome set is selected. If the player obtains a predetermined winning pattern(s) on the Bingo card from the combination of the first and second outcome sets, the player receives a second award. Optionally, the player may select the numbers for his Bingo card or may regenerate his Bingo card at the beginning of a game. In an optional embodiment, the player may place a second wager prior to selection of the second outcome set. In an optional Class II version of the game, the player competes with a plurality of live player or virtual Bingo cards. |
| US07717784B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the performance of a supplementary process at a point of sale terminal
According to some embodiments of the present invention, methods and apparatus are described for performing a supplementary process. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving an override signal. If the override signal indicates performance of a supplementary process, the method further provides for determining an upsell in dependence on a purchase, determining an upsell price in dependence on the purchase, and offering to exchange the upsell price for the upsell. |
| US07717783B2 |
Computer-based, interactive, real-time card selection game
The invention is a method of playing computerized card games against real or virtual players. The cards games are usually variations of poker, where the quality of the players' hands is due to skill and strategy rather than the luck of the draw. Players request desired cards from a computerized dealer without knowledge of which cards other players have requested. A null card, which has no value in determining the outcome of the game, is delivered to players who request the same card as another player has requested regardless of whether the card was requested previously or during the current round. In another embodiment, a null card is delivered only when two or more players request the same card during the current round or if a player requests a card that has already been distributed. |
| US07717782B2 |
Helpfulness in a virtual environment
A virtual game environment in which characters are allowed to give help to one another and in which the game tracks the amount of helpfulness of each character is provided. Characters may be rewarded or paid for giving help to each other. In some embodiments, help may be given in the form of advice. |
| US07717776B2 |
Method and apparatus for supplying additional air in a controlled manner
A method and apparatus for the controlled feeding of added air into a permanently inertized room in which a predefined inertization level is or must be set and maintained within a certain control range provide for the volume flow rate at which an inert gas is fed into the room atmosphere to attain a value that is adequate for maintaining the predefined inertization level in the room atmosphere that will minimize fire risk. In addition, provisions are made whereby at all times just enough fresh air is injected into the room atmosphere as is necessary to remove from the room atmosphere that proportional concentration of hazardous substances that has not already been removed, via a corresponding return-air exhaust system as a result of the injection of inert gas. |
| US07717769B2 |
Manufacture of lapping board
A method for manufacturing a lapping board having abrasive grains fixed on its surface, which is performed by the steps of: preparing a rotatable metal board having a surface of soft metal, an abrasive slurry-supplying tool arranged over the surface of the metal board, an abrasive-pressing tool which is placed on the metal board and has a hard surface, and a ultrasonic oscillation-generating tool attached to either or both of the abrasive-pressing tool and the metal board; rotating the metal board while supplying an abrasive slurry onto the surface of the metal board and while supplying electric power to the ultrasonic oscillation-generating tool to generate and apply ultrasonic oscillation to either or both of the abrasive-pressing tool and the metal board, whereby introducing the supplied abrasive slurry between the metal board and the abrasive-pressing tool and partly embedding some abrasive grains onto the metal board; and removing unfixed abrasive grains from the metal board. |
| US07717766B2 |
Fluorescent lamp and method of manufacturing fluorescent lamp
A fluorescent lamp 1 is constructed in which more than two lead wires (5), (6), (11) and (12) are connected to respective electrodes (3) and (4) of both end portions of a glass tube (2), the glass tube (2) having a uniform diameter of less than 6.5 mm. Also, when the fluorescent lamp 1 is manufactured, an electrode assembly in which two glass beads are fixed to more than two lead wires extended from the electrodes, mercury amalgam being welded to the lead wires is used, the electrode assembly is temporarily fastened by welding the inside glass bead to the glass tube, mercury is evaporated by heating the mercury amalgam and the inside of the glass tube is sealed by welding the outside glass bead to the glass tube. |
| US07717762B2 |
Detachable mooring system with bearings mounted on submerged buoy
A mooring system comprising a submerged buoy releasably connectable to a vessel keel having a combined axial/radial bearing. A segmented ring, fastened to the buoy, forms the bearing outer ring. An inner bearing hub slidingly carried on the bearing outer ring is connectable to a vessel structural connector. In a first embodiment, the structural connector includes an inner cylindrical sleeve coaxially movable within an outer cylindrical housing by circumferential actuators. The lower ends of the connector sleeve and connector housing capture plural collet segments circumpositioned therebetween that radially move in and out as the connector sleeve is moved axially within the connector housing. The lower ends of the collet segments extend downward into the bearing hub and releasably engage an interior groove therein, thereby dogging the bearing hub against the vessel. In a second embodiment, the bearing hub is simply bolted directly to a cylindrical connector member of the vessel. |
| US07717761B2 |
Hull for an amphibious vehicle
The planing surface of amphibious vehicle hull (2), with reference to (FIG. 2), comprises at least one discontinuity, e.g. wheel arch recesses (12) to (15). The wheels may be retractable. Access is required to the full arch aperture during vehicle manufacture, but not in use. To maximize the planing area, planing plates (9, 11) are provided. These are fixed in position in both land and marine modes; but may be removable for maintenance. At least one plate may comprise at least part of a strake (22, 25) attached to, or incorporated in, its underside. Such strake section(s) may be sacrificial, and may be made from rubber. A trim tab (30, FIG. 9), may be provided aft of a rear planing plate, and may be hinged thereto. The plates may include water drains and jacking apertures. A ride plate (38, FIG. 1) may be provided between two planing plates, and may be integral therewith. |
| US07717760B2 |
Electrical connector
Provided is an electrical connector for electrically connecting a plug assembly to a PCB. The electrical connector has a base mounted to the PCB, which has an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, a plurality of conductive contacts received in the base with partly extending above the upper surface, and a cover mounted on the upper surface of the base and having peripheral walls, a first and second surface. The base defines a plurality of incontinuous standoffs extending from the upper surface of the base. |
| US07717759B2 |
Female terminal with guiding piece
The female terminal with guiding piece according to the present invention comprises a tubular body and a connecting part. Two vertical walls of the body are provided respectively with spring pieces cut and raised therefrom and formed to have an end on the rear side in the depth direction serving as a fixed end and an end on the front side serving as a free end and the free end coming closer to the vertical wall opposing to said vertical wall. The two vertical walls are provided respectively with guiding pieces at the front ends in the depth direction thereof, said guiding pieces being provided by plate pieces bent inward from the vertical walls into the body to cover spaces between the front ends in the depth direction of said vertical walls and the top ends of the spring pieces. |
| US07717755B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contacts
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and at least one contact (2) received and retained in the housing. The housing defines a mating face (10), a receiving cavity (101) running through the mating face for receiving a mating connector (200) and at least one groove (131) disposed at a sidewall of the receiving cavity and communicating with the receiving cavity. The at least one contact defines a retaining portion (21) retained in the at least one groove, a contacting portion (23) bending into the cavity and at least one guiding portion (24) extending from the contacting portion along a mating direction for guiding the mating connector to enter into the receiving cavity, and a free edge (241) of the at least one guiding portion extends into the corresponding at least one groove. |
| US07717750B1 |
Kit for converting N class bus plug to a J class bus plug
A kit for converting an N class bus plug to a J class bus plug in which the N class bus plug has three pairs of spaced apart fuse terminals. A Z-shaped conductive strip is associated with each fuse terminal and each conductive strip has a top and a bottom. A first fastener secures the bottom of the conductive strip to its associated fuse terminal. A J class fuse is then associated with each pair of fuse terminals. The J class fuse has a flat conductive electrical contact extending outwardly from each end which overlies the top of one of the conductive strips. A second fastener then connects the electrical contact with the top of its associated conductive strip. |
| US07717747B2 |
Power inverter connector having integrated current sensors
A vehicular power inverter connector assembly is provided. The assembly includes a housing, a plurality of first engagement formations on the housing shaped to mate with a plurality of inverter engagement formations on a vehicular power inverter, a plurality of second engagement formations on the housing shaped to mate with a plurality motor engagement formations on a vehicular motor, and a plurality of current sensors connected to the housing and configured to detect current flowing between the vehicular power inverter and the vehicular motor. |
| US07717745B2 |
Electrical connector with a tongue with two sets of contacts
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a plurality of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1) and a metal shell (3). The insulative housing (1) has a base portion (111). The base portion (111) has a front face (112), a top face (113) and a mounting face (114) opposite to the top face (113). The insulative housing (1) has a tongue (115) extending forwardly from the front face (112). The tongue (115) has a left face (1151) and a right face (1152). The metal shell (3) comprises a left wall (34) and a right wall (35). Each contact (2) has a contact portion (211, 221) extending to the left face (1151) of the tongue (115). The space between the left face (1151) and the left wall (34) is larger than that between the right face (1152) and the right wall (35). |
| US07717741B2 |
Junction bolt, junction element, and electrically conductive coupling device
Junction bolt having a shank and a foot arranged at one end of the shank and intended for attachment of the junction bolt to a part, the shank includes an outer surface forming a surface of contact for attachment of a junction element. The outer surface of the shank is surrounded by a protective sleeve covering the surface of contact on the shank and movable into a position in which the surface of contact is freely accessible. |
| US07717738B2 |
Power cord management attachment for use with a power socket device
A cord management device includes a first end (13); a second end (13); and an intermediate portion (12) between the first (13) and the second (13) ends. The first (13) and the second (13) ends include mating details for engaging with a socket device (5) and forming a closed loop (14) between the intermediate portion (12) and the socket device (5). |
| US07717737B2 |
Direct battery configuration
A battery contact apparatus has one fixed contact formed on a printed circuit board and a displaced movable contact. At least one battery is insertable into the space between the contacts. The movable contact biases the battery toward the fixed contact to provide a complete electrical circuit. |
| US07717736B2 |
Sheath for a flexible electrical contact
There is provided a sheath for a flexible electrical contact that is incorporated within a sound reproduction device. The sheath preferably includes at least one opening at each end of the sheath to enable the sheath to be worn over the electrical contact with each opening having a thickened periphery ring. The main body of the sheath may be either a cylindrical shape or a conical shape. It is advantageous that the sheath damps a resonance vibration of the flexible electrical contact during operation of the sound reproduction device when the sheath is worn over the flexible electrical contact. The flexible electrical contact may be incorporated within a battery compartment of the sound reproduction device. A corresponding method of using the sheath is also disclosed. |
| US07717735B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic apparatus including: a housing; a circuit board that is housed in the housing; a connector that is mounted on the circuit board and has a jack opening disposed to be exposed from the housing; and an LED unit that is detachably installed on the connector. |
| US07717733B1 |
Cable assembly having enhanced interconnection device thereof
A cable assembly (1) includes an insulative housing (2) having a base portion (21) and a tongue portion (22) extending forwardly from the base portion; a plurality of contact members supported by the insulative housing; a metal shell (8) having a tube-shaped mating frame enclosing the tongue portion therein; a cable (5) including a number of wire members for connecting to the contact members, a plurality of strength members (54) and an insulative jacket (55) enclosing the wire members and the strength members, and partial of front segment of the jacket removed away to have the strength members exposed outside; and a connection member (9) including a first engaging portion (91) connected to a second engaging portion (92), said strength members made into a strand and gripped by the first engaging portion, and said the second engaging portion securely attached to the metal shell. |
| US07717732B2 |
Plug-in connector for printed circuits
The invention relates to a plug-in connector for printed circuits, comprising a plurality of contact elements, whereby said contact elements have two connecting faces each. The one connecting face is configured as an insulation displacement contact for connecting cores and the other connecting face is configured as a tuning fork contact for contacting contact surfaces on a printed circuit. The insulation displacement contacts of the contact elements can be inserted into a plastic housing. At least one lower edge of the insulation displacement contacts is supported on the plastic housing so that the contact elements are captivated in the plastic housing when connecting forces act upon the insulation displacement contacts. The plastic housing comprises at least one chamber-type area. The tuning fork contacts are completely received by the plastic housing in the longitudinal direction. The contact element is configured as a two-part element, a first part of the contact element comprising the insulation displacement contact and the second part comprising the tuning fork contact. One contact arm each is positioned on both parts of the contact element and the two contact arms interact to give a disconnector. |
| US07717729B2 |
Electrical socket connector with a load lever having self-biasing device
Provided herewith a land grid array socket comprises an insulative housing having a plurality of contacts and a metallic reinforce plate positioned at a bottom surface of the housing. The insulative housing has a top surface for receiving a land grid array package. A cover member is pivotally mounted on a first end of the insulative housing. The cover member is pivotal between an open position and a closed position where the cover member presses the land grid array package toward the top surface of the insulative housing so that the land grid array package electrically connects to the contacts. A lever, with an operating rod, is pivotally mounted on a second end of the insulative housing and has a tilted shaft portion biasing against the second end thereof so as to create a self-biasing elastic force with respect to the reinforce plate so that the lever, when set to a locked position, moves pivotally in a horizontal direction due to the elastic force to tightly engage with a latch of the reinforce plate to assure locking between the lever and the reinforce plate. |
| US07717726B2 |
Self-aligning electrical contact and related methods
The present invention generally relates to self-aligning electrical coupling devices and related methods. For example, one embodiment can include an aligning means for aligning a central axis of a male connector component with a central axis of a female connector component. The embodiment can also include a rotationally-aligning means for rotationally aligning a male connector component with a female connector component so as to achieve a predetermined rotational orientation. Some embodiments can also an electrically-communicating means for electrically communicating between the male connector component and the female connector component. Some embodiments relate to processes for assembling self-aligning electrical coupling device. |
| US07717725B2 |
Sealing assembly for a cable connecting assembly and method of joining cable connectors
A sealing assembly operatively attached to a coaxial cable connector that is attached to an RF port. The sealing assembly has a sealing subassembly, that is changeable between a pre-assembled state and a sealing state, and at least one actuator component. The sealing subassembly has a sealing portion. Advancement of the actuator component changes the sealing subassembly from the pre-assembled state into the sealing state and thereby causes the sealing portion to compress radially against the RF port. |
| US07717723B2 |
Electrical plug-in connector and interlocking clip for interlocking of two housing parts
An electrical plug-in connector with a first housing part, a second housing part and at least one metal interlocking clip which is pivotally mounted on the first housing part, two bearing journals being mounted on the first housing part and two interlocking projections being provided on the second housing part, the interlocking clip having two interlocking legs and a handle piece which connects the interlocking legs to one another, the interlocking legs each having a bearing arm with a recess for the bearing journal and an interlocking arm for overlapping an interlocking projection. Damage to the interlocking projections by the metal interlocking arms is prevented by two plastic parts which are located on the two interlocking legs of an interlocking clip such that a respective section of a plastic part covers the free end surface of an interlocking arm when the interlocking clip is pivoted into the closed position. |
| US07717722B2 |
Cable terminal and cable using the same
A cable terminal includes: a crimped portion crimped to a cable body; an extending piece provided integrally with the crimped portion to extend forward in an insertion direction; and a conductor conducting piece provided integrally with the crimped portion to face an end face of the cable body. An end of the extending piece abuts on an inner surface of a plug cap made of an elastic body to determine a position in terms of the insertion direction. The extending piece is provided with a springy press piece that projects to a plug terminal of an ignition plug inserted into the plug cap and contacts an end face of the plug terminal. The conductor contacting piece is sandwiched between a portion of an outer circumference of the plug terminal and a core exposed from the end face of the cable body. The plug terminal is disposed to be in tight contact with the inner surface of the plug cap. |
| US07717720B2 |
Electric connection box
An electric connection box having a main body, a guide wall disposed on the main body for retaining an electric component in a final connected state, and a protrusion disposed on an inner face of the guide wall for preventing movement of the electric component. The guide wall has flexibility and the protrusion contacts with the electric component, with the guide wall being bent outwardly when the electric competent is positioned in the final connected state. The electric connection box further includes a second cover having a locking member; wherein the locking member extends vertically and passes trough an aperture formed in the main body for engaging and locking the electric component. |
| US07717719B2 |
Connector
To provide a connector that enhances the reliability of connection between the ground and a shield constituting a shell. A socket constitutes the connector together with a header which is mounted on a different printed wiring board. The socket includes a socket body which is provided with a connection recess, a plurality of socket contacts which are held by the socket body, and a pitch direction shield and a terminal direction shield constituting the shell which surround the connection recess and which prevents electromagnetic noise from coming in and out. The pitch direction shield and the terminal direction shield are provided with terminals soldered to conductive pattern of the ground. |
| US07717714B2 |
Puzzle device for teaching
A puzzle device for teaching comprises a base where a slot is provided on one side for inserting at least one image card, and a plurality of rotatable turning parts are provided thereon. A plurality of indicator units is set on each turning part, and a plurality of groups of quiz and question units are set on recto of each image card. Each quiz unit includes a question-description unit and a sign unit of the same group. Besides, the turning parts are set next to the question units respectively. Thereby, a user can find the question-description unit according to the question unit on the image card, and then can turn the turning part according to the indication of the sign unit to match the indicator unit and the sign unit. |
| US07717713B2 |
Writing guide system
A writing guide system including a piece of sheet-like material having a depressed area in the shape of an alphanumeric character. In another embodiment the invention is a progressive writing guide system including a first set of papers including a writing guide feature, and a second set of papers including a writing guide feature. The second set of papers are coupled to the first set of papers. The writing guide feature of the first set of papers provides more guidance to a user that the writing guide feature of the second set of papers. |
| US07717709B2 |
Contact cap for dental tooth measuring apparatus and measuring method using dental tooth measuring apparatus
A contact cap is attached to a top cover of a camera of a dental tooth measuring apparatus, and when shooting, positioning of the tooth to be measured is performed with a bite section being slightly bitten by both of adjacent teeth sandwiching the tooth to be measured, and with keeping a state where the inside of the adjacent teeth is in contact with a camera side surface of a positioning convex section. Positioning of the tooth to be measured and the adjacent teeth with variation among individuals with respect to the camera can be performed more precisely. |
| US07717707B2 |
Orthodontic transpalatal intrusion arch assembly and method of use
An improved transpalatal arch wire assembly comprising a transpalatal arch wire, wherein the transpalatal arch wire comprises a first vertically sloping component, a second vertically sloping component, and a intermediate adjustment section disposed between the first and second vertically sloping components; and a first auxiliary wire coupled to the transpalatal arch wire, wherein the first auxiliary wire is substantially rigid and defines a first attachment arm approximate to an end of the first auxiliary wire, wherein the first attachment arm is suitable for receiving an orthodontic force module. |
| US07717705B2 |
Supporting device for articles to be fired that has an elastic support fixing
The present invention relates to a device for supporting, stacking and transporting kiln run, in particular, when firing ceramic products, comprising an assembly from supports and support beams, in particular carrier beams, cross beams, large plates or similar, on which, in particular, one or several supports for placing kiln run are provided. The device comprises at least one substantially rectangular sleeve, in particular disposed on a kiln cart. In this sleeve a substantially rectangular support of the support assembly is disposed, wherein the sleeve has at least one adjustment means, which is supported in the sleeve, and which can be pressed against the support, wherein the sleeve additionally comprises at least one pressure means, formed from at least one elastic element, which is preloaded through the impact of the adjustment devices, so that it builds up reversal forces against the support. |
| US07717696B2 |
Apparatus for double-sided imprint lithography
Apparatus for double-sided imprint lithography of an apertured substrate comprises a pair of correspondingly apertured molds, a support for an assembly of the substrate and molds, and an alignment mechanism with radially movable elements for aligning the apertures of the molds and the substrate. The movable elements can be at least partially disposed in a spindle and can be removed radially outward by a conically tapered drive rod. Opposing surfaces of the substrate can then be imprinted in registration at the same time, preferably by fluid pressure imprint lithography. |
| US07717695B2 |
Film profile forming device
A film profile forming device includes a supporting table, a screw coupled to the supporting table in a perpendicular direction, a motor arranged on an end of the screw for rotating the screw, a guiding base having a screw hole engaged with the screw being driven by the screw for dispersing force and moving in the perpendicular direction, a lower base fixed under the supporting table, and a upper base glidingly arranged between the supporting table and the lower base. The upper base is brought by the guiding base and moves to and fro in the perpendicular direction to close or away from the lower base. |
| US07717691B2 |
Tire mold with vent inlet disposed under mold rib
A die rib for a tire mold defines the inlets to vent passages of the mold through the sides of the die ribs so that the vent passages do not open through the contour surface of the mold. In one exemplary configuration, the invention provides a die rib having a vent inlet disposed along at least one side of the die rib. The vent inlet may be disposed along up to 80 percent of the length of the die rib with at least one foot disposed against the contour surface of the tire mold section. |
| US07717688B2 |
Oil pump for a compressor
An oil pump for a compressor is provided. The oil pump includes a pump body, a driving shaft coupled to the pump body, with a supply passage extending therethrough, and a plurality of pumping members which rotate with the driving shaft. Fluids such as oil are inhaled into the pump through various intakes, and the inhaled oil is directed towards the driving shaft, where the oil is supplied to the friction parts of the compressor for lubrication. The plurality of intakes into the pump provide for a continuous supply of oil to the friction parts. |
| US07717687B2 |
Scroll compressor with compliant retainer
A scroll compressor may include a shell, a bearing housing, first and second scroll members, and a ring member. The bearing housing may be supported within the shell and may include at least three axially extending arms. The first scroll member may be supported on the bearing housing and may include a circumferential outer surface. The second scroll member may be supported on the bearing housing and may be meshingly engaged with the first scroll member. The second scroll member may be disposed between the first scroll member and the bearing housing. The ring member may include an open center portion surrounding the circumferential outer surface of the first scroll member therein. A portion of the ring member may be disposed between the arms of the bearing housing and the circumferential outer surface of the first scroll member. |
| US07717684B2 |
Turbo vacuum pump and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus having the same
A turbo vacuum pump is suitable for evacuating a corrosive process gas or evacuating a gas containing reaction products. The turbo vacuum pump includes a casing having an intake port, a pump section comprising rotor blades and stator blades housed in the casing, bearings for supporting the rotor blades, a motor for rotating the rotor blades; and a rotating shaft comprising a first rotating shaft to which the rotor blades are attached, and a second rotating shaft to which a motor rotor of the motor is attached. |
| US07717683B2 |
Self contained pump electrical equipment power supply
An electrical power supply for powering electrical pump instrumentation and process control equipment associated with a pump having a rotating member. The power supply includes an electrical current generator driven by the rotating member of the pump, and a voltage regulator for regulating the output of the generator. |
| US07717681B2 |
Leak detector comprising a vacuum apparatus
A leak detector operating according to the counterflow principle comprises a first high vacuum pump that operates in series with a primary pump. A second high vacuum pump is branched at a connecting point and an entry side thereof is connected to a mass spectrometer. A light test gas in the form of helium flows through the second high vacuum pump in a direction opposite to a transport direction. A conduit connecting an inlet to the entry side of the first high vacuum pump is devoid of restricted flow zones and valves in such a way that the pumping capacity of the leak detector is high for helium, thereby reducing the response time thereof. A valve for blocking the conduit leading via the first high vacuum pump is arranged between the exit side thereof and the entry side of the primary pump. |
| US07717674B2 |
Ceiling fan
A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed having a motor (13) and motor housing (11) suspended from a ceiling by a downrod (12). The motor rotatably drives an annular array of blades (15). The ceiling fan also includes a tubular screen or shroud (20) mounted about the motor housing and blades so as to substantially conceal a large portion of these components from view. The shroud includes an annular lower mounting plate (21) and an annular side wall (23) extending upwardly from the lower plate. The side wall is formed of a series of candles (24) having the appearance of flickering wicks (25) through incandescent bulbs. The lower plate is coupled to the downrod through a coupler (27) and a series of first arms (28). |
| US07717672B2 |
Radial vaned diffusion system with integral service routings
A radial diffuser comprises a housing, a plurality of diffuser vanes, and a plurality of integral service vanes. The housing includes an air inlet and an air outlet, and defines a radial section extending radially outward from the air inlet, an axial section extending axially to the air outlet, and a transition including a bend and extending between the radial and axial sections. The diffuser vanes are coupled to the housing, and are disposed in, and define diffusion flow passages. The integral service vanes are coupled to the housing, extend around the bend, and define transition flow passages, each in fluid communication with at least one diffusion flow passage. At least some of the integral service vanes include a service passage extending therethrough and configured to allow a service conduit to extend therethrough without crossing either a diffusion flow passage or a transition flow passage. |
| US07717669B2 |
Load absorption arrangements for gas turbine engines
A load absorption arrangement 40 for absorbing loads in a variable stator vane positioning system of a gas turbine engine includes a valve 42 which has a first operating condition to enable the load absorption arrangement 40 to transmit load, and a second operating condition, which is operable above a predetermined load, in which the valve 42 can release to enable the load absorption arrangement 40 to absorb the load thereon. The arrangement 40 is particularly suitable for absorbing shock loads which may arise under engine surge. |
| US07717668B2 |
Gas turbine engine simulator
A gas turbine engine simulator comprising a simulator rotor disc which has substantially the same maximum external dimensions as a rotor disc and is manufactured from a material which has a density of less than 220 kg/m3. The simulator rotor disc is manufactured from a foamed plastic material with a closed cell structure. The simulator rotor disc is provided with a cavity in flow communication with a source of simulator coolant fluid, at least one flow outlet, at least one heater unit and at least one thermocouple mounted within said cavity for the measurement of simulator coolant fluid temperature within said cavity. |
| US07717667B2 |
Method and apparatus for operating gas turbine engines
A method for operating a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a fan, a high pressure turbine coupled downstream from the fan, and a low pressure turbine downstream from the high pressure turbine. The method includes channeling a portion of air discharged from the fan through a clearance control system including an inlet assembly that includes a plurality of louvers, and directing air from the inlet assembly into a first pipe and second pipe coupled to the inlet assembly such that pressure losses associated with the airflow are facilitated to be reduced. |
| US07717666B2 |
Methods and apparatus for rotary machinery inspection
Methods, apparatus and systems for machinery testing and inspection using a manipulator are provided. The apparatus includes a tubular shaft, an operator end coupled to the tubular shaft and including a first spool rotatably coupled to the operator end, an effector including an attachment end that includes a second spool rotatably coupled to the attachment end, and a control cable channeled through the shaft from the first spool to the second spool. The control cable is wound at least partially around the first spool and is wound at least partially around the second spool such that rotation of the first spool rotates the second spool using the control cable. |
| US07717664B2 |
Loader
A loader includes a hydraulically operated extension arm, a load sensor for monitoring the load condition on the loader and a hydraulic arrangement for actuation of the extension arm and/or an implement attached to the extension arm. The hydraulic arrangement exhibits at least one hydraulic cylinder with one supply line on the piston rod side and one supply line on the piston side. At least one hydraulically switchable control device is coupled between a source of fluid pressure and a hydraulic tank, on the one hand, and the supply lines on the other hand. An actuating device is coupled for routing control pressure to the control device via first and second control pressure lines. An electronic control unit is connected for effecting operation of a control pressure control device, which is coupled to at least one of the control pressure lines, in response to a load signal received from the load sensor so as to actuate the control device for achieving a slowed-down actuation of the hydraulic cylinder in conjunction with the onset of a critical load condition. Thus, a restriction of a volumetric flow is achieved in at least one of the supply lines coupled to the hydraulic cylinder. |
| US07717663B1 |
Lift mechanism for utility vehicles
A powered lift mechanism for stowing and deploying scooters relative to the cargo area of a conventional SUV. The lift mechanism comprises an L-shaped box-section boom which is pivotally attached to the D-pillar on the inside of the SUV cargo area so as to leave the floor of the cargo area available. A powered linear actuator controls the angle of the boom relative to the D-pillar mounting structure to raise and lower the loaded scooter. The entire lift mechanism swings in the vehicle and permits the lift gate to be fully closed with both the lift mechanism and the scooter stored within the SUV. A releasable suspension linkage is also disclosed. |
| US07717660B1 |
Device and method for lifting and transporting conventional hay bale feeders with a round hay bale
A device and method for lifting and transporting a conventional hay bale feeder in association with the directed movement of a round hay bale and for facilitating the placement of the feeder around the bale. The device can be removably attached to the feeder and consists of a lift arm assembly, a lift arm support assembly, and an anti-slide stabilizing assembly. The lift arm assembly includes a lift arm that is angled away from the top of the feeder to provide feeder lift. The lift arm support assembly acts as a brace to support the lift arm. The anti-slide stabilizing assembly limits rearward and side to side rocking movement of the feeder when lifted and transported, respectively. In alternate embodiments, the device is integrated into circular and multi-sided feeders during manufacture, forming single stand-alone units. The method of using the device includes moving the bale toward the lift arm using a tractor or other vehicle, tilting of the feeder in an upward direction as the lift arm contacts and slides up the bale, terminating the bale movement when the lift arm rests on top of the bale, moving the hay bale in the opposite direction causing the lift arm to penetrate into the bale and pull the feeder in unison with the bale, terminating the bale movement at the feeding location, and pushing the feeder down over the bale or pushing the bale into the feeder until the feeder falls to the ground with the bale inside. Moreover, the design of the device allows the lift arm to be pivoted toward and secured to the feeder for manual rolling of the feeder in the traditional manner. |
| US07717657B2 |
Method for tying packaged goods to a pallet
The method makes use of four top corner plates (3), four bottom corner plates (4) and five centre plates (5). Each plate (3, 4 and 5) has a number of holes (2) that accept and retain swivel connectors (1) and adjustable connector straps (8) that mechanically connect the corner plates (3) and (4) and centre plates (5) and in this manner allow for the even restraining of the goods (7) packed on the pallet (14). |
| US07717651B2 |
Tool for machining precision bores
A tool for the cutting machining of precision bores in workpieces, with a first machining step which has at least one geometrically defined cutting edge, and with a second machining step which has at least one honing strip with geometrically undefined cutting edges, is proposed. This is distinguished in that the first machining step has at least three support regions which are arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction and which are designed and arranged such that they are supported on the wall of the precision bore during the machining of the latter. |
| US07717649B2 |
Suspending hydraulic pillar
A suspending hydraulic pillar includes an oil cylinder, a movable prop, a handle-valve body, a reset spring, a top cover, a bottom seat, a three-way valve, a position-limiting steel wire, and a guide ring. The handle-valve body is provided between a port of the oil cylinder port and the moveable prop. Position-limiting steel wire, a guiding ring, and an oil inlet is located on a lower part of the moveable prop. The three-way valve is provided in the handle-valve body. A dust-prevention ring and a sealing ring are provided between the handle-valve body, the movable prop, and the oil cylinder. The handle-valve body is fixed on the oil cylinder by means of a connecting steel wire. The handle-valve body does not move up and down as the movable prop telescopically extends or contracts. The suspending hydraulic has good stability, high strength and supporting force, good sealing, and high anti-erosive capability. |
| US07717647B2 |
Pipe conveying system
A pipe conveyor system which operates to assemble and disassemble a plurality of pipes. |
| US07717646B2 |
Method and apparatus for deploying a tubular
The invention provides an apparatus and a method of deploying a tubular along a predetermined path. The method includes the steps of: coiling a tubular; accommodating the tubular in a deployment unit such that at least a portion of the coiled tubular is biased radially outwardly against the deployment unit; and deploying the tubular from the deployment unit along the predetermined path. The tubular can be deployed in a fluid along a predetermined path by: independently suspending the deployment unit in the fluid; and moving the deployment unit adjacent the predetermined path and simultaneously deploying the tubular along the predetermined path. The apparatus for deploying a tubular can comprise a deployment facilitator for facilitating deployment of the coiled tubular. The tubular can be arranged to feed into the deployment facilitator in use, and the deployment facilitator can be adapted to substantially reverse the coil bend of the tubular. |
| US07717644B2 |
Hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and construction method thereof
The present invention relates to a stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and a construction method thereof. The existing coastal breakwaters, embankment, revetments, etc. are constructed to pacify the sea areas. However, because of occlusiveness of their structure, seawater flow is significantly reduced and pollutants are accumulated without being diffused to the open sea. As a result, the self-cleaning action is interrupted and the benthic ecosystem is in danger of being destroyed due to oxygen deficiency as the accumulated organic materials are decomposed. And, the conventional structures are designed and constructed mainly to block waves in order to pacify the sea areas and protect harbor facilities. In contrast, the stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports of the present invention provides easy access for people, reduces reflected waves, pacify the sea areas, maximizes improvement of seawater quality through smooth inflow and outflow of seawater and reduces cost needed for setup and protection of mound. The hydrophilic revetment block of the present invention comprises a base block, an intermediate block and an intermediate block having reservoirs. The present invention also provides a construction method using the revetment block. |
| US07717643B2 |
Environmental affinity type hydrophilic revetment block and construction method thereof
The present invention relates to a hydrophilic revetment block constructed on the slope of seashore, harbor, river, reservoir, dam, etc. Whereas conventional revetment blocks are focused on their individual functional advantages, the revetment block of the present invention offers a variety of functions, namely, space for plants, conservation of ecosystem and protection of lakeshore through wave dissipation and reduction of water flow rate at once. On the block is provided a space for plants. The block is constructed lower than the water surface to offer living space for fish. Projections are formed at the front bottom of the block to prevent collapse of a revetment block by waves or water flow. The projections serve the purpose of stirs, so that people may have easy access to the shore. The space for water outflow and fish growing dissipates the energy of the water which flowed in through the water inlets formed at the bottom of the block, thereby offering better stability. |
| US07717639B2 |
Binder
A binder for holding papers or other objects is described. The binder comprises a window which enables a user to identify the contents of the binder. The outer surface of the window may be substantially flush with the outer surface of the binder. At least one tab may be located behind the window which enables a user to load a label and holds the label such that it is viewable through the window. |
| US07717636B2 |
Hand-held dry-erase board system
A hand-held dry-erase board system for efficiently storing a writing instrument in the handle of a portable dry-erase board. The hand-held dry-erase board system includes a frame including a writable surface, a handle, wherein the handle includes an upper end and a lower end and wherein the upper end of the handle is attached to the frame and a clip, wherein the clip is attached to the handle and wherein the clip secures a marker. |
| US07717627B2 |
Electrical component connector with misalignment compensation
A transceiver module is provided that includes an optical subassembly having an extension with traces corresponding to traces defined on an associated transceiver substrate. A connector element including a flexible, non-electrically conductive substrate within which is disposed an array of conductors is placed between overlapping portions of the extension and the transceiver substrate so that upper ends of some of the conductors contact the traces of the extension, while lower ends of those same conductors contact the corresponding traces of the transceiver substrate. In this way, the connector element provides electrical communication between the optical subassembly and transceiver substrate, while also accommodating misalignment that may be present, or develop, in the transceiver module components. |
| US07717621B2 |
Linear motion guide system with highly-tight sealing units
A linear motion guide system is disclosed in which a clearance between a slider and a guide rail is closed truly to clear foreign matter away from entering inside the system through any end of the slider traveling on the guide rail. Thus, the linear motion guide system is befitting to severe working environment where much foreign matter occurs. A highly-tight sealing unit is provided which is comprised of a cassette constituted with a front panel and an enclosure, a sealing plate stowed into the cassette, and a rear panel to close an open edge of the enclosure. The sealing plate is composed of an intermediate spongy medium flanked by skin layers, and lubricant is forcibly absorbed in pores or cells in the intermediate layer. |
| US07717617B2 |
Multiple band pass filtering for pyrometry in laser based annealing systems
A thermal processing system includes a source of laser radiation emitting at a laser wavelength, beam projection optics disposed between the reflective surface and a substrate support capable of holding a substrate to be processed, a pyrometer responsive to a pyrometer wavelength, and a wavelength responsive optical element having a first optical path for light in a first wavelength range including the laser wavelength, the first optical path being between the source of laser radiation and the beam projection optics, and a second optical path for light in a second wavelength range including the pyrometer wavelength, the second optical path being between the beam projection optics and the pyrometer. The system can further include a pyrometer wavelength blocking filter between the source of laser radiation and the wavelength responsive optical element. |
| US07717611B2 |
Egg beater
An egg beater includes a base having an accommodating chamber fixed therein with a positioning projection and having its outer upper edge disposed with an engage groove having its lower side bored with an annular recess. A stirrer is installed in the accommodating chamber of the base, having its upper side provided with a whisking member and its underside bored with an insert groove. A waterproof washer is fitted around the engage groove of the base, and an upper cover is mounted on the base and has its inner wall bored with an annular recess. In using, open the upper cover and knock an egg against the whisking member to let the egg liquid flow into the accommodating chamber, and then fix the upper cover on the base and hold the base and the upper cover with hands and shake them in directions up and down or left and right. |
| US07717610B2 |
Vessel and method of agitating a liquid
A vessel (10) and a method for agitating a liquid (50) in a main cavity (16) of t he vessel (10), are provided. The vessel (10) includes a dividing member (40), extending deformable pump cavity (20). To agitate the liquid (50), a user presses a flexing wall (26) of the pump cavity (20), in pumping cycles, to discharge liquid from the pump cavity (20) through nozzles (42,44) into the main cavity (16). The dividing member (40) has a sloping upper surface, which causes additives (38) to collect in the region of the nozzles (44), to be agitated more effectively. |
| US07717609B2 |
Digital video recording apparatus and editing method for recorded broadcast programs
A digital video recording apparatus and an editing method for recorded broadcast programs are disclosed. In accordance with the disclosed apparatus and method, information of recorded broadcast programs is extracted from a broadcast stream which includes the broadcast programs. The extracted information is displayed on a display in the form of a program record list. Accordingly, the user can easily edit recorded broadcast programs by simply editing the program record list. |
| US07717607B2 |
System and apparatus for keyboard illumination
A portable computing device, including a keyboard illumination device and system may include a light emitter housing incorporated into the hinge element of a portable computing device. The light emitter housing may include an aperture and a light emitter and may be configured to illuminate a keyboard while keeping the source of the emitted light hidden from the user and others who may be in the vicinity of the portable computing device. The light emitter, which illuminates the keyboard, may be driven by a different light source than the light source that illuminates a display panel of the portable computing device. It follows that the brightness of the light emitter may be adjusted without having any effect on the brightness of the display panel. |
| US07717606B2 |
Cables fixing apparatus for backlight module
A cables fixing apparatus for backlight a module includes a rear frame having a leading-out area in a side edge with a plurality of protrusions thereof; a lamp cable; and a mold frame having a plurality of crooks, wherein these crooks face to any one of these protrusions so as to define a cable groove to fix the lamp cable. These protrusions of the rear frame and these crooks of the mold frame are utilized to arrange and fix the lamp cable in the cable groove to avoid the fracturing problem of solder joint of lamp and prevent the interference as assembling because of the displacement issue of the lamp cable. |
| US07717604B2 |
Optic film of side-edge backlight module
A side-edge backlight module includes at least a light guide board, a reflector film, a plurality of optic films and a light source. The optic film has a surface on which a plurality of rib-like micro light guides is formed. Each micro light guide includes a plurality of ridges, which are of different heights and show variation of height. Either a high ridge or a low ridge of the micro light guide is made a continuous left-and-right wavy configuration and/or a continuous up-and-down height-variation configuration. Thus, light transmitting through the optic film and converged by the micro light guides leaves the optic film in a form that is not very regular so as to facilitate subsequent use of the light in for example a liquid crystal display panel. |
| US07717602B2 |
External electrode fluorescent lamp, method of fabricating the same and liquid crystal display device having the same
An exemplary external electrode fluorescent lamp includes a tube filled with a discharge gas, and a first external electrode on an outer surface of the tube, the first external electrode having a line-like shape. Thus, the exemplary external electrode fluorescent lamp has a reduced non-fluorescent region and an enlarged fluorescent region. |
| US07717601B2 |
Systems and methods for compensating brightness uniformity of backlit image displays
Systems and methods for compensating brightness uniformity of transmissive backlit display devices using auxiliary lights to provide additional light to compensate light provided by the main backlights of a backlit image display device. Auxiliary lights may be, for example, embedded into the light pipe area of an image display and/or placed in any other suitable position relative to the main backlights that is suitable for compensating the main backlights. In one example implementation, brightness uniformity of a transmissive image display may be at least partially compensated based at least in part on measured luminance of one or more areas of the display. |
| US07717598B2 |
Light guide, light source apparatus, and electronic apparatus
A light guide is disclosed. The light guide includes an incident surface, an exit surface, and a light guide section. Light emitted from a plurality of light emitting devices disposed in line enters from the incident surface. The exit surface is formed in a shape causing light to be concentrated. The light which has entered from the incident surface exits from the exit surface. The light guide section is bent. The volume of the light guide gradually increases in a direction from the incident surface to the exit surface. |
| US07717596B1 |
Rearview mirror assembly with running lights
A family of rearview mirror assemblies for motorized vehicles. Each assembly includes a housing, a mirror with at least one multidimensional graphical image etched through the reflective layer and illuminated by light sources such as LEDs located within the housing and behind the graphical image(s). The mirror assemblies operate properly with or without an external flashing circuit. The light source is energized at a first light level during normal operation of the vehicle to function as running lights, decorative lighting or accent lighting. When the light source is operated at a second light level (either higher or lower), the lighted graphical images may also provide additional functionality. The exterior rearview mirror assembly may optionally include additional light sources, light from which is viewable outside of the outer surface of the housing. |
| US07717594B2 |
Compact illumination device
Compact illumination systems, particularly for aircraft, use efficient beam forming optical light emitting diode arrangements combined with beam turning and beam splitting prism optics and optional aspheric reflectors to direct light in a cross cabin or cross bin lighting application. The LED based compact illumination devices are positioned to shine on opposite storage/stowage bins without being directly visible to a passenger. The devices are effective for illuminating ceiling structures as well as across the aisles of a passenger cabin, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system. |
| US07717588B1 |
Light generation device for projector
The light generation device contains a bowl-shaped reflection member for light focusing, a gas-discharge light bulb inside the reflection member, and a lens element positioned on the light bulb blocking the light beams emitted towards a front opening of the reflection member. In one embodiment, the lens element has a curved front surface so that incident light beams are refracted and redirected toward a focus point of the reflection member. In another embodiment, the lens element has a curved back surface of a specific curvature so that light beams traveling towards the lens element are reflected and redirected towards the reflection member which in turn are reflected again and focused by the reflection member. |
| US07717586B2 |
Foldable light
A foldable, rechargeable light emitting diode (LED) pocket light is disclosed. The light includes a first compartment, a second compartment and a hinge element. The first compartment has a housing, a plurality of LED lights, a rotatable hinge, and a hook for hanging the light. The second compartment includes a housing, a member for receiving the rotatable hinge and a power source. The light also includes an activating member and circuitry for activating the LED lights. |
| US07717582B2 |
Method and system for underwater light display
An underwater light display system for providing a decorative light display on the surface of a container holding a body of water and/or objects located within a body of water is provided. An exemplary system comprises a shell and a light assembly. The shell comprises a bottom and a top portion. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the light assembly is preprogrammed to produce variable light patterns and is secured to the interior surface of the top portion so as to direct light downward. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the light assembly may further comprise a plurality of lenses configured to direct light. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the light assembly further comprises a weight having a lens configured to direct light. |
| US07717581B2 |
Color changing lighting device
A lighting device includes a base portion, a diffuser portion having a wall defining an inner cavity, wherein a liquid including liquid globules is contained within the inner cavity of the diffuser portion, a heating system configured to heat the liquid globules, and a lighting system for illuminating the diffuser portion. |
| US07717578B2 |
Multiple lamp illumination system with polarization recovery and integration
An illumination system is provided for combining two or more light sources. A plurality of light sources radiate random polarization light. A plurality of collecting light pipes corresponds to the plurality of light sources. Each collecting light pipe has an entrance end disposed towards the respective light source. The collecting light pipes are laterally offset and overlapping opposite their respective entrance ends. A combining light pipe is disposed perpendicular to the collecting light pipes. A polarizing beam splitter and a mirror are sequentially arranged in each collecting light pipe essentially opposite the entrance end directing a first polarization light and a second polarization light, respectively upwards towards the combining light pipe. The combining light pipe has an entrance end overlying the polarizing beam splitter and mirror of each collecting light pipe to collect and combine the light from each polarizing beam splitter and mirror. |
| US07717577B2 |
Rearview mirror device with wide viewing angle
A rearview mirror device includes an elongated mirror body and a housing. The mirror body is formed with a first curved section having two opposite ends, and second and third curved sections extending integrally and respectively from the opposite ends of the first curved section. The first curved section has a radius of curvature larger than a radius of curvature of the second curved section and a radius of curvature of the third curved section. A ratio of the radius of curvature of the first curved section to the radius of curvature of either one of the second and third curved sections is not greater than 1.65. The housing includes a frame body with first and second mounting portions. Each of the second and third curved sections is mounted on a respective one of the first and second mounting portions of the frame body. |
| US07717575B2 |
Light-reflecting triple, reflector, as well as method for recognizing an object
The invention relates to a triple prism which reflects light, a reflector and to a method for recognizing an object. A reflective photoelectric barrier sends light to a reflector. The reflector does not answer with the form of the obtained light signal, but with a double signal which projects two light centers. The reflector can also be embodied such that it answers with a different geometric figure than the light projection. The reflector with a modified signal enables a sensor system to be produced and which can verify, by evaluating the light signal captured by the reflector, whether the captured signal of the reflector or another reflection. |
| US07717572B2 |
Adjusting device for an integration rod in a projection apparatus
An adjusting device for positioning an integration rod within an optical engine module is provided. The optical engine module includes a casing having four sidewalls defining an optical path. The integration rod is disposed in the optical path. Each sidewall has a screw hole. The adjusting device includes two adjusting screws extending through the screw holes in two adjacent sidewalls of the casing in order to abut against the integration rod, thereby adjusting the position of the integration rod in the optical path and two positioning screws extending through the screw holes in remaining two adjacent sidewalls of the casing to abut against the integration rod for immobilizing the integration rod within the casing. |
| US07717566B2 |
Light source and projector employing light source
The invention was made to provide a light source unit which can enhance the utilization efficiency of the dichroic prism which emits light that is emitted from a plurality of light sources in a direction which is parallel to an optical axis and a projector which employs the light source. The light source unit has a first light source, a second light source and a third light source which have different colors and includes a substantially cubical dichroic prism which combines light from the respective light sources for emission thereof. One of surfaces which intersect an optical axis of the dichroic prism is made to constitute a first incident surface, a surface which faces the first incident surface is made to constitute an emitting surface, and side surfaces are made to constitute a second incident surface and a third incident surface, respectively. The first light source is disposed in the vicinity of the first incident surface, the second light source is disposed in the vicinity of the second incident surface, and the third light source is disposed in the vicinity of the third incident surface, and the first incident surface, the second incident surface and the third incident surface are made up of filters which let light from the first light source, the second light source and the third light source pass through and reflect light of all other colors. |
| US07717563B2 |
Contact lenses
Disclosed is a method of designing a soft contact lens, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring or defining a wavefront generated by passage of light through a selected eye and using the wavefront to generate a computer model of the optical characteristics of the selected eye; (b) measuring or defining the topography of the cornea of the selected eye; (c) incorporating into the computer model a soft contact lens, the posterior surface topography of which is defined by the topography of the cornea, offset by an arbitrary amount intended to represent the tear layer thickness of the selected eye, said lens having a defined thickness at a selected locus on the anterior surface; (d) calculating a desired topography for the anterior surface of the lens such that the wavefront will be corrected to assume a desired pattern (for example, preferably planar, the plane of which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens) when passing through the computer model eye/lens combination; (e) remodeling the lens off-eye by adapting the posterior topography of the lens to a desired posterior topography to be manufactured; and (f) recalculating a modified anterior topography required as a result of adapting the posterior topography, the modified anterior topography being intended to preserve the desired wavefront pattern defined in (d) when the lens is in situ on the selected eye. |
| US07717561B2 |
Sight line detecting method
In a sight line vector detecting system comprising: an infrared light source for illuminating either an eye or a face; a camera for photographing either the eye or the face; and a computer for processing photographed image data of said camera so as to calculate a sight line vector, the computer includes an image processing unit for detecting the true luminance point and the center of the pupil from the photographed image data; and a calculating unit for calculating the sight line vector; and the image processing unit performs such a processing operation that the image processing unit determines a luminance point capable of satisfying a predetermined requirement as the true luminance point among luminance points having the pupils at near places, calculates a center of the pupils, and further, calculates a center of a cornea ball. |
| US07717560B2 |
Eye-administered, moving-image physiologic test system and method
A physiologic test, and a system for implementing this test, including, from a methodologic point of view, (a) illuminating the central field in a test subject's eye with a relative-motion test image produced on an image display structure by a motion-image-creation structure, (b) by such illuminating, creating a related, subject-perception image, (c) requesting a subject report describing the observed presence and nature, if any, of a distortion, relative to the test image, in the perception image, and (d) thereafter utilizing such a report to assess a test subject's physiologic condition involving macular, paramacular, and neural-pathway physiologic degeneration. A preferred test image, which is fully adjustable by a test administrator with respect to substantially all of its image parameters, takes the form of an image field of elongate, spaced, parallel lines, having edges which distinctly contrast with a background field, and which move smoothly and linearly across the image field. |
| US07717557B2 |
Lens system and method with antireflective coating
An improved method is provided for applying an antireflective high contrast coating to a lens, as well as a lens system made with said method. By coating the lenses with a mixture of an oxide and fluoride, the transmission of undesirable visible light wavelengths is reduced, as is the reflection of undesirable light. This combination not only increases perceived sharpness and detail associated with viewing objects through the lenses, but also reduces undesirable reflected glare. Utilization of increased vacuum during the coating process reduces problems of humidity associated with plastic lenses. The combination of oxide and fluoride is controlled to reduce colored tint or hue in the resulting lenses. By imparting little to no color hue to the lenses, the lenses virtually eliminate any undesired color shift associated with prior art lenses. |
| US07717555B2 |
Contact lens
The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter. |
| US07717553B2 |
Spectacles
Spectacles comprising spectacle mounts (a bridge piece (15) and two side pieces (29)) affixed to two lenses (2), the spectacle mounts being affixed by means of pins (25, 31) which are inserted into appropriately positioned holes or slots (28) drilled into the lenses (2). A single hole or slot (28) in the lens (2) is required to allow the attachment of each mount (15, 29) by location with the appropriate pin (25, 31). The holes or slots (28) are sized to match the dimensions of the pin to give the pins (25, 31) a “close” fit, and the adhesive is specifically chosen to act as a buffer between the pins (25, 31) and the lens (2), thereby substantially reducing or even eliminating the pressure around the assembly point which produces stress marks in rimless spectacles constructed using known methods. |
| US07717551B2 |
Image forming method and image forming apparatus
The image forming method includes the steps of: depositing a first liquid containing at least a dispersion inhibitor, a polymerization initiator, and a high-boiling-point organic solvent, onto an image forming region of a recording medium where an image is to be formed according to image data, and onto a peripheral region of the image forming region; ejecting a second liquid containing at least a radiation-curable polymer compound and a coloring material, onto the recording medium according to the image data after the first liquid is deposited onto the image forming region and the peripheral region of the image forming region; ejecting a third liquid containing at least a radiation-curable polymer compound, onto at least the peripheral region of the image forming region after the first liquid is deposited onto the image forming region and the peripheral region of the image forming region, the third liquid having a transparent color, the same color as the recording medium, or a similar color to the recording medium; and irradiating radiation onto the first liquid, the second liquid and the third liquid on the recording medium. |
| US07717550B2 |
Preservative solution
A preservative solution contains water, a water-soluble organic solvent and a crown ether. Even when the preservative solution is employed in the ink passage of an ink-jet recording apparatus and comes into contact with rubber members employed in the ink passage, the occurrence of precipitation is prevented. |
| US07717549B2 |
Mounting structure for a printhead
A mounting structure for a printhead having a contact surface and a coupling member for connection to an ink supply line, the mounting structure including a casing which defines a bay for accommodating the printhead therein, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the printhead into engagement with the internal walls of the bay, the biasing mechanism containing a latch member mounted on the casing and movable relative thereto between an open position which permits the printhead to be inserted into the bay, and a latched position where it secures the printhead in the bay, and a contact member adapted to exert a force against the contact surface of the printhead in the latched position. A mating coupling member of an ink supply line is mounted on the latch member so as to be brought into engagement with the coupling member of the printhead when the latch member is moved into the latched position. |
| US07717546B2 |
Piezoelectric device and liquid jet head
A piezoelectric device including: a substrate; a lower electrode formed over the substrate; a piezoelectric layer formed over the lower electrode and including lead zirconate titanate; and an upper electrode formed over the piezoelectric layer, the lead zirconate titanate having a half-width of a peak of a (100) plane measured by an X-ray diffraction rocking curve method of 10 degrees or more and 25 degrees or less. |
| US07717545B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage unit, a vibrator unit, a case and a reinforcing plate. The flow passage unit includes a liquid flow passage and a diaphragm portion. The liquid flow passage includes a pressure chamber that communicates with a nozzle opening. The diaphragm portion is formed at a portion corresponding to the pressure chamber and varies a volume of the pressure chamber. The vibrator unit includes a piezoelectric vibrator that is bonded to the diaphragm portion. The piezoelectric vibrator displaces the diaphragm portion. The case has an accommodation chamber formed therein to accommodate the vibrator unit. The reinforcing plate has an insertion opening portion that is formed at a position corresponding to the diaphragm portion and through which a free end portion of the piezoelectric vibrator is insertable. The reinforcing plate is interposed between the case and the flow passage unit. |
| US07717544B2 |
Method for acoustically ejecting a droplet of fluid from a reservoir by an acoustic fluid ejection apparatus
The invention provides apparatuses and methods for acoustically ejecting the fluid from a reservoir contained in or disposed on a substrate. The reservoir has a portion adapted to contain a fluid, and an acoustic radiation generator is positioned in acoustic coupling relationship to the reservoir. Acoustic radiation generated by the acoustic radiation generator is transmitted through at least the portion of the reservoir to an analyzer. The analyzer is capable of determining the energy level of the transmitted acoustic radiation and raising the energy level of subsequent pulses to a level sufficient to eject fluid droplets from the reservoir. The invention is particularly suited for delivering fluid from a plurality of reservoirs in an accurate and efficient manner. |
| US07717543B2 |
Printhead including a looped heater element
An ink jet printhead that has a plurality of nozzles, a bubble forming chamber corresponding to each of the nozzles respectively, the bubble forming chambers adapted to contain a bubble forming liquid; and at least one looped heater element disposed in each of the bubble forming chambers respectively, the heater elements configured for thermal contact with the bubble forming liquid; wherein heating of the looped heater element to a temperature above the boiling point of the bubble forming liquid forms a gas bubble that causes the ejection of a drop of an ejectable liquid through the nozzle corresponding to that heater element. |
| US07717538B2 |
Inkjet printer with capping mechanism for printhead assembly
An inkjet printer includes a body housing a print engine. The print engine is configured to transport and print upon print media. A retractable cover is pivotally mounted relative to the body and is able to be pivoted to form a guide which can guide print media to the print engine for printing. A capping mechanism configured to cap the printhead assembly. In one embodiment, the capping mechanism comprises a sponge surrounded by an elastomeric seal. |
| US07717531B2 |
Print head apparatus with malfunction detector
A print head and method that are capable of detecting a plurality of performance conditions such as a dry-fire, no-fire or clogged-nozzle condition. Pressure wave sensors within a print head are disclosed that are capable of detecting pressure waves generated by the firing of an ink expulsion mechanism. The characteristics of the pressure wave generated by the firing event (e.g., magnitude and timing) are indicative of the operating condition within the head. Multiple sensor types are disclosed. |
| US07717529B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus including: a medium-convey belt; a recording head; an image sensor being movable together with the recording head and including an image-pickup element, an image-forming optical system, and a light-entering surface which is more distant from the medium-convey belt than an ejection surface of the recording head, and a raising and lowering mechanism which positions the recording head, wherein the recording head is positioned, when in an inspecting mode in which the recording head is inspected, at a first height at which an optical image of an image recorded on the medium-convey belt or recorded on the recording medium on the medium-convey belt is formed on the image-pickup element by the image-forming optical system, while positioned, when in a normal recording mode, at a second height at which the ejection surface is more distant from the medium-convey belt than at the first height, and wherein the image sensor picks up the image when the recording head is positioned at the first height. |
| US07717527B1 |
Alleviation of aircraft landing gear loading using a brake control scheme
An electric brake system for an aircraft employs a brake control process to alleviate high dynamic structural loading of the aircraft landing gear caused by braking maneuvers. The system obtains and processes real-time data—which may include the current aircraft speed, the current brake pedal deflection position, and the current brake pedal deflection rate—to determine how best to control the onset of the brakes. The braking control scheme delays the onset of the desired braking condition to reduce high dynamic loading and lurching of the aircraft. |
| US07717525B2 |
Spindle and hub assembly
A spindle and hub assembly for a vehicle wheel is constructed so that, in the event of a failure of the bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the hub on the spindle, separation of the hub from the spindle will not immediately occur but will be prevented for a period of time sufficient for the operator of the vehicle to safely continue to advance the vehicle to a location where corrective action may be taken. An annulus supported on the spindle is secured to the spindle by a nut separate from the annulus, and the annulus has an outside diameter large enough such that a shoulder located within the opening in the hub through which the spindle extends is capable of engaging the annulus in the absence of the bearing arrangement, thereby preventing the hub from separating from the spindle. |
| US07717523B2 |
Rotary cutting pick
A cutting pick comprises an elongate shank and a cutting tip mounted to one end of the shank. The cutting tip has a leading end, a trailing end and a mounting portion for mounting to the shank. The tip has a shape such that it diverges outwardly in a direction from the leading end to the trailing end to a portion of maximum diameter. An annular sleeve is attached about the shank adjacent to and in non-contacting relationship with the trailing end of the cutting tip. The maximum diameter of the cutting tip is of greater diameter than the diameter of the inner diameter of the annular sleeve so that the portion of maximum diameter overlies the sleeve radially. |
| US07717518B2 |
Driver's elbow support apparatus
An elbow support apparatus with distal sides and front, back, upper and lower sides constructed as a cushioned or inflatable device having at least a flexible upper surface and a lower surface configured to fit on the lap of the driver of a motor vehicle when the driver is seated adjacent the steering wheel of the vehicle whereby the elbows of the driver are supported such that the driver's hands are maintained in the 9:15 position on the steering wheel; the device is provided with an apron attached to the front side, fasteners attached to each of the distal sides, plural fasteners attached to the back side, and plural, inverted u-shape locating members configured on the lower side of the cushion device. |
| US07717517B2 |
Headrest for vehicles
A headrest for vehicles including a stationary plate secured to the seat back of a vehicle; an attachment shaft supported by the stationary plate; a coil spring wound on the attachment shaft and having a fixed end and a free end with its inner diameter being smaller than the outer diameter of the attachment shaft; and a headrest base plate attached to the stationary plate so as to turn forward and rearward. The fixed end of the coil spring is fixed to the base plate so as to secure the attachment shaft to the base plate or the fixed end of the coil is fixed to the stationary plate so as to secure the attachment shaft to the base plate, and the winding direction of the coil spring is set in a direction that tightens the spring when the base plate is turned rearward, thus restricting this rearward turning. |
| US07717513B2 |
Chair
There is provided a chair that realizes a state preferably following a motion of a sitter in accordance with a posture of the relevant sitter, and a state preferably supporting the sitter. The chair includes a lower frame portion supported so as to be capable of rocking between a standing position and a rearward tilting position with respect to a base, and an upper frame portion supported so as to be capable of rocking between a normal position and a rear end position with respect to the relevant lower frame portion. Furthermore, upper frame portion biasing that elastically biases the upper frame portion from the rear end position to the normal position is provided. This upper frame portion biasing is adapted to change an elastically biasing force to the upper frame portion corresponding to a position in the rocking movement of the lower frame portion. |
| US07717512B2 |
Seat backs for vehicular seats
A seat back for a vehicular seat has a plate member for supporting a back of a pad and an elastic support mechanism for elastically holding the plate member for moving the plate member in a forward and backward direction with respect to a seat back frame. The plate member includes a first plate portion, a second plate portion positioned on the lower side of the first plate portion, and a third plate portion positioned on the lower side of the second plate portion. The first and third plate portions are more narrow than the second plate portion. The elastic support mechanism includes a rod-shaped elastic bridge member extending horizontally over the seat back frame on the back of the second plate portion. In addition, the elastic bridge member includes a bent portion at the center position as bent along the second plate portion toward the first plate portion. |
| US07717511B2 |
Structure of chair capable of being stacked vertically and horizontally
A chair assembly capable of being stacked vertically and horizontally includes a frame assembled with a turnable seat, a backrest, and armrests; wherein the frame is comprised of two frontal supports and two rear supports; an assembling shaft is horizontally disposed within the frame for holding and allowing the seat to be turned, a positioning rod disposed parallel to the assembling shaft for allowing the seat to be turned upward or downward and keeping the seat upturned or downturned. The assembly and combination of the frame, the backrest, the armrests, and the turnable seat causes that the resulted chair is stacked both horizontally and vertically. Moreover, the disposition of hooks and slots at both sides of the frame further allow the chairs to be aligned and connected together in an orderly manner. |
| US07717510B2 |
Transportation seating system
The specification discloses a modular transportation seating assembly that includes a support frame and seats mounted on the frame. The frame includes a seat beam and a cantilever beam. The cantilever beam includes a body and a connector inserted into the body and held together by compressive force. The body has an end defining a plurality of receivers, and the connector includes a plurality of lugs each received within one of said receivers. The seat beam includes a body, a tee nut slidably received within the body, a second connector outside the body, and a fastener intersecuring the two connectors to retain them in position along the length of the body. A single fastener intersecures the connectors on the seat beam and the cantilever beam. The seat includes a flange hooked about the back edge of the seat beam and one or more fasteners connecting the seat to the forward edge of the seat beam. The backs of adjacent seats define a vee, and a seat tie fills the lower portion of the vee to prevent objects from accidentally catching in the vee. The seats are molded and can include an integrally molded grab rail. |
| US07717508B2 |
Headrest with carrier structure and supporting member
The invention relates to a headrest of an automotive vehicle seat, said headrest comprising the following features: a carrier structure comprising at least one bar and being connected to a supporting member, said carrier structure being connected to said supporting member through at least one guide region and said supporting member being movable with respect to said carrier structure along a linear forward path of travel from a normal position of utilization into an accident position in which said supporting member is located both in the x direction and in the z direction in front of the position of utilization, a drive unit being provided, said drive unit comprising a tension spring and a blocking device, said blocking device comprising a first blocking part and a disengagement device, said first blocking part comprising an oblong opening through which engages a driver member of said carrier structure, in the position of utilization the tensile force of said tension spring abutting on said first blocking part and after the disengagement device has been actuated said first blocking part releasing said tension spring. |
| US07717506B2 |
Child restraint apparatus for vehicle
A child restraint apparatus relates to holding a child within a vehicle interior. The apparatus has a body with an internal area for receiving a child. An energy absorbing member extends in use over at least part of an external surface of the body. This energy absorbing member faces away from the internal area. |
| US07717502B2 |
Folding frame for a folding chair with seat back
A spring locking knob and a fixed stop at the upper ends of the front legs of a chair frame cooperate to restrict movement of a slideset joining the front legs, rear legs and seat support struts of a chair in making the chair more stable and resistant to an inadvertent folding closure. |
| US07717494B2 |
Vehicle body underside air flow controller
There is provided a vehicle-body underside airflow controller capable of obtaining an optimum aerodynamic performance by detecting vehicle speed and by controlling a rise angle of an under-cover (10) corresponding to the vehicle speed by driving actuators (14) so that a road clearance of the under-cover (10) becomes H2 and the rise angle thereof becomes α2 when the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined vehicle speed (when high speed) and by driving the actuators (14) so that the road clearance of the under-cover (10) becomes H1 and the rise angle thereof becomes α1 when the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined vehicle speed (when low speed). |
| US07717493B2 |
Sliding door system
A sliding door system for a motor vehicle, including a door that is configured to be disposed within a door opening that is formed in the vehicle body, a trim panel connected to the door, and an opening formed through the trim panel. A hinge arm extends through the opening in the trim panel and has a first end connected to the vehicle body and a second end slidably connected to the door for movement of the door between a closed position and an open position. A closure panel is moveable between a deployed position, wherein the closure panel obstructs at least a portion of the opening in the trim panel, and a stowed position, wherein the closure panel does not obstruct the opening in the trim panel. |
| US07717492B2 |
Vehicle rollover protection roof geometry and structure
A vehicle geometry for rollover crush resistance is created by determining a center of mass providing a roll axis and establishing a roof line contact surface spaced from the center of mass by a hoop radius substantially equal to a major radius of roll contact from the roll axis. As a first embodiment, the roof line contact surface is established in original designs for vehicles as a monocoque structure. As a second embodiment, provided as an original equipment manufacture (OEM) item or retrofit structural assembly, an arcuate member shaped as a byte of the hoop radius is employed and is mounted between two side rails with additional structural supports for the arcuate member on a nominally flat roofline. |
| US07717490B2 |
Seat slide device for vehicle
A seat slide device for a vehicle includes a lower rail, an upper rail movable relative to the lower rail and a lock member for restricting the relative movement of the upper and lower rails. The restriction of the relative movement can be released and the lock-released position can be retained. The seat slide device further includes a memory piece detachably engaged with the lower rail and provided in a direction separating from the lower rail and engaging therewith when a seatback is reclined forward, wherein the memory piece is moved in association with the movement of the upper rail by retaining the memory piece at the receiving portion and the shaped portion when the memory piece is separated from the lower rail and wherein the memory piece is engaged with the lower rail at the engaging portion when the memory piece is engaged with the lower rail. |
| US07717487B2 |
Seat holding portion structure
A seat holding portion structure has a side member that extends substantially in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The side member has a kick portion whose front and rear end sides are bent and that joins a front portion and a rear portion of the side member that are offset in a vehicle vertical direction. A floor reinforcement is installed within the side member from an opening portion of a vehicle body floor. A rear end portion of an elongated seat holding member is inserted in the floor reinforcement. A connecting body having a closed cross-sectional structure is fixed to a rear end portion of the seat holding member and is disposed at a rear end side bent portion of the kick portion, and, together with the floor reinforcement, is mounted to the side member. |
| US07717486B2 |
Cargo and weight holding truck bed accessory
A truck bed accessory for accommodating weights and stored articles. At least one panel is adapted to be situated between the wheel wells of the truck and over the rear axle of the truck. A receptacle is defined within the interior of the main panel over the rear axle. A weight holder for disposition in the receptacle includes a plurality of weight receiver bins adapted to secure weights therein so that the weight over the rear axle can be varied to increase traction. When the weight holder is not in use, the accessory can store other articles for covered transport. |
| US07717484B2 |
Vehicle partition
Vehicle Partition with a flexible partition constructed of standard netting, a rigid partition enclosure. A standard roll up spring within the enclosure allows the partition to roll up into the enclosure when not in use. A left and right retaining strap holds the enclosure to the head rest posts of a standard vehicle. A plurality of upwardly facing sockets located on the upper surface of the enclosure can engage a secondary partition having a plurality of downwardly facing posts. A pair of retaining clips are attached to the lower horizontal bar of the flexible enclosure. The clips can clamp to the lip of a standard seat pocket. A preferred embodiment includes the left and right retaining strap include a standard buckle also having the ability to adjust strap length. |
| US07717481B2 |
High temperature robot end effector
A robotic end effector or blade suitable for transferring a substrate in a processing system is provided. In some embodiments, an end effector can include a body having opposing mounting and distal end, the body fabricated from a single mass of ceramic. The body can include a pair of arcuate lips extending upward from an upper surface of the body. Each lip is disposed on a respective finger disposed at the distal end of the body. An arcuate inner wall extends upward from the upper surface at the mounting end of the body. The inner wall and lips define a substrate receiving pocket. A plurality of contact pads extend upward from the upper surface of the body for supporting the substrate thereon. A recess is formed in a bottom surface of the body to accommodate a mounting clamp. |
| US07717476B2 |
End structure for an air intake pipe
An end structure for a pipe is provided, through which air is drawn from a lower position to an upper position relative to a vertical direction of a vehicle. An area of an opening at an end of the pipe is adapted to be greater than a cross section area of the pipe. |
| US07717474B2 |
Pipe coupling adaptor
An adaptor for coupling pipes together that has a pair of spaced apart pipe members disposed parallel to each other, with each of pair of pipe members including an opening at a top and at a bottom for receiving an additional pipe, and a bridging member connecting the pair of pipe members and defining a passage between the pipe members. A kit including an adaptor and one or more additional pipe members also is provided. |
| US07717472B2 |
Method of locking tubular components in end to end relation
A method of locking tubular components in end to end relation. A first tubular body is provided having a tongue with an outwardly facing groove protruding past one end along an interior surface that has a keyway. A second tubular body is provided having a tongue with an inwardly facing groove protruding past one end along an exterior surface. A split ring is positioned in the grooves to connect the bodies. The split ring has a tapered outer surface to permit removal by an axial force. A tubular insert carries a locking key which engages the axial keyway. When the tubular insert is fully inserted into the first tubular body, the key underlies the split ring and prevents the split ring from having sufficient clearance to be withdrawn. |
| US07717465B2 |
Vehicle having an engine support structure
A vehicle having an engine support structure. A cradle for supporting an engine is provided that has first and second apertures that are spaced apart from each other and receive a frame rail. |
| US07717463B2 |
Steering column set with changeable angle and length
A steering column set includes a first steering column, a second steering column, an extending device and a tilting device. The first steering column is connected to a steering wheel. The second steering column is telescopically connected to the first steering column. The extending unit is used to move the first steering column with respect to the second steering column. The tilting unit is used to tilt the first and second steering columns. |
| US07717462B2 |
Tilt steering mechanism
The invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle. It includes a housing with a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis. A first bearing is interposed between the shaft and the housing, permitting rotation of the steering shaft about the axis. There is also a first wedge-shaped member that has a thin end against the first bearing and a means for biasing the first wedge-shaped member against the first bearing to take up play between the shaft and first bearing, and play within the first bearing. |
| US07717458B2 |
Interior parts for a vehicle
Interior parts for vehicles such as a front pillar garnish having a mounting bracket 32 to which a mounting clip 40 is connected so that the front pillar garnish is mounted to a front pillar. The mounting bracket 32 is formed on the inner side (that faces the front pillar) of the garnish main body 30 and has an inclined guiding portion 70 in its accommodating space 36 so that the flexible portion 46 of the mounting clip 40 inserted into the accommodating space 36 is bent inside the mounting bracket 32 by the inclined guiding portion 70, and the second engaging portion 50 at the distal end of the flexible portion 46 is prevented from contacting the garnish main body 30 by way of the opening 72 of the mounting bracket 32, thus allowing the mounting clip 40 not to be forcibly pressed against the garnish main body 30. |
| US07717457B2 |
Stroller with spring-assisted fold mechanism
A spring-assisted fold mechanism for a child's stroller is operable to collapse the stroller frame into a storage configuration upon actuation of a release mechanism controlling the stroller fold latch mechanism. The stroller includes a spring device interconnecting two of the pivotally connected frame components to urge the pivotal movement thereof into a collapsed, folded configuration. An anti-fold latch mechanism is associated with the stroller seat to move from an inoperative position into a locking position whenever a child is placed into the stroller seat to prevent the fold mechanism from collapsing the frame of the stroller until the child is removed from the seat. The spring device can be configured as a gas spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring or an elastomeric member that can be stretched to exert a biasing force on the stroller frame to urge movement into the collapsed position. |
| US07717450B2 |
Wheelchair luggage towing device
A wheelchair luggage towing device to securely attach a luggage to the back of a wheelchair and pull the luggage along with the wheelchair. The device can be used with wheeled, as well as unwheeled luggage using a wheeled luggage carrier. The device comprises of a single or multiplicity of bars. A single bar is used with wheelchairs which have long vertical bars on their back. Two bars are used with wheelchairs which have a horizontal bar at their upper back. And three bars are used with wheelchairs which have two short vertical bars and no horizontal bar. In this case, a first bar is connected horizontally to the vertical bars of the wheelchair. A second bar is connected vertically to the first bar. And a third bar is connected horizontally to the lower end of the second bar. In all cases, the luggage is secured on the horizontal bar located close to the ground. |
| US07717449B2 |
Floorboard mounted kickstand puck
A kickstand puck were it's thickness matches the gap between the frame and isolation pad of a motorcycle floorboard. The two end shapes are formed to match the inside form of the outboard side of a floorboard frame. A groove down the center of one side of the puck is at a width and depth to match the full form of the inboard side of a floorboard frame. |
| US07717448B2 |
Ratchet-action drive mechanism for human power
The invention is an improved lever drive arrangement for human powered machines. Independent levers are connected directly to a primary drive arrangement positioned behind the rider comprised of one-way clutch/s connected to a common shaft connected to a sprocket that drives by chain a series of two reductions called a secondary drive arrangement and a tertiary drive arrangement prior to engaging the final drive element. The positioning of the primary drive arrangement behind the rider better enables upright riding by a person and better enables increases in lever length thereby increasing mechanical advantage is possible for producing greater torque to drive larger or multiple reductions. The independent lever arrangement allows a rider to deviate from the traditional opposing circular or up and down cadence of the rider's limbs making possible a variety of limb pumping movements by one or more limbs. |
| US07717441B2 |
Suspension mounting crossmember with integrated cab mounts for vehicle having front multilink suspension
A three piece belly-band crossmember is provided which may be installed as a single assembly and from which the center subassembly may be removed after installation, allowing access to the vehicle powertrain. The crossmember maintains integral strength as a result of a tab and slot arrangement and overlapping frame mounting holes between its three subassemblies. It may be provided with a suspension component mounting point. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). |
| US07717434B2 |
Sealing system
A sealing system has a gasket (25) which in the undeformed state can be placed against a component (1) to be sealed. In the deformed state, the gasket engages the component (1) such that the gasket (25) is captively held on the component (1). |
| US07717432B2 |
Plunger seal for pump
There is provided a plunger seal (1) for a fuel injection pump for a direct-injection gasoline engine, in which, even if a resin material is used for a fuel seal member (12), the plunger seal can be made compact, sealing ability is increased, and assembling man-hours can be reduced, and in which set sealing performance can be achieved when a U-shaped elastic member (33) for applying an energizing force in a diametrical direction is used in a groove (41) formed in the fuel seal member (12). The resin fuel seal member (12) and an oil seal member (13) are assembled to form one seal system. Further, when the U-shaped elastic member (33) is installed in the groove (41), an axial position (L1) of an end surface (44a) at the side opposite to the sealed object of a fixing collar (44) formed on an inner peripheral surface of the groove (41) is positioned at the side (B) opposite to the sealed object than the axial position (L2) of a leading end portion (15b) of a seal lip (15) of the fuel seal member (12). |
| US07717431B2 |
Table-top football kicking game
A table-top football kicking game includes a substantially planar and rectangular playing surface having at least two lines extending laterally, and at least one set of goal post uprights attached substantially perpendicular to and proximal ends of the rectangular playing surface. Also included are a toy oblong football of proportional length and a kicking device movably placed on the rectangular playing surface for propelling the toy oblong football off of said playing surface toward and preferably through the goal post uprights. |
| US07717428B2 |
Checkers for three players
A game board and rules that allow three players to play a game based on traditional checkers but requiring additional moves through a triangular central field of play. In one version, the central field is composed of three concentric equilateral triangles made up of discs. In another version there are two concentric equilateral triangles of discs arranged around a triangular central void. The rules of play differ between the two versions because of the difference in configuration of the game board. |
| US07717423B2 |
Duplex ADF mechanism
An duplex auto-document feed mechanism comprises an auto-document feedpath having a simplex feedpath portion and a duplexing feedpath portion in feeding communication with the simplex feedpath portion, the auto-document feedpath has a media input and a media output, an input roller for feeding media disposed at the media input and an exit nip positioned near the media output, a motor driving the input roller and the exit nip, a scanning station disposed along one of the duplex feedpath portion and the simplex feedpath portion, the exit nip having a first position wherein first and second rollers defining the exit nip are closed when receiving media during a simplex feeding procedure and open when a leading edge and trailing edge of media are passing through the exit nip simultaneously, wherein a change of motor direction one of opens the exit nip or closes the exit nip. |
| US07717422B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method
A sheet processing apparatus which is capable of securing a sufficient sheet bundle processing time period even with a short sheet conveying path to thereby maintain required capability of processing sheets conveyed at constant intervals. Rollers that convey sheets are controlled such that the conveyance speed of a sheet being conveyed by the rollers is increased in first timing so as to set the sheet at an increased distance from a succeeding sheet being conveyed by the rollers. When a sheet preceding the sheet being conveyed is the last sheet of a set of sheets to be processed by the sheet processing apparatus, the rollers are controlled to increase the conveyance speed of the sheet being conveyed in second timing later than the first timing. |
| US07717418B2 |
Envelope conveying and positioning apparatus and related methods
An apparatus for processing envelopes. A support plates and a pressure sensing lever support a stack of envelopes in a generally upright orientation. The pressure sensing lever pivots in accordance with pressure exerted by the stack of envelopes. A feeding apparatus is operatively coupled to a sensor such that pivotal movement of the pressure sensing lever is detected by the sensor and the feeding apparatus changes the pressure exerted against the stack of envelopes. |
| US07717417B2 |
Devices for improving the reliability of feeding media sheets within an image forming device
The present application is directed to devices and methods for moving media sheets in an image forming device. In one embodiment, a contact member includes a contact roller that contacts a top-most media sheet in a stack of media sheets positioned on a support surface in an input area of the image forming device. A hub extends outward from an axial side of the contact roller. The hub includes a smaller length than the contact roller, forming a gap between the hub and the top-most media sheet when the contact roller is in contact with the top-most media sheet. The hub prevents or reduces transverse buckling of the top-most media sheet when it is moved from the stack of media sheets. |
| US07717410B2 |
Smooth non-linear springs, particularly smooth progressive rate steel springs, progressive rate vehicle suspensions and method
The invention solves the problem of designing and manufacturing springs made of elastic materials, particularly steel springs, with prescribed characteristic (dependence of flex on external load) given by a smooth (i.e. differentiable) non-linear function. The method according to the invention consists in forming an elastic body with suitably shaped regions of diversified stiffness and (possibly) diversified initial internal stresses (this suitable shape of the regions lies at the hart of the invention and is covered by separate patent claims). |
| US07717409B2 |
Active vibration isolating support apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide an active vibration isolating support apparatus to effectively reduce a transient vibration which occurs at the time of engine starting. In order to achieve the above object, an active vibration isolating support apparatus for suppressing a vibration transmitted to a vehicle body including: active mounts to elastically support a load of an engine in the vehicle body each of which includes an actuator; and a control unit to drive the actuator to extend and contract periodically in response to a waveform of the vibration of the engine; in which the control unit supplies a predetermined current to the actuator based on a starting control condition, and starts a control of the actuator based on a control instruction value of a current in response to the vibration of the engine is provided. |
| US07717404B2 |
Humidifier
A humidifying apparatus comprising: a pleated functional element comprising a pleated structure and, secured to the pleated structure around a periphery thereof, a reinforcing frame, wherein the pleated structure is comprised of a humidifying membrane and, superimposed on at least one surface thereof, a gas-permeable reinforcing material layer, and a dry-side channel and a wet-side channel which are, respectively, provided on opposite sides of the pleated functional element, wherein each of the dry-side channel and the wet-side channel has at least one pair of a gas-intake and a gas-outlet, the humidifying apparatus having a first pressure-buffering means between the gas-intake and an outside conduit connected thereto and a second pressure-buffering means between the gas-outlet and an outside conduit connected thereto, wherein the humidifying membrane divides the internal space of the pleated functional element into spaces which form a part or whole of the dry-side channel and a part or whole of the wet-side channel, respectively. |
| US07717402B2 |
Line handling winch for sailing yachts
A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, operating in conjunction with a level wind mechanism, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, to assure proper windup of the line in organized coils on the drum. During line release, the line is placed under tension by the level wind mechanism and thus positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum even when the line is not under load from the sail to which it is attached. The arrangement enables lines to be automatically released from one winch and retrieved on a second which, under a common control, as when tacking or resetting the sails of a yacht, all without the necessity of any physical line handling by crew members, resulting in a significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew. The new winch mechanism preferably includes a novel alternate arrangement for manual operation of the system in the event of a failure of the power system. |
| US07717401B2 |
Drive shaft jack adaptor
An adaptable vehicle driveshaft support apparatus comprising an elongated rigid main body having a first end and a second end, a first rigid arm extending from the first end of the elongated rigid main body with the first rigid arm including a driveshaft-supporting bracket thereon, a second rigid arm extending from the second end of the elongated rigid main body with the second rigid arm having a driveshaft supporting bracket thereon, and a mounting device attached to the main body for securing the rigid main body to a lifting device. |
| US07717400B2 |
Fluid pressure regulating device
A body 20 has body wall surfaces 21, 22 defining a body space inside. A core 30 is disposed within the body 20. The core 30 has a core wall surface defining a core space inside which has a bottom having an opening 33a. A valve 50 is inserted through the opening 33a of the core 30 with a clearance and can move along the core wall surface of the core 30. The valve 50 has a hole with a bottom which is comprised of holes 52a, 53a, 57a, a contact surface 58 that contacts the core wall surface of the core 30, a valve head 59 that can contact a valve seat 40, at least one first communication hole 55 that provides communication between the hole 53a and a second inflow fuel passage 30a within the core space, and at least one second communication hole 54 that provides communication between the hole 52a and the first inflow fuel passage 21a, 22a within the body space. |
| US07717399B2 |
Side inlet-typed solenoid valve
A solenoid valve for a slip control system in a vehicle is disclosed. A flow passage is provided in which working fluid such as oil that generates a break hydraulic pressure flows from the side of a solenoid valve through a filter, flows to the front of a plunger through a side hole formed in a valve body of the solenoid valve, and then flows along the side of valve body, that is, is discharged out of an outlet through a side space between valve body and a valve seat. Therefore, linear pressure control is easy because working fluid flows into toward the front of valve plunger through a side inlet of solenoid valve and the entire size is reduced because a special channel for guiding working fluid to the front of the valve plunger is not needed in a pump housing case. |
| US07717395B2 |
Adjustable support apparatus for machinery
An apparatus for supporting an axial load between first and second planes with an axial dimension therebetween includes first, second, and third members. The first member has a planar face on one end engaging the first plane and has a spherical face on the other end. The second member has a spiraling face on one end and has a spherical face on another end. The spherical face engaging the spherical face of the first member so that the first and second spherical faces maintain substantial contact for transferring the axial load between the first and second planes whether the planes are parallel or non-parallel. The third member has a spiraling face on one end and has a planar face on another end. The planar face engages the second plane. The spiraling face engages the spiraling face of the second member. The axial dimension of the second and third members can be adjusted when at least one is rotated. |
| US07717392B2 |
Slide rail unit
A simple, compact and easy-to-assemble slide rail unit is provided. The slide rail unit reliably restrains right and left rails from sliding even when the right and left rails are installed onto the vehicle floor at an inclination angle different from each other in a longitudinal direction thereof. The slide rail unit includes a slide rail member having an upper rail member and an upper rail member slidably engaged with each other and a lock lever rotatably pivoted to the upper rail member so as to engage with/disengage from an engagement portion formed on the lower rail member. The slide rail unit also includes an operation lever connected to the lock lever within the slide rail member. Between the lock lever and the operation lever, a leaf spring member is disposed for connecting the lock lever and the operation lever therebetween. |
| US07717389B2 |
Attachable holder for items
Provided herein is an item holder assembly that includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the assembly to an object such as a laptop computer, an item support or holder, and a member for connecting the attachment mechanism to the item holder or support. |
| US07717388B2 |
Display mounting for a decorative object
A display mounting for an ornamental object includes a spring clip having an elongated spring attached at one end and the ornamental object is affixed to the opposite end to be readily attachable to the bill of a cap, Christmas branches etc. |
| US07717387B2 |
Rail heater clip
A rail clip for securing a strip heater to a rail that resists removal when subjected to intense vibration, such as when rail cars are passing overhead. The rail clip is configured with a U-shaped rail flange receiving area wherein the opposite sides of this receiving area are configured with at least one tooth each for securing the rail therebetween. For greater securement, multiple teeth on each side of this U-shaped receiving area would be employed and with at least one tooth on each side thereof being in alignment with the other. Furthermore, the teeth on at least one side of this receiving area would include multiple teeth, both pointed and elongated. |
| US07717386B2 |
Support arm with clamps for adjustably fastening a visual display
A support device includes a support arm and a support plate in which the support arm has two opposite clamps each having an arrangement for laterally moving a height adjustment mechanism so that after performing both vertical and horizontal adjustments of the clamps pressing pivotably connected arm members will secure a visual display (e.g., computer LCD display) onto the support plate. |
| US07717384B2 |
Stand of display device
A stand of display device is provided. The stand of the display device includes a sliding part extending straight from the display device, a support part slidably support a lower portion of the sliding part, and a base rotatably supporting a lower portion of the support part. Accordingly, the height and inclination angle of the display device can be adjusted in various manners, and such facilitation in position adjustment of the display device improves user's convenience and makes a package volume of the display device small, thereby reducing a distribution cost and facilitating moving the device. |
| US07717380B2 |
Automatic height adjustment leg of laundry handling apparatus and laundry handling apparatus
An automatic height adjustment leg of a laundry handling apparatus according to the present invention comprises a cylinder mounted to a base of a laundry handling apparatus; a piston movably arranged inside the cylinder; a elastic member installed in the cylinder so as to elastically support the piston; and a leg penetrating the cylinder and fixed to the piston. There are provided advantages that the horizontality of the laundry handling apparatus may be automatically adjusted as the piston and leg move on and vibration may be absorbed and reduced by the elastic member. |
| US07717378B2 |
Saxophone-supporting stand
Disclosed is a saxophone-supporting stand including two legs and a connective apparatus. The legs can be open and closed. The connective apparatus is used to keep the legs open. The connective apparatus includes a first link, a second link and two rods. The first link includes a first end pivotally connected to one of the legs and a second end. The second link includes a first end pivotally connected to the other leg and a second end pivotally connected to the second end of the first link so that the first and second links are open when the legs are open. Each of the rods is obliquely raised from a related one of the first and second links so that the rods form a V-shaped structure for supporting a portion of the saxophone when the first and second links are open. |
| US07717377B1 |
Collapsible instrument stand
A foldable and collapsible instrument stand, for securely holding an instrument, having a first support portion, a second support portion, and an adjustable head. The instrument stand may be placed in either a deployed state or a collapsed state. When in the deployed state, the first support portion is in the substantially upright position, while the second support portion is in the extended position. In contrast, when the instrument stand is in a collapsed state, several portions including the first support portion, the second support portion, and the base are each positioned in a folded and substantially parallel position, enabling an easy transporting of the instrument stand. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims. |
| US07717373B2 |
Deformable aerodynamic profile
A deformable aerodynamic profiled member has a front profile area and a rear profile area in the outflow area. It is bounded by shells on the pressure side and/or on the suction side, converging in a rear profile edge (6). D33 piezo actuators are provided in at least some locations for deformation of the profiled member. The piezo actuators are aligned such that their length changes essentially in the direction of the planes of the shells when acted upon by electricity. |
| US07717371B2 |
Resting deck in an aircraft with resting cabins
A resting deck in an aircraft with a plurality of side-by-side arranged resting compartments, which are oriented in a special way and manner, in order to make use of the existing space as optimally as possible, and an aircraft, which is equipped with such a resting deck. The resting deck includes a plurality of side-by-side arranged, longitudinally extending resting compartments, which are defined on two, opposite longitudinal sides by a respective separating barrier, which separates adjacent resting compartments from one another, as well as a longitudinal resting surface, which is arranged in each of the plurality of the resting compartments, such that a longitudinal side of the resting surface extends along a longitudinal direction of the separating barrier and a slanting angle between the separating barrier and the fuselage axis in a forward direction is greater than 0° and less than 180°. |
| US07717368B2 |
Apparatus for generating horizontal forces in aerial vehicles and related method
A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle frame; a duct carried by the vehicle frame with the longitudinal axis of the duct perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame; a propeller rotatably mounted within the duct about the longitudinal axis of the duct to force an ambient fluid through from an inlet at the upper end of the duct through an exit at the lower end of the duct, and thereby produce an upward lift force applied to the vehicle; a first plurality of substantially parallel, spaced vanes non-pivotally mounted across at least the inlet end of the duct; and fluidic means for affecting the ambient fluid flow around the vanes to generate horizontal force components to the lift force applied to the vehicle. |
| US07717360B1 |
In ground sprinkler head encapsulated protection apparatus
An in-ground sprinkler serviceability apparatus that provides a debris free environment for ease of replacement of an in-ground sprinkler head. The sprinkler serviceability apparatus couples to the threads of a sprinkler pipe, expands to provide a sprinkler head receiving section, a seal against the underside of the sprinkler head, and a tapered upper surface. Any debris would be washed away from the sprinkler head serviceability apparatus tapered upper surface when the sprinklers are on, rain, etc. The seal would ensure against any debris falling into the sprinkler head receiving section. Weep holes can optionally be incorporated into the sides or base of the apparatus. The top can be a single section, fabricated in two sections, or be designed to receive a common clay sprinkler donut. |
| US07717359B2 |
Multiple intensifier injectors with positive needle control and methods of injection
Multiple intensifier injectors with positive needle control and methods of injection that reduce injector energy consumption. The intensifiers are disposed about the axis of the injectors, leaving the center free for direct needle control down the center of the injector. Also disclosed is a boost system, increasing the needle closing velocity but without adding mass to the needle when finally closing. Direct needle control allows maintaining injection pressure on the fuel between injection events if the control system determines that enough fuel has been pressurized for the next injection, thus saving substantial energy when operating an engine at less than maximum power, by not venting and re-pressurizing on every injection event. |
| US07717356B2 |
Aerial application dispersal system
An aerial application dispersal system that comprises an aerial vehicle and an aerial dispersal unit. The aerial dispersal unit provides an insect control substance, a flake auger, and a motor to drive the flake auger for transporting the insect control substance to a dispensing chamber. The aerial dispersal unit also provides a glue substance, a pump, and a motor to drive the pump for transporting the glue substance from a storage container to the dispensing chamber for mixing with the insect control substance. The dispensing chamber is provided with a motor for forcing the insect control substance mixed with the glue substance out an exit portal for disbursement over the designated area. A control box, control switches, global positioning satellite system, and dispersal unit operator interface are also provided for automatically regulating the mixing and dispensing rate of the insect control substance and glue substance in relation to the ground speed of the aerial vehicle for maintaining a constant, uniform disbursement of a bonded substance over a designated area. |
| US07717355B2 |
Clog-proof nozzle for spray cans
A cap is provided for preventing clogging of a spray nozzle on a container. Structurally, the cap includes a hollow, truncated cone-shaped member with first and second ends. At its first end, the cap defines an orifice dimensioned to selectively receive the spray nozzle to create a fluid-tight seal with the container. At its second end, the cap defines a periphery. Further, the cap includes a panel that has a flat surface bounded by a perimeter that is interconnected to the periphery by an intermediate section. As a result, the cone-shaped member, intermediate section and panel form a fluid chamber. Fluid is positioned in the chamber for movement between a first location where the spray nozzle is submerged and a second location where the fluid is held at a distance from the spray nozzle for removal of the cap from the spray nozzle. |
| US07717353B2 |
Method and devices for dispensing fluids
An apparatus for dispensing and mixing flowable materials that includes at least one hopper connected to a mixing chamber. The apparatus further includes at least one valve associated with the hopper. The valve operates to regulate the flow of material from the hopper to the mixing chamber. The apparatus also includes a controller that communicates with the at least one valve wherein the controller selectively controls the operation of the valve. |
| US07717350B2 |
Portable computing platform having multiple operating modes and heterogeneous processors
A portable computer system such as a laptop computer, for example, includes a first processor that may execute instructions corresponding to application software during a first mode of operation. The portable computer system also includes a second processor that may execute the instructions during a second mode of operation. The first processor and the second processor may be heterogeneous processors. Further, operation of the first processor and the second processor in the first mode and the second mode may be dependent upon which of a plurality of system preferences have been selected. |
| US07717339B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A passbook printing apparatus prints a color face image and private information of the owner of a passbook in the passbook with a built-in IC chip including a passbook number recorded previously. In this time, the passbook printing apparatus first reads the passbook number from the IC chip built in the passbook, creates private information including the read passbook number, face image of the owner and printing information, and prints the printing information reflecting the passbook number read from the IC chip on a printing page of the passbook. |
| US07717337B2 |
Anti-crime online transaction system
A method to enforce anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and other anti-crime measures in compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act in the USA or equivalent laws in other countries, and to reduce fraud in e-commerce activities such as online banking, trading, money services, shopping, etc. by reading the embedded identification information from a machine-readable government issued official identification document such as passport, driver's license, etc. and sending such information in a dynamically encrypted form to financial institution for approval and anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and other anti-crime purposes. Furthermore, a set of methods can be used by the sender to dynamically encrypt the data in a different form in each transaction, and the recipient can be automatically synchronized to decrypt the received data based on said set of methods. |
| US07717334B1 |
System and method for monitoring voice/data usage and financial transactions made through a communications service
A system and method for substantially increasing billing flexibility on communications or media accounts which also offer user users the ability to make electronic purchases or other financial transactions, where those transactions are accounted for with an additional account or with the same account through which the media or communications services are offered. Charges associated with use of the communications service or making of the financial transactions may be increased or reduced depending on such factors as volume of use, number of transactions, and a monetary value of the transactions. |
| US07717330B2 |
Systems and methods for price matching on funds transfers
Systems and methods for performing financial transfers. In some instances, the methods include providing a staged transaction system that includes at least two stages. Quotes are accessed for the first and for the second stage of the transaction. One quote associated with a stage of the transaction is selected and used to consummate the financial transfer. Other methods include marketing financial transfer transactions. Such marketing can include providing a flexible rate fixing mechanism; monitoring a financial transaction market; and fixing a rate based at least in part on monitoring the financial transaction market where the flexible rate fixing mechanism provides access to the fixed rate. |
| US07717329B1 |
Check carrier
The check carrier consists of an envelope of translucent material that is dimensioned to closely conform to the dimensions of a standard check. The back of the check carrier includes an endorsement window through which a bank or other financial institution can apply its endorsement stamp directly to the check. The bottom of the check carrier may be provided with an area for receiving the MICR printing such that the MICR can be read directly off of the carrier. The MICR area can be removed. The open end of the check carrier can be sealed closed using a repositionable adhesive. The adhesive can also be used interior of the check carrier such that the adhesive contacts the check to fix the check within the carrier. |
| US07717328B1 |
Auto check reorder
The described embodiments contemplate a system, method and computer-readable medium with computer-executable instructions for providing checks to an account owner by comparing a quantity of cleared checks to a quantity of issued checks. The novel method includes receiving a request to register for an automated check reorder service, determining a first quantity of issued checks, determining a second quantity of cleared checks, comparing the second quantity of cleared checks to the first quantity of issued checks, and sending a third quantity of new checks to the account owner. The novel method also may include receiving a request for material to be sent to the account owner, determining the account owner's last known address, notifying the account owner at the account owner's last known address, and sending the material to the account owner. |
| US07717327B2 |
Controlling, monitoring and managing system applied in self-service equipment for banking
Controlling, monitoring and managing system applied in self-service equipment for banking, a system (1) that previews, inside each of the self service banking terminals (2) associated to a specific bank, a Local Management Feature (3), connected through a Local Server (4), to a Control, Monitoring and Management Center (5), responsible for the general administration of the system, and provided with a Security Module (6), being that, when the administration of the place is local, Control, Monitoring and Managing Consoles are previewed (7); at the back part of the terminal (2), a command panel is previewed (8) bearing an interface to communicate with the Local Management Feature (3) previewed inside the above-mentioned terminal (2), as well as the Control, Monitoring and Management Center (5) and with Local Consoles for Control, Monitoring and Management (7); such control panel (8) is endowed with a keyboard (9), LCD display (10), magnetic and “smart card” reader (11, digital printing reader (12) and a biometric data comparison system; internally the command panel (8) is endowed with a Cryptography Module (13); the system (1) still previews one sole master key for each banking agency, being that each master key can be used in all terminals (2) associated to that specific agency. |
| US07717323B2 |
Shirt box
A shirt box suitable for receiving a shirt includes a base, a box cover and a transparent protective member (insert). The base has a floor and a plurality of upstanding walls that define an interior compartment and the box cover has a top wall and a plurality of walls that surround the top wall (e.g., around a peripheral edge thereof). The top surface has a first opening formed therein that is formed at a location that permits a consumer to see the shirt or other item that is contained within the box. The transparent protective member (insert) has a top surface and a plurality of peripheral walls that surround the top surface (e.g., around a peripheral edge thereof) so as to define a structure that is free standing and independent from both the base and the cover. |
| US07717322B2 |
Packages, blanks for making packages and associated methods
Cartons are formed from two or more continuous webs that can individually or concurrently provided with cuts, scores, or other lines of disruption. |
| US07717320B2 |
Self locking feature for containers
A container made from corrugated paperboard has a bottom wall, opposite side and end walls, and a self locking arrangement on the end walls holding the container in erected condition. The self locking arrangement includes first and second end panels on opposite ends of the side walls, and a third end panel on opposite ends of the bottom wall. The end panels form the end walls of the container. The first and second end panels have at least one notch formed in an upper edge, and a roll over flap is foldably joined by at least one web to an upper edge of each of the third end panels and is folded inwardly and downwardly over the upper edges of the first and second end panels into a locked position to hold the end panels and thus the container in erected condition. In the locked position, the web is engaged in the notch. In particular, the web has a thickness less than the thickness of an end panel, so that it fits deeply into the notch, producing a tight fit and reliable interlocking of the components of the self locking arrangement. |
| US07717319B2 |
Reclosable folding box with tamper-evident closure without adhesive
A reclosable folding box of paperboard with at least one tamper-evident closure is provided, which comprises a cover flap with an insertion tab, wherein the closure of the folding box can be closed by machine without the need for gluing, and the closure can be opened only by destroying the tamper-evident closure. It is characterized in that it comprises, in the interior, retaining means and a tear-off tab connected to the insertion tab by way of a predetermined break line, and in that the closure is set up in such a way that, the first time the box is opened, the tear-off tab cooperates with the retaining means and is torn off at the predetermined break line when the insertion tab is moved beyond the tearing edge. |
| US07717318B2 |
Cooler carton
A cooler carton for items such as beverage containers is erected from a blank (11) having a unique configuration of panels (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 41, 47, 56, 66, 96, 99), tabs (28, 29, 31, 32), flaps (111), creases (18, 19, 21, 22, 33, 34, 36, 37, 42, 48, 57, 67, 77, 87), perforations (23, 26, 27), cut-creases (24, 97, 101), and gussets (46, 52, 81, 91). The erected carton has top panels (12, 17) forming a top with a central longitudinal perforation line (23, 26) and oblique cut-creases and perforation lines (24, 27) extending from the ends of the central perforation line (23, 26) to the corners of the top. Flaps (111) are formed at respective end portions of the top by folded tabs (28, 29, 31, 32). In use, the carton is erected and filled with articles to be contained. An end user may open the carton by pulling up and back on the flaps (111) at the end portions of the top, which severs the oblique cut-creases and perforation lines (23, 26), and severs the top along its central perforation line (23, 26). As a result, the top opens up and forms a containment skirt that extends above the level of beverage containers in the carton. Ice can then be added atop the containers to cool their contents and the ice is contained by the skirt. Gussets (46, 52, 81, 91) are formed at the lower corner portions of the carton, which, along with a moisture barrier, prevent accumulated water from melting ice from leaking from the bottom region of the carton. |
| US07717316B2 |
Method and device for applying a solder to a substrate
A method for applying a solder to a substrate by positioning solder in a solid state, melting it and then impacting it against a substrate by the action of compressed gas. The method utilizes a holder having a capillary bore whose diameter, at the substrate end, has a contraction whose diameter (D2) is smaller than the diameter (D3) of the solder globule, an energy source connected to the capillary, and a compressed gas source connected to the capillary. |
| US07717312B2 |
Surgical instruments employing sensors
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument for operating on tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes an end effector including a first tissue engaging member and a second tissue engaging member in juxtaposed relation to the first tissue engaging member; a gap determination element operatively associated with each of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member for measuring a gap distance between the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member; and a tissue contact determining element operatively associated with a respective tissue contacting surface of at least one of the first tissue engaging member and the second tissue engaging member. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the surgical instrument. |
| US07717310B2 |
Air-cushion backpack
A backpack has a generally rigid support having a front face and a back face, shoulder straps attached to the support for holding same against a back of a user, and structure on the back face for holding an object. A pressurizable and flexible bladder covers generally all of the front face of the support and has a closable fill opening. This bladder is secured to the front face of the support with the fill opening accessible. |
| US07717309B1 |
Tent and backpack combination apparatus
A tent and backpack combination apparatus includes a satchel has a front wall, a back wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. A pair of shoulder straps is attached to the back wall. The satchel has an elongated opening therein for accessing an interior thereof. A support is attached to and extends through the satchel. The support includes a lower portion extending away from the first end wall of the satchel that is configured to engage a ground surface. The support includes an upper portion extending away from the second end wall that is configured to support the satchel in a spaced relationship with the ground surface and to angle the satchel upwardly from the first end wall to the second end wall. A sleeve has an open end and the support is positionable in the open end and covered by the sleeve to define a tent. |
| US07717307B2 |
Closure assembly having a spout with a memory band for spout directing
A closure assembly for a container, the container including a raised outlet defining a dispensing opening, includes a closure body having a nestable and extendable spout formed with a generally cylindrical section, a frustoconical section, and an invertible fold between these two sections so as to enable the closure body to be either nested or extended. The generally cylindrical section defines an outlet opening and a threaded closing cap is assembled to the generally cylindrical section for closing off the outlet opening. A retainer is used for connecting the closure body to the raised outlet wall and the frustoconical section includes a thicker wall portion, described as a memory band portion, for enabling the closure body to maintain a selected orientation upon deflection into the selected orientation in order to provide directional discharge of the container contents. |
| US07717305B2 |
Extrusion apparatus for high viscosity liquid
The present invention discloses an extrusion apparatus for high viscosity liquid to address the problems that the existing extrusion apparatus tends to be abraded for long-time use and the high viscosity liquid could not be well extruded. The extrusion apparatus for high viscosity liquid of the invention comprises a gun body, a retainer fixedly connected to the gun body, a push rod slidably running through the gun body, a wrench hinged to the gun body and a handle connected to the gun body, characterized in that, a push block is hinged to one end of the wrench adjacent to the push rod, the push rod has a rod body provided with several teeth on the side facing the push block, a push tooth is provided on the push block, a permanent magnet is placed on the push block or the push rod, and the push tooth could be snapped to the teeth under action of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. |
| US07717295B2 |
Treatment solution supply apparatus
A treatment solution supply apparatus capable of reducing an initial overshooting amount and ensuring a stable dispense characteristic even when treating a large amount of substrates as recycling a developing solution for a large amount of substrates includes a flow meter having an integration function in the vicinity of a nozzle and carries out feedback to the pump revolution frequency control in response to a variation of the flow meter, so that a fixed amount of a solution may be regularly discharged irrespective of the clogging level of a filter. Also, a developing solution can be stably dispensed on a resist coated film within a solution applicable range from a minimum value (film thickness of 1 mm) to a maximum value (3 mm). |
| US07717292B2 |
Surgical instrument container assembly with snap fit handle assembly
A surgical instrument container assembly includes a container and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes at least one wire handle coupled with the container, and a pair of handle halves. Each handle half includes a pair of ends and a pair of partial openings respectively positioned at the ends. Each partial opening of one handle half is adjacent a respective partial opening of the other handle half. The adjacent partial openings conjunctively receive a portion of the at least one wire handle therein. The handle halves surround a portion of the at least one wire handle and are snap fitted together. |
| US07717291B2 |
Accurate squirt dispensing drink bottle adapter
A bottle adapter is disclosed for accurate squirt dispensing of a drink. The bottle adapter comprises a coupler for removable attachment to a squeezable bottle. The coupler has a valve that is configured to remain closed until a predefined pressure difference is present across the valve, so that when the valve is opened, the liquid inside the container emerges in a stream and maintains a substantially straight trajectory for at least a predefined distance. A targeting orifice is positioned at the predefined distance from the valve so that the stream trajectory extends through the targeting orifice. |
| US07717290B2 |
Air transportable ISO container
A transport device such as an ISO container that is adapted to be transported by air or surface transportation. The transport device includes a base, a plurality of movable ISO corner blocks movably coupled to the base, and a plurality of adjustment mechanisms. Each adjustment mechanism is adapted to couple a respective corner block to the base and to selectively move the corner block with respect to the base between an air transport position, wherein the bottom surface of the corner block does not extend beyond the bottom surface of the base, and a surface transport position wherein the bottom surface of the corner block is located below the bottom surface of the base. The base includes a plurality of roller plates that form the bottom surface of the base and that are adapted to engage rollers of an aircraft cargo handling system. The transport device also includes detent rails that are removably attached to the base. The detent rails includes tabs and detents that are adapted to cooperate with an aircraft cargo handling system to releasably secure the transport device in place within an aircraft. |
| US07717289B2 |
Anchor for liquefied natural gas storage tank
An LNG storage tank comprises a heat insulating wall on an inner surface of the storage tank, a sealing wall contacting LNG on the heat insulating wall, and a structure to support the sealing wall. The structure comprises an anchor structure, which comprises an anchor member between the inner surface of the storage tank and the sealing wall to secure the sealing wall to the inner surface, and a heat-insulating material around the anchor member. The anchor member is coupled at several portions to the inner surface. The structure provides a simple configuration to the heat insulating wall and the sealing wall, and a simple connection therebetween, enabling convenient construction thereof while increasing sealing reliability. The structure simplifies an assembled structure and a manufacturing process, reducing a construction time of the tank while efficiently relieving stress on the tank. |
| US07717284B2 |
Flip top cap
A cap is provided for a laboratory vessel. The cap includes a lid that can be rotated relative to the laboratory vessel from a closed position to an open position. The lid includes at least one tab dimensioned and disposed for receiving manual digital pressure for opening and/or closing the lid. The tab is in an offset position to prevent a thumb or forefinger from passing over and in contact with the opening to the vessel. Additionally, the lid includes a shield inwardly from the tab for further preventing contact between a finger and the open top of the vessel. |
| US07717282B2 |
Semi-rigid collapsible container
A semi-rigid collapsible container has a side-wall with an upper portion, a central portion, a lower portion and a base. The central portion includes a vacuum panel portion having a control portion and an initiator portion. The control portion is inclined more steeply in a vertical direction, i.e. has a more acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container, than the initiator portion. On low vacuum force being present within the container panel following the cooling of a hot liquid in the container, the initiator portion will flex inwardly to cause the control portion to invert and flex further inwardly into the container and the central portion to collapse. In the collapsed state upper and lower portions of the central portion may be in substantial contact so as to contain the top-loading capacity of the container. Raised ribs made an additional support for the container in its collapsed state. In another embodiment the telescoping of the container back to its original position occurs when the vacuum force is released following removal of the container cap. |
| US07717281B2 |
Closure cap with a sealing stud having increased deformability and a receptacle fitted with such a cap
A closure cap may include a base portion and a lid. The base portion may include a dispenser orifice. The lid may include a sealing stud arranged to be engaged in the dispenser orifice when the lid is closed. The sealing stud may comprise at least one portion in relief arranged to snap-fasten in the base portion. The sealing stud may also include an elastically deformable zone of increased deformability, in which at least part of the portion in relief may be formed. |
| US07717275B2 |
Integrated perforated flocculating baffle system
An integrated perforated flocculating baffle system for use in a clarifier tank with a tank bottom, and a peripheral vertical wall bounding the interior of the tank is formed by a plurality of individual baffles interconnected and mounted to a support element, extending vertically inside the tank forming a rigid wall of perforated baffles allowing incoming water to pass through its openings and through gaps between individual baffles promoting flocculation of the suspended matter, and distributing the flow equally and uniformly throughout the settling the clarifiers. Each baffle includes solid linear and curved sections followed by perforated sections. The baffles are interconnected along the length by cross connectors to ensure rigidity. The resulting system provides an integrated perforated baffle system by which the water flows uniformly within the tank and flocculation is enhanced. |
| US07717272B2 |
Ceramic porous membrane and ceramic filter
There are disclosed a ceramic porous membrane formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects, a small and uniform thickness and a high resolution, and a ceramic filter. A silica membrane as a ceramic porous membrane is formed on a titania UF membrane as an ultrafiltration membrane (a UF membrane) formed on a porous base member which is a microfiltration membrane (also referred to as an MF membrane) and having an average pore diameter smaller than that of the porous base member, the silica membrane has an average pore diameter smaller than that of the titania UF membrane and a part of the silica membrane permeates the titania UF membrane. |
| US07717270B2 |
End-of-faucet filter
Various embodiments of an end-of faucet filter assembly connectable with a faucet on a standard sink and having a plurality of outlets corresponding with selectable modes of operation are disclosed herein. One mode of operation provides unfiltered, aerated water dispenses from the filter assembly. A second mode of operation provides a pulsing jet spray, while a third mode of operation provides filtered water. One embodiment of the present invention also includes a connection assembly between the end-of-faucet filter and the faucet that utilizes a water-tight radial seal that allows the end-of-faucet filter to swing or rotate back and forth relative to the faucet without impairing the integrity of the seal. Other embodiments of the present invention also include a filter cartridge assembly configured to provide a user with an easy method of removing and installing the cartridge. |
| US07717269B2 |
Snap lock separatory panel and retainer system
A snap lock separatory panel and retainer system includes either a screen wire panel with laterally spaced, longitudinally extending locking bars defining a locking profile, or a urethane panel with laterally spaced, longitudinally extending lips or flanges which also define a locking profile. A retainer system is provided for use in securing these panels. The retainer system utilized center retainers that are engagable with industry standard holes in screen stringer rails of a vibrating separating machine. Each center retainer is provided with an array of retainer pins which are spaced to interdigitate with either screen wire tie rod ends or with urethane panel wall recesses to support the screen panel locking bars or the urethane panel flanges adjacent the retainer pins. Locking strips are provided with undercurrent bores that terminate in undercut receptacles. These bores and receptacles are sized to receive center retainer pin shanks and heads. The locking strips and center retainers cooperate to positively secure the snap lock screen wire panels and/or urethane panels in place on a vibrating separatory machine. |
| US07717267B2 |
Snap-lock twist-open card and blister package
A card and blister package for small articles of commerce has a clear plastic blister piece, a card and a retainer piece. The blister piece had an article-receiving cavity and a flange extends along the upper edge of the cavity, and pluralities of upwardly extending locking posts are spaced apart along the flange. The card has openings for receiving therethrough the locking posts and the retainer piece had a plurality of integral downwardly-opening locking caps spaced therealong, whereby when the posts are engaged through the card openings the caps can be snapped into locking engagement with the blister posts so as to secure the card to the blister. Each cap is encircled by an arrangement of perforations, so as to detachably connect the cap to the retainer piece and whereby twisting of the cap will cause it to shear free of the retainer, and rotation through about 90 degrees will cause the caps to unlock from the posts, allowing the package to be opened. |
| US07717264B2 |
Modular container for medical instruments and implants with extruded flexible bracket and rigid holders
A system for organizing, protecting, sterilizing, storing and delivery of surgical instruments, implants and related devices. Post and button fasteners are removably mounted to a tray and hold rigid and flexible bracketry for securing devices within the assembly. A flexible bar for holding items is mounted by a pair of rigid brackets in turn mounted either directly to the tray floor or to a base wall positioned atop the tray floor. |
| US07717261B2 |
Hinge lid aroma pack
A hinge lid pack has a lower pack outerframe and an upper lid hingedly attached to the lower pack outerframe for movement between opened and closed positions. The lid includes front, top, back and opposite sidewall portions. An innerframe is within and upwardly extends from the outerframe, and the innerframe has front and opposite sidewall portions. Microencapsulated aroma surfaces on the pack move across roughened perforations on the pack upon opening of the pack to thereby release flavor by rupturing the microcapsules. |
| US07717259B2 |
Tobacco and cigarette container with poker and magnetic closure
A container for holding a smoker's article. The container has a lid and a body. The body includes a first chamber for holding smoker's articles, and a second chamber for holding a cigarette or a pipe. The lid is rotatably supported atop the container and is rotatable between the position covering both, or at least partially covering one or the other of the two chambers. A magnet in the body cooperates with a magnet in the lid for retaining the lid in the closed position over both chambers. A third small hole or chamber in the body is shaped to receive a magnetized element such as a poker. A magnet at the top of the body removably magnetically retains the poker in its chamber. |
| US07717258B2 |
Container for storing and dispensing product
A disposable container for the storage and/or dispensing of products. The disposable container includes one or more sides that define an external surface and an internal surface. The container includes one or more apertures that extend from the internal surface to the external surface. A carrier material having a volatile material disposed on one side thereof is joined to at least one side of the container and is located adjacent at least one of the apertures. This configuration allows the volatile material, when violatilized, to pass through the aperture(s) to the external environment. |
| US07717255B2 |
End of arm tool, apparatus, and method of engaging an article
A conveying system includes a robotic arm, an end-of-arm-tool, carried by the robotic arm, and a conveyor. In one example, the end of arm tool includes a plurality of engagement mechanisms arranged in an array. Each engagement mechanism includes at least two opposed fingers moveable between engaged and released positions, and is thereby adapted to grasp a soft-sided article from the conveyor. The conveyor includes a plurality of parallel tracks, each track separated from an adjacent track by a groove. A plurality of stops is configured to stop a plurality of soft-sided articles in an array analogous to the arrayed engagement mechanisms of the end-of-arm tool. In operation, the opposed fingers of each engagement mechanism pass through the grooves defined within the conveyor, to grasp upstream and downstream sides of an article, respectively, and underneath the article, which is then lifted by the robotic arm. |
| US07717249B2 |
Electro-mechanical gear selector
An electromagnetic gear-clutch assembly (1) is disclosed. The device comprises a gear (10) having grooves (10c) that open inwardly toward the axis and extend axially. A hub (12) is located within the gear (10) where it is capable of rotating within the gear (10). The hub (12) has grooves (12k) that open outwardly away from the axis and extend axially. Keys (17) are located within the grooves (12k) of the hub (12) and are capable of moving radially toward and away from the axis, the arrangement being such that when the keys (17) are permitted to move away from the axis, at least one will enter one of the grooves (10c) in the gear (10) to couple the gear (10) and huh (12) so that they will rotate in unison. The device also comprises an actuator assembly (3) for effecting radial displacement of the keys (17). |
| US07717246B2 |
Shift device with synchronizer adapted for transmission
A shift device includes a hub, a sleeve splined with the hub, a pair of speed gears located at both sides of the hub, and a pair of synchronizer rings arranged between the hub and the speed gears. Thrust pieces are respectively engageable with projections of the sleeve and movable in notch portions of the hub in an axial direction the shift device. The thrust pieces are formed with first slanted surfaces pressable on chamfers of the synchronizer rings and second slanted surfaces contactable with slanted surfaces of the hub. The thrust pieces engage and move together with the sleeve in the axial direction when the first slanted surfaces press the chamfers of the synchronizer ring and are disengaged from the sleeve before the splines of the sleeve and the speed gear are engaged. |
| US07717239B2 |
Linear damper
A linear damper includes a conical housing with a friction cone in the housing and a rod extending therethrough and axially moveable relative thereto. The friction cone is axially moveable in the housing and radially expandable and contractible to provide clamping force against a rod when the rod is moved in one axial direction and to relieve clamping force from the rod when the rod is moved in the opposite axial direction. |
| US07717237B2 |
Passenger or cargo elevator
A passenger or cargo elevator is disclosed that relies on pull chains in a closed system in which the chains are used both to pull the elevator car and also to pull the counterweights. In this way, it is possible not only to use counterweights that exceed the actual weight of the elevator car, but also additional counterweights of up to 50% of the load to be lifted may be employed without incurring the problem of the chains being jerked suddenly owing to inertia during braking. The pulling motor devices, such as planetary-type speed reducers, are coupled to servomotors which can be used to program the characteristics of the movements required by the elevator. The control system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a servomotor controller which, together with the coders of the servomotors, provide position, speed, and torque characteristics for operation of the system. |
| US07717234B2 |
Lubricating device of internal combustion engine
A lubricating device for an internal combustion engine includes an oil tank chamber defined by being separated from a crank chamber by a partition wall that is formed between a crankcase and a crankcase cover of the internal combustion engine. Oil pumped by a scavenge pump is supplied to a tank supply port which is open at an upper portion of the oil tank chamber to the oil tank chamber. The oil stored in the oil tank chamber is sucked from a feed suction port which is open at a lower portion of the oil tank chamber to be supplied to respective regions for lubrication of the internal combustion engine by a feed pump. An oil passage penetrating inside the oil tank chamber is formed below the tank supply port at an upper portion of the oil tank chamber. |
| US07717233B2 |
Oil tank for engine-driven vehicle
An oil tank uses centrifugal movement of oil to separate blow-by gases. The oil tank has a tank body with an internal oil chamber. The oil chamber is spaced from the walls of the oil tank. The oil is delivered to the oil chamber and the oil swirls along the inner wall of the oil chamber in a helical pattern thereby allowing separation between the oil and the blow-by gases. The oil settles in the bottom of the oil chamber, which is in fluid communication with the region defined between the tank body and the oil chamber. The oil chamber is placed in an off-center location relative to the bottom of the tank body. |
| US07717230B2 |
Device and method for amplifying suction noise
A device for amplifying the suction noise of a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises an intake duct, a connecting pipe and a composite membrane. The intake duct is for feeding air to an engine intake port. A connecting pipe is connected to an interior of the intake duct. The composite membrane is positioned within the connecting pipe. The composite member blocks an interior passage formed in the connecting pipe. The composite member further includes at least two elastic membranes with one of masses and rigidities that different from each other. A method is also disclosed. |
| US07717229B2 |
Gas turbine exhaust sound suppressor and associated methods
The gas turbine exhaust sound suppressor, or exhaust silencer, and method are for a gas turbine and reduce low frequency exhaust flow noise while avoiding the creation of additional acoustical standing waves, e.g. from wake shedding at certain predictable frequencies. A plurality of elongated flow obstruction members, e.g. pipes or airfoils, extend within the exhaust passage to reduce acoustic waves within the exhaust flow, and at least some of the elongated flow obstruction members have different widths. Each of the elongated flow obstruction members is positioned at a respective angle within a predetermined angular range transverse to the flow direction, with the predetermined angular range being greater than or equal to 10 degrees from normal to the flow direction. |
| US07717221B2 |
Throttle linkage for a model vehicle
A throttle linkage for a vehicle engine is provided comprising a vehicle engine and a throttle actuation arm secured for pivotal movement about an axis substantially fixed relative to the engine, the throttle actuation arm having an axis extending from the pivotal axis. A throttle control arm extending from the engine and capable of actuation to adjust engine power is also provided, the throttle arm having an axis extending from a point of connection to the throttle and substantially intersecting the throttle actuation arm axis, along with a coupling for engaging the throttle control arm and throttle actuation arm at approximately the point of intersection of their respective axes, the coupling allowing sliding of the arms along their respective axes, relative to each other. |
| US07717220B2 |
Crossmember center section
A center section for a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises a driveshaft hoop, crossmember attachment areas extending generally from opposing sides thereof, and trailing arm mounts on either side of the driveshaft hoop for attachment of one or more trailing arms to the center section. The crossmember attachment areas have heights that allow attachment of crossmember portions to the center section at offset heights. A method of constructing a crossmember of a vehicle chassis comprises providing a center section having crossmember attachment areas of predetermined heights extending generally from opposite sides of a driveshaft hoop, and attaching crossmember portions within the crossmember attachment areas at heights that are offset from each other. |
| US07717217B2 |
Device for deriving information about displacement of a vehicle component
A collision detecting device which is installed in a vehicle comprises a metallic object to be detected having an extending surface which can be displaced toward a coil sensor according a vehicle collision and is arranged to face the sensor surface of the coil sensor. |
| US07717216B2 |
Automatic safety belt release
This patent discloses a system to release a seatbelt in a vehicle automatically. The system may include a seatbelt sensor, mishap sensors, a controller, and a guillotine unit. The controller may communicate signals with the seatbelt sensor and mishap sensors and the guillotine unit may receive signals from the controller. The guillotine unit may include a webbing guide, a gas chamber having a supply of pressurized gas, and a gas supply line connected between the webbing guide and the gas chamber. The webbing guide may include spring biased piston and a blade attached to the piston at a positioned above a seatbelt webbing of the seatbelt. On receiving a cut signal from the controller, pressurized gas from the gas chamber may be released to cause the piston to move the blade through the seatbelt webbing to slice through seatbelt webbing. |
| US07717210B2 |
Vehicle
A vehicle for transporting a person has a chassis (103) and four wheels (105a, 105b, 150c, 105d) supporting the chassis above a ground surface. The wheels enable the vehicle to move along the ground surface. Each of the four wheels is adjustable in position to enable the wheelbase length and track width of the vehicle to be changed. Each of the wheels is steerable to enable the changes in the wheelbase length and the track width to be effected whether the vehicle is substantially stationary or in motion. |
| US07717208B2 |
Closeable motor vehicle radiator grill arrangement
A closeable motor vehicle radiator grill arrangement (1), comprising a radiator grill (2) which comprises at least one through-flow opening (3) for air in the direction of the approach flow (A) and which is provided on the outer side of the radiator grill arrangement. The inventive device also comprises a single pieced connection element structure (5) which is provided on the inner side of the radiator grill arrangement (1) adjacent to the radiator grill (2). The connection element structure can be moved in relation to the radiator grill in order to close the air through-flow opening (3). |
| US07717200B2 |
Coaxial two-wheel vehicle
A coaxial two-wheel vehicle is provided. The coaxial two-wheel vehicle includes a step plate for a rider to ride on; a vehicle body supporting the step plate to be capable of changing a posture in a roll direction of rotating around a roll axis as the center when a traveling direction is set to the roll axis; and a pair of wheels disposed on the same axis at both sides of the vehicle body in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction and rotatably supported by the vehicle body. Further, the coaxial two-wheel vehicle includes a pair of wheel drivers driving and rotating the pair of wheels independently and a control lever directly changing a posture of the step plate or indirectly changing the posture through the vehicle body. |
| US07717199B2 |
Cutting elements and bits incorporating the same
Cutting elements and bits incorporating such cutting elements. The cutting elements include a substrate having an interface surface over which is formed an ultra hard material layer. A plurality of lands are formed on the interface surface including a land surrounded by spaced-apart lands extending to a periphery of the substrate. |
| US07717193B2 |
AC powered service rig
An electrically-powered service rig utilizes an engine-driven generator to power a propulsion system, a drawworks system and a sandline system, all mounted on a single mobile platform. The rig utilizes lightweight permanent magnet motors to enable integration of the systems onto a single mobile platform which meets transport regulations. The rig's power plant is capable of powering other onsite equipment such as mud pump motors through use of umbilicals connected to the engine-driven generator. |
| US07717192B2 |
Multi-mode drill with mode collar
A drill includes a housing and a motor coupled to an output member by a transmission. The transmission can selectively couple the output member to an output spindle through a low speed output gear or a high speed output gear for rotating the output spindle at a first speed or a second speed, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, a low speed mode can be provided by actuating an electronic switch that limits the speed of the motor. A rotatably fixed hammer member and a rotatable hammer member can be mounted around the output spindle. A mode collar can be rotatably mounted on the housing and around the output member for movement to positions that correspond to various mode of operation, including a low speed mode, a high speed mode, and a hammer-drilling mode. In the hammer-drilling mode, the transmission operates in the high speed mode. |
| US07717181B2 |
Artificial lift system
An artificial lift system provides an artificial lift design specifically for the pumping of liquids from natural gas wells, but not limited to this application. In doing so, production rates and reserves recovered can be significantly increased. The artificial lift system uses small diameter continuous tubing to run the pump in the hole and deliver small volumes of high pressure dry gas as a power fluid to the pump. This power fluid forces liquid that has been drawn into the pump from the bottom of the wellbore to surface. By removing the liquids from the wellbore the natural gas can flow unrestricted to surface. The design and equipment allow for a cost effective artificial lift alternative. |
| US07717179B2 |
Method and apparatus to set a plug
The invention provides an apparatus to be lowered in a borehole, comprising: (i) a delivery section for delivering a plugging fluid; (ii) a setting section comprising a longitudinal element and a flexible and permeable sleeve into which the plugging fluid is delivered; and (iii) a disconnect mechanism to allow the delivery section to be disconnected from the setting section, characterized in that the flexible sleeve is connected by at least one floating means to the longitudinal element. Additionally, the invention provides a method of installing a plug in a borehole, comprising: positioning the apparatus as described above in the borehole at a position at which the plug is to be installed, pumping fluid into the flexible sleeve via the delivery section so as to inflate the flexible sleeve, disconnecting the setting section from the delivery section, pumping an excess of the fluid into the borehole above the plug and withdrawing the delivery section from the borehole leaving the setting section at the position, said setting section acting as the plug. |
| US07717167B2 |
Switchable power allocation in a downhole operation
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a tool to operate downhole. The tool includes a heater. The tool also includes a cooler. The tool includes a controller to control allocation of power between the heater and the cooler based on a temperature downhole, power usage, a time delay or a pressure downhole. |
| US07717166B2 |
Fin stock for a heat exchanger and a heat exchanger
The invention relates to a fin stock material having aluminum, where the material also has a tensile strength of between approximately 14,000 and approximately 26,000 psi, an elongation of less than 30%, and a hardness of between approximately 50 and approximately 70 on a Rockwell 15T scale. |
| US07717162B2 |
Passive fluid recovery system
A fluid recovery system is adapted for use with a cooling system, such as for use in electronic applications. In one example, an enclosure is configured to contain fluid in both gas and liquid states, wherein the fluid is adapted for use in spray cooling electronic components. A plurality of pick-up ports is defined within the enclosure. In one implementation of the cooling system, an orifice size used in each of the pick-up ports results in withdrawal of fluid from submerged and non-submerged pick-up ports. |
| US07717158B2 |
Side window roll-up shade with cable drive
A side window roll-up shade which has a pull rod attached to a movable edge of a roll-up shade material. The pull rod is carried by two support rods which are guided so that they can move vertically within the door body. At the bottom end of each support rod, a cable is attached, which runs either to a spring motor or to a cable pulley. |
| US07717150B2 |
Manufacturing facility of absorbent body, absorbent body and absorbent article
A shuffling hand feeling and unwanted non-uniform absorption characteristics in the case of using a tow (fiber bundle) are prevented.An absorbent body includes a fiber aggregate 21 formed by opening the tow, a super absorbent polymer 54, and a sheet covering these components; and includesthe super absorbent polymer 54 bonded to the sheet 58 with an adhesive that is applied in a continuous plane to the entire surface or the substantially entire surface of at least the portion to be provided with the super absorbent polymer 54 in this sheet 58. |
| US07717148B2 |
Machine having web tension nulling mechanism
A machine is provided having a web tension nulling mechanism that is effective to cancel out web tension-effect forces exerted on machine members, such as rollers, so these forces to not substantially interfere with the position of the machine members during operation of the machine. |
| US07717146B2 |
Pneumatic tire and noise damper assembly
A pneumatic tire and noise damper assembly comprises a pneumatic tire, a noise damper being attached to an inner surface of the tire and extending in the circumferential direction of the tire, and a protective cover being detachably attached to the tire and protecting the noise damper from ultraviolet rays and water. |
| US07717144B1 |
Device for applying salt and melted butter into popcorn
A device for applying salt and melted butter into popcorn which comprises a perforated straw-like component having a sealed lower end. A funnel component is integral with an upper end of the perforated straw-like component. When the perforated straw-like component is inserted into the popcorn, salt and melted butter will be poured into the funnel component and flow out through the perforated straw-like component into the popcorn. |
| US07717143B2 |
Heated outlet valve for a hydrogen storage tank
A compressed gas storage tank that has particular application for storing hydrogen for a fuel cell system. The compressed gas tank includes a cylindrical adapter and valve through which the hydrogen is removed from the tank. A low cost generator is positioned in the tank and has a rotating element positioned in a channel extending through the adapter. As hydrogen is removed from the tank, the mass flow of the hydrogen causes the rotating element to rotate which causes the generator to generate electricity. One or more resistive heating element are positioned in the adapter, preferably proximate to tank seals, that receive an electrical current from the generator that heats the resistive heating element and the adapter to increase the temperature of the adapter and the hydrogen being removed from the tank. |
| US07717142B2 |
Method for the production of a filled metering pump arrangement
A method for the production of a filled metering pump arrangement fills a product capable of flow into a film bag, which is accommodated in a container. The film bag and the container are closed by means of a pump that can be activated manually, which blocks a fluid connection between an outlet opening and the interior of the film bag, in the unstressed state, by means of at least one kick-back valve. Furthermore, the gas situated in the film bag is removed, at least approximately completely, by having at least one feed channel remain open in the container after it has been closed by the pump. By means of the at least one feed channel, a fluid that is under pressure is introduced into the container so that the film bag is compressed in the container and as a result, the gases situated in the film bag are ejected from it through the pump and/or through a bypass channel that circumvents it. |
| US07717139B2 |
Polyamide/polyolefin blends containing carbon nanotubes
The present invention relates to polyamide/polyolefin blends containing carbon nanotubes. The invention also relates to structures comprising at least one layer of these blends and optionally at least one layer of another material. These structures may be in the form of bottles, tanks, containers, hoses, pipes and vessels of any kind. These structures may be manufactured using the standard techniques for thermoplastics, such as injection moulding, extrusion-blow moulding and coextrusion. The present invention, according to one embodiment, relates to a multilayer tube comprising, in its radial direction from the outside inwards: an outer layer (1) form from a polyamide chosen from PA-11 and PA-12; a layer (2) formed from a tie; an optional layer (3) formed from an EVOH; optionally, a tie layer (this does not exist if no layer (3) is present); an inner layer (4) formed from a polyamide (A)/polyolefin (B) blend having a polyamide matrix and containing carbon nanotubes; with the layers being successive and adhering to one another in their respective areas of contact. |
| US07717138B2 |
Composite hose with corrugated metal tube
A composite hose with a corrugated metal tube has a hose body having a corrugated metal tube and an outer layer. The corrugated metal tube includes a non-corrugated straight-walled portion on an end portion thereof, and a rigid insert pipe is inserted in the straight-walled portion. A socket fitting is fitted on the hose body by being swaged thereon radially inwardly, and an inner circumferential end portion of the collar portion and an outer circumferential surface of the insert pipe compress an extending portion of the straight-walled portion to fix the straight-walled portion onto the insert pipe and provide a seal between the outer circumferential surface of the insert pipe and an inner circumferential surface of the straight-walled portion. A fracture preventing mechanism is provided on a hose end portion for preventing fracture of the straight-walled portion. |
| US07717127B2 |
Diaphragm valve
A diaphragm valve includes a valve body and a compressor which is actuatable by a valve stem for operating a diaphragm and has an outer circumference which is formed with at least one axial groove. The compressor is guided by an intermediate piece in axial direction and restrained by the intermediate piece against rotation. The intermediate piece has an inside wall which is formed with at least one axial guide nose for engagement in the groove of the compressor. |
| US07717125B2 |
Collapsible panel assembly
An assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering selected portions of the respective frame member to form the respective panel when the respective frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A connection system is provided to removably connect the first and second panels. |
| US07717119B1 |
Tobacco product
A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. |
| US07717113B2 |
System and process for supplying respiratory gas under pressure or volumetrically
The object of the invention is a device for supplying respiratory gas to a patient according to respiratory cycles, comprising a gaseous flow rate generator provided with a turbine with low inertia and high nominal speed, a first circuit called a supply circuit for the gaseous flow toward a respiratory mask or an intubation means of the patient, means for measuring pressure and/or measuring flow rate of the gaseous flow, computation means for parameters of pressure and/or flow rate, and means for controlling the speed of rotation of the generator, characterized in that the measuring means, the computation means and the speed control means coact automatically to control the speed of rotation of the turbine as a function of the inspiration and expiration phases and as a function of patient pressure signals and/or inspiration flow rate signals. |
| US07717107B2 |
Smokeless cooker
A smokeless cooker includes a table located indoors, with a cabinet, which may include a plurality of individual boxes stacked and assembled together, below the table. A gas-discharge flow path leads from the cabinet to the outdoors. The cabinet includes an inner box with an open upper portion in an upper opening section of an outer box. An installed cooking means is located inside the inner box. A suction flow path is formed outside the inner box, with a suction hole in the inner wall of the suction flow path above a heating surface of the installed cooking means. The gas-discharge flow path includes a fat/oil filtering section, an absorption deodorizing section, a HEPA filter and a fan. A duct leading to the outdoors is present at the downstream side of the HEPA filter. |
| US07717105B2 |
Gas radiation burner
A gas radiation burner for improving the efficiency of burning by promoting mixing of fuel gas and air is disclosed. The gas radiation burner includes a gas supply member for injecting gas, at least one mixing pipe for suctioning air along with the gas injected from the gas supply member to produce mixture gas and injecting the produced mixture gas, a burner pot for receiving the mixture gas supplied from the mixing pipe, a burner mat mounted at a top of the burner pot and adapted to emit radiation heat that is generated as the mixture gas supplied from the burner pot burns on the burner mat, and a burner housing located on a top of the burner mat and defining a burning chamber therein. The mixing pipe is connected to a predetermined position of a lateral portion of the burner pot such that the mixture gas supplied from the mixing pipe flows along an inner peripheral surface of the burner pot. |
| US07717103B2 |
Arrow rest assembly for an archery bow
An arrow rest assembly is connected to an archery bow so that an arrow rest is: (i) positioned to support the shaft of an arrow nocked and ready for drawing or drawn and ready for shooting, (ii) positioned to support the shaft of the arrow during an early portion of shooting of the arrow by the bow, and (iii) to allow substantially unimpeded passage of the fletching of the arrow during only the latter portion of shooting of the arrow by the bow. The arrow rest assembly exerts only substantially negligible force on any cable of the bow when the bow is drawn. |
| US07717100B2 |
Breather structure of engine
A breather structure of an engine having a crank case and a cylinder fastened to an upper side of the crank case can improve the strength of a cylinder and can prevent an increase of weight of the engine. The breather structure is provided with a breather chamber integrally formed with the cylinder in an outer peripheral wall of the cylinder, and the breather chamber separates air including an oil mist within the crank case into an oil component and a gas component, returns the oil component into an oil reservoir of the engine, and discharges the gas component out of the crank case. |
| US07717096B2 |
Fuel processor apparatus and method
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for premixing fuel and oxidant for combustion. The methods and apparatus may include a two stage vortex, each stage accommodating different flow rate ranges. The vortex pulverizes fuel and optimally mixes the fuel with an oxidant prior to introduction into a combustion chamber. The premixing results in more complete combustion and, consequently, fuel efficiency may be increased and pollution may be decreased. The present invention also enables introduction of fuel and oxidant to an engine without creating any shockwaves in engine cylinders, which may otherwise occur with current fuel injection systems. |
| US07717091B2 |
Fuel supply systems
A fuel supply system includes a pressure regulator (16) regulating the pressure of fuel supplied from a fuel pump (14). A valve device (18) is associated with the pressure regulator (16) for controlling the pressure of the fuel regulated by the pressure regulator (16). The valve device (18) supplies a part of the fuel as a control fluid to the pressure regulator (16). The part of the fuel supplied from the valve device (18) as the control fluid is not discharged into a fuel tank (12) when the pressure regulator (16) regulates the pressure of the fuel to have a higher value. |
| US07717090B2 |
Fuel-feeding devices
A fuel-feeding device may preferably include a reservoir cup disposed in a fuel tank that contains liquid fuel therein, a fuel pump capable of feeding the liquid fuel contained in the reservoir cup to an engine, a pressure regulator capable of controlling a fuel pressure of the liquid fuel fed to the engine from the fuel pump, a jet pump arranged and constructed to receive a part of the pressurized liquid fuel pumped from the fuel pump via a fuel jet path, so as to introduce liquid fuel outside the reservoir cup into to the reservoir cup with the aid of flow of the pressurized liquid fuel, and a flow rate control valve disposed in the fuel jet path. The flow rate control valve is arranged and constructed to control a flow rate of the pressurized liquid fuel fed to the jet pump depending upon a pumping rate of the pressurized liquid fuel pumped from the fuel pump. |
| US07717088B2 |
Method of detecting and compensating for injector variability with a direct injection system
A method for controlling fuel injection of a direct injection fuel system, the fuel system having a fuel pump, the method comprising: variably operating the fuel pump to maintain a fuel pressure at a selected pressure, temporarily increasing pump operation to increase pressure sufficiently above said selected pressure and then reducing pump operation; during at least a fuel injection subsequent to the reduction in pump operation, correlating pressure decrease to injector operation, and adjusting fuel injection operation based on the correlation. |
| US07717077B2 |
Internal combustion engine starting system and method
A starting system is provided for delivering pressurized fuel to an engine to start the engine without a starter. The starting system includes an accumulator for storing pressurized fuel during engine operation and engine shut-down. During engine start-up, the accumulator delivers the stored pressurized fuel to the engine to start the engine. The accumulator is in fluid communication with a low pressure fuel reservoir and the engine. The accumulator includes an accumulator housing defining an accumulator cavity and including an accumulator piston and spring assembly, which is moveable longitudinally within the accumulator cavity. An electronic control module (ECM) is in electronic control with the starting system and the engine. The ECM is operable to activate the accumulator, forcing pressurized fuel stored within the accumulator into a high-pressure fuel line for injection into the engine, to generate at least one starting combustion event to start the engine without a starter. |
| US07717070B2 |
Optimized cooling system for a motorized vehicle
The present invention provides engine-cooling module assemblies. One engine-cooling assembly includes an engine block and a cooling module including a coolant channel integrated into the engine block. Parallel to the coolant channel is a bypass channel integrated in the engine block and through which a portion of a coolant stream is conducted to an oil/coolant heat exchanger. The present invention also provides a method for cooling oil circulating in an oil circuit of an engine by means of a coolant. The coolant runs through a coolant channel that is formed of both a portion of the engine block and a portion of the cooling module. |
| US07717056B2 |
System and method for coating tubes
The present invention relates to coating of tubes, and more particularly to a system and method for coating and/or renovating deteriorated or pitted tubes to extend tube life and enhance performance. Using this system and method a thin coating is applied to the interior of a tube such that the coating is uniform in thickness and covers all regions of the tube. The coating material may be selected to minimize changes in heat transfer or may be selected to provide for the change in working fluid within the tube such that the working fluid does not negatively interact with the tube material. |
| US07717050B2 |
Presser foot drive structure for embroidery machine
A presser foot drive structure of an embroidery machine, by which a vertically movable presser foot for preventing a sheet of cloth to be sewn from rising in a sewing operation is vertically moved inside a sewing head. The presser foot drive structure includes a presser foot drive holder, which is vertically slidable and is mounted on the outer circumference of a needle bar, which is vertically driven; a presser foot drive shaft, which is disposed parallel to the needle bar via the presser foot drive holder; and the presser foot, which is disposed at the lower end of the presser foot drive shaft and vertically reciprocates. It is possible to reduce the stroke of a presser foot so that it is smaller than that of a needle bar, enhance the supporting force for a needle bar, and reduce the shaking of a presser foot. |
| US07717049B2 |
Gripper for a tufting machine
A gripper (3) for a tufting machine comprises a gripper body (9) having a cutout (22) for a cutting insert (10), said cutting insert preferably consisting of a hard metal. Connecting means acting in a form-closed manner are provided for the connection of the cutting insert (10) with the gripper body (9). In their simplest embodiment, said connecting means are formed by the deformation regions (37, 38) that are provided on the gripper body (9) and that reach around matching cutouts (33, 34) of the cutting insert (10). |
| US07717047B2 |
Friction drive population control for a planter
A friction drive for an agricultural planter has a linear actuator, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically controlled, to selectively raise or lower a drive wheel into frictional engagement with a carrying wheel. A valve network is fluidly associated with the linear actuator and allows the operator or pilot to variably define the degree of frictional engagement. This allows the operator to vary the amount of frictional engagement of the drive wheel and the carrying wheel, the output of which is used by a material dispensing system to deposited planting material onto a planting surface. |
| US07717046B2 |
High pressure dry coal slurry extrusion pump
A system for providing highly pressurized raw fuel to a pressure reactor. The system includes an inlet for receiving the raw fuel and a roller system communicating with the inlet. The roller system includes a plurality of independent rollers arranged in two converging planes. The rollers of the roller system successively compress the raw fuel as the raw fuel passes through the roller system between the rollers, such that the fuel is highly pressurized when it reaches an output end of the roller system. An outlet is located adjacent the output end of the roller system to dispense the pressurized raw fuel to the pressure reactor. |
| US07717044B2 |
Split-level bar counter
A bar counter (100) for use standing across a relatively upper floor (10) and a relatively lower floor (13) interconnected by steps (11 and 12), comprises a body (110) having a first side (110R) on the upper floor (10) and an opposite second side (110F) on the lower floor (13). The body (110) has a bottom (120) adapted to engage said upper and lower floors (10 and 13) and includes a top (130) having a relatively higher horizontal surface (130H) on the first side (110R) and a relatively lower horizontal surface (130L) on the second side (110F), for use by people on opposite sides of the counter (100). |
| US07717043B2 |
Apparatus for decelerating a train
Methods and apparatus for decelerating a train are provided. The method including: disposing a movable surface configured to be moved by the train as the train passes the movable surface; and converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface by the train to thereby decelerate the train. The apparatus including a railway upon which a train travels. The railway including: a movable surface extending in a direction of the train's travel; and potential energy storage device operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the train into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the train. |
| US07717039B2 |
Rotating bodies of a printing press comprising a barrel
A rotating body of a printing press includes a barrel that has a base body and an outer body which at least partially surrounds the base body. The external body, or at least one channel which is located in the barrel is traversed by a temperature control medium. The outer body or the at least one channel is thermally insulated with respect to the base body. |
| US07717036B2 |
Multifunctional tape printer of tape measure
A multifunctional tape printer of tape measure, is provided with a main frame (1), a small number (for foot) roller (3) with the perimeter of 3 feet or/and a small number (for meter) roller (5) with the perimeter of 1 meter mounted on the main frame (1), pinch rollers and rubber brush on the rollers as well as ink supply device and tape conveying devices, which constitute the main body of the tape printer, the tape printer being featured by that an additional functional component of a large number (foot) roller (4) or/and large number (meter) roller (6) are mounted on the main frame (1) for matching with the small number (for foot) roller (3) with the perimeter of 3 feet or/and the small number (for meter) roller (5) with the perimeter of 1 meter, the large number roller(s) is/are kept at the same linear velocity to that of the small number roller(s), moreover, the large number roller and small number roller, through the proportioning of mechanical transmission rotating speed, achieve that when a small number roller rotates for one circle, the corresponding large number roller will rotate for an angle of a large number unit. It can print both large numbers and small numbers mechanically at the same time, which has high efficiency, fine printing precision and low rate of rejects and can reduce labor intensity. |
| US07717035B1 |
Embossing apparatus and method for mounting embossing plates
An apparatus for embossing a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a die with a metal backing layer that carries a polymer layer. The polymer layer has a female pattern formed through laser engraving. The metal backing layer of the die is capable of being magnetically attached to a magnetic cylinder. A counter die is also included and has a metal backing layer that carries a polymer layer. The polymer layer has a male pattern formed thereon through laser engraving. The metal backing layer of the counter die is capable of being magnetically attached to a magnetic cylinder. An alternative apparatus is provided that includes a male and female starting member to aid in aligning the patterns. Another apparatus is included that has male and female register tracts for keeping the die and counter die in register with one another. An associated method is also provided. |
| US07717034B2 |
Pallet nail press and method
A pallet nail press for embedding outwardly extended fasteners of a pallet, particularly a block-type pallet having a top surface formed by a plurality of top-deck panels. The press includes a main support frame and an anvil surface having a plurality of plates resiliently attached to the press frame. The hammer beam and the anvil plates are vertically aligned. A mechanism for compressing the pallet between the hammer beam and the plurality of anvil plates is used for pressing the outwardly extended fasteners against the resiliently mounted anvil plates for embedding the fasteners in the top surface of the top-deck panels of the pallet. |
| US07717019B2 |
Lathe
The present invention provides a lathe which accumulates a reduced amount of chips on a slide member serving as a tool holder mounting base and which enables a reduction in the forward-backward dimension of the entire lathe. A lathe includes a spindle 2 that rotatably supports a workpiece and processing means 4 located in front of the spindle 2. The lathe moves one or both of the spindle 2 and the processing means 4 forward and backward to execute machining on the workpiece. The processing means 4 includes a tool 40, a tool holder 41 that supports the tool 40, and a slide member 42 which is slidable in a lateral direction and which supports the tool holder 41. The slide member 42 has an inclined surface 42c that is positioned lower as the inclined surface 42c approaches the spindle 2 and on which the tool holder 41 is mounted and supported. |
| US07717016B2 |
Tool handle for an exchangeable screwdriver
A tool handle for an exchangeable screwdriver includes a handle, a retaining unit and a control unit. The retaining unit is mounted in one end of the handle. The retaining unit has a retaining hole defined therein and extending therethrough. The retaining unit has a recess defined in a lateral thereof and communicated with the retaining hole. The retaining unit has at least one connecting portion disposed between the recess and the retaining hole. The control unit is received in the recess. The control unit has at least one resilient arm extending therefrom. The at least one resilient arm passes the recess and is abutted against the at least one connecting portion to selectively extend to the retaining hole. |
| US07717010B2 |
Transmission comprising a displaceable shift fork and an actuator
The invention relates to a gearbox comprising a shift fork (4) that is displaced by an actuator using a shaft (2), whereby a rotational displacement of said shaft is translated into a displacement of the shift fork. To achieve an accurate displacement with minimum installation space, the gate (14) is configured on a sleeve (13) that is connected to the shift fork unit (4) in a rotationally fixed manner, said sleeve acting on the shift fork unit (4) in the direction of the displacement by means of a spring (24) and the shaft (2) runs through the sleeve (13), said shaft comprising a finger (11) that protrudes radially and co-operates with the gate. The shift fork unit (4) forms a housing (8) that surrounds the sleeve (13) and the spring accumulator (24) and that comprises bearing surfaces (34), by means of which the shift fork unit (4) is guided on the shaft (2) in the direction of the displacement. |
| US07717006B2 |
Shift range switching apparatus and method for switching shift range
A shift range switching apparatus connects with a motor for switching a shift range of an automatic transmission. The shift range switching apparatus includes a switching unit that is operated by the motor for switching the shift range. The shift range switching apparatus further includes a control unit that outputs a driving current to the motor for switching the shift range to one of a P range, an R range, an N range, and a D range. The control unit controls the driving current at one of a plurality of set values in accordance with a switching pattern of the shift range. The switching pattern may be defined by a combination of two of the P range, the R range, the N range, and the D range. |
| US07717005B2 |
Slide mechanism of linear transmission apparatus
A slide mechanism of a linear transmission apparatus includes an actuating mechanism, a guide screw and a slide mechanism. The slide mechanism includes a fixing base, a primary guide rail, left and right secondary guide rails and a slide element. The fixing base has a through hole for passing the guide screw. The primary guide rail and each secondary guide rail are engaged to the guide screw and connected to the fixing base. The primary guide rail has a top panel and two side panels. Each secondary guide rail has an extended panel protruded from a side proximate to the primary guide rail. The top of each extended panel is not lower than the bottom of the side panel, and the slide element is sheathed onto the exterior of the guide rail, and a nut secured to the guide screw is formed in each guide rail. |
| US07717003B2 |
Measuring device for detecting the state of wear of the bore walls of two interpenetrating housing bores
A measuring device for detecting the state of wear of the bore walls of two interpenetrating housing bores, having mutually parallel bore axes, of at least two-shaft screw extruders has a carriage provided with rear drive wheels, front guide wheels and contactlessly operating distance sensors which can each be pivotally driven about a bore axis and can be positioned at a distance from the respective bore wall. |
| US07716998B2 |
Device for measuring reaction moments and forces on a lever
A device (1) for measuring reaction moments and forces on a lever (2) with at least one receptacle (9) for the lever (2) and with at least one carrier (42), wherein the receptacle (9) is fixed on the carrier (42) in opposite measurement directions deflectable relative to the carrier (42), and the device (1) is further provided with at least one fixed, supported sensor (50) for measuring deflections of the lever (2). |
| US07716997B2 |
Parasitic tags for action annotation
A sensing device is used to consolidate and time-synchronize Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or other clinical data from patient monitoring devices provided by a plurality of different vendors having proprietary event data formats. The automation of logging of events due to external forces applied to patient monitoring devices detected by the sensing device improves the timing in and completeness of nurses' notes. Furthermore, the sensing device provides an easy way to synchronize or consolidate data from multiple vendors' patient monitoring devices. |
| US07716996B2 |
Wheel, test stand and method for determining aerodynamic characteristics of a test vehicle
A wheel is provided for a test vehicle. The wheel has a rim and a hub, and whereby at least one force sensor is placed in the flux of force between the hub and the rim. A test stand is provided with the test vehicle that has multiple vehicle wheels and one or more of these vehicle wheels is embodied as a wheel with a force sensor placed between the hub and the rim. An appropriate procedure is provided for determining the aerodynamic characteristics of the test vehicle. Especially with a test stand equipped with a wide belt, the forces relevant to measurement of the drag coefficients can be reliably measured with the aid of the specific wheel with the force sensor. Use of overhead scales that have an undesired effect on the flow can be dispensed with. |
| US07716983B2 |
Capacitive acceleration sensor
The invention relates to measuring devices used in the measuring of acceleration and, more specifically, to capacitive acceleration sensors. The capacitive acceleration sensor according to the present invention contains a movable electrode (5) supported at an axis of rotation (7). The capacitance change in the pair of electrodes of the acceleration sensor, according to the present invention, is enhanced. The acceleration sensor structure, according to the present invention, enables improving the capacitance sensitivity of the pair of electrodes based on rotational motion and measuring acceleration with good performance in capacitive acceleration sensor designs. |
| US07716981B2 |
Capacitive rain sensor
A capacitive rain sensor for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a printed circuit board with sensor structures laminated thereon and with electronic components, wherein the sensor structures and the electronic components are arranged on different sides of the printed circuit board. |
| US07716980B1 |
Pitot probe with water blockage prevention
Pitot probes are described that are designed to prevent water blockage of the probe's air pressure orifice. The pitot probes are small, inexpensive, light weight and do not require power for heat generation. This makes the pitot probes particularly useful for use on UAV's and other small aircraft where size, cost, weight and power constraints are a major concern. The pitot probes utilize passive methods in the form of geometrical and material configurations to prevent blockage of the pitot probes by water droplets. The probes can also include water reservoirs that store collected water. |
| US07716976B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining tire location in a tire pressure monitoring system using directional low frequency initiation
A method is provided for determining tire location in a tire pressure monitoring system having the steps of generating an initiation frequency signal having a controllable output adapted to be received by a selected one of a plurality of tires of the tire pressure monitoring system. At least two tires of the tire pressure monitoring system have associated initiation signal receivers. The method also includes transmitting a response signal from the selected tire receiving the initiation signal, the response signal having at least a unique identification signal portion associated with the selected tire. The method also receives the transmitted response signal and associates the identification signal with a location of the selected tire. |
| US07716973B1 |
Measurement of automobile exhaust flow
A method of overcoming the problems of measuring the exhaust flow during pulsating and reversing flow by placing a “box” in series within a few feet of the connecting pipe to serve as a filter. The box is constructed with soft expandable sides, so it can expand with the pressure pulsations and then contract, creating a very smooth flow that can be measured with a measuring device at the exit of the flow from the box. |
| US07716969B2 |
Methods and devices for simultaneously monitoring colloid particles and soluble components during reactions
A method and apparatus for continuously extracting liquid in at least two separate streams from a vessel, continuously diluting and/or conditioning a first stream in one or more stages, producing, as a result of the extraction, dilution and/or conditioning, the first stream consisting of a dispersion of particles to be characterized, and diluting and/or conditioning a second stream, the second stream consisting of soluble components; and subjecting the first and second streams to various characterizing measurements. |
| US07716965B2 |
Electrochemical sensor having suspended element counter electrode and deflection method for current sensing
An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending. |
| US07716964B2 |
Leak detector for a pressurized cylinder
A leak detector apparatus for a pressurized cylinder having a cylinder of a radius (r) with a slidable piston in the cylinder with a gas filled chamber positioned between a cylinder end and the piston face. The length (L) of the chamber is calculated according to load changes on the piston where the volume (Vc) of the chamber changes. The pressure and temperature of the chamber are measured as well as the length. These values are inputted to a processor to solve the ideal gas law equation PV=nRT where a change in n for a change in length indicates a leak. |
| US07716961B2 |
Method for executing water jet peening
A method for executing water jet peening for giving an impact force to a surface of a structure member by a crushing pressure of a water jet and cavitation and improving residual stress, or washing, or reforming said surface,wherein said water jet peening is executed so as to make a natural frequency of oscillation of said structure member and a excitation frequency of oscillation of water jet peening different from each other. |
| US07716956B2 |
Attachment means
The invention provides a three-dimensional structure having at least one structure surface, the structure being adapted to be attached to an apertured surface with the structure surface facing the apertured surface; and a curved hook element having a base and a distal end, the distal end of the hook element being adapted for insertion into an aperture in the apertured surface, and the base of the curved hook element being slidably affixed to the structure surface of the three-dimensional structure such that movement of the base is constrained along a line within the structure surface. The device can be used in a method of attachment onto an apertured surface, in particular the inner surface of an automatic laundry washing machine drum, and is particularly suitable for dispensing rinse additives into the rinse cycle of an automatic washing machine. |
| US07716951B2 |
Method for manufacturing article comprising deposited fine glass particles
A method of producing a glass-particle-deposited body that has a small diameter variation and the like resulting from alteration of the deposition condition is offered. When the glass-particle-deposited body is produced, a burner row constituted by placing a plurality of burners is moved relative to a starting member, and glass particles ejected from the burners are deposited on the starting member. In the method of producing a glass-particle-deposited body, alteration of the deposition condition is performed during the course of the deposition of the glass particles on the starting member. The method of producing a glass-particle-deposited body has a feature in that the alteration of the deposition condition is performed at least twice and that the burner positions along the length of the starting member at which the deposition condition is altered are placed at intervals shorter than the intervals between burners. |
| US07716946B2 |
Accumulator with deflector
A deflector for an accumulator for an air conditioning system acts as a barrier to substantially prevent incoming liquid from entering a conduit which is primarily for gas. Fluid entering the accumulator comprises gas and liquid. The deflector also assists with the separation of gas from liquid, with reduced turbulence, to decrease the likelihood of liquid becoming re-entrained within the gas. An initial contact surface of the deflector receives the incoming fluid. The initial contact surface is substantially convex, so that liquid reflecting off the surface will be travel in a direction away (or different) from the flow of incoming fluid. The initial contact surface is also angled to direct liquid reflecting off it (or flowing down it) downward and outward. |
| US07716943B2 |
Heating/cooling system
A heat pump system including a first heating/cooling exchange loop including a refrigerant to water heat exchanger to produce a first output. A second heating/cooling exchange loop includes a refrigerant to forced air heat exchanger to produce a second output. A compressor is fluidly coupled to the first heating/cooling exchange loop and the second heating/cooling exchange loop. A controller is connected to control the first output and the second output and to transmit control signals to the at least one compressor, for balancing the first output and the second output responsive to a structural heating/cooling load. |
| US07716942B2 |
Service valve assembly and air conditioner having the same
An air conditioner having a service valve assembly which comprises a connection body connected with a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows, and having a penetration passage through which the refrigerant flows; an opening/closing unit disposed in the connection body, and having a blocking hole for opening/closing the passage of the refrigerant flowing through the penetration passage; a plurality of ports disposed at the connection body, respectively, by a particular interval therebetween, connected with the penetration passage, and having an opened end portion, respectively; and a filter unit removably coupled to each end portion of the ports such that the refrigerant flowing through the penetration passage is bypassed to the ports to thus be filtered thereby, whereby it is possible to basically solve the problem in a blocking caused by moisture and foreign materials within a circulation system of the air conditioner, and to simplify the construction of the system by being provided with a filter and a drier which are removable. |
| US07716939B1 |
Method and apparatus for cooling electronic components
A method of cooling at least one electronic component that is configured to generate a predetermined waste heat includes providing a first fluid channeling sub-system that has a first fluid source and at least one controller. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first fluid towards the electronic component. The method further includes configuring the at least one controller to facilitate substantially maintaining at least a portion of the first fluid channeling sub-system at a predetermined pressure. |
| US07716933B2 |
Multi-channel fuel manifold
A fuel manifold for a gas turbine engine having a first peripheral surface having a first channel defined therein and a second peripheral surface having a second channel defined therein, each of the first and second channels being sealingly enclosed to define a corresponding conduit. |
| US07716931B2 |
Method and apparatus for assembling gas turbine engine
A method for assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing a combustor having a combustor liner assembly defining a combustion chamber. An outer combustor liner includes a radially extending first end that defines a combustion chamber input opening. An axially extending second end of the outer combustor liner defines a combustion chamber output opening. The first end transitions into the second end to form an arcuate cross-sectional shape of the outer combustor liner. A dome assembly is coupled to the first end of the combustor liner that extends downstream from the dome assembly. A fuel nozzle is positioned within a cyclone formed on the dome assembly and configured in a radial configuration. |
| US07716930B2 |
Integrated plant cooling system
An integrated power plant cooling system for an electrical generating power plant driven by a gas turbine to cool power plant components is provided. The integrated cooling system includes a heat source extracted from the power plant and an absorption chiller utilizing energy from the heat source to cool a chilling medium. An integrated cooling skid includes heat removal devices for a plurality of power plant components. The chilling medium output from the absorption chiller is circulated to the heat removal devices for the power plant components of the integrated cooling skid. Plant cooling water may remove heat from the absorption chiller. |
| US07716928B2 |
External combustion engine
An external combustion engine includes: a main container sealed with a working fluid in a liquid state adapted to flow; a heater for heating a portion of the working fluid in the main container and generating the vapor of the working fluid; a cooler for cooling and liquefying the vapor; an output unit for outputting by converting the displacement of the liquid portion of the working fluid generated by the volume change of the working fluid due to the generation and liquefaction of the vapor into mechanical energy; and an auxiliary container communicating with the main container. The heater, the cooler and the output unit are arranged in order, in the direction of displacement of the working fluid. The working fluid is sealed in the auxiliary container which communicates with the portion of the main container nearer the output unit than the cooler. The engine further includes a communication area adjusting unit for establishing communication between the main container and the auxiliary container with a first communication area in normal operation mode and with a second communication area larger than the first communication area at the time of engine start. Thus, a predetermined output is produced quickly after engine start. |
| US07716922B2 |
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) in-chassis cleaning method
A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of ash, typically using equipment already available in a service shop. The method of the invention cleans ash particles from the diesel particulate filter by generating a pressure wave and transmitting the pressure wave into a housing containing the diesel particulate filter. The pressure wave dislodges ash particulates from the filter, which can then be removed from the filter using an ash collecting apparatus, such as a shop vacuum. The method also uses an inflatable bladder in the filter apparatus to close access between the housing and the engine or outside environment. |
| US07716919B2 |
Control device and control method for internal combustion engine
When starting an internal combustion engine from cold, after-burning of unburned HC in the exhaust gas within an exhaust passage is promoted by supplying secondary air into the exhaust passage upstream of a catalyst. At this time, the pressure within the exhaust passage is controlled by controlling the opening timing of an exhaust valve. Desirably, when the exhaust temperature has been elevated to a temperature at which it is possible to promote after-burning of the unburned HC in the exhaust gas within the exhaust passage, the opening timing of the exhaust valve is retarded. |
| US07716918B2 |
Method of exhaust gas purification and exhaust gas purification system
In an exhaust gas purification system, including a catalyst unit carrying an NOx occlusion-reduction type catalyst, a first-stage rich control having a target air-fuel ratio lower than theoretical air-fuel ratio and which is conducted through addition of an amount of a reducing agent meeting an amount of oxygen emitted in the initial stage of regeneration control. In the first-stage rich control a completion of oxygen emission is judged on the basis of an oxygen concentration on the downstream side of the catalyst unit. Upon determination of the completion of the oxygen emission, a later-stage rich control close to the theoretical air-fuel ratio with the target air-fuel ratio increased over that of the first-stage rich control is conducted to thereby accomplish regeneration of the catalyst unit. As a result, there can be prevented not only any outflow of unpurified NOx occurring in the initial stage of regeneration but also any outflow of virgin reducing agents, such as HC and CO, occurring in the later stage of regeneration. |
| US07716917B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling air/fuel ratio of internal combustion engine
An apparatus for controlling air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine having: a three-way catalytic converter; an oxygen sensor, which is installed at the upstream side of said catalytic converter in respect to exhaust gas flow direction, for generating a switching signal showing rich/lean relative to a certain air-fuel ratio; and an air-fuel ratio sensor, which is installed at the downstream side of said catalytic converter, for generating a linear output signal corresponding to the air-fuel ratio, wherein the apparatus includes a deviation calculation unit for calculating deviation between air-fuel ratio measured by the air-fuel ratio sensor, and target air-fuel ratio; and a feedback control unit of the air-fuel ratio for carrying out feedback control of air-fuel ratio based on the deviation calculated by a deviation calculation unit, and the output signal of the oxygen sensor. |
| US07716914B2 |
Turbofan engine assembly and method of assembling same
A turbofan engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine including a high-pressure compressor, a combustor disposed downstream from the high-pressure compressor, and a high-pressure turbine coupled to the high-pressure compressor using a shaft, counter-rotating booster compressor coupled to the core gas turbine engine, the counter-rotating booster compressor comprising a first rotor section configured to rotate in a first direction and a second rotor section configured to rotate in an opposite second direction, a single stage fan assembly coupled to the first rotor section, a drive shaft coupled between the low-pressure turbine and the fan assembly, and a gearbox coupled between the drive shaft and the second rotor section such that the low-pressure turbine drives the gearbox and such that the gearbox drives the second rotor section. A method of assembling the above turbofan engine assembly is also described herein. |
| US07716910B2 |
Powered rotor for assisting crop pickup for a baler
A method and apparatus for baling crop materials using a baler with a pickup thereon for picking up crop materials from the ground and moving such crop materials towards a baling chamber. The pickup has a pickup frame operatively attached to the baler, the frame having a plurality of laterally spaced apart tines of a type which is typical for balers. A powered rotor is rotationally attached to the baler a predetermined distance above and forwardly of the pickup frame, the rotor being powered to rotate in at least one direction. A plurality of blade assemblies are disposed on the rotor having blades extending radially outwardly from the axis of the rotor wherein at least at times one or more of the blade assemblies are disposed between one or more of the tines. |
| US07716905B2 |
Sensing assembly for detection of one or more plants
A sensing assembly comprises a forward point for mounting on a crop divider associated with a header. At least one movable arm is capable of interacting with one or more plants standing in a field. A sensor detects a position of the movable arm. A mounting assembly operably supports the movable arm and the forward point, where a rear portion of the forward point is spaced apart from a forward edge of the crop divider and the at least one movable arm is located above a bottom portion of the forward point when the mounting assembly is secured to the crop divider. |
| US07716902B2 |
Transfer device on a packaging machine and method for control thereof
The invention concerns a method for controlling a transfer device in a packaging machine. The transfer device comprises a first conveying device which is moved in cycles, a second conveying device which is moved in cycles and extends, at least in sections, parallel to the first conveying device, and a pushing device which performs a pushing motion substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveying devices. A product is supplied by the first conveying device to a transfer location, is transferred by the pushing device to the second conveying device during a standstill phase of both conveying devices and subsequently further transported by the second conveying device. The pushing device is in a withdrawn position outside of the path of motion of the product disposed on the first conveying device and extends over the first conveying device and also at least partially over the second conveying device in an insertion position. Further transport of the transferred product by the second conveying device starts before the pushing device has reached its withdrawn position. |
| US07716901B2 |
Packaging for particulate and granular materials
The present invention provides a packaged cementitious product including a bag formed of a polymeric material. The bag has first and second sealed ends. The first end has a first tab extending therefrom defining at least one aperture therethrough so that the first tab defines a first handle. The second end has a second tab extending therefrom defining at least one aperture therethrough so that the second tab defines a second handle. A cementitious product is sealed within the bag, and wherein the first and second handles facilitate the handling of the packaged cementitious product. |
| US07716898B1 |
Protective rebar cover
A rebar safety protective cover for use on the projecting free end of concrete reinforcing bar to prevent impact injuries comprising: (a) a hollow cylindrical body closed at one end and open at the other, (b) a flat overhanging impact head of substantial extent projecting laterally outwardly beyond said closed end of the body, said body and impact head being of a thickness and integrally formed of a plastic material to provide a protective cover which passes the Cal OSHA drop test when the rebar is positioned within said protective cover at an angle such that the free end of the rebar abuts the inside lateral extremity of said closed end. |
| US07716896B2 |
Floorboards, flooring systems and method for manufacturing and installation thereof
Floorboards with a format corresponding to a traditional parquet block for laying of mechanically joined floating flooring. Rectangular floorboards include a surface layer and a core with two long sides and two short sides, for making a floating flooring, which floorboards are mechanically lockable and which along their four sides have pairs of opposing connectors for locking similar, adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally wherein the long sides have a length not exceeding 80 cm and the short sides have a width not exceeding 10 cm. |
| US07716886B2 |
Jamb installation bracket
A building fenestration that reduces the amount of time, effort and expense associated with installing a jamb in a rough opening of a building panel structure includes a jamb positioned plumb in the opening, the jamb having outwardly facing planar surfaces, at least one bracket receiving slot on at least one of the outwardly facing planar surfaces of the jamb, and a bracket having first and second legs at right angles to each other, the first leg of the bracket received in the bracket receiving slot and the second leg of the bracket fastened to the building panel structure, wherein the bracket receiving slot is defined between one of the outwardly facing planar surfaces of the jamb and a substantially flat plate. |
| US07716885B2 |
Muntin clip and method of using the same
A muntin clip supports a muntin grid inside an insulating glazing unit. The clip includes a positioning arm that allows the clip to be positioned with respect to the spacer. In one embodiment, the clip has a flat base adapted to be positioned on the inwardly facing surface of the spacer. The positioning arm extends from one side of the plate with the muntin-engaging body extending from the other side of the plate. The arm has an outer end that projects beyond the outer edge of the plate. A method for using the clip includes the step of using one of the glass sheets to engage and position the positioning arm of the muntin clip. Stops may be provided to limit the insertion of the clip into the spacer. |
| US07716884B2 |
Shutter assembly
A shutter assembly having at least one shutter and a security bar device for locking closed and providing additional rigidity to the shutter when covering an opening in a dwelling. The bar device has an elongated member preferably engaged releasably to the dwelling in the opening. The member traverses the opening and prevents the shutters from collapsing into the opening when closed. A retention bracket co-extends with and is spaced from the member with a portion of the shutter layered there-between when in the closed position. As such, the retention bracket prevents the shutter from opening when in the closed position. A locking portion of the retention bracket projects laterally to releasably engage the member. |
| US07716881B2 |
Shock suppressor
A shock suppressor has an upper base, a lower base and a connecting device. The upper base has a bottom and a top channel defined in the bottom along a first direction. The lower base corresponds to the upper base and has a top and a bottom channel defined in the top along a second direction corresponding to the first direction of the top channel at an angle. The connecting device is slidably mounted in the top channel and the bottom channel. Accordingly, the shock suppressor can reduce or isolate the transmission of a shock efficiently. |
| US07716880B1 |
Composite products and methods of producing same
Composites, products made from composites and method of producing same are provided. The present invention includes an injection moldable product made from a composite material at least composed of balanced mixture of thermoplastics and fibrous components. The injection moldable product is formed into a body that has a wedge-shape, a shim-shape or the like wherein the body includes one or more cored regions extending though at least a portion thereof. |