Document Document Title
US07723043B2 Methods for screening for prostate cancer
Methods for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer are disclosed. In practicing the method, a subject's body-fluid sample is assayed for GPC3 protein, and the GPC3 level observed is used in determining whether the subject has an elevated GPC3 level associated with prostate cancer. Patients with such elevated levels may be treated, in accordance with the invention, with a variety of GPC3-related immunotherapy agents.
US07723042B2 Methods for differentiating and monitoring parathyroid and bone status related diseases
The present invention relates to novel methods and devices for differentiating in a patient parathyroid diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism and related bone diseases, from normal or non-disease states. One detects whole or non-fragmented (1 to 84) parathyroid hormone in a biological sample and also a large non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragment that can function as a parathyroid hormone antagonist. By either comparing values or using independently the value of either the large non-whole parathyroid hormone peptide fragment, the whole parathyroid hormone, or the combination of these values one is able to differentiate parathyroid and bone related disease states, as well as differentiate such states from normal states.
US07723037B2 Methods and kits for diagnosing or monitoring autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating an autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disease. In particular, the present invention provides methods for diagnosing, monitoring and treating an autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or chronic inflammatory disease (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus) based on detecting or altering (e.g., altering expression or methylation status of) autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disease proteins (e.g., CD70 and CD40L). The present invention also provides kits for detecting methylation status of autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disease proteins (e.g., CD70 and CD40L) and for diagnosing, monitoring and/or treating autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases.
US07723034B2 Method of screening for neuronal ceroid lipfuscinosis in canine by detecting a mutation in ceroid lipofuscinosis neuornal 5 (CLN5) gene
The present invention relates to CLN5 nucleic acid and protein variants and functional derivatives, homologues and analogues thereof, together with cellular expression systems, and uses for same. The present invention also provides genetically modified mammalian animals and methods of use thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to mammalian animals modified to express a mutation in the CLN5 gene, the expression of which variant CLN5 gene induces or otherwise facilitates the onset or progression of a disease condition, and to methods of use thereof. The animals and variant molecules and cells of the present invention are useful in a wide range of applications including, but not limited to, providing a means of diagnosis and means of screening for proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous molecular modulators for use in therapeutic and/or prophylactic applications.
US07723033B2 Prediction of likelihood of cancer recurrence
The present invention provides gene sets, the expression of which is important in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of cancer, in particular of breast cancer.
US07723027B2 Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy
A method for the diagnosis of SMEI in a patient comprising: (1) detecting an alteration in the SCN1A gene, including in a regulatory region of the gene, in a patient sample; (2) ascertaining whether the alteration is known to be SMEI associated or non-SMEI associated; and (3) (a) establishing a diagnosis of a high probability of SMEI where the alteration is known to be SMEI associated; or (b) establishing a diagnosis of a low probability of SMEI where the alteration is non-SMEI associated; or (e) or, if not known to be either, (i) considering genetic data for parents and/or relatives; (ii) establishing whether the alteration has arisen de novo or is inherited; and (iii) establishing a diagnosis of a low probability of SMEI where the alteration is inherited but a diagnosis of a high probability of SMEI if the alteration is de novo.
US07723025B2 Method for evaluating quality of beef such as taste and texture on the basis of genotype of stearoyl-CoA desaturase
We paid attention to stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene, and investigated the relation between this gene and the unsaturated fatty acid content in beef fat. As a result, we found that the unsaturated fatty acid content was associated with the genotype of this gene, classified according to several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on this gene. The present invention is a method to predict the unsaturated fatty acid content in beef (or milk) fat, on the basis of the genotype of bovine stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and useful prediction method for beef quality such as taste and texture.
US07723021B2 Methods for treating lentivirus infections
The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that inhibits an activity of a lentiviral Vif protein. The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that increases the level of active APOBEC3G in a cell. The present invention provides agents identified by a subject screening method; and further provides methods for treating lentivirus infections.
US07723020B2 Use of azetidinone compounds
The use of azetidinone compounds that are inhibitors of cholesterol absorption as tools for discovering and characterizing proteins involved in trafficking or absorption of cholesterol and/or cholesteryl esters in biological systems is presented. These compounds can serve as tools for competitive binding assays to discover and characterize other chemical agents useful as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. New compounds of the present invention are also highly efficacious inhibitors of cholesterol absorption.
US07723017B2 Method for extending the useful shelf-life of refrigerated red blood cells by nutrient supplementation
There are provided methods and compositions for the storage of red blood cells. The compositions are metabolic supplements that are preferably added to refrigerated red blood cells suspended in an additive solution. Red blood cells are preferably stored under conditions of oxygen-depletion. Metabolic compositions comprises pyruvate, inosine, adenine, and optionally dibasic sodium phosphate and/or monobasic sodium phosphate.
US07723015B2 Method for manufacturing an array of interferometeric modulators
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for manufacturing an array of interferometric modulators. Each interferometric modulator comprises first and second optical layers which when the interferometric modulator is in an undriven state are spaced by a gap of one size, and when the interferometric modulator is in a driven state are spaced by a gap of another size, the size of the gap determining an optical response of the interferometric modulator. The method comprises fabricating interferometric modulators of a first type characterized by the size of the gap between its first and second optical layers when in the undriven state; fabricating interferometric modulators of a second type characterized by the size of the gap between its first and second optical layers when in the undriven state; and fabricating modulators of a third type characterized by the size of the gap between its first and second optical layers when in the undriven state, wherein fabricating the interferometric modulators of the first, second, and third types comprises using a sequence of deposition and patterning steps of not more than 9 masking steps to deposit and pattern layers of material on a substrate.
US07723000B2 Electrophotographic photoconductor
An electrophotographic photoconductor includes an undercoat layer and a photosensitive layer sequentially provided on a conductive substrate. The undercoat layer is mainly composed of a resin and contains a metal oxide. The resin is provided by mixing and polymerizing raw materials of aromatic dicarboxylic acid in a range of 0.1 to 10 mol %, two or more types of dicarboxylic acid other than the aromatic dicarboxylic acid, two or more types of diamine, and at least one type of cyclic amide compound. The resin exhibits an acid value and a base value each of at most 6.0 KOH mg/g. Advantageously, generation of secondary aggregates in the undercoat layer, which result in image defects such as black spots and fogging on a white field, is suppressed.
US07722994B2 Lithium-ion battery non-aqueous electrolytes
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery includes an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte containing one or more dispersed lithium salts. The electrolyte is composed of one or more solvent materials. A principal solvent constituent compound is at least one of γ-valerolactone, methyl isobutyryl acetate, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, 2-ethoxyethyl acetate, and diethyl oxalate.
US07722993B2 Solid-state secondary power supply
Application: in electric equipment as a secondary current source (storage battery). Nature of the invention: Solid-state secondary current source, consisting from an anode (An0), in a form of a metal or an alloy of metals, whose fluorination leads to generation of fluoride or fluorides with high isobar generation potential, an electrolyte in a form of solid-state fluorine-ionic conductor with high ionic conductivity and low electronic conductivity and a cathode (KtF0) in a form of fluoride or solid solution of fluorides with low isobar generation potential, with cathodic reaction during discharge KtF0+e−→F−+Kt′ and anodic during discharge An0+F−→An′F+e−, in which anode and cathode are reversible with respect to fluorine-ions with cathode reaction during charge-discharge: KtFx0+Xe−XF−+Kt′ and anodic during charge-discharge An0+XF−An′Fx+Xe− at voltages that are below voltages of solid electrolyte decomposition, and anode, electrolyte and cathode contain in their composition at least one component that prevents destruction of solid-state battery during charge-discharge cycles. Technical result: the composition of secondary solid-state current source allows achieving high specific energy characteristics of secondary batteries with high number of charge/discharge cycles, ensuring safety of their utilization and lengthy retention of electric energy.
US07722992B1 Self-centering current collector for an electrochemical cell
A current collector for an electrode of an electrochemical cell is described. The current collector has a peripheral edge between first and second major faces, the edge comprising at least a first edge contiguous with a second edge angled with respect to each other. A protrusion extends outwardly from the junction of the first and second edges. This protrusion helps to precisely position the current collector in a pressing fixture. That way, active material is contacted to each of the major faces of the current collector and is of a uniform thickness about its edges. Later, when the resulting electrode plate is assembled into an electrochemical cell, such as of a multi-plate construction, the protrusion also serves to maintain strict alignment of the plate inside the casing.
US07722987B2 Galvanic cell
A battery having a housing assembled from multiple parts, of which one housing part is implemented like a vessel having an initially open front side and the other housing part is a closure part, which closes the vessel-like housing part on its initially open front side, and having at least one first and at least one second electrode, each of which is formed by a planar material, of which the first electrode is electrically connected to an electrically conductive housing part of the battery, while the second electrode is electrically connected to an electrically conductive contact, which is electrically insulated from the remaining housing, the battery comprising a molded part which is provided with at least one first recess for receiving and positioning at least one section of the first electrode or the first electrodes at a time.
US07722979B2 Fuel cells with hydrophobic diffusion medium
Diffusion media for use in PEM fuel cells are provided with silicone coatings. The media are made of a porous electroconductive substrate, a first hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer coating adhered to the substrate, and a second coating comprising a hydrophobic silicone polymer adhered to the substrate. The substrate is preferably a carbon fiber paper, the hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer is PTFE or similar polymer, and the silicone is moisture curable.
US07722977B2 Fuel cell stack comprising current collector provided at least at one fluid passage
A terminal plate, an insulating plate, and an end plate are stacked on a stack body. The terminal plate has current collectors at least at lower portions of an oxygen-containing gas supply passage, a coolant supply passage, a fuel gas discharge passage, a fuel gas supply passage, a coolant discharge passage, and an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage. The current collectors contact the water generated in the reaction or a coolant for collecting electricity.
US07722973B2 Fuel cell
A membrane electrode assembly is constituted of a solid electrolyte membrane 1 made of a polymeric material, and a fuel electrode 2 and an air electrode 3 which are disposed on both sides of the solid electrolyte membrane 1. A porous membrane 8 is attached to the back surface of the fuel electrode 2, and a fuel tank 12 is formed between a casing 16 of the fuel electrode 2 side and the porous membrane 8. The fuel tank 12 is filled with liquid-retaining sheets 14. An air chamber 13 is formed on the back surface of the air electrode 3, and the air chamber 13 is filled with moisture-retaining sheets 15. A casing 17 of the air electrode 3 side is provided with a number of inlet ports 21. Further, fins 22 are formed on an outer surface of the casing 17 of the air electrode side.
US07722968B2 Magnetic disk and manufacturing method thereof
In a magnetic disk having a magnetic layer, a protection layer, and a lubrication layer formed on a substrate in this order, a surface free energy γS of a surface of the magnetic disk derived by an extended Fowkes equation is greater than 0 and no greater than 24 mN/m. γSd (dispersion force component of surface free energy) forming the surface free energy γS is greater than 0 and no greater than 17 mN/m, γSp (dipole component of surface free energy) forming the surface free energy γS is greater than 0 and no greater than 1 mN/m, and γSh (hydrogen bonding force component of surface free energy) forming the surface free energy γS is greater than 0 and no greater than 6 mN/m.
US07722967B2 Recording medium comprising laminated underlayer structures
A perpendicular recording medium having an underlayer structure that improves the microstructural properties of the recording layer. A spacer layer is intercalated between the lower and upper hcp metal layers. This results in improvements in microstructure of the upper hcp metal layer and the recording magnetic layer, which in turn results in gains in recording media performance. Further, the thickness of the upper hcp metal layer can be reduced, thereby reducing the distance between the recording layer and the soft underlayer, providing further gains in recording media performance.
US07722965B2 Electroluminescence device, planar light source and display using the same
The present invention provides an organic electroluminescence device including an organic layer comprising an emissive layer; a pair of electrodes comprising an anode and a cathode, and sandwiching the organic layer, wherein at least one of the electrodes is transparent; a transparent layer provided adjacent to a light extracting surface of the transparent electrode; and a region substantially disturbing reflection and retraction angle of light provided adjacent to a light extracting surface of the transparent layer or in an interior of the transparent layer, wherein the transparent layer has a refractive index substantially equal to or more than the refractive index of the emissive layer.
US07722962B2 Solder foil, semiconductor device and electronic device
A solder foil formed from a material comprising particles of Cu, etc. as metal particles and Sn particles as solder particles by rolling is suitable for solder bonding at a high temperature side in temperature-hierarchical bonding, and semiconductor devices and electronic devices produced by use of such solder bonding have distinguished reliability of mechanical characteristics, etc.
US07722957B2 Silicone rubber compositions and long-term-stress-resistant silicone elastomers obtained therefrom
The present invention relates to silicone rubber compositions and long-term-stress-resistant silicone elastomers obtained therefrom, which have excellent resistance to long-term dynamic mechanical stresses, and to their use.
US07722955B2 Flooring substrate having a coating of a curable composition
A flooring substrate comprising a coating of a curable composition that comprises (a) a reaction product of (i) a polyisocyanate, (ii) one or more perfluoropolyether compounds having at least one hydroxyl group and (iii) an organic compound having one or more free radical polymerizable groups and at least one hydroxyl group; and (b) a compound capable of free radical copolymerization with the reaction product and comprising at least two free radical polymerizable groups.
US07722954B2 Gas-generating additives having improved shelf lives for use in cement compositions
According to various embodiments, gas-generating additives for use in a cement composition comprise: a gas-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbitan, glycerol, or pentaerythritol and having a shelf life of about 12 months or greater. The gas-generating additives may also include a C8-C18 hydrocarbon. In more embodiments, cement compositions comprise: a gas-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture comprising a fatty acid ester of sorbitan, glycerol, or pentaerythritol and a C8-C18 hydrocarbon for increasing a shelf life of the gas-generating material. In yet more embodiments, cement compositions comprise: a cement; a fluid for making the cement composition pumpable; a hydrogen-generating material at least partially coated with a mixture for delaying a hydrogen-generating reaction, the mixture comprising sorbitan monooleate and an isoparaffin.
US07722952B2 Refrigerant releasing composite
A composite configured to release refrigerant therefrom comprises a substrate material comprising polarized fibers of glass, polyamide, phenylene sulfide, carbon or graphite having bonded thereon a metal compound comprising a complex compound of a polar gaseous refrigerant and a metal salt and/or a hydrated metal hydroxide and/or a metal hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, zinc, cadmium, tin, aluminum, or two or more thereof, at a concentration of at least about 0.3 grams/cc of open substrate material volume, and a coating composition thereon configured to prevent release of internal gaseous refrigerant therethrough at ambient temperatures and pressure and capable of penetration of gaseous refrigerant therethrough from the composite interior at temperatures causing internal gas pressures of 15% or more above exterior pressure for such refrigerant release.
US07722946B2 Methacrylic resin composition, methacrylic resin film, and vinyl chloride molded article with the film layered
A resin composition suitable for forming a film excellent in transparency, weatherability, hardness, shock resistance, bending-fracturing resistance, and moldability; and a film excellent in weatherability even when laminated on a molded body comprising a PVC resin composition containing a plasticizer is provided. The film having the above characteristics can be obtained by making a methacrylic resin composition into a film, the methacrylic resin composition comprising a methacrylic resin composition (C) obtained by polymerizing a methacrylate polymer (A) obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture mainly composed of alkyl methacrylate in the presence of acrylic crosslinked elastic particles (B) obtained by copolymerizing a monomer mixture mainly composed of alkyl acrylate and a polyfunctional monomer with two or more non-conjugated double bonds per a molecule; and being copolymerized with 0.01 to 50 parts by weight of an ultraviolet absorber represented by the general formula (1).
US07722938B2 Dry paint transfer laminate
This disclosed invention relates to a dry paint transfer laminate, comprising: a dry paint film layer comprising a binder and a pigment, the dry paint film layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; an adhesive layer overlying the upper surface of the dry paint film layer; and a release liner overlying the lower surface of the dry paint film layer.
US07722937B2 Separable packaging and layering machine therefore
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a material, such as a plastic film, is used to separate independent food elements. The independent food elements and the separation material are packaged together using a unifying outer package. At a point in time when the customer decides to eat the food, the outer package is opened and the film that separates the different food elements is removed, either manually or automatically. This marks the first point in time that the separate elements come into contact with each other. Therefore, the food product is maintained at the highest level of integrity until the time of usage by the customer. Methods and a machine for layering the contents of the packages so as to form a completed assembly for the packaged elements is also described.
US07722928B2 Nanolithography methods and products therefor and produced thereby
In one aspect, a method of nanolithography is provided using a driving force to control the movement of a deposition compound from a scanning probe microscope tip to a substrate. Another aspect of the invention provides a tip for use in nanolithography having an internal cavity and an aperture restricting movement of a deposition compound from the tip to the substrate. The rate and extent of movement of the deposition compound through the aperture is controlled by a driving force.
US07722927B2 Device and method for organic vapor jet deposition
A device and a method for facilitating the deposition and patterning of organic materials onto substrates utilizing the vapor transport mechanisms of organic vapor phase deposition is provided. The device includes one or more nozzles, and an apparatus integrally connected to the one or more nozzles, wherein the apparatus includes one or more source cells, a carrier gas inlet, a carrier gas outlet, and a first valve capable of controlling the flow of a carrier gas through the one or more source cells. The method includes moving a substrate relative to an apparatus, and controlling the composition of the organic material and/or the rate of the organic material ejected by the one or more nozzles while moving the substrate relative to the apparatus, such that a patterned organic layer is deposited over the substrate.
US07722923B2 Process for producing multifunctional material
Method for producing a multifunctional material includes thermally treating a substrate having a surface layer formed of titanium, titanium oxide, a titanium alloy, or a titanium alloy oxide so that the temperature of the surface layer is raised to 600° C. or higher, to thereby provide, in the interior of the surface layer, a second layer formed of forest microcolumns of titanium oxide or a titanium alloy oxide; and subsequently cutting the second layer in parallel with the surface layer, to yield a material including the substrate and a layer formed of titanium-oxide- or titanium-alloy-oxide-formed forest microcolumns exposed on at least a portion of the substrate, as well as a material including a thin film, numerous continuous small-width with protrusions thereon, and forest microcolumns formed on the protrusions.
US07722919B2 Manufacturing method of emitting device
The present invention is a fabrication method of a light-emitting device characterized by ejecting a solution containing a luminescent material toward an anode or a cathode under a reduced pressure and characterized in that in a duration before the solution is arrived at the anode or the cathode, the solvent in the solution is volatilized, the remaining part of the luminescent material is deposited on the anode or the cathode, and thereby formed a light-emitting layer. By the present invention, a baking process for thickness reduction is not required after applying the solution. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a fabrication method with high throughput although the method is low in cost and simple.
US07722918B2 Process for the preparation of high temperature superconducting bulk current leads with improved properties and superconducting bulk current leads made thereby
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of high temperature superconducting (HTS) bulk current leads capable of supplying a continuous current of more than 200 A at 77 K, at least for 2 to 4 hours without any substantial heat load to cryogen free cryocooler and other superconducting magnet systems. The superconducting bulk current leads with improved properties are prepared from an improved high temperature superconducting (HTS) bismuth based cuperate [(Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+x] material in tube and rod shape with both end metallic contacts. To produce such a lead, the process included modification of the superconducting material with homogeneous silver addition, a step of initial sintering in a large size tube followed by crushing into powder, a step of shaping the said initially sintered tube powder into tubes and rods of different size, a step of formation of metallic contacts by a perforated silver foil sandwiched between two metal spray deposited silver at both end parts of the said tubes and rods followed by a final step of co-sintering. In the current leads obtained according to these aspects, it is possible to stably carry current more than 200 A required for energizing superconducting magnet systems.
US07722915B2 Preparation of hydrophillic coatings utilizing a 1,3-dioxolane compound
A method for the preparation of a package comprising a packing means holding a medical device element of a substrate polymer, said substrate polymer having on at least a part of the surface thereof a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating has been applied to the surface of said substrate polymer in the form of a solution of a hydrophilic polymer selected from the groups consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene oxide in a vehicle comprising an optionally substituted 1,3-dioxolane compound, followed by evaporation of at least part of the vehicle and arranging said medical device element having the coating of the non-cross-linked hydrophilic polymer within a packing means, and sealing said packing means.
US07722914B2 Micromantled drug-eluting stent
Pharmacologically active, easy-to-deploy, biomechanically compatible, inflatable endovascular, drug-eluting stent are formed of a primary expandable polymeric or metallic construct, intimately mantled with a biomechanically compatible, polymeric microporous, microfibrous, compliant, stretchable fabric formed by direct electrospinning onto the outside surface of the primary construct using at least one polymer solution containing at least one active compound, selected from those expected to control key biological events leading to in-stent restenosis.
US07722908B2 Method of maturing wine
A container assembly for controlling rate of oxygen transfer from the atmosphere into a liquid stored in the container assembly having, a container with an oxygen permeability of 50 ml to 300 ml of oxygen per square meter of area of walls of the container for each millimeter of the thickness of the walls per 24 hour period at room temperature, a barrier member for providing a barrier to limit oxygen access from head space in the container to a surface of the liquid the barrier member having a construction which causes it to float on the liquid surface, and a peripheral flange surrounding the barrier member arranged so that it makes a slidable peripheral seal with the walls of the container.
US07722907B2 Microwaveable nested trays
One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.
US07722903B2 Modulation of inflammation by hops fractions and derivatives
A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops.
US07722894B2 Biodegradable polymer
A biodegradable polymer comprising a condensation polymer of glycerol and a diacid. The polymer may be adapted for use as a tissue engineering construct. For example, it may be seeded with cells or molecules may be attached to it to modify the metabolism and proliferation of cells or to modify the degradation rate and/or mechanism of the polymer. The polymer may also be exploited in a variety of medical and non-medical applications.
US07722893B2 Use of substitute 2,4-bis (alkylamino) pyrimidines or quinzolines as antimicrobials
The use of 2,4—bis(alkylamino)pyrimidines of formula (1) R1 is C1-C12alkyl or C6-C10laryl; R2 is hydrogen or C1-C12alkyl; or R1 and R2 together form a radical of formula (1a) R′ and R″ are each independently of the other hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl or C1-C6alkoxy, R3 and R5 are each independently of the other hydrogen or C1-C8alkyl; R4 is C1-C20alkyl, unsubstituted phenyl, C6-C10aryl, C6-C10aryl-C1-C6alkyl, hydroxy-C1-C6alkyl, di-C1-C6alkylamino-C 1-C6alkyl, mono-C1-C6alkylamino-C1-C6alkyl, —(CH2)2-(O—(CH2)2)1-4—OH or —(CH2)2—(O—(CH2)2)1-4—NH2; R6 is C1-C20alkyl, C6-C10aryl, C6-C10aryl-C1-C6alkyl, hydroxy-C1-C6alkyl, di-C1C6alkylamino-C1-C6alkyl, mono- C1-C6alkylamino-C1-C 6alkyl, —(CH2)2—(O—(CH2)2)1-4—OH or —(CH2)2—(O—(CH2)2)1-4—NH2; or R3 and R 4 and/or R5 and R6, together form a pyrrolidine, piperidine, hexamethyleneimine or morpholine ring; in the antimicrobial treatment of surfaces.
US07722888B2 Streptococcus pneumoniae proteins and nucleic
Protein antigens from Streptococcus pneumoniae are disclosed, together with nucleic acid sequences encoding them. Their use in vaccines and in screening methods is also described.
US07722885B2 Dengue virus mutant strain MBU 01-2002
The invention includes a genetic construct and a mutant dengue virus, designated as strain MBU 01-2002, which is a mutant dengue virus generated by genetic modification of the 13-amino acid sequence just proximal to the pr-M junction within the prM coding region of the genome. The modification involves increasing the number of positively charged amino acids and abolishing the negatively charged amino acids in this pr-M junction sequence. The mutant dengue virus strain MBU 01-2002 possesses less prM protein on the viral envelope than the prototype dengue virus, is capable of inducing infected C6/36 cells to fuse at neutral pH, is as efficient as the prototype virus in the intracellular multiplication, but is defective in its release from infected cells.
US07722878B2 PRRSV subunit vaccines
Vaccines effective against PRRSV include at least one portion of PRRSV ORF1. Such vaccines, upon administration, provoke an immune response in PRRSV-susceptible animals. Moreover, compositions in accordance with the present invention provide immune response up to and including protective immunity against PRRSV as well as reduce the severity of PRRSV and/or incidence of PRRSV. Selected portions of ORF1 can be used singularly, in combination with one another, in combination with other PRRSV ORFs, and in combination with other PRRSV vaccines.
US07722873B2 Heterologous antibodies which bind human CD4
The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing high affinity human sequence antibodies. The invention is also directed to human sequence antibodies specific for human antigens, such as, human CD4. The invention also is directed to methods for producing human sequence antibodies.
US07722871B2 Immunoglobulins devoid of light chains
The invention relates to an immunoglobulin having determined antigen specificity, and having a variable fragment which is obtainable from a camelid heavy-chain immunoglobulin having two heavy polypeptide chains capable of recognizing and binding an antigen and which is further devoid of polypeptide light chains, wherein the immunoglobulin having determined antigen specificity is devoid of a CH1 constant region between the variable region and the hinge region and has within its constant region at least part of a constant region of a human antibody.
US07722863B2 Use of granzyme b as an hsp70/hsp70 peptide dependent inducer of apoptosis in tumor cells
The present invention relates to a method of inducing or enhancing the expression of granzyme B in natural killer (NK) cells. The present invention relates also to a use of said NK cells for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of tumors, viral or bacterial infections or inflammatory diseases. Further, the present invention relates to the use of granzyme B for the treatment of tumors, viral or bacterial infections or inflammatory diseases, wherein the tumor cells or the cells affected by said infection or inflammation express Hsp70 in their cell surface.
US07722860B2 Live genetically engineered protozoan vaccine
The invention provides methods for inducing an immune response in a vertebrate host against a protozoan parasite, comprising administering to the host a live protozoan parasite that is genetically engineered to disrupt a stage-specific gene function that is required by the protozoan parasite to establish a secondary infection in the vertebrate host. Representative protozoan parasites belong to the phyla Apicomplexa and Kinetoplastida. The vertebrate host may be a mammal or a bird.
US07722858B2 Prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis by reducing carbamylation of LDL or the effects of carbamylated LDL
The present invention provides a method of determining whether an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis, comprising the step of measuring the level of cLDL and/or autoantibody to cLDL in a sample obtained from this individual. The invention further discloses a method of reducing carbamylation in an individual with a monomeric amino acid or other enzymatic or non-enzymatic inhibitors of carbamylation. The instant invention also provides a method to decrease the level of cLDL by direct elimination of cLDL from the blood or plasma of an individual. The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing atherosclerosis in an individual by inhibiting aggregation and/or deposition of cLDL in the individual.
US07722855B2 Extracellular vesicles from non-pathogenic amoebae useful as vehicle for transferring a molecule of interest to an eukaryotic cell
The invention relates to membrane vesicles from non-pathogenic amoeba, in particular from the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, containing a molecule of therapeutic interest, to a method of preparing such vesicles and to the use of said vesicles as a vehicle for transferring the molecule therapeutic interest to an eukaryotic mammalian cell.
US07722852B2 Process for the thermal reduction of sulfur dioxide to sulfur
Processes for the thermal reduction of sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur are described and disclosed. The processes described include three general reaction sections, including the reaction furnace portion where the SO2-containing stream is combusted, the hydrogenation portion wherein the effluent from the reaction furnace is hydrogenated over an appropriate catalyst, and a Claus conversion portion, wherein residual H2S and SO2 are further reacted to produce additional elemental sulfur.
US07722851B2 Bulk synthesis of carbon nanotubes from metallic and ethynyl compounds
A process of making carbon nanotubes comprising the steps of: providing a precursor composition comprising at least one metallic compound and at least one organic compound; wherein the organic compound is selected from the group consisting of an ethynyl compound, a metal-ethynyl complex, and combinations thereof; wherein the precursor composition is a liquid or solid at room temperature; and heating the precursor composition under conditions effective to produce carbon nanotubes. A carbon nanotube composition comprising carbon nanotubes and a metal component selected from the group consisting of metal nanoparticles and elemental metal; wherein the carbon nanotube composition is rigid.
US07722848B2 Lithium iron phosphate cathode material
Lithium iron phosphate cathode materials for lithium secondary batteries and methods of preparation thereof are disclosed. Better cathode materials may be produced by multiple annealing and/or heating steps. The annealing step can be carried out before and/or after the heating steps to provide cathode materials, which exhibit superior electrical properties. In some instances, divalent iron compounds are incorporated as starting materials.
US07722845B2 Bifunctional catalysts for selective ammonia oxidation
Catalysts, methods, and systems for treating diesel engine exhaust streams are described. In one or more embodiments, the catalyst comprises platinum, a second metal from one of the groups VB, VIB, VIIB, VIIIB, IB, or IIB of the periodic table, a refractory metal oxide, and a zeolite, the oxidation catalyst already being effective to remove ammonia at temperatures less than about 300° C. and exhibiting no significant decrease in ammonia oxidation efficiency upon hydrothermal aging. A method aspect includes first passing a vehicle's engine exhaust stream through a NOx abatement catalyst; and passing the exhaust stream exiting the NOx abatement catalyst and containing ammonia through the ammonia oxidation catalyst. Systems including such catalysts are also provided.
US07722844B2 Exhaust smoke denitrating apparatus and method of exhaust smoke denitration
An exhaust smoke denitrating apparatus in which using an NH3 injection unit, compressed air is fed from blower to ejector for extracting of exhaust gas from HRSG1, and with thus obtained mixed gas, NH3-containing gas is produced from NH3 water by NH3 water evaporator, the NH3-containing gas injected through NH3-containing gas injection nozzle of the HRSG1 disposed on a front stream side of denitration catalyst layer. As any high-temperature exhaust gas is cooled and diluted by compressed air, there is no danger of oxidation of NH3 during the stage of evaporation of NH3 water. The moisture level of exhaust gas can be lowered, thereby enabling inhibition of any drain generation in exhaust gas extraction piping. Air warming within NH3 water evaporation system can be carried out at an early stage. The temperature of NH3-containing gas obtained by evaporation of NH3 water can be lowered, and a lowering of thermal stress within NH3-containing gas piping can be easily accomplished, so that denitration of exhaust gas can be easily accomplished. Even when sulfur oxides are contained in exhaust gas, it is feasible to avoid any problem of clogging of the NH3 water injection nozzle.
US07722841B2 Polymeric chelant and coagulant to treat metal-containing wastewater
The present invention is directed to the use of a combination of a polymeric chelant and coagulant to treat metal containing wastewater. More particularly, the invention is directed at removing copper from CMP wastewater. The composition includes a combination of (a) a polymeric chelant derived from a polyamine selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetraamine (TETA), tertraethylenepentaamine (TEPA), poly[vinylamine], and branched or linear poly[ethylenimine] (PEI); and (b) a water soluble or dispersible copolymer of a tannin and a cationic monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate quaternary salt of dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide, and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.
US07722840B2 Method for thiosulfate leaching of precious metal-containing materials
Processes are provided for recovering precious metals from refractory materials using thiosulfate lixiviants. The processes can employ heap leaching or lixiviants that include one or more blinding agents.
US07722831B2 Micro component steam reformer apparatus for producing a syn-gas from liquid hydrocarbons
A micro component steam reformer system for producing hydrogen-enriched gas to power a fuel cell adapted for scalable power requirements wherein fluid flow is configured in a circuit whereby, in serially interconnected fluid flow modules, a vaporized hydrocarbon is mixed with fuel cell off gas having a hydrogen component and combusted to heat vaporizers and a steam reformer, vaporized hydrocarbons and water vapor are introduced as a feed stock into the steam reformer to produce a syn-gas, which is cooled and purified, and the resulting principally hydrogen gas is introduced into a hydrogen fuel cell having an interconnection within the circuit in which off gas from the fuel cell is processed to provide hydrogen and water for use in the system cycle.
US07722828B2 Catalytic fibrous exhaust system and method for catalyzing an exhaust gas
The invention relates to an engine with an exhaust gas pathway extending between the engine and the atmosphere. The engine includes a manifold portion fluidically connected to an engine, a muffler portion fluidically connected to the atmosphere, a conduit portion fluidically connected between the manifold portion and the muffler portion, and a plurality of baffles operationally connected within the muffler. A substantially fibrous refractory material at least partially coats the exhaust gas pathway. Exhaust gas from the engine flowing through the exhaust gas pathway to the atmosphere flows over the substantially fibrous refractory material.
US07722827B2 Catalytic flow-through fast light off ceramic substrate and method of manufacture
A fast light off flow-through ceramic substrate is provided that is particularly adapted for use as a catalytic converter. The substrate is formed from a body of ceramic material having axially opposing inlet and outlet ends for receiving and expelling the flow of automotive exhaust gas, respectively. The body contains a network of walls coated with a catalyst that define axially-oriented flow-through cell channels. The average thermal mass (ATM1) of a first axial region of the walls adjacent to the inlet end is at least 20% less than the average thermal mass (ATMTOT) of all of the walls. The lower average thermal mass of the walls in the first region advantageously shortens the light off time for the catalyst within the substrate to effectively neutralize automotive pollutants. The reduction of the average thermal mass in only the first axial region of the walls advantageously maintains the strength of the resulting body of ceramic material, and further increases the cool down time of the body.
US07722825B1 Preparing a light-olefin containing product stream from an oxygenate-containing feed stream using reactors directing a flow of a fluidized dual-function catalyst system
The present invention provides a reactor system for converting an oxygenate-containing feed stream to an olefin-containing product stream. The system includes: (1) a first fluidized catalytic reactor for converting methanol to propylene, the first reactor having a fluidized catalyst system comprising a first catalyst and a second catalyst; (2) a second fluidized catalytic reactor communicating with the first fluidized catalytic reactor for cracking heavy olefins having four carbon atoms or greater into propylene, the second reactor having the fluidized catalyst system; (3) wherein the first catalyst is a non-zeolite molecular sieve catalyst; and (4) wherein the second catalyst is a zeolite molecular sieve catalyst.
US07722824B2 Synthesis of arrays of oligonucleotides and other chain molecules
Synthesis of arrays of chain molecules, such as oligonucleotides, in large quantities can be carried out utilizing projection onto an active substrate of a magnified image of a light emitting object array having selectable regions of light and dark areas forming a pattern. Projection optics formed entirely of mirrors are used to receive the light emitted from the object array and image the pattern of the array onto the active surface of the substrate. The mirrors in the projection optics include a first, concave mirror, a second, convex mirror, a third, concave mirror, and a fourth, convex mirror, each receiving the beam of light in turn, with the light reflected from the fourth mirror being imaged onto the active surface of the substrate with an image area greater than that of the original light emitting array.
US07722822B2 Sample tube and vial processing system, and method for processing the sample
An apparatus for processing an analyte includes a first receptacle having a first aperture, the first aperture having a first configuration; and a second receptacle having a second aperture, the second aperture having a second configuration. The first configuration and the second configuration are complementary, such that the first and second apertures engage each other at a sealing surface, whereby analyte solution within the first receptacle passes into the second receptacle substantially without leaking at the engaged first and second apertures. A method for processing an analyte comprises engaging the first and second receptacles at the sealing surface; putting a first batch of analyte solution into the first receptacle, processing the analyte solution; transferring the processed analyte solution into the second receptacle, and disengaging the second receptacle from the first receptacle.
US07722816B2 Detection device and method
A detection device and method for detecting the presence of an agent in a fluid. The device includes a membrane having first and second sides. The membrane allows a stimulus, e.g. ultraviolet light, to dissolve in response to presence of the agent. A source is positioned on a first side of the membrane. The source sources the stimulus toward the membrane. A detection structure is disposed on the second side of the membrane for detecting the stimulus. The detection structure generates an output voltage in response to the intensity of the stimulus detected. As the membrane dissolves, the intensity of the stimulus detected changes.
US07722814B2 Measuring instrument using centrifugal force
Both application of centrifugal force to a biosensor and electrical connection with an electrode of the biosensor can be achieved with a simple structure. The electrode of the biosensor and a measuring part are connected without aligning a rotational position of the rotary table. The centrifugal measuring apparatus 1 is provided with a rotary table 2 that is driven by a motor, a retainer 3 to hold a biosensor accommodating a sample inside on the rotary table, an urged contact part 4 that establishes electrical connection with the electrode of the biosensor in such a manner as being elastically biased to abut against the electrode, a measuring part 8 that measures a signal from the electrode of the biosensor, and a connector part 7 that selectively establishes electrical connection between the urged contact part 4 and the measuring part 8. A contact having a circular shape is utilized to establish electrical connection between the rotary table 2 on which the biosensor 20 is mounted and the fixture side, thereby enabling an electrical connection therebetween irrespective of a position of the biosensor on the rotary table, when the rotary table is stopped.
US07722811B2 Tissue processor
A tissue processor (1) is described, having a retort (2) for processing histological samples with different reagents, having multiple reagent reservoir vessels (3), and having a conduit system and a control device (5) for delivering reagents out of the reagent reservoir vessels (3) into the retort (2). A suction conduit (11) projects into each reagent reservoir vessel (3) through the vessel opening (7) for reagent withdrawal. A closure system (12) having an externally tapered and internally hollow closure plug (13) is provided for closing off the vessel opening (7). The suction conduit (11) is guided through a cavity (14) of the closure plug (13) for reagent withdrawal.
US07722809B2 Bioagent detection device
A detection device is provided for detecting the presence of an agent in a fluid. The device includes a body defining first and second chambers. It is intended for the first chamber accommodating the flow of fluid therein. A first valve is disposed in the body between in the first and second chambers. The first valve opens in response to the presence of the agent in the fluid. A first detection structure is disposed in the second chamber in order to generate a predetermined signal in response to exposure to the fluid.
US07722801B2 Vacuum carburizing apparatus
The vacuum carburizing apparatus introduces a carburizing gas into a carburizing chamber to subject the treatment material to vacuum carburizing. The vacuum carburizing apparatus comprises a carburizing chamber that houses a treatment material therein, a vacuum pump that exhausts gas from the carburizing chamber inside to obtain vacuum, a carburizing gas supply unit that supplies carburizing gas into the carburizing chamber in pulse mode, a reflux pipe which connects an intake side of the vacuum pump and an exhaust side of the vacuum pump, an opening and closing valve which is provided on the way of the reflux pipe, and a control unit which opens the opening and closing valve when a supply of the carburizing gas into the carburizing chamber is started, wherein the control unit closes the opening and closing valve when the supply ends.
US07722799B2 Method for glazing ceramic articles obtained by slip-casting
Method of glazing ceramic articles, consisting of preparing a glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous; feeding the glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous, into the forming cavity of a porous mould, for the time required to create a glaze film of desired thickness on the surface of the cavity by absorption of the liquid phase; feeding the slip into the same cavity for the time required to create the wall of the article by absorption of the liquid phase.
US07722798B2 Method of manufacturing porous body
A method of manufacturing a porous body is provided, including a step of firing a formed honeycomb body including an aluminum source material and a titanium source material to obtain a fired porous honeycomb body containing aluminum titanate as a main component. In this method, 50 mass % or more of particles having particle diameters in a range of 10 to 20 μm are used as the aluminum source material, and the amount of the aluminum source material is such that the amount of an aluminum component in the fired honeycomb body is 48 mass % or more in terms of Al2O3.
US07722797B2 Method for producing a ceramic substrate
A method is disclosed for producing a ceramic substrate made of base that includes a stack of layers. Each layer in the stack includes a non-sintered ceramic material and a binder. The method includes debinding the layers in a temperature interval of TE1-TE3, where TE1 is a minimum debinding temperature and TE3>TE1, and sintering the layers at a temperature TS, where TS≧TE3. Debinding and sintering are performed in a same furnace, and a temperature T of the base does not fall below TE1 during debinding and sintering.
US07722793B2 Method of recuperating turbine elements
The invention concerns a method of recuperating a turbine element constituted of a substrate, forming the body of the element, and a protective coating adhering to the substrate. The method comprises the control of the turbine element in order to pinpoint the zones having a bonding defect between the protective coating and the substrate, and the elimination of the bonding defects between the protective coating and the substrate. The bonding defects are eliminated by means of a laser beam directed onto each zone having a bonding defect in order to induce a localized melting of the protective coating and the underlying substrate and enable a sound bond, at the level of said zone, between the protective coating and the substrate after stopping the laser beam.
US07722789B2 Defoaming method, defoaming device and manufacturing method of transfer mold
A defoaming method for removing air bubbles from a curable resin material and a contact portion of the resin material with an irregular structure of a flat metallic mold. The mold includes a fine structural region having a fine irregular structure and a flat region in the periphery of the fine structural region. The curable resin material is applied to the irregular structure of the fine structural region, filling the irregular structure with the resin material.
US07722785B2 Electrically conductive polymer compositions
The present disclosure relates to electrically conductive polymer compositions, comprising at least one electrically conductive copolymer; and at least one fluorinated acid polymer, their use in organic electronic devices, and methods for preparation.
US07722777B2 Method of preparing core rods for optical fiber preforms
Core rods or other glass components associated with optical fiber preforms are cleaned by loading them into a number of first sleeves, and partially obstructing entrance and exit ends of the sleeves to retain the components. The sleeves are contained inside a second sleeve so that the entrance ends of the first sleeves face an entrance end of the second sleeve. A fluid delivery system supplies cleaning fluids to the entrance end of the second sleeve, so that the fluids enter the first sleeves and contact exposed surfaces of the loaded components. The fluids leave the exit ends of the first sleeves and purge from an exit end of the second sleeve. Separators may be placed between the components in the first sleeves to enhance cleaning action and to cushion adjacent end faces of the components. Cleaned components may be unloaded from the first sleeves without risk of contamination.
US07722774B2 Pure water treatment method
The invention relates to a pure water treatment method. According to the invention, once ultra-pure water has been obtained, it is treated by means of cavitation in a tank that is equipped with an acoustic antenna (3) comprising Tonpilz-type piezoelectric transducers which emit at least at the excitation frequency of the water molecules with a sound power that enables the cavitation threshold to be exceeded, taking account of the quantity of water to be treated.
US07722773B2 Method of treating organic compounds in wastewater
A treatment method of organic compounds included in waste water, comprising the steps of: supplying waste water to an adsorber 2 filled with an adsorbent 3 therein for adsorbing the organic compounds in the waste water by the adsorbent 3 in the adsorber 2, supplying a current between an anode 9 and a cathode 8 in water including an electrolyte in an electrolyzer 6 for electrolyzing the water including an electrolyte, and supplying an electrolyte resulting from electrolysis in the electrolyzer 6 to the adsorbent 3 in the adsorber 2 for contacting the electrolyte with the adsorbent 3, so that the organic compounds adsorbed by the adsorbent 3 are desorbed or decomposed.
US07722771B2 Continuous processing and solids handling in near-critical and supercritical fluids
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for the continuous processing and solids handling in near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a barrier fluid.
US07722767B2 Crossflow pressure liquid filtration with ultrasonic enhancement
Methods and apparatus for increasing the duration of uninterrupted filtering flow by using crossflow filtration and ultrasonic energy with in difficult to filter process liquids (e.g. of the kind having (1) a carrier liquid, (2) coalescing solids particles which tend to adhere and bridge filter element gaps sized substantially larger than such particles, and (3) larger impurity elements to be filtered out of such process liquid and sized larger than such filter element gaps).
US07722764B2 Gradient pump apparatus
A gradient pump apparatus which is capable of continuously and precisely feeding, to a chromatograph, eluents at intervals of certain time and at a constant flow rate in units of nano-liter per minute while the composition of two or more eluent components is changed. The gradient pump apparatus includes a 10-port valve for switching an eluent mixing pipe, in which a feed pressure of eluents changes with time, to be connected to a first loop which is supplied with another eluent from an isocratic pump that should function to hold an eluent feed pressure constant, and which is connected to an analytic section, or to a second loop through which the eluents are drained. A controller computes a difference between a value of the pressure in the eluent mixing pipe and a value of the eluent feed pressure applied from the isocratic pump when the eluent mixing pipe is connected to the second loop. At the time when the eluent mixing pipe is connected to the first loop with shift of the 10-port valve, the feed speed of the isocratic pump is determined based on the above pressure difference. The isocratic pump is controlled in sync with the valve shift so that the determined feed speed of the isocratic pump is obtained.
US07722760B2 Assembly for removing mineral contaminants
Filtration of water to provide cleansed water, using an assembly that monitors the volume of water cleansed and back-flushes the filtration media based on that volume. The assembly includes a control valve that monitors the amount of water that has been processed, controls the addition of water and oxygen to the assembly, and thus affects the overall operation of the assembly.
US07722755B2 Method of electro-catalytic reaction to produce mono alkyl esters for renewable biodiesel
Methods, systems, and devices are provided for synthesizing one or more chemical products from a renewable oil, comprising the step of flowing a fluid which comprises a renewable oil through a high voltage electrical field effective to catalyze a chemical reaction involving the renewable oil. Examples of renewable oils include vegetable oils, animal fats, bio-oils, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the fluid further comprises an alcohol mixed with the oil, and the chemical reaction produces biodiesel and an etherified glycerin. In one embodiment, the biodiesel is further reacted to produce acetic acid.
US07722753B2 Electrophoresis plate
An electrophoresis plate has a plurality of separation channels provided inside a substrate. The separation channels are arranged along the surface of the substrate without intersecting each other, and the separation channels have openings on both ends on the substrate surface. When a voltage is applied between the two ends of the channel, a sample is separated by electrophoresis along the channel. The openings on one end are placed in a matrix pattern as sample inlet ports, and the pitch of that placement is set equal to the pitch of the wells of a sample plate containing the samples to be injected into the sample inlet ports. Since the pitch of the sample inlet ports pattern is equal to the pitch of the sample plate wells, sample injection can be performed quickly and conveniently even with a large number of separation channels.
US07722751B2 Apparatus for regulating salt concentration using electrodialysis, lab-on-a-chip including the same, and method of regulating salt concentration using the apparatus
An apparatus for regulating salt concentration, a lab-on-a-chip including the same and a method of regulating salt concentration using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a reaction chamber that is defined by a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane and is selected from the group consisting of a biomolecule extraction chamber, an amplification chamber, a hybridization chamber, and a detection chamber; a first electrode chamber that is defined by the anion exchange membrane and a first electrode and includes an ion exchange medium; and a second electrode chamber that is defined by the cation exchange membrane and a second electrode and includes an ion exchange medium. Even without injecting solutions with different salt concentrations into the reaction chamber by operating pumps and valves for each operation stage, the salt concentration can be reversibly regulated in situ by adjusting the polarity, intensity and application time of a voltage.
US07722750B2 Gas sensor with improved heat resistance
A gas sensor comprises an atmosphere-side cover, ventilation filter, and filter cover as well as a sensing element and housing. The atmosphere-side cover has i) a first section of a first diameter located on a tip-end side in a axial direction of the housing and fixed on an axially base end of the housing, ii) a second section of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the second section being located on an axially base-end side, iii) a stepped section formed between the first and second sections, and iv) a rib protruding outward from the second section and being formed between the stepped section and the second section. The ventilation filter is mounted on the second section and has an axially tip-end section being in contact with an axially base-end section of the rib. The filter cover fixes the ventilation filter between the second section and the filter cover.
US07722747B2 Method and apparatus for fluid processing a workpiece
A method and apparatus for retaining a workpiece against a workpiece holder are described. A flexible member can be used to provide a substantially uniform force to securely retain the workpiece, which can allow the workpiece to be consistently positioned in a process module. In one detailed embodiment, a barrier to fluid entry is formed between the workpiece and a ring for retaining the workpiece against a workpiece holder. This provides a reliable seal during fluid processing to prevent fluid from reaching the underside of a workpiece. In various embodiments, the workpiece holder can be used to align a workpiece in a process module or to hold one or more workpieces in a configuration that allows for higher throughput.
US07722739B2 Portable evaporation chamber
A self-contained evaporation system for use in disposing of excess water from oil and gas drilling operations is provided. The system includes a water holding tank in which the wastewater is preheated, an evaporation chamber mounted over the holding tank and having an open top, a nozzle system located within the chamber for producing a fine liquid mist, and fans disposed within the chamber for producing an air flow that carries the mist out the open top of the chamber. The system can be set up and taken down by one person in an hour or less, can be used with pond or tank operations, and is capable of operating in high winds and sub-zero temperatures. The system can be carried and mounted on a trailer for easy transport to and from various drilling sites.
US07722736B2 Apparatus for and method of processing a substrate with processing liquid
On the top surface of a substrate, an atmosphere blocker plate, of which plan size is equal or larger than the substrate size, is disposed opposing to the top surface of the substrate. In the rim portion of the atmosphere blocker plate, a vertical through hole is formed so that a nozzle can be inserted into the hole. Nozzle move mechanism moves the nozzle to insert the nozzle to the through hole and position it to the opposing position that is opposed to the top rim portion of the substrate and to the retract position that is away from the atmosphere blocker plate. Processing liquid is supplied from the nozzle, which is positioned to the opposing position, to the top rim portion of the substrate.
US07722733B2 Method for sterile connection of tubing
A method for sterile connection of tubing includes welding the tubing sections together using an efficient laser. The ends of the tubing sections are brought together prior to the initiation of welding, facilitating isolation of interior passage of the tubing sections. The method can be carried out by an apparatus which is relatively inexpensive and compact.
US07722730B2 Method and device for heat-sealing windows into folding carton blanks
The invention relates to a method and device for heat-sealing windows into folding carton blanks for producing liquid-proof folding cartons having film windows. Pieces of film that are cut to measure are placed on the window openings of the folding carton blanks and the edges of the pieces of film are heat-sealed with the folding carton blanks so as to be liquid-proof using heated pressure segments or heat-sealing dies. The folding carton blanks, together with the pieces of film, are fed to a tail pulley for a transport belt by means of the transport belt and are inserted in the gap between the tail pulley and the transport belt resting thereon. In this gap, the blanks and pieces of film are continuously heat-sealed together by means of at least two heated pressure segments that are disposed on the outer periphery of the tail pulley and push radially from inwards against the transport belt in the area of deflection of the transport belt and thus onto the edges of the pieces of film.
US07722726B2 Process for producing alloy slab for rare-earth sintered magnet, alloy slab for rare-earth sintered magnet and rare-earth sintered magnet
The invention provides a method for producing alloy flakes for rare earth sintered magnets, which makes uniform the intervals, size, orientation, and shape of the R-rich region and the dendrites of the 2-14-1 phase, which inhibits formation of chill, and which produces flakes that are pulverized into powder of a uniform particle size in the pulverization step in the production of a rare earth sintered magnet, and that are pulverized into powder compactable into a product with a controlled shrink ratio, and alloy flakes for a rare earth sintered magnet obtained by the method, and a rare earth sintered magnet having excellent magnetic properties. The present method includes preparing an alloy melt of a composition consisting of R of rare earth metal elements and the balance M including B and Fe, and supplying and solidifying the alloy melt on a cooling roll, wherein the roll has on its surface linear nucleation inhibiting portions for inhibiting formation of dendrites or the like, and nucleating portions for formation of the dendrites, and wherein the inhibiting portions have a region with a width of more than 100 μm.
US07722724B2 Methods for substrate processing in cluster tool configurations having meniscus application systems
Method for processing a substrate are provided. The processing occurs when the substrate is moved between cluster tools. One method includes providing the substrate to a cluster tool, and the cluster tool is configured to move the substrate into a meniscus processing module having at least one proximity head. The proximity head is configured to perform operations including applying a fluid onto a region of a surface of the substrate, such the fluid is continuously flown so as to substantially fill the region between a surface of the proximity head and the surface of the substrate. An operation of removing the fluid from the region by applying a vacuum force through the proximity head is also provided. The applying and removing is operated substantially simultaneously so that the fluid forms a controlled fluid meniscus that remains between the surface of the substrate and the surface of the proximity head when the proximity head is positioned over the substrate. The method can include moving one of the controlled fluid meniscus or the substrate so that the controlled fluid meniscus is caused to contact regions of the surface of the substrate to cause fluid processing of the surface of the substrate when in the meniscus processing module. The method can also include moving the substrate out of the meniscus processing module and into a next module of the of the cluster tool or out of the cluster tool.
US07722714B2 Fumed silica dispersion
Dispersion of fumed silica comprising a silanized, structurally modified silica and a solvent. It is used for producing coating materials.
US07722710B2 Surface-conditioning composition, method for production thereof, and surface conditioning method
A surface-conditioning composition can form a denser phosphate coating film having more satisfactory coating weight on the surface of a metal material compared to a conventional one and, therefore, can reduce the electrolytic corrosion of a metal material during a chemical conversion treatment, form a chemical conversion coating film having a satisfactory coating weight even when applied to a hardly convertible metal material (e.g., an aluminum metal material, a high tensile strength steel plate), improve the productivity rate of the chemical conversion treatment, resulting in the reduction of the time required for the chemical conversion treatment, and enables a metal phosphate particle to be dispersed in a surface-conditioning solution highly stably. This composition includes a particle of a phosphate of a bivalent or trivalent metal and has a pH value ranging from 3 to 12. The particle has a D50 value of 3 μm or less. The composition additionally includes (1) a phenolic compound and (2) a stabilizing agent.
US07722709B2 Vacuum cleaner with an illuminated interior
A surface cleaning apparatus having an outer surface and comprises a dirt inlet, a handle, a cyclone separator having a cyclone separator interior and an outer wall having an inner surface, the cyclone separator comprising a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber, the dirt collection chamber and the cyclone chamber each having an outer wall, the surface cleaning apparatus is constructed such that the cyclone separator interior is visible from a position exterior to the surface cleaning apparatus, an illumination member positioned to provide illumination to at least a portion of the cyclone separator interior, and a fluid flow motor.
US07722705B2 Activated carbon honeycomb catalyst beds and methods for the use thereof
Disclosed herein, without limitation, are activated carbon honeycomb catalyst beds and systems for removing mercury and other toxic metals from a process stream, i.e, from flue gas of a coal combustion system. The activated carbon honeycomb can for example remove greater than 90% mercury from flue gas with a simple design and without adding material to the flue gas. Also disclosed herein, and without limitation, are methods for manufacturing and using the disclosed honeycomb catalyst beds and systems.
US07722700B2 Apparatus and method of providing concentrated product gas
Component gas is separated from a gas mixture. Component gas flow rate, or demand, is determined. One or more gas separator operating parameters is changed based on the component gas flow rate. For example, gas flow rate can be approximated by measuring a rate of pressure decay of a product tank during a time period in which the tank is not being replenished by the separating system. When it is determined that the flow rate is relatively low, operating parameters of the separating system are changed to improve system performance with the lower demand. For example, a target product tank pressure at which sieve beds are switched can be lowered when demand is lower.
US07722695B2 Neem based composition for coating nitrogenous fertilizer
A neem based composition for coating nitrogenous fertilizer. The composition comprises 2-10 percent by weight neem extract, 10-60 percent by weight neem oil, 10-25 percent by weight binder and 25-50 percent by weight organic solvent. Also a method of making the composition by mixing the ingredients, a method of coating a nitrogenous fertilizer by mixing it with 0.5 to 1.0 percent by weight of the neem based composition and nitrogenous fertilizer coated with 0.5 to 1.0 percent by weight of the neem based composition.
US07722688B2 Fuel composition having a normally liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, a high molecular weight emulsifier, and a nitrogen-free surfactant including a hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid or a reaction product of the hydrocarbyl substituted carboxylic acid or reactive equivalent of such acid with an alcohol
The invention provides a water blended fuel composition made by combining (i) a normally liquid hydrocarbon fuel; (ii) water; (iii) a nitrogen-free surfactant; and an acid having a pKa of up to about 6.
US07722684B2 Roll-good fuel cell fabrication processes, equipment, and articles produced from same
Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
US07722681B2 Compositions for treating hair and methods of use
Compositions comprising one or more acid direct dyes and an organic solvent such as propylene carbonate are described. The compositions have an oil phase content of 5 percent by weight or less. The oil phase of the compositions can include a cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol. The compositions can be applied to hair that has been previously dyed with an oxidative hair dye composition to restore color to the hair. The compositions can also be applied to hair that has not been previously treated with an oxidative hair dye composition. Methods of applying these compositions to hair are also described. The methods involve applying the composition to wet hair, allowing the composition to remain on the hair, and subsequently rinsing the composition from the hair with water. The hair may be treated with a conditioner before applying the compositions to the hair.
US07722680B2 Dyeing of human keratin materials by dry thermal transfer of a direct dye, composition comprising the said dye and its method of preparation
The subject of the present invention is the use, for dyeing in particular human keratin materials, of a direct dye, in particular an azo dye, by dry thermal transfer. Its subject is furthermore a method for dyeing keratin materials, n which at least one direct dye, in particular one azo dye, contained in a dry composition, is applied to or close to the keratin materials, and a source of heat is applied, causing the thermal transfer of the direct dye(s) at the surface and/or inside the keratin materials. It relates furthermore to the dry composition and a method for preparing it.
US07722676B2 Articulating implant system
An articulating implant system is provided for fixation to a bone. The articulating implant system includes a fixation component for fixation to the bone and an articulating member for articulating against bone or cartilage. Specifically, a modular ulnar implant is provided in accordance with the articulating implant system of the present invention wherein the fixation component is a stem for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the distal ulna and the articulating member is a head for articulating with the radial sigmoid notch.
US07722675B2 Instruments for reorienting vertebral bones for the treatment of scoliosis
An orthopedic device set, including: a plurality of intervertebral spacer elements, each spacer element having a different axial thickness from each other element, the axial thicknesses being selected to increase by an increment from one element to another; and an instrument for holding ones of the intervertebral spacer elements, the instrument comprising a shaft having a distal end, a selectively grasping subassembly for alternatively rigidly holding each spacer element at the distal end so that the spacer element cannot move relative to the instrument, and releasing the spacer element.
US07722674B1 Linearly expanding spine cage for enhanced spinal fusion
A linearly expanding spine cage has a minimized diameter in its unexpanded state that is equal to the diameter of an insertion groove cut into adjacent vertebral bodies. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the disc space, widen neuroforamina, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Angular deformities can be corrected, and natural curvatures maintained. The cage enhances spinal arthrodesis by creating a rigid spine segment. Expanding linearly (vertically, along the vertical axis of the adjacent spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage width remains stable, so as to decrease impingement upon a second cage, or upon soft tissue structures in the immediate vicinity, including neural or vascular elements.
US07722673B2 Intervertebral disc prosthesis
An intervertebral disc prosthesis has two cover plates and a prosthesis core which is connected to one of the cover plates by of connection profiles on one of the cover plates which are undercut in a complementary manner and include at least one pair of profile sections which are symmetrical with respect to the AP (anterior-posterior) direction of the prosthesis in its implanted position and are arranged at an angle to one another.
US07722672B2 Bone xenografts
The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic bone xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a bone xenograft by removing at least a portion of a bone from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft (X); washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to a cellular disruption treatment; and treating the xenograft with a glycosidase to remove surface carbohydrate moieties. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above identified method of invention. The invention further provides a bone xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion (10) of a bone from a nonhuman animal, wherein the portion has substantially no surface carbohydrate moieties which are susceptible to glycosidase digestion. Each xenograft of the invention has substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native bone.
US07722670B2 Orbital implant device
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an implant device may be provided. The implant may be adapted to manipulate the position of an eyeball associated with a patient, whereby the device comprises an insertion device including a first and a second portion. The first portion may include a first thickness and may be adapted to elevate the position of the eyeball. The second portion may include a second thickness and/or a second position relative the first portion for moving the position of the eyeball in a forward direction.
US07722667B1 Two piece bioprosthetic heart valve with matching outer frame and inner valve
A bioprosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame configured to attach to a tissue annulus of a heart and an inner bioprosthetic valve having an exterior shape which substantially matches an interior shape of the outer frame. The exterior shape of the inner valve mates in substantial alignment with the interior shape of the outer frame. An outer frame-inner valve attachment mechanism is configured to couple the inner valve to the outer frame.
US07722665B2 System and method for providing a graft in a vascular environment
An apparatus is provided that includes a graft for coupling two vascular conduits within a patient. The graft includes: 1) an anchor system that forms an arc at one end of the conduits; and 2) a body element coupled to the anchor system. The anchor system comprises a biodegradable stent. In particular embodiments, portions of the graft are either self-expandable or balloon-expandable. In still other embodiments, anchor system includes NITINOL and the anchor system is substantially self-sealing at one end of the conduits. In one embodiment, the body element comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE). In yet other embodiments, the body element includes either a gelatinous or an elastomeric coating disposed on its surface.
US07722664B2 Endoluminal stent having a matched stiffness region and/or a stiffness gradient
A modular elongated stent having an overlap region where two modular components fit together, the overlap region being relatively stiff as compared to another more flexible region of the stent when the stent is in an assembled configuration, the stent further comprising a mimic region that has a stiffness essentially equivalent to the stiffness of the overlap region, to provide kink resistance. A stent having such a mimic region or otherwise stiff region and a flexible region may have a transition region between the stiff and flexible regions, also to provide kink resistance. A stent may have relatively stiff regions and relatively flexible regions positioned to align the flexible regions with curved regions of a body lumen when deployed within the body lumen. The stiffness of the stiff, flexible, and transition regions may be controlled by varying the cross-sectional area of the stent components and/or by varying the stent architecture.
US07722661B2 Stent
A stent with strut bands and connectors, wherein the strut bands have long and short struts with a junction positioned between the short struts. Each junction defines a reservoir, wherein the reservoirs of a strut band are substantially circumferentially aligned. The connectors each have arms, wherein each arm includes an opposing U-shaped link. The opposing links have a shared portion disposed between a peak on one strut band and a longitudinally adjacent trough of an adjacent strut band.
US07722658B2 Longitudinally flexible stent
An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions. The stent retains longitudinal flexibility after expansion. The stent is formed of intertwined meander patterns forming triangular cells. The triangular cells are adapted to provide radial support, and also to provide longitudinal flexibility after expansion. The triangular cells provide increased coverage of a vessel wall. The stent can have different portions adapted to optimize radial support or to optimize longitudinal flexibility. The stent can be adapted to prevent flaring of portions of the stent during insertion.
US07722656B1 Device and method for stimulating hair growth
The current invention includes a device and method for the promotion and stimulation of hair growth using one or more light sources such as a diode laser, each light source operating in the infrared range at wavelengths in a range from about 2500 nm to about 10,000 nm and at a low wattage, collectively less than about 1000 mw, with the power level typically being in the region of 500 mw. A diode laser operating in this range will have a greater dispersion rate than heretofore, thus requiring fewer diodes to cover the same area of scalp with less power required per diode laser.
US07722653B2 Locking bone plate
A bone plate(s) of complex form is provided, particularly suited to tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy and a distal femoral osteotomy. The bone plate has a main longitudinal axis, a bone-contacting bottom side (not shown) and a top side with at least three sets of overlapping holes which communicate through the plate from the top to the bottom side. The sets of overlapping holes define threaded apertures having multifaceted surfaces. When applied to a bone, two sets of such overlapping holes are located so as to lie on opposite sides of an osteotomy site and on the tibial plate; a third is aligned at approximately 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis. The configuration of this complex bone plate vary, depending on the physiology of the patient. An object of the invention is to provide an orthopedic surgeon greater flexibility of choice in that a threaded peg providing secure fixing can be positioned at any interval along the bone plate, including at its extreme ends or on its elbow.
US07722652B2 Pivoting joints for spinal implants including designed resistance to motion and methods of use
A pivoting connector couples a vertebral member to a longitudinal member. An anchor is pivotally attached to a body by positioning a head of the anchor within a cavity in the body. A longitudinal rod is inserted into a channel also positioned within the body and axially aligned with the cavity. A retainer applies a force to maintain the longitudinal rod within the channel, however the force may be isolated from the anchor. The cavity is adjustable between a plurality of sizes that apply different resistances to pivoting movement of the anchor relative to the body. The adjustment may be performed before or during a surgical procedure. The adjustment may be performed by inserting different components or by rotating a threaded element to create more or less rotational interference.
US07722651B2 Adjustable bone screw assembly
A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.
US07722649B2 Dynamic stabilization device for bones, in particular for vertebrae
A dynamic stabilization device for bones, in particular vertebrae, is made with two bone anchoring elements and a rigid rod with a longitudinal axis connecting them. An elastic element is inserted between the two bone anchoring elements. It acts on the bone anchoring elements to exert a force in a direction of the longitudinal axis. Each bone anchoring element has a first section to be anchored in a bone and a second section to be connected to the rod. At least one of the bone anchoring elements is fixedly connected to the rod to prevent translational movement of the rod relative to it. Further, at least one of the bone anchoring elements is a polyaxial bone screw. Also disclosed is a method for stabilizing vertebrae adjacent to a defective intervertebral disc. A dynamic stabilization device is provided. The anchoring elements are attached to two vertebrae on opposite sides of the defective intervertebral disc. Then, the bone anchoring elements are alligned to connect the rod therebetween with the elastic element positioned between the bone anchoring elements. Finally, one of the bone anchoring elements is connected fixedly to the rod to prevent translational movement of the rod relative to it.
US07722645B2 Pedicle screw spinal fixation device
A spinal fixation device and method including at least one longitudinal rod mounted substantially parallel to the axis of the spine and having a plurality of stem clamps adjustably mounted to the longitudinal rod. Each stem clamp has a stem extending outwardly therefrom with the diameter of the stem being identical to the diameter of the longitudinal rod. A plurality of C-clamps are provided and are mounted to the stems and to the longitudinal rods. Each C-clamp includes a female-tapered through-passage for matingly engaging a male tapered head of a pedicle screw. A plurality of pedicle screws are used to simultaneously anchor the C-clamps to the bone and to the respective stem and longitudinal rod.
US07722643B2 Tissue connector apparatus and methods
Tissue connector assemblies having at least two piercing members, each releaseably coupled to a surgical fastener such as a surgical clip. A flexible member such as a suture may be used to couple one or both piercing members to respective ends of the fastener.
US07722637B2 Heated vascular occlusion coil deployment system
An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a delivery member and a heat responsive coupling for holding the coil during positioning of the coil and the heating element is heated to reduce the strength of the heat responsive coupling for releasing the coil at a desired position within the vessel.
US07722635B2 Blood clot filter
A compact blood clot filter having an alignment section that overlaps with a filter section in an axial direction is formed from a single tube without any welding points to provide high structural integrity, low profile and low manufacturing cost. The filter section has filter struts that extend radially and longitudinally from a hub. The alignment section has alignment struts in which the downstream end of each alignment strut forms a junction with the downstream end of an adjacent alignment strut while the upstream end of each alignment strut forms a junction with the upstream end of an adjacent alignment strut and with one of the filter struts to ensure symmetrical deployment of the filter struts and provide stable centering of the filter section.
US07722634B2 Medical device and method of intravenous filtration
A medical catheter having an elongate body, a first expandable balloon and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes an expandable filter having a first portion coupled to a portion of the medical catheter and a second portion positioned around at least a portion of the first expandable balloon to form a channel between the filter assembly and the first expandable balloon. The filter assembly can further include struts coupled to the second portion of the expandable filter, where the struts tether the second portion of the expandable filter to the elongate body adjacent the proximal end of the first expandable balloon. The first expandable balloon can be used in procedures to dilate blood vessels, including those that deploy stents, where the expandable filter assembly captures particles, including embolic particles, from the blood during the procedure.
US07722632B2 Surgical suture holding device
A device for holding a surgical suture including a base, a guide body, a cam body, a bearing member, and a spring member. The base has a top side, a front edge, and a back edge. The guide body projects from the top side of the base and defines a guide face having an entrance side and an exit side. The entrance side is adjacent the front edge and the exit side is adjacent the back edge. The cam body is pivotally mounted to the top side and forms a toothed surface positioned to selectively secure a surgical suture against the guide face. The spring member is positioned between the cam body and the bearing member, biasing the toothed surface toward the guide face.
US07722631B2 Method for suturing perforation
A method for suturing a perforation of the present invention comprises the steps of: inserting an observation device into the hollow organ and confirming a proposed incision line for incising the hollow organ; determining a position to be sutured before incising the hollow organ along the proposed incision line; and suturing the perforation by tightening up a suture thread that penetrates through the hollow organ via the position to be sutured after incising the hollow organ along the proposed incision line and performing a medical treatment in an abdominal cavity through the perforation.
US07722625B2 Modular bone clamp instrument
A modular bone clamp instrument includes a first elongated arm with a first clamping surface and a second elongated arm with a second clamping surface. A ratchet mechanism is provided between the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm. The ratchet mechanism allows the first elongated arm to move in a first direction, but prevents movement of the first elongated arm in an opposite direction. A squeeze handle is connected to the second elongated arm. The squeeze handle includes a forward handle member and a rear handle member. The rear handle member includes a head with an open chamber. The second elongated arm includes a shoulder that fits in the open chamber. A retention pin extends through the head and shoulder to secure the handle to the second elongated arm. Rotation of the retention pin allows the handle to be released from the second elongated arm.
US07722624B2 Expandable structures for deployment in interior body regions
An expandable structure carried at the end of a catheter tube assembly can be contracted and/or wrapped to present a reduced profile during deployment and/or removal from a targeted tissue site.
US07722622B2 Implant insertion apparatus and method of use
An apparatus for use with a spinal implant includes a handle structure with a passage. A shaft with a screw thread that is moveable within the passage in the handle structure. A pusher block is linked to the shaft, and has a forward surface configured to engage the spinal implant. A screw-threaded clutch member is supported on the handle structure for movement into and out of engagement with the screw thread on the shaft.
US07722621B2 Laparoscopic spinal stabilization surgical method
Spinal fusion implants are laparoscopically placed in a disc space separating two vertebrae. Implant tools, including distraction spacers, boring tools and implants, are passed through a cannula toward the disk space.
US07722620B2 Bone treatment systems and methods
The present invention relates in certain embodiments to medical devices for treating vertebral compression fractures. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to instruments and methods for controllably restoring vertebral body height by controlling the flow of bone cement into the interior of a vertebra and the application of forces causes by the cement flow. An exemplary system utilizes Rf energy in combination a conductive bone cement for selectively polymerizing the inflow plume to increase the viscosity of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, the system utilizes a controller to control bone cement flow parameters to either allow or disallow cement interdigitation into cancellous bone. A method of the invention includes pulsing the flows of bone cement wherein high acceleration of the flow pulses can apply expansion forces across the surface of the cement plume to reduce a vertebral fracture.
US07722619B2 Method of maintaining distraction of a spinal disc space
Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve. Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted to restore the normal angular relationship of the vertebrae adjacent to that disc space. An extended outer sleeve having extended portions capable of maintaining the vertebrae distracted in their normal angular relationship is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.
US07722617B2 Surgical instrumentation for rod reduction
One embodiment of the present application includes a surgical instrument comprising a first member and a second member that are pivotally interconnected together. The first member and the second member each include a proximal end structured for manual manipulation by an operator and a distal end defining a gripping nose structured to engage a bone anchor. The instrument further includes a bearing surface to contact an implantable rod when the gripping nose is engaged with a bone anchor and to urge the rod toward the bone anchor when the gripping nose is pivoted thereabout. A thread guide is included that is engaged by threading of a rotatable member. The rotatable member can include a swivel-mounted head structured to bear against and further urge the rod toward a seat in the bone anchor when the rotatable member is turned through the guide.
US07722614B2 Osteochondral implant fixation method
A surgical procedure and a device used in the procedure according to which one end portion of a guide rod is inserted into the condyle of a damaged area of a human. The rod is used as a guide for a drill bit and a chisel to cut an opening in the condyle.
US07722611B2 Method of treating a clavicle fracture
A method of clavicle fracture fixation includes using a K-wire to create a pilot hole extending longitudinally through the medullary canal of the lateral and medial fragments of the fractured clavicle while the fragments are reduced, enlarging a medial portion of the pilot hole in the lateral fragment and a lateral portion of the pilot hole in the medial fragment, wherein such enlarged portions are together sized for receiving the clavicle nail, attaching the lateral end of the clavicle nail to the K-wire, manipulating the K-wire such that substantially the entire length of the clavicle nail is positioned inside of the lateral fragment, aligning the lateral and medial fragments longitudinally, and manipulating the K-wire such that approximately half of the length of the clavicle nail is positioned within the medial fragment and approximately half of the nail is positioned within the lateral fragment.
US07722607B2 In-line vessel sealer and divider
An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft attached thereto, the shaft including a pair of jaw members disposed at a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly disposed in the housing which moves the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A pair of handles is operatively connected to the drive assembly and the handles are movable relative to the housing to actuate the drive assembly to move the jaw members. Each of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy for treating tissue. The forceps also includes a first switch disposed on the housing which is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to at least one jaw member for treating tissue in a monopolar fashion. A second switch is disposed on the housing and is activatable to selectively deliver energy of a first electrical potential to one jaw member and selectively deliver energy of a second electrical potential to the other jaw member for treating tissue in a bipolar fashion.
US07722604B2 Braided mesh catheter
Embodiments of the invention relate to electrophysiology catheters and methods of using the same. According to one embodiment, the catheter includes a braided conductive member at its distal end that can be radially expanded, for example using a mandrel slidably disposed within a shaft of the catheter. According to another embodiment, the catheter comprises a tip portion constructed of an elastomeric material. According to a further embodiment, the catheter includes a braided conductive member wherein a thermocouple is formed using one filament of the braided conductive member and one thermocouple wire. Other embodiments of the invention relate to a handle for use with a catheter and methods of using the same. According to one embodiment, the handle comprises a thumbwheel coupled to a housing, a spring disposed within the housing in contact with the thumbwheel, and means for increasing compression of the spring to increase rotational friction on the thumbwheel.
US07722597B2 Safety catheter for injecting fluid
A catheter includes a tubular body having a channel having its ends opening out respectively at the ends of the tubular body, injector element for injecting fluid into the channel, a tubular endpiece having a channel with ends opening out respectively at the ends of the tubular endpiece, and element for connecting the endpiece and the body together so that the end of the channel and the end of the channel are in alignment on an axis, the connection element being constituted essentially by a ring that partially covers the body and the endpiece, and being also arranged in such a manner that the connection can be broken by exerting a force couple of predetermined value respectively on the endpiece and on the body. The invention is applicable to safety catheters for performing endovascular treatments by injecting embolic fluid, for example for treating arteriovenous malfunctions.
US07722595B2 Method and device for controlling drug pharmacokinetics
The invention pertains to methods and devices for controlling the pharmacokinetics of administered substances, particularly therapeutic substances by combining advantages of delivery to two or more compartments within the skin. The invention provides methods and devices for delivering substances to subcutaneous and intradermal compartments of the skin to achieve a hybrid pharmacokinetic profile that has a portion similar to that achieved by intradermal delivery, e.g., rapid and high peak onset levels of the substance, and a portion similar to that achieved by subcutaneous delivery, e.g., longer circulating levels of the substance.
US07722592B2 Non-tacky adhesive fastening system for use in consumer products
A non-tacky adhesive fastening system may comprise an engaging member having an engaging surface with a non-tacky adherent disposed thereon and a receiving member having a receiving surface with a non-tacky adherend disposed thereon. The non-tacky adherent may be pre-engaged to the non-tacky adherend. The non-tacky adhesive fastening system, after aging, exhibits a T-Peel of less than about 12 N/inch and is refastenable.
US07722590B2 Pull-on disposable wearing article
A pull-on disposable wearing article is provided with a chassis and an absorbent batt structure extending on the inner surface of the chassis. The chassis has a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region and is composed of a base sheet which is substantially not elastically extensible/contractible, and first and second outer sheets stretched in a transverse direction and bonded in such a stretched state to outer surfaces of the base sheet in the front and rear waist regions, respectively, and being elastically extendible/contractible in the transverse direction. An absorbent batt structure is laid inside the chassis. The base sheet defining an inner surface of the chassis is formed with gathers as the first and second outer sheets contract.
US07722589B2 Stretch activated article for delivering various compositions or functional elements
A stretch activated disposable article, such as a wipe or mitt, includes an upper material layer, and a lower material layer joined to the upper material layer such that a space is defined between the material layers. A functional element, for example a fluid composition, is stored in the space between the upper and lower material layers and becomes functional upon being exposed through the upper material layer with use of the article. The upper material layer includes a plurality of materially weakened positions along the surface thereof that are configured to part or separate upon stretching of the upper material layer to expose the functional element through the upper material layer.
US07722586B2 Ostomy appliance
An ostomy appliance comprising a base plate, said base plate having a first hole for receiving a stoma, ureter, or catheter and an adhesive wafer having a first surface to be attached to the wearer's abdomen back, or chest; a receiving member or bag releasably attached to the base plate, said bag having a second hole for receiving wastes exiting the stoma, ureter or catheter; and a disposable inner bag liner forming a second bag inside the receiving member and being releasably attachable to the base plate in a first coupling area by first coupling means, said disposable inner bag liner having a third hole for receiving wastes exiting the stoma, ureter or catheter and the receiving wastes exiting the stoma, ureter or catheter and the receiving member being releasably attachable to the base plate by second coupling means wherein the first coupling means is in the form of an adhesive flange projecting from the rim of the third hole and having a surface for releasable sealing against a second surface of the base plate facing away from the user provides an ostomy appliance combining the advantages of using a separate, flushable inner bags with an easy, safe, hygienic and discreet management of the collected waste with maximum safety against soiling parts of the appliance not to be substituted when substituting the inner bag, which inner bag may be used directly together with existing ostomy devices.
US07722584B2 Automatic urine collection apparatus
An automatic urine collection apparatus includes a collection container for accumulating urine transferred from a urine receiver through a tube and a main body for supporting the collection container, wherein the main body includes a suction pump for sucking the urine received by the urine receiver and carrying the urine to the collection container, a mass sensor for measuring the urine accumulated in the collection container, a control board for calculating a volume of the urine based on the measured mass of the urine, and an indicator for indicating the calculated volume of the urine.
US07722583B2 Bowel management system and waste collection bag therefor
A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.
US07722582B2 Wound therapy device
A wound closure apparatus having a housing that contains a vacuum pump and a chamber for holding a disposable wound fluid collection canister. The canister resides within the chamber and connects at an outlet with the vacuum pump at an inlet with a porous wound pad. The pad is placed over or within a wound and adhesively secured thereto. When the vacuum pump activates, it evacuates air from the canister resulting in wound fluids flowing from the wound into the canister. Due to the negative effect that a vacuum can impose on tissue when granulation tissue is pulled into the pad, the pad contains multiple pore sizes to prevent granulation tissue from migrating into the pad. The pad has an outer surface adjacent the wound with pore sizes of a diameter of approximately 100 microns or less to prevent tissue from growing into the pad and is treated for biocompatibility.
US07722581B2 Crystalline lens drug delivery
A method of delivering a drug or other compound to the lens of the eye. A conduit through which a drug is introduced penetrates at least the outer lens capsule for drug delivery. When withdrawn, the aperture is self-sealing, thus minimizing trauma and minimizing the risk of cataract formation. The drug remains localized within the lens.
US07722577B2 Bubble free—self primed IV set
A bubble free, self-priming IV set for use in the administration of liquids that includes a drip chamber comprising a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, a bubble isolation device disposed within the drip chamber that prevents air bubbles from exiting the chamber outlet, a tube having an inlet end coupled to the chamber outlet of the drip chamber and an outlet end, and an end plug that includes an air vent. The end plug may be coupled to the outlet end of the tube and is a flow restrictor so that when a liquid is moving through the tube, the velocity of the liquid flow is controlled such that the front of the liquid does not trap bubbles in the tube.
US07722576B2 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.
US07722573B2 Pumping apparatus with secure loading features
A pumping apparatus and pump set for use to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device being adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.
US07722569B2 Catheter assembly with tip shield closure
A tip shield of a catheter assembly has a resilient clip compartment, which may become blood-filled during use of the catheter assembly. The resilient clip inside the compartment is released upon withdrawal of the needle of the catheter assembly to disengage the catheter hub from the tip shield. The resilient clip also prevents re-exposure of the needle after being withdrawn into the tip shield. The blood-filled compartment may potentially leak or splash through an opening from the compartment when the resilient clip is released. A covering blocks the opening from the tip shield to minimize the risk of blood exposure. In addition, the covering minimizes the risk of premature release of the resilient clip and re-exposure of the needle.
US07722566B2 Device to deliver a powdery medicine into nasal cavity
A device that delivers a powdery medicine for a nasal cavity includes positioning guides that cause a capsule to slide as far as a predetermined position and are provided on the side of cutters to make holes on both ends of the capsule provided between the connection port on the side of a nozzle that sprays the powdery medicine into the nasal cavity. The device further includes a connection port on the side of a pump that supplies spray air to the nozzle in order to make the size of the holes made on both ends of the capsule constant, wherein a distance between the connection ports is made shorter than a distance between blade tips of the cutters.
US07722565B2 Access system
The invention provides systems and methods for providing access to a target site. Example systems may include a needle, a grid to guide the needle, a plate with an aperture, a member coupled to the plate and including a semispherical surface, and a hub slideably coupled to the plate by a guide. The system may also include a needle coupled to the hub, the needle including a magnetically trackable sensor positioned in a tip of the needle. The semispherical surface can be positioned against skin of a body and the hub slid relative to the plate along the guide to insert the needle through the aperture in the plate into the body until the tip reaches a target site. The hub can be locked by a lock mechanism when the tip of the needle reaches the target site, and an action performed on the target site through the needle.
US07722561B2 Peritoneal dialyzer and method of peritoneal dialysis
A peritoneal dialyzer including: a catheter capable of injecting and discharging peritoneal dialysate in an abdominal cavity of a patient; a peritoneal dialysate circuit connected to the catheter; and a dialyzer provided in the peritoneal dialysate circuit, the dialyzer including a hemodialysate circuit connected so that peritoneal dialysate passing through the inside can come into contact with a hemodialysate via a hollow fiber membrane, characterized in that means capable of measuring an osmotic agent concentration in the peritoneal dialysate is provided on the peritoneal dialysate circuit on the side of the end at which the catheter is connected with respect to the dialyzer, and a mechanism for dehydrating the peritoneal dialysate according to the osmotic agent concentration measured by the aforementioned means is provided on the hemodialysate circuit, and a method of peritoneal dialysis using the peritoneal dialyzer.
US07722559B2 Method and apparatus for supplying predetermined gas into body cavities of a patient
A gas supply apparatus measures a first pressure inside a first body cavity of a specimen and a second pressure inside a second body cavity of the specimen. The gas supply apparatus regulates a pressure of a predetermined gas based on the measured first and second pressures inside the first and second body cavities so that the first and second pressures reach predetermined first and second pressure settings, respectively.
US07722557B2 Blood purification apparatus
A blood purification apparatus in which the pressure in a circuit is measured by directly measuring the strain of an air trap by a strain sensor without providing a pressure measuring section in the circuit.
US07722554B2 CPR device with counterpulsion mechanism
A system for performing chest compression and abdominal compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor and gearbox including a system of clutches and brakes which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of compressing mechanisms operating on the chest and the abdomen of a patient.
US07722552B2 Guide wire
A guide wire comprises a core member, and a coil covering at least a distal end side portion of the core member. The guide wire comprises a coil fixing member which is fixed to the distal end side portion of the core member and which is adapted to fix the coil concentrically with the core member at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the coil, with the coil being fixed to the coil fixing member. The coil can be disposed concentrically with the core member, with the distal end portion of the guide wire undergoing generally uniform favorable deformations at the time of insertion into a living body, thus providing relatively excellent operationality.
US07722551B2 Guide wire
A guide wire includes a wire body and a coil provided so as to cover the distal side of the wire body. The wire body has a first wire disposed on the distal side, a second wire disposed on the proximal side from the first wire, and a third wire disposed on the proximal side from the second wire. The first wire is made from a reshapable metal material such as a stainless steel. The second wire is made from a pseudo-elastic alloy such as a Ni-Ti alloy. The third wire is made from a material having an elastic modulus larger than that of a material for forming the second wire. The first wire and the second wire are joined to each other by welding, and similarly the second wire and the third wire are joined to each other by welding.
US07722549B2 Rotating fine needle for core tissue sampling
A medical instrument usable with an ultrasound-endoscope for performing a needle biopsy on a patient's internal body tissues usable at a surgical site not visible to the unaided eye or viewed endoscopically, comprises an elongate tubular member with a hollow needle element connected at its distal end, a sheath member housing said tubular member and needle element, an actuator subassembly with a shifter member operatively connected to elongate tubular member's proximal end, and a distal camming subassembly, said subassembly enabling a rotating motion of said needle member while handle actuator is moved in the forward direction. Upon inserting an ultrasound-endoscope into a patient and locating a mass, the fine needle with sharply pointed spoon shaped distal end is inserted into the mass aided by endoscopic and ultrasonographic guidance. Once in the mass, a camming action is initiated, causing rotation of the fine needle within the mass, resulting in a scooped out core biopsy. This instrument enables the performance of a fine needle aspiration requiring only one or two needle introductions, with a resultant core biopsy substantial enough for diagnostic purposes.
US07722538B2 Conductance-imaging catheter and determination of cavitary volume
Systems and methods for calibrating calculations based on catheter-originated measurements. One embodiment comprises a method for calibrating volume calculations for a fluid-filled cavity, such as a heart chamber. In this method, a first catheter configured to measure electrical characteristics and a second catheter configured to measure geometric characteristics are inserted into a fluid-filled cavity. Electrical characteristics of the fluid-filled cavity are measured with the first catheter and geometric characteristics of the cavity are measured with the second catheter. A volume segment is determined based on the measured geometric characteristics of the cavity, and a corresponding volume segment is determined based on the measured electrical characteristics of the cavity. Because the geometric calculation of the volume is known to be more accurate, the volume calculation based on the electrical measurements is adjusted (calibrated) to match the geometric calculation.
US07722534B2 Compact fluorescence endoscopy video system
A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.
US07722526B2 System, method and apparatus for preventing motion sickness
A system, method and apparatus for preventing motion sickness from afflicting a passenger in a moving vehicle which includes a means for capturing and substantially simultaneously displaying video images collected from a frontal view to a passenger having an obstructed view of the environment in front of the moving vehicle. The system, method and apparatus includes cropping/zooming the video images displayed to the passenger in order to create a view for the passenger in order to prevent motion sickness from afflicting the passenger.
US07722525B2 Lateral coupling of an implantable hearing aid actuator to an auditory component
An apparatus and method is provided for lateral contact loading of an implantable transducer relative to an auditory component. The apparatus may include a contact tip for directly contacting a lateral aspect of an auditory component, and a vibratory actuator adapted for axial displacement in response to the operation of an interconnected implantable hearing aid transducer. At least a portion of the vibratory actuator may be deflectable, wherein the contact tip is laterally displaceable upon lateral deflection of the vibratory actuator to apply a lateral loading force to an auditory component. In operation, the contact tip may be positioned to apply the lateral loading force upon initial placement and then automatically moved to maintain contact with the auditory component by virtue of deflection of the vibratory actuator, (e.g., responsive) post-implantation auditory component movement.
US07722524B2 Surgically implantable hearing aid
The invention comprises a surgically implantable hearing aid for hearing impaired persons. The hearing aid includes a vibrational element which is vibrated by sound waves and attached to the skull of the person, and a connector which crosses the mastoid cavity and delivers the sound waves to the dura mater of the human being thereby vibrating the dura mater, the cerebrospinal fluids, and the brain to create a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to act as a tinnitus masker or used in conjunction with a cochlear implant. It can also be used in a modified form to connect directly through the skull of the human being.
US07722523B2 Transventricular implant tools and devices
A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.
US07722522B2 Brace providing focused energy for medical therapy
An electromagnetic body-treatment device includes a brace of an electromagnetically transparent material which is shaped for removable conforming application to a contour of the human body. One or more multi-turn electrical coils are embedded in the brace and are oriented to establish a magnetic flux density in a therapy site about which the brace is mounted. A plurality of receivers are positioned in the brace in relative opposition to the coils. Permeable material slugs are pressed into the receivers to control the form factor of the flux density. A pulse signal generator drives the coil with low-voltage unidirectional pulses which are propagated as an associated succession of bursts in the magnetic flux density which is focused by the slugs on the therapy site.
US07722516B2 Cold rolling pin system
A metal rolling pin system includes a metal rolling pin formed from a cylindrical metal body having a hollow core. A removable cylinder is disposed inside the core and is filled with a freezable material such as a cellulose gel material. The rolling pin may also have insulating material inside the core to prevent condensation. A silicone sleeve fits over the metal outside of the pin to keep the dough or pastry from sticking. The rolling pin system has more than one core to assure that there is always a frozen core to keep the pin and dough cold.
US07722509B2 Handicapped accessible exercise machine
A handicapped accessible exercise apparatus having a central housing with two pivoting extension arms. Cables extend from weight stacks within the housing to movable cable guides on the arms for engagement by a user. By adjusting the positions of the arms and the cable guides, the apparatus can be configured to facilitate various exercises and to accommodate users of various sizes. The apparatus is provided with button-operated locks for allowing users with limited manual dexterity to easily lock and unlock the positions of the extension arms and the cable guides.
US07722502B2 Method for storing exercise performance of user of exercise device and exercise device
The invention relates to a method for storing an exercise performance of a user of an exercise device that is shared by several users. The invention is characterized by installing into the exercise device software for identifying the user and for collecting information on the exercise performance; assigning a first identifier to the user; assigning a second identifier to the exercise device; identifying the user in response to the first identifier; associating the first identifier with the second identifier; collecting information related to the exercise performance of the user by associating the combination of the first and second identifiers with the information related to the exercise performance; and storing information related to the exercise performance.
US07722497B2 Control device for vehicle drive apparatus
An engaging device (a switching clutch C0 or a switching brake B0) switches a shifting mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state. In particular. The step-variable shifting state is set in a high speed running, because a first electric motor M1 need not bear a reaction torque against an input torque TINS inputted into a differential portion 11, the first electric motor M1 is prevented from being large-sized and suppressed in durability lowering. Even when switching to the step-variable shifting state is unable, the input torque TINS against which the first electric motor M1 should bear the reaction torque, is limited by an input torque control means 86, and the first electric motor M1 is prevented from being large-sized and suppressed in durability lowering.
US07722496B2 10-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07722494B2 Self-contained rotary actuator
A method for providing a compact rotary action torque within a larger system comprising a cross-roller bearing, generating a controllable electromagnetic field using a motor stator while interfacing the cross-roller bearing using a bull gear. The bull gear interfaces the cross-roller bearing and includes gear-teeth. An output plate includes a ring gear and supports shaft bearings. The ring gear interfaces the output plate and includes gear-teeth. A drive shaft holds a prime mover rotor and an eccentric and associates with the output plate via the shaft bearings. A gear train includes a meshing gear having gear-teeth for meshing with the gear-teeth of the bull gear and the gear-teeth of the ring gear and walks a minimal number of the gear-teeth for each rotation of the prime mover rotor; thereby, providing a transmitting force from the prime mover along the shortest-possible transmission path.
US07722493B2 Power-branched transmission and method for the operation of such a transmission
A power-branched transmission, particularly for agricultural vehicles such as tractors or similar, includes a stepped planetary gear which is disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft and is used for dividing the power supplied at the input shaft onto a mechanical power branch and a hydraulic power branch. The hydraulic power branch is formed by two hydraulically interconnected, identical hydrostatic axial piston engines which can be selectively operated as a pump or an engine, can be swiveled within a predefined pivoting angle, and can be connected to the input shaft or the stepped planetary gear in a different manner via two respective clutches so as to cover different operating ranges or running steps. In order to obtain better efficiency in such a power-branched transmission, the two hydrostatic axial piston engines are configured as wide-angle hydrostats that are provided with a minimum pivoting angle range of 45°.
US07722489B2 Bicycle front derailleur
A bicycle front derailleur includes a chain guide that is provided with a pushing element that is movable relative to the chain guide to assist in shifting a bicycle chain from a smaller front sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket. The chain guide is part of a movable member that is movably coupled to a base member via a linkage assembly. The pushing element is rotatably coupled to the chain guide portion and activated by a chain to move relative to the inner chain guide member from a first position with the pushing element at rest to a second position in response to activation by the chain. The contact surface moves laterally outwardly into the chain receiving slot toward the outer chain guide member as the pushing element moves from the first position to the second position.
US07722482B2 Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is thin relative to the center and the outer core layer.
US07722481B2 Golf ball
The invention provides a golf ball composed of a core, a cover having a plurality of dimples on an outside surface thereof, and an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover. The core has a deflection, when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, of at least 3.0 mm but not more than 5.0 mm. The intermediate layer is formed of a highly neutralized resin material, and has a Shore D hardness of at least 40 but not more than 60 and a thickness of at least 1.7 mm but not more than 4.0 mm. The number of dimples is at least 272 but not more than 348. The golf ball, through a combination of dimples which do not cause a loss of lift in the low-velocity, low-spin rate region of the ball trajectory and a low-spin construction, travels farther and is therefore beneficial for competitive use by both skilled and amateur golfers.
US07722478B2 Golf club head and golf club
A golf club head, in particular a golf putter head, with a striking face, which is provided on the front side of a striking part, for a golf ball, and with a device, which is fastened to the rear side of the striking part, for receiving interchangeable weights. The device has two elements which mutually intersect preferably without any contact and to the one free end sections of which weights can be fitted. As a result, a shifting of the center of gravity and distribution of the weight of the head are possible in a particularly variable manner.
US07722474B2 Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure; (b) a club head engaging member including a shaft-receiving chamber and a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
US07722473B1 Golf training aid
A golf training device, comprising a wearable wedge shaped body for receiving a user's trailing foot and restricting lateral movement of a user's hip, at least one foot strap assembly connected to the wedge shaped body, a guide rod system connected to the wedge shaped body comprising, a base portion connected to the wedge shaped body, a collar disposed in the base portion, and, a guide rod engaging the collar and extending upwardly from the collar toward the user's hip, the guide rod system indicating a swing error when the user's hip contacts the guide rod.
US07722468B2 Magnetoresistive memory units as read only memory devices in gaming machines
Gaming machines and systems having MRAM and MROM are disclosed. MROMs for storing boot programs and other Read Only code are formed by cutting write connections or not providing PCB socket leads to MRAM write pins, or by using memory hubs to prevent writing to MRAMs. A tale-tale board or other logging device monitoring activities at various components while primary machine power is down records to MRAM, which can be dual ported to the logging device and MGC. Various components can each have dedicated logging devices and MRAMs. One MRAM associated with the brain box replaces both DRAM and NVRAM of regular machine architectures, and is used for dual purposes of regular operational use and as safe storage to facilitate a state recovery. Prioritization of data during the storage process is rendered unnecessary. Another MRAM associated with the back plane board stores data associated with the exterior housing or terminal.
US07722465B2 Image generation device, image display method and program product
Upon projecting the inside of a virtual space on a prescribed projection plane and generating a two-dimensional image, foremost, the relative position of the operational unit and the relative direction designated with such operational unit are acquired, and these are substituted with the position and direction in the virtual space. Next, the position of the operational unit in the virtual space is shifted a prescribed amount horizontally and/or vertically to set the starting point, and an ending point is set on a virtual line extending along the direction designated by the operational unit in the virtual space. Next, a virtual viewpoint which approximately matches the position and direction of the operational unit in the virtual space is set and subject to projective transformation, and a two-dimensional image containing the trajectory image corresponding to a part or the entirety of the zone connecting the starting point and ending point is generated thereby.
US07722463B2 Gaming device having apparent and final awards
A gaming device having a plurality of start values. The player selects one of the start values, as part of a game sequence. During the game sequence, the gaming device increments the start value to an apparent award. The gaming device in one embodiment enables the player to keep the apparent award or trade it for another apparent award. The other apparent award in one embodiment is derived from one of the other start values. After one or more keep or trade sequences, the player achieves one of the apparent awards. The gaming device then performs a sequence in which the apparent award changes into an actual award. The gaming device provides the actual award to the player.
US07722462B2 Electronic game apparatus and method providing a secondary game triggered apart from a primary game
A gaming device and method where there is a primary game and a bonus game. The player makes a wager and plays the primary game to obtain an outcome. Before, during or after the primary game a bonus game is played, apart from the primary game, which can trigger an separate, unrelated award. A bonus award display displays any award from the bonus game.
US07722460B2 Method and apparatus for automatically operating a game machine
A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in the automated play mode without player input. One or more parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming device.
US07722457B1 Method of playing a slot machine (“cumulative numeric awards”)
The present invention includes a variety of methods to issue awards during free spins. In general, the present invention involves placing a wager, spinning the slot reels, triggering the free-spin bonus feature, and collecting awards based upon the cumulative numeric value(s) attained over the course of one or more free spins. In a preferred embodiment, a cumulative numeric value starts at zero and increases by the amount shown on “increase value” symbols, with each cumulative numeric value associated with an award. Upon completion of the free spins, the game issues the award associated with the final cumulative numeric value.
US07722456B2 Method and apparatus for associating symbols with a state of a gaming device
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for determining a set of game symbols for use in a game based on a state of the game is provided, including determining a payout amount to be provided based on a first amount and a second reel outcome, the payout amount being equal to or less than the first amount; wherein a first probability of at least one first symbol being included in a first outcome is different than a second probability of the at least one first symbol being included in the second outcome, the first and second probabilities being greater than zero.
US07722451B2 Gaming device having improved offer and acceptance game with masked offers
A gaming device having an improved offer and acceptance bonus scheme wherein the gaming device provides a plurality of masked selections and briefly reveals to the player one or more of the offers which will be associated with one or more of the masked selections. In one embodiment, one offer is revealed and that revealed offer is the maximum potential offer the player may obtain. In one embodiment, if the player selects the revealed offer, the game ends. In one embodiment, if the maximum offer is not selected, the player simply obtains the selected offer and the game ends. In another embodiment, the player may select the offer, or reject the offer and select another masked selection wherein the player may again obtain the previously selected offer.
US07722447B2 Automatic rack loader
An apparatus and system for loading items onto a rack is described. The rack loading apparatus is includes a stuffer/clipper for making sausages, a belt conveyor for receiving a sausage from the stuffer/clipper and conveying the sausage to a rotary conveyor, the rotary conveyor comprising a plurality of stages and having a loading side for receiving a sausage and an unloading side for discharging a sausage, a rack comprising a frame supporting a plurality of trays, a positioner to align the rack with the unloading side, a controller to cause the rotary conveyor to align a one of the plurality of stages on the loading side with the belt conveyor to receive a sausage from the stuffer/clipper and to rotate the rotary conveyor to align the one of the plurality of stages on the unloading side with a one of the plurality of trays, and a load pusher to discharge the sausage off the one of the plurality of stages and onto the one of the plurality of trays, the pusher comprising a plurality of tabs extending on a rotatable arm. In another embodiment, a rack loading apparatus for loading other manufactured items is described.
US07722445B2 Insertion tool for an angle grinder
An insertion tool (12) for an angle grinder (2) that has a hub (16) with at least a first fastening means for fastening the hub (16) to a driving device (22) of the angle grinder (2). The first fastening means if located on a partial circle (54) with a radius (56) of between 12 mm and 25 mm.
US07722442B2 Knife-edge sharpening apparatus
Two counter-rotating, intermeshing, toothed wheels grind opposite sides of an interposed blade to create or burrlessly sharpen a knife-edge on the blade. The wheels can be solid or comprised of a fixed stack of toothed disks, concentrically aligned, the teeth of each succeeding disk angularly offset in a common direction from the teeth of the next preceding disk to create a wheel having a plurality of uniform, elongated composite teeth around the circumference of the stack, the teeth being angled from the wheel's axis. Two such wheels, one with teeth angled in an opposite direction, can be counter-rotated and because of the oppositely angled teeth, are capable of intermeshing. The degree of intermeshing can be selectively varied to correspondingly vary the sharpening angle. The apex ridges of both the solid and composite teeth can be selectively profiled to sharpen non-uniformly, e.g. serrating a blade edge.
US07722440B2 Method and device for grinding ceramic spheres
A method and apparatus for grinding spheres of ceramic material, including the spheres with at least one grinding wheel containing abrasive grains bound in a synthetic resin. The abrasive grains comprise more than 50% diamond and less than 5%, Cr2O3.
US07722439B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus and method
A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a head for holding a semiconductor wafer, a retainer ring for surrounding the outer periphery of the semiconductor wafer held by the head, and a polishing pad for polishing a polished surface of the semiconductor wafer. This apparatus presses the polished surface of the semiconductor wafer against the polishing pad together with the retainer ring to polish the semiconductor wafer. The retainer ring used in the present invention has a surface that is in contact with the polishing pad, which increases a contact area of the retainer ring against the polishing pad in accordance with wear of the retainer ring.
US07722437B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
A polishing pad used in a CMP step in the manufacture of a semiconductor integrated circuit device is relatively expensive; thus, it is necessary to avoid a wasteful exchange of the pad. Accordingly, it is important to measure the abrasion amount of this pad precisely. However, in ordinary measurement thereof through light, the presence of a slurry hinders the measurement. In measurement thereof with a contact type sensor, a problem that pollutants elute out is caused. In a CMP step in the invention, the height position of a dresser is measured while the dresser operates, thereby detecting the abrasion amount or the thickness of a polishing pad indirectly. In this way, the time for exchanging the polishing pad is made appropriate.
US07722431B2 Customizable wobble objects
An action wobble head doll includes a preprinted, die cut, animated body having an image secured thereto. The image can be a customized digital photograph. The image is secured to the body of the doll via a mounting assembly, which includes a spring secured to at least one mounting plate in a substantially perpendicular manner thereby creating a unique side-to-side movement of the image with respect to the body.
US07722419B1 Diving platform
The subject of this disclosure relates to a diving apparatus and a method for marking a diver's' location. The disclosure provides a receptacle for diving equipment which is configured to float upon the surface of the water and optionally support a flag and pole to mark the diver's relative position underwater. An anchoring system is also disclosed coupling the apparatus to the sea floor or river bottom to maintain position of the apparatus in the general location of the diver. The apparatus further includes a perimeter ring handle, a receptacle for storing equipment, and a method for supporting a diver.
US07722418B2 Energy dissipation valves for hydraulic cylinders
A method for configuring a hydraulic actuator to provide energy dissipation capabilities during low energy collisions while controlling energy dissipation during high energy collisions comprises biasing a valve member towards a closed position with a resilient member having a rigidity of between 600 and 1500 lbs/in, applying a low preload to the resilient member, and restricting the flow of fluid by using a stop to limit movement of the valve member away from the closed position.
US07722414B2 Connector having separately made lance housing and retainer
In a male connector (10), a lance housing (50) including locking lances (27) is provided separately from a housing main body (20) and a retainer including terminal locking portions (78) to be located in deformation spaces (63) for the locking lances (27) in a properly assembled state is provided separately from the lance housing (50). A projection (75) projects backward from the retainer (70), and a receiving hole (69) for receiving the projection (75) is formed in the front surface of the lance housing (50) to penetrate the lance housing (50). The lance housing (50) is positioned with respect to the retainer (70) by inserting the projection (75) into the receiving hole (69).
US07722409B2 Secure and/or lockable connecting arrangement for video game system
Compatible mechanical and/or electrical connections to video game system accessories provide unique shape, design and dimensions that discourage or prevent non-compatible devices from being connected, connector configurations that allow connection only in a proper orientation to ensure electrical compatibility and eliminate the possibility of short-circuits, quick release locking arrangement firmly mechanically holds mating connectors together despite extensive movement of the game player's arms and hands, staged electrical contacting sequence provides proper signal application sequence, and wrist strap to tether handheld remote controller to hand is attached to a locking connector that mates with a connector of the remote controller.
US07722405B2 Electronic device
The invention relates to an electronic device with a housing to accommodate a support substrate, provided with an electronic circuit, whereby the electronic circuit makes contact with at least one electrical line, leading out of the housing. The electrical line is connected to a rigid contact element on a contact holder and the contact element is introduced into the support substrate to make contact with the electronic circuit.
US07722403B2 Grounding comb, in particular for a plug-type connector for printed circuit boards
A grounding comb, in particular for a plug-type connector for printed circuit boards, includes a carrier on which laterally sprung contact lugs are arranged. The contact lugs are positioned exactly opposite one another on the two longitudinal sides of the carrier. The grounding comb allows for improved integration of surge arresters (e.g., two-pole arresters).
US07722402B2 Panel interface module which provides electrical connectivity between panel and shielded jacks
An interface module includes a housing having a plurality of jack openings configured to receive shielded modular jacks therein. The housing has a mounting wall extending along one side of the jack openings. A bond bar is coupled to the mounting wall, wherein the bond bar has a jack interface configured to engage respective ones of the shielded modular jacks and a panel interface configured to engage a mating surface of a panel. The bond bar is configured to create an electrical connection between respective ones of the shielded modular jacks and the mating surface of the panel.
US07722401B2 Differential electrical connector with skew control
An electrical interconnection system with high speed, differential electrical connectors. The connector is assembled from wafers each containing a column of conductive elements, some of which form differential pairs. A housing for the wafer is formed with regions of higher and lower dielectric constant material. The regions of lower dielectric constant material are selectively positioned adjacent longer signal conductors of the differential pairs. The material may be preferentially placed along curved segments of the differential pair to reduce crosstalk in the connector while reducing skew.
US07722396B2 Seal body and connector including the same
A connector including seal bodies having an excellent sealing characteristic. The seal body puts an electric wire between the seal body and the other seal body so as to maintain a watertight characteristic between the electric wire and the seal bodies. The seal body includes: an abutting surface of the seal body, which abuts against a mating abutting surface of the other seal body when the seal bodies overlap each other; a groove which positions the electric wire inside the seal bodies; a lip part which projects from an inner surface of the groove and from the abutting surface.
US07722395B2 Wire, detector having wire, and die for wire
A rotation sensor 11 includes a sensor portion 12, a wire 13 connected to the sensor portion 12, and a resin housing 14. The wire 13 has a sheath 24 formed of a resin compatible with the resin forming the housing 14. The portion of the sheath 24 covered by the housing 14 includes two annular sealing projections 25 extending along the entire circumference of the sheath 24. When molten resin is poured into a housing formation mold to mold the housing 14, the heat of the molten resin is efficiently transferred to the sealing projections 25. This effectively melts the sealing projections 25 and ensures that the sealing projections 25 are fused with the housing 14.
US07722390B2 Methods and systems for positioning connectors to minimize alien crosstalk
The present invention relates to methods and systems for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors. Specifically, the methods and systems relate to isolation and compensation techniques for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors for use with high-speed data cabling. A frame can be configured to receive a number of connectors. Shield structures may be positioned to isolate at least a subset of the connectors from one another. The connectors can be positioned to move at least a subset of the connectors away from alignment with a common plane. A signal compensator may be configured to adjust a data signal to compensate for alien crosstalk. The connectors are configured to efficiently and accurately propagate high-speed data signals by, among other functions, minimizing alien crosstalk.
US07722386B2 Flexible printed circuit with primary and secondary bodies
An exemplary flexible printed circuit (20) includes a primary body (210) and a secondary body (220). The primary body includes a primary connection portion (211), and a primary engaging portion. The secondary body includes a secondary connection portion (221) and a secondary engaging portion (223). The primary body and the secondary body are electrically connected by connecting the primary engaging portion and the secondary engaging portion together.
US07722378B2 Block-out cover and removal tool
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover.
US07722374B2 Hermaphroditic coupling with rotational engagement and flexible interlock
A low-profile genderless connector uses interlocking tabs and spring levers to form a secure mechanical link with another identical genderless connector using rotational engagement. Upon full engagement of two opposing yet identical connectors, electrical contacts on each connector complete multiple signal paths for ground, power, and signal communication in a preferred sequential order. In an alternative embodiment, the connectors rotationally engage to form a coupling having optical contacts. In yet another embodiment, the connectors rotationally engage to form a coupling to provide strictly mechanical or structural connectivity.
US07722372B2 Direct mounting connector
A direct mounting connector includes: six independent busbars for connecting the apparatus to two auxiliary machines for three-phase alternating current; two U-pole first terminal parts, two V-pole first terminal parts and two W-pole first terminal parts The six first terminal parts are connected to the apparatus at first ends of the respective six busbars, the two first terminal parts of the same pole are arranged adjacently to each other; and two sets, each set of which consists of a second U-pole terminal part, a second V-pole terminal part and a second W-pole terminal part The six second terminal parts are connected to the two auxiliary machines at second ends of the respective six busbars, the two sets arranged adjacently to each other having a distance therebetween. Busbar parts extend between the two sets of the second terminal parts.
US07722371B2 Electrical contactor, especially wafer level contactor, using fluid pressure
An electrical interconnect assembly and methods for making an electrical interconnect assembly. In one embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact elements and a fluid containing structure which is coupled to the flexible wiring layer. The fluid, when contained in the fluid containing structure, presses the flexible wiring layer towards a device under test to form electrical interconnections between the first contact elements and corresponding second contact elements on the device under test. In a further embodiment, an interconnect assembly includes a flexible wiring layer having a plurality of first contact terminals and a semiconductor substrate which includes a plurality of second contact terminals. A plurality of freestanding, resilient contact elements, in one embodiment, are mechanically coupled to one of the flexible wiring layers or the semiconductor substrate and make electrical contacts between corresponding ones of the first contact terminals and the second contact terminals. In another embodiment, a method of making electrical interconnections includes joining a flexible wiring layer and a substrate together in proximity and causing a pressure differential between a first side and a second side of the flexible wiring layer. The pressure differential deforms the flexible wiring layer and causes a plurality of first contact terminals on the flexible wiring layer to electrically connect with a corresponding plurality of second contact terminals on the substrate.
US07722363B2 Cable assembly with hooked contact
A cable assembly (100) comprises a mating member (4), a printed circuit board (2), a cable (6) and a pair of hooked contacts (3). The printed circuit board (2) has an LED (23) attached thereon and a pair of vias (210, 211), the cable (6) has a positive wire (61) and a negative wire (62) connected with the mating member (4). The hooked contacts (3) are assembled in the vias, each contact (3) defines a holding portion (34) and a pair of legs (351) retained in the vias, the holding portion (34) has a plurality of barbs (341) and encloses the corresponding wire, the barbs pierces outer jackets (610, 620) of the wires (61, 62) to electrically connect the contacts with inner conductors of the wires.
US07722359B1 Connection assembly having midplane with enhanced connection and airflow features
A connection assembly has a midplane, first midplane connectors and second midplane connectors. The midplane is divided into an airflow section and a connector section by a dividing line. The midplane defines a first side and a second side which faces away from the first side. The airflow section provides airflow passageways connecting spaces on both sides of the midplane. The connector section provides (i) first mounting locations which are confined to the connector section on the first side and (ii) second mounting locations which are confined to the connector section on the second side. The first midplane connectors are arranged to connect to first circuit board modules, and are mounted over the first mounting locations on the first side. The set of second midplane connectors are arranged to connect to second circuit board modules, and are mounted over the second mounting locations on the second side.
US07722358B2 Electrical connection between devices
Concepts for forming an electrical connection between devices are disclosed. A cord for transferring electrical power and signals can be provided to connect a first device to a second device. One or more magnetic couplings can be provided to exert magnetic forces between the cord and the first device and/or between the cord and the second device. The one or more magnetic couplings can allow transfer of electrical power and signals therethrough.
US07722354B1 Orthodontic connector assembly and a method for treating teeth
An orthodontic connector assembly (10) including a plurality of substantially identical connecting members, such as members (12), (14) which include a movable but biased portion (20) which is adapted to selectively and removably receive a pocket portion (44) which is deployed on at least one bracket, such as bracket (40).
US07722350B2 Apparatus for imprinting and/or embossing substrates
The invention relates to an apparatus for imprinting and/or embossing substrates (7), in particular semiconductor substrates or wafers, having: a receiving unit (5) for receiving the substrate (7) in a working space (13), an adjusting device (2, 3, 4) for adjusting the substrate (7) in relation to an embossing and/or printing punch (10), whereby for a process that is as contamination-free as possible and for a manufacture of the apparatus that is as favorable as possible the receiving unit (5) is designed so as to separate the working space (13) from the environment.
US07722348B1 Vacuum assisted molding
A mold assembly includes a mold mounted for rotation within a vacuum chamber. The mold includes a central drum having a hollow interior into which resin is poured. A plurality of hollow blade molds is radially disposed about the central drum. A plurality of radially disposed struts is secured to the central drum and each strut is received within an associated blade mold. Openings are formed in the central drum and in the struts. Elongate bundles of woven fiberglass are weaved in and out of the openings, beginning in the drum and extending to the respective ends of each strut. A motor spins the mold assembly and resin in the central drum is urged by centrifugal force to flow along the length of the woven fiberglass bundles until each blade mold is filled with resin. The resulting product is a monolithic structure having plural blades radiating from a central hub.
US07722347B2 Apparatus and die cartridge assembly adapted for use therewith, and process for producing fibrous materials
Apparatus (100, 101, 102) and die cartridge assembly (18, 44, 45, 47) adapted for use with same for producing fibrous material (212). The apparatus (100) comprises a removably attachable die cartridge assembly (18) that adapts to conventional spunmelt equipment. The die cartridge assembly (18) is removably positionable beneath an extrusion body (10) for effecting formation of fibrous material by fibrillation of polymer films. The cartridge assembly (18) includes at least one polymer passage (19) communicating with a molten polymer source (10) for directing molten polymer onto at least one film forming surface (20, 28) defined by the cartridge assembly (18), and also defines at least one gas passage (222, 22, 30) communicating with a gas source (16) for directing pressurized gas (220) against the molten polymer (210) in the form of a film for effecting formation of the fibrous material (212).
US07722346B2 Oil supply method of two-stage screw compressor, two-stage screw compressor applying the method, and method of operating refrigerating machine having the compressor
A method of supplying lubrication oil to a two-stage screw compressor is disclosed in which a low-pressure stage screw compressor and a high-pressure stage screw compressor are integrally constructed. A compression space is formed by a male rotor and a female rotor, and operation gas is fed for compression to the compression space. The method prevents degradation of volumetric efficiency caused by return of lubrication oil, coming from a bearing and a shaft sealing device, to the low-pressure stage screw compressor, and as a result, refrigeration capacity is improved and the amount of the lubrication oil is reduced.
US07722338B2 Peristaltic pump providing simplified loading and improved tubing kink resistance
A peristaltic pump is provided that simplifies the loading of tubing and automatically self-centers the tubing relative to the pump wheel, wherein the pump includes an elongated arm having slotted pinch forks for engaging the tubing. The pinch forks are arranged substantially tangential to the pump wheel to reduce tubing kinking. The pump further includes a spring-loaded clamp that moves the elongated arm between engaged and disengaged positions, the clamp optionally including a sensor element used to detect when the pump is ready for operation.
US07722335B2 Linear compressor
Disclosed herein is a linear compressor. The linear compressor comprises shell spring seats each including a shell coupling portion and a spring coupling portion. A buffer is provided between the shell coupling portion and the spring coupling portion to absorb vibration. This prevents the vibration from being transmitted from the spring coupling portion to the shell coupling portion, resulting in no noise discharge to the outside of the shell.
US07722326B2 Intensively cooled trailing edge of thin airfoils for turbine engines
A cooling system designed to cool the trailing edge of a turbine blade usable in rear stages of a turbine engine. The turbine blade may have a leading edge cooling cavity and a trailing edge cooling cavity separated by an impingement rib. The cooling system may exhaust cooling fluids through the tip of the turbine blade rather than through the trailing edge of the turbine blade to prevent premature failure at the trailing edge of the turbine blade.
US07722324B2 Multi-peripheral serpentine microcircuits for high aspect ratio blades
A cooling arrangement for a pressure side of an airfoil portion of a turbine engine component is provided. The cooling arrangement comprises a pair of cooling circuits embedded within a wall forming the pressure side. The pair of cooling circuits includes a first serpentine cooling circuit and a second circuit offset from the first serpentine cooling circuit.
US07722323B2 Axial flow turbine with overspeed preventing device
An axial flow turbine motor is provided which includes a rotor with a peripheral row of drive blades and a peripheral band-shaped wall element radially clamped against the tops of the drive blades, and a housing with at least one pressure medium inlet nozzle and an annular inner surface surrounding the rotor drive blades and the wall element, wherein the wall element is arranged to withstand centrifugal forces and uphold its clamping engagement with the drive blades at rotor speed levels up to a predetermined speed level, but to expand and loosen its clamping engagement with the drive blades at speed levels above the predetermined speed level, thereby moving into contact with the annular surface and interfering with the rotational movement of the rotor so as to prevent the rotor from reaching hazardous high speed levels.
US07722315B2 Method and system to facilitate preferentially distributed recuperated film cooling of turbine shroud assembly
A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a turbine shroud assembly within the gas turbine engine. The turbine shroud assembly includes a shroud segment having a leading edge defining a forward face and a radial inner surface. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the turbine shroud assembly such that a gap is defined between an aft face of an outer band of the turbine nozzle and the forward face. A plurality of recuperated cooling openings are defined through the leading edge at an oblique inlet angle with respect to a centerline of the gap and between the forward face and the radial inner surface to direct cooling fluid through the leading edge to facilitate preferential cooling of the leading edge.
US07722314B2 Methods and systems for assembling a turbine
A method and system for assembling a turbine is provided, wherein an annular nozzle carrier is positioned radially inwardly from a casing such that a cavity is defined between the nozzle carrier and the casing. The method and system also includes a flange that is extended from at least one of a leading edge of the annular casing and a leading edge of the nozzle carrier, and a seal ring that is extended between the nozzle carrier and the casing such that the seal ring seals the cavity, wherein the seal ring is positioned between the flange and at least one of the nozzle carrier and the casing.
US07722310B2 System and method for measuring clearance between two objects
A system for measuring clearance between a first object and a second object is provided. The system includes a sensor configuration to generate a first signal representative of a first sensed parameter and a second signal representative of a second sensed parameter. The system also includes a clearance measurement unit configured to process the first and second signals based upon a ratiometric technique to calculate clearance between the first and second objects.
US07722302B2 Self locking tensioner
The present invention is directed to a self locking tensioner that can be used to place a piston or stud in tension. The present invention is directed to a tensioner comprising slip wedges positioned between a piston and a body which houses the piston and the slip wedges.
US07722301B2 Device for assisting in neck exercises
A headgear device for assisting a user in performing bridge exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck, and exercises performed using the device. The headgear outer surface has an area of low-friction material to allow the headgear to slide on an exercise surface while the user's head supports a portion of his body weight in the bridge position. This allows the user to introduce dynamic resistance into the exercise by moving around on the surface. One or more straps connectable to the user's arms and/or legs can be used to provide stability and/or resistance during the exercise. A friction pad adapted to be removably attached to the outer surface of the headgear can be used to provide resistance to the headgear sliding.
US07722293B2 Methods for constructing underground structures
Described herein are apparatus, systems and methods useful in forming underground vertical structures. Methods are described for constructing an underground vertical structure, comprising the steps of excavating soil to a sufficient depth to create a circular void to accommodate a plurality of segments; assembling a ring shaped structure comprising the plurality of segments; connecting the outside surface of the ring shaped structure with the soil in said circular void, thereby securing the ring shaped structure to the soil; excavating earth beneath the ring shaped structure to accommodate a second ring shaped structure; and repeating steps b-d thereby forming one or more additional ring shaped structures downward into the earth below already formed ring shaped structures until a predetermined depth is reached; thereby forming the underground vertical structure. Systems to perform the above methods are also disclosed.
US07722291B2 Adjustable barreling wave generating apparatus and method
A wave forming apparatus has a channel for containing a flow of water, the channel having an inlet end connected to a water supply for supplying a flowing stream of water, a base, and spaced side walls, and at least one oblique foil member adjustably mounted in the base of the channel. The oblique foil member has a leading face extending at an oblique angle to the water stream in the channel, and a trailing, venturi face with a leading portion facing one of the side walls to form a venturi or constricted pass between the side wall and leading portion of the venturi face. The leading face, venturi face, and venturi pass together are adapted to form a standing barreling wave at the venturi pass. The orientation of the oblique foil member relative to the base of the channel is adjustable in order to vary the barreling wave formation, and may be adjusted during wave formation in order move the barreling wave across the leading face.
US07722288B2 Method of installing a synthetic grass system
A drainage system for use with a synthetic grass surface, the system having a base having a center portion with a first depth and a perimeter channel with a second depth being greater than the first depth, a plurality of tiles above the base, and a synthetic grass above the plurality of tiles. Also, a business method facilitates installation of a synthetic grass system which utilizes drainage tiles positioned between a stone base and the bottom of the synthetic turf, wherein a mold for manufacturing the tile is provided from the turf company to a manufacturing company located in relatively close proximity to where the synthetic turf system is to be installed.
US07722282B2 Crash barriers for roads
A crash barrier assembly has a plurality of prismatic, solid structural elements, at least one of the elements having a shoulder forming a horizontal surface on at least one of its sides, and another element having substantially matching surfaces on at least one of its sides so as to facilitate juxtaposing of the elements. A coupler resiliently interconnects the elements to each other in a manner facilitating relative controlled movement along the horizontal surface of the one element with respect to the other about the coupler. A method for erecting a crash barrier is also provided.
US07722281B2 Device for and method of fastening an emitter
A device for fastening an emitter to a housing comprises a manoeuvre element slidable in a first direction, an activating element slidable in a second, fastening direction that is inclined in relation to the first direction, with the first and second elements are interconnected via at least one cam mechanism. In addition, a fastening element is slidable in the second direction, wherein the activating and fastening elements are interconnected via at least one elastic element. The fastening element is adapted to move, in response to displacement of the manoeuvre element in the first direction, between a fastening position in which it produces a fastening force onto the emitter and an open position in which the fastening force is released.
US07722276B2 Applicator device for applying a substance
An applicator device for applying a substance may include: an inside space containing a supply of substance; an applicator member including a cellular material that deforms at least in part during application, and an application surface configured to apply the substance; a handle that is secured to the applicator member which includes at least one portion that is fastened relative to the handle; a housing configured to receive the applicator member at least in part, the housing communicating in a permanent manner with the inside space containing the supply of substance; and a resilient return member configured to exert thrust on the applicator member toward the application surface.
US07722275B2 Writing instrument with a sheet material dispenser
In one embodiment of a writing instrument with a tape flag dispenser, a writing instrument has a body portion, a writing tip, and a flag dispenser that can be attached to and detached from the body portion. The flag dispenser holds a supply of tape flags, such as a folded stack of tape flags, which can be removed through an opening in the dispenser. The flag dispenser can be, for example, a cap that covers the writing tip or an attachment that affixes to an end of the body portion. In another embodiment, a writing instrument has a body portion, a writing tip, a flag dispenser integrally incorporated into the body portion, a containing section housed in the flag dispenser, and an opening in the containing section through which tape flags can be issued.
US07722273B2 Cleaning implement
A cleaning implement includes a cleaning head having on a bottom a cleaning operation surface, a holding portion arranged on the side opposite the cleaning head, a pipe for coupling the cleaning head and the holding portion, and a valve opening and closing device provided to the pipe so as to be able to hold a first container for receiving a first fluid or a second container for receiving a second fluid. The holding portion includes a lever coupled to the valve opening and closing device so as to open and close a first valve of the first container or a second valve of the second container. A spout of a second ejection nozzle for ejecting the second fluid containing an allergen inactivator is located, for example, at a height of about 30 cm or more from the floor.
US07722272B2 Pen-like device having inkjet printer
A pen-like device which has a tubular body containing a nib configured to retract into the tubular body when pressed upon print media, an ink supply having a tube defining a plurality of internal chambers containing respective ink, and ink ejection nozzles in fluid communication with the ink supply. The ink ejection nozzles are configured to print ink upon the print media responsive to the retraction of the nib.
US07722271B1 Finger attachable writing apparatus
A finger attachable writing apparatus includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The housing has a first end and a second end. A conduit is coupled to and is angled downwardly from the bottom wall. An aperture extends into a free end of the conduit and into an interior of the housing. A finger engaging member is attached to the housing and is configured to releasably attach the housing to a finger. An ink dispensing assembly is mounted in the housing. The ink dispensing assembly is positionable in a deployed position extending outwardly of the conduit or in a stored position. The ink dispensing assembly is configured to dispense ink from the conduit when in the deployed position.
US07722262B2 Reversible fiber optic stub clamping mechanism
A fiber optic stub fiber connector for reversibly and nondestructively terminating an inserted field fiber having a buffer over at least a portion thereof. The connector includes a housing and a ferrule including a stub fiber disposed within and extending from a bore through the ferrule. The ferrule is generally at least partially disposed within and supported by the housing. The connector further includes a reversible actuator for reversibly and nondestructively terminating the inserted field fiber to the stub fiber. The reversible actuator includes a buffer clamp for engaging with the buffer to simultaneously provide reversible and nondestructive strain relief to the terminated field fiber.
US07722261B2 Expanded beam connector
An optical connector comprising: (a) a lens; (b) a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule with an endface and at least one fiber in the ferrule having a fiber end presented at the endface; (c) a housing for holding the ferrule assembly and the lens in a certain axial and radial relationship; and (d) a glass element having a first and second surface, the first surface affixed to the endface such that it is in physical contact with the fiber end, the second surface having an AR coating and defining a space between it and the lens.
US07722260B2 Optical connector and method for assembling optical connector
To provide an optical connector that enables the reduction in the number of parts and can be easily attached to an optical cable, a concave portion 18 for a ferrule is formed in a plug housing 6, and a ferrule 3 is inserted from the side of a collar portion 10 into the concave portion 18 for a ferrule. A hook portion 28 for a ferrule is provided in a protruding condition inside the plug housing 6. The collar portion 10 is guided by the hook portion 28 for a ferrule, which has been elastically deformed, and moves toward a bottom surface 26 of the concave portion 18 for a ferrule. Where the collar portion 10 reaches a space between the bottom surface 26 and the hook portion 28 for a ferrule, the hook portion 28 for a ferrule is elastically restored. Therefore, even if the collar portion 10 tries to move toward an opening 24 of the concave portion 18 for a ferrule, the collar portion is locked by the hook portion 28 for a ferrule and the movement is inhibited. Thus, in the plug-type optical connector 1, the ferrule 3 can be positioned by inserting into the plug housing 6 and moving.
US07722259B2 Cable connector assembly
A cable connector assembly includes a fitting having first and second fitting ends and a fitting opening therethrough, wherein the fitting is formed from a conductive material. The cable connector assembly further includes a ferrule having first and second ferrule ends, a ferrule opening therethrough, and one or more teeth disposed axially along the ferrule opening, wherein the ferrule is formed from a conductive material. The first ferrule end is disposed over the second fitting end. The cable connector assembly further includes a tube including an outer nonconductive layer and an inner conductive layer. The tube is disposed between the second fitting end and the first ferrule end and the ferrule is secured around the fitting so that at least one of the one or more teeth pierce the outer nonconductive layer and make contact with the inner conductive layer to create an EMI/RFI shield across the fitting, the ferrule, and the tube.
US07722258B2 Interface converter for SC fiber optic connectors
An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a fiber optic connector with an adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.
US07722255B2 Device for opening hermetic flexible containers
Described herein is a device for opening hermetic flexible containers, comprising a flexible strip heat-sealed to the internal surface of a wall of the container and incorporating a tape-like thread having a tear tab to cause tearing of the strip, and the consequent tearing of the wall of the container, via a gripping tab of said wall. The gripping tab and tear tab are staggered with respect to one another and hermetically isolated by a heat seal between the strip and the wall of the container.
US07722254B2 Flexible pouch and method of forming a flexible pouch
A flexible pouch for packaging a product, such as a carbonated beverage, is provided that includes a front panel and a back panel each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges. The pouch includes a first closing seal extending along an upper edge of the joined front and back panel formed a predetermined length from the open edge so that there is no dead space inside the pouch between the product and the first closing seal and a second closing seal outside the first closing seal, to form a pocket trapping some of the product between the first closing seal and the second closing seal. A method of forming and filling the pouch includes the steps of forming each panel and joining two panels by scaling together the side edges and lower edge. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and filling the pouch with the product. The method further includes the steps of closing the filled pouch by forming a first closing seal extending along an upper edge of the pouch a predetermined length from the upper edge, such that there is no dead space inside the pouch between the product and the first closing seal, and forming a second seal between the first closing seal and the upper edge thereby trapping the product between the first closing seal and the second closing seal, and finishing the pouch.
US07722252B2 Apparatus and method of use of a high-voltage diagnostic tool for x-ray systems
A diagnostic tool for an x-ray imaging system includes a first test device configured to simulate a first load condition of an x-ray tube, and a first connector electrically coupled to the first test device and configured to couple the first test device to a high-voltage generator in the x-ray imaging system.
US07722248B1 Wireless remote cooking thermometer system
A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit. The system also includes a second unit including a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter and a visual display for displaying the received temperature readings, wherein the second unit is movable to a second location remote from the first location while maintaining radio contact with the first unit. The system includes a microprocessor operative to calibrate a taste preference and a choice preference associated with the food being cooked.
US07722247B2 Anti-theft system for thermometer
A thermometry assembly includes a thermometer and a mount for mounting the thermometer on a wall or other support structure. The thermometry assembly has an anti-theft system for deterring theft of the thermometer. The anti-theft system generally includes a counter that counts the number of uses of the thermometer during a period beginning from the time the thermometer was last on the mount. A microcontroller of the thermometer is programmed to disable further operation of the thermometer when a threshold number has been reached or exceeded by the counter. The counter is reset when the thermometer is returned to the mount. The anti-theft system includes a solid-state sensor that is activated by a magnet in the mount. The sensor signals to the microcontroller to reset the counter when it is activated by the magnet.
US07722244B2 Process for operating a water recovery plant
A process for operating a water recovery plant comprising charging a storage tank with water contaminated with solids water recovered from a manufacturing or construction process, determining a parameter associated with the concentration of one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank, diluting the water contaminated with solids whereby the concentration of the one or more selected contaminants in the storage tank is at or below a desired level, and utilizing water from the storage tank in the manufacturing process.
US07722242B2 Lamp fixing structure and backlight module
A lamp fixing structure is arranged with a lamp which has an electrode and a wire electrically connected to the electrode. The lamp fixing structure includes a lamp holder and at least one lamp protecting member. The lamp holder has at least one pressing part. The lamp protecting member has a first hole. The lamp is inserted into the lamp protecting member. The wire passes through the lamp protecting member from the first hole. The pressing part presses the lamp protecting member so that the first hole is fitted to the wire tightly.
US07722238B2 Light source device, display using same, and terminal device
The light source device of a display device according to the present invention has an optical waveguide, a cone sheet, and a light source disposed along the side surface of the optical waveguide. The light-emitting surface of the optical waveguide is flat, and a tilted surface that is tilted towards the light source with respect to the light-emitting surface is formed on the light-diffusing surface. The cone sheet has a flat plate and a plurality of circular cones arranged two-dimensionally on the light-incident surface of the flat plate. The central axes of the circular cones are parallel to each other. The invention provides a light source device that can be made thin and is capable of increasing the directivity of emitted light in two dimensions.
US07722235B2 Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp is provided. The vehicle headlamp includes a projection-type light source unit housed in a lamp chamber. The light source unit includes a projection lens; a shade; a light emitting diode (LED) light source; a reflector; and an optical element. The LED light source includes a substrate; an LED chip disposed on the substrate such that the LED chip is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the light source unit; and a cover member. A region of the cover member includes concave and convex portions so as to diffuse light transmitted through the cover member. The reflector reflects and guides the light from the LED light source onto a rear focus of the projection lens. The optical element guides the diffused light transmitted through the cover toward a front side of the vehicle headlamp so as to form an overhead light distribution.
US07722231B2 Bicycle safety lighting
A bicycle or moped lighting system projects light onto a rider's legs to make the rider more visible to motor vehicle operators and thereby improve the rider's safety. At least one safety light fixture is mounted to lower portions of bicycle seat stays or rear portions of the bicycle chain stays. The light fixture includes light sources generating light beams directed forward onto rear surfaces of the rider's legs. While peddling, the motion of the lighted legs attracts the attention of the motor vehicle operators thereby improving rider visibility. Additional light beams may be directed inward and upward toward the bicycle frame and/or the rider's buttocks to provide additional visibility to the rider and to allow the motor vehicle operators to more easily identify the bicycle and rider. A second light fixture may reside ahead of the rider to direct light beams onto the front of the rider's moving legs.
US07722229B2 Frame design and backlight system using the same
A frame includes a main frame and a receiving frame. The main frame includes a base and several circumferential sidewalls extending from the base. At least two opposite stepped elements are defined at the top of two opposite sidewalls. Each stepped element includes a tread portion extending from the sidewall toward an inner of the main frame, a riser portion extending from the end of the tread portion toward the opening. The receiving frame includes a frame body, a rim portion extending from a bottom of the frame body toward an inner of the frame body, and at least two grooves defined in the rim portion corresponding to the two stepped elements. Each groove of the receiving frame may be inserted into the corresponding stepped element. A backlight system using the frame is also provided, which has a narrow-framed, space-saving design, and also can be assembled easily.
US07722226B2 Light source device, lighting device, monitoring device, and projector
A light source device includes: a light source unit which supplies light; a support unit which supports the light source unit; a covering unit which covers the light source unit; a wiring unit which connects a current supply section for supplying current to the light source unit and the light source unit; and a blade disposed at a position shifted toward the support unit from the wiring unit and penetrating through the covering unit.
US07722225B2 Backlight unit and method of manufacturing a diffuser employed in the same
A diffuser for a backlight unit of a display device including a base film, a first diffusion layer including a first resin and a plurality of first diffusion particles, and being formed on an upper surface of the base film, and a second diffusion layer including a second resin and a plurality of second diffusion particles, and being formed on a lower surface of the base film. Further, the plurality of first diffusion particles are contained within the first resin such that an upper surface of the first diffusion layer is substantially flat.
US07722224B1 Illuminating device incorporating a high clarity scattering layer
The present invention provides improved optical elements, such as light diffusing films, plates, and lenses, which can be used in light-emitting devices, such as light fixtures to control the distribution of light projected onto illuminated objects, such as walls, sculptures, and landscaping. Compared to traditional light scattering films, plates or lenses, improvements in illuminance uniformity, optical throw, system efficacy, and aesthetic appearance are achieved. Embodiments of the invention utilize region(s) of volumetric asymmetric diffusion that allow a partial quantity of light to be transmitted without significant scattering in order to improve optical throw and illuminance uniformity. Embodiments can also eliminate hotspot and thus improve the illuminated uniformity.
US07722216B2 LED lighting apparatus in a plastic housing
A lighting apparatus (2) includes a housing (4) of plastic material, the housing (4) defining a translucent window (12), and a light emitting diode assembly (3) on a printed circuit board (34). The apparatus (2) may be attached to the hull (14) of a boat by means of a flange (10) and a nut (16). The apparatus (2) may include a heat sink (36) machined from a solid aluminum bar. The housing (4) may be connected to a sealing cap (6). The housing (4) is preferably injection-molded from a thermoplastic material such as polycarbonate. Electrical wires may extend through a central bore (42) of the heat sink (36) and the sealing cap (6).
US07722208B1 Recessed luminaire trim assembly
An recessed luminaire trim assembly, comprises an outer trim, an inner reflector portion having a polygon shaped cross-section defined by a plurality of reflectors and a plurality of seams defined between each of the plurality of reflectors, a flange extending outwardly from a peripheral edge of the inner reflector, a spring connected to the outer trim, the spring having at least one leg engaging the inner reflector portion and tightening the plurality of seams.
US07722207B2 Baluster lighting assembly and method
A baluster lighting assembly and method using illuminated intermediate baluster members in which balusters or pickets can be adjustably spaced along a power cord. A plurality of light sources mounted in each of a plurality of balusters or pickets are electrically connected to a power cable through connector housings mounted in each of the balusters or pickets. Each connector housing includes pierce connectors for penetrating the insulation of the power cable and coming into electrical, non-shorting contact with the power cable's live and ground wires along any selected location of the power cable.
US07722199B2 Vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly with actuator
A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting structure, an electrical actuator and a reflective element. The mounting structure may be configured to be detachably mounted at an attachment element adhered to an inner surface of the vehicle windshield. The mounting structure is adjustable relative to the vehicle windshield to generally vertically adjust a nominal setting of a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The electrical actuator is operable to adjust the reflective element in order to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include an imaging sensor having a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The forward field of view of the imaging sensor may not be adjusted when the electrical actuator adjusts the rearward field of view of the reflective element.
US07722198B2 Reflective occulting mask and method for manufacturing the reflective occulting mask
A optical instrument (e.g., coronagraph) is described herein that has a pick-off mirror with a surface having an array of reflective structures (reflective occulting mask) machined therein which enables an optical image of one or more low intensity objects (e.g., planets) to be obtained when the low intensity object(s) are located in close proximity to a high intensity object (e.g., sun). Also described herein, is a method for manufacturing the pick-off mirror which has a surface with an array of reflective structures (reflective occulting mask) that are machined therein.
US07722197B2 Lamina comprising cube corner elements and retroreflective sheeting
The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
US07722192B2 Integrated projector included in a seat for displaying information
The invention comprises a system for displaying image elements for an aircraft seat. The system comprises a seat element with a projection device, and comprises an imaging region for imaging an image element. The image projection device is designed such that the image element can be projected on the imaging region.
US07722175B2 Print cartridge of photofinishing system having dryer
A print media and printing fluid cartridge is provided which is removably mounted to a support structure of a digital photofinishing system in juxtaposition with a printer mounted to the support structure together with a digital processor and print media drive mechanism for the printer. The cartridge has a roll of print media, a print media delivery arrangement arranged to couple with the print media drive mechanism so as to feed the print media from the roll to the printer on demand, and at least one removable printing fluid first cartridge for feeding printing fluid to the printer on demand. A dryer is located in series with the printer so as to receive printed media directly therefrom. The dryer has guide rollers for transporting the printed media through the dryer and a blower arranged to direct drying air onto the printed media as it is transported therethrough.
US07722171B2 Ink jet printer with high capacity tank and associated ink refilling system
The ink jet printer comprises a printhead (22) movable in front of a printing medium (30) and provided with an ink cartridge (25) integral with it; the cartridge is filled with ink from a main, high capacity tank (35), which is connected at intervals to the cartridge (25) by means of a capillary element. During each connection, the capillary element (101) is brought into contact with the sponge (41) inside the cartridge, while a peristaltic pump (134) mounted integral upon the main tank provides a pressure suitable for generating a sufficient flow of ink to refill the cartridge (25) in a short time frame. To perform the refilling, the cartridge is brought at the end of its stroke into a service station (5) mounted on the body of the main tank (35), which is moved against the cartridge by means of a motor-driven linkage, controlled by a refilling management programme, in response to the signals of a cartridge ink level sensor.
US07722167B2 Method and apparatus for producing and deflecting ink drops
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing and/or deflecting ink drops, in particular in a continuously operating ink-jet printer, in which a continuous, cohesive ink stream is emitted from a nozzle of a pressure chamber, with spaced sonic pulses (140, 150) acting on an ink stream (9, 11, 12) that is at least partially cohesive or in the form of drops in the dispersion direction (100, 100a) of the ink stream; by the effect of each of the spaced sonic pulses (140, 150) on the ink stream (9, 11, 12), an ink drop (11, 13) may be separated from the ink stream (9, 11, 12) and/or deflected, in particular by the same angle, from the original dispersion direction (100, 100a) of the ink stream (9, 11, 12), such that a group of ink drop streams (13), in particular parallel ink drop streams, may be/is produced.
US07722165B2 Liquid-droplet jetting apparatus
In a liquid-droplet jetting apparatus constructed to change volume of pressure chambers in a cavity unit by displacement of active portions in a piezoelectric actuator so as to jet liquid in the pressure chambers from nozzles, respectively, the pressure chambers and the active portions extend on a predetermined plane; a length in a longitudinal direction of each of the active portions is not more than 1.5 mm, a height of each of the pressure chambers is 40 μm to 60 μm, and a thickness of a member which defines surfaces, of the pressure chambers, on a side opposing the piezoelectric actuator is 100 μm to 150 μm. The liquid-droplet jetting apparatus can stably jet a liquid-droplet having a minute volume at a predetermined speed without increasing a drive voltage applied to the active portions.
US07722163B2 Printhead IC with clock recovery circuit
A printhead IC for an inkjet printer, the inkjet printer having a print engine controller (PEC) for sending print data to the printhead IC, the printhead IC comprising: an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate; and, drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles, the drive circuitry being configured to extract a clock signal from the data transmission from the PEC.
US07722155B2 Rotor, drive converting apparatus, cleaning apparatus, wiping apparatus, and liquid ejection apparatus
A nozzle protecting device 30 of an ink jet type recording apparatus has a cap 46 which covers nozzles of a recording head and a cap support member 47 which is connected to the cap 45 via a spring member 80. The distance between the cap 46 and the cap support member 47 can be changed by elastic deformation of the spring member 80. A vent hole 54 is formed in the cap 46. A valve seat 56 which covers the terminal portion of the vent hole 54 is provided. A valve body 58 is rotatably attached to the lower portion of the cap 46. The valve body 58 selectively abuts on and parts from the valve seat 56 in accordance with the distance between the cap 46 and the cap support member 47. As a result, the inside of the cap 46 is opened and closed to air via the vent hole 54.
US07722145B2 Ink jet head driving apparatus and ink jet head driving method
An ink jet head driving apparatus for driving an ink jet head having plural nozzles to discharge supplied ink includes actuators provided correspondingly to the respective nozzles and to cause corresponding amounts of ink to be discharged from the nozzles by drive signals, a storage unit to store correction data for equalizing the ink discharge amounts from the respective nozzles, a selection unit to select one drive signal from the plural drive signals based on the correction data, and a drive unit to output the selected drive signal to the actuator at a specified timing, in which the nozzles of the ink jet head are classified into plural groups correspondingly to ink discharge amount characteristics of the nozzles, and the correction data is determined for each of the plural classified groups of the nozzles.
US07722142B2 Ink-jet printer
An ink-jet printer including: an ink-jet head in which are disposed a plurality of nozzles that are divided into a plurality of nozzle groups; a plurality of actuators which are provided to respectively correspond to the plurality of nozzles and which are divided into a plurality of actuator groups respectively corresponding to the plurality of nozzle groups; a plurality of drive circuits which are provided respectively for the plurality of nozzle groups and each of which outputs a drive signal used for ejecting an ink, to the plurality of actuators of a corresponding one of the plurality of actuator groups; a controller which controls the ink-jet printer to perform printing such that, by driving any of the plurality of actuators which are determined on the basis of print data, the ink is ejected, toward a recording medium, from any of the plurality of nozzles that correspond to said any of the plurality of actuators; and an adjusting portion which adjusts the drive signal to be outputted from each of the plurality of drive circuits to reduce variation in an ink-ejection property among the plurality of nozzle groups.
US07722138B2 Storage cabinet
A file cabinet includes a foldable sheet metal housing wrapper or individual side panels which define a back wall and the left and right side walls of the cabinet. A reinforcement box or insert is permanently affixed within the back of the cabinet which reinforcement box is spaced forwardly of the back wall to define a strengthening column which rigidifies the overall housing structure. Upper and lower cross rails are secured to the upper and lower corners of the side walls at the front of the cabinet to rigidify the front of the cabinet. The opposite ends of the cross rail have depending flanges which are fixedly secured to vertical tubular edge supports formed integrally in the side walls.
US07722137B2 Computer bezel
A computer bezel includes a main body (10), and a cover (30) movably attached to the main body. The cover includes a pair of slideways (31) formed thereon, and a hook (33) defining a slot (335) therein. The main body includes a plurality of shafts (19) extending from sidewalls (12) thereof to engage in the slideways, a channel (151) defined in the main body to slidably receive the hook therein, and a pair of locating members (153) formed in two ends of the channel to selectively engage in the slot of the hooks.
US07722136B2 Computer front bezel assembly with access door
A computer front bezel assembly includes a panel (10) and an access door (30). The panel defines an opening (12) therein. A securing tab (14) protrudes from the panel. The access door is slidably attached to the panel. The access door includes a shielding board (31) and an extending board (32). The access door moves up to cover the opening. A resilient engaging portion (326) is formed on the extending board for engaging with the securing tab. An expansion slot (321) is defined adjacent to the engaging portion for providing resiliency to the engaging portion. When the sliding board slides on the panel, the securing portion urges the engaging portion to deform for engagement/disengagement.
US07722135B2 Braking system for vehicle and braking method thereof
A braking system for a vehicle, which can prevent an alteration in brake pedal toe force when a brake hydraulic pressure is increased or decreased based on a regenerative braking force obtained by a drive motor in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, and a braking method thereof. To prevent an alteration in brake pedal toe force, the vehicle braking system includes a brake reservoir to receive brake oil therein, a normal close type valve to connect the brake reservoir to an inlet of a pump generating a hydraulic pressure in a brake line, a drive motor serving as a generator, the drive motor being adapted to convert a kinetic energy of the vehicle into electric energy to brake the vehicle by regenerative braking, and a control unit to recognize the amount of regenerative braking obtained by the drive motor and the amount of braking desired by a vehicle operator and to control the normal close type valve, so as to compensate for a brake hydraulic pressure corresponding to a difference between the regenerative braking amount and the desired braking amount by use of the brake oil in the reservoir.
US07722133B2 Hydraulic brake system
A hydraulic brake system for a vehicle includes a brake having a wheel cylinder that applies a braking force to a wheel, and a pressurizing device. The pressurizing device pressurizes the brake liquid and includes a suction portion for sucking a brake liquid, and additionally includes an output portion connected to the wheel cylinder. A linear solenoid valve includes at least one housing, and is connected to the wheel cylinder and to the suction portion of the pressurizing device. The solenoid valve includes a valve portion having a reciprocating valve member and a valve seat opposed to the valve member. A biasing member biases the valve member in one direction and a solenoid applies a drive force to the valve member in an opposite direction. In addition, a hydraulic-pressure-decrease restraining device restrains a decrease of pressure of the brake liquid in the housing.
US07722132B2 Servo-brake system in an Otto cycle engine
The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1) of the Otto type, comprising an induction pipe (3) in conjunction with the engine's (1) cylinders, a brake servo unit (15), a flow connection (29) for evacuating air from the brake servo unit (15) to the induction pipe (3) for the purpose of building up a vacuum inside the brake servo unit (15), in conjunction with which a Venturi unit (25) is arranged in the flow connection (17, 19) to assist with the building up of the aforementioned vacuum. The internal combustion engine is characterized in that the flow connection (17, 19) comprises a bypass line (29) having a lower flow resistance than the Venturi unit (25), the bypass line (29) being intended to connect the evacuated air past the Venturi unit (25) in the event of a transient vacuum in the induction pipe (3).
US07722124B2 Seating unit with formed cushion, and manufacturing method
A cushion subassembly includes a support, a cushion of non-woven polymeric (PET) or PETE fibers with a formed edge that wraps over an edge of the support, and an upholstery sock pulled onto and covering the support and the cushion. The formed edge has sufficient mechanical structure to retain the cushion on the support as the upholstery sock is pulled onto the support. A back support shell supports the cushion assembly, and has first fasteners that engage in a first direction and second fasteners that prevent disengagement. The cushion assembly is stressed during assembly, especially at corners, but is thermally stress-relieved after assembly to relax the polymeric fibers and the upholstery sock to a state of minimized balanced tension. The back support shell includes a shallow depression on its face. The cushion fills the depression sufficient to eliminate loose fabric but provides a same force deflection curve across its shape.
US07722123B2 Furniture having replaceable panels
A furniture item, such as a stool, table or chair having removable decorative panels. The removable panels include a surface that is preferably convex in shape when installed and provides an area upon which advertising, promotional and/or purely aesthetic material can be displayed.
US07722120B2 Automobile seat
An automobile seat in which spaced apart side brackets of a seat back are individually faced to spaced apart side brackets of a seat cushion, a pivot shaft is penetrated through the brackets and bridged between the brackets, and reclining lock devices are assembled on the axis of the pivot shaft to the side brackets, whereby the seat back is held upright such that the angle of the seat back relative to the seat cushion is adjustable and that the seat back is reclinable forward and rearward, and in which the seat back is urged by return spring members to the upright direction. The spring members comprise first and second torsion bar springs that are arranged in proximity to the pivot shaft. The springs are engaged at both end portions thereof with corresponding side brackets in such a manner that the springs cross each other.
US07722115B2 Method and apparatus for bicycle seat adjustment
In a bicycle seat assembly a fastener driver is rotatable in first and second directions. Upon rotating the driver in the first direction, it threadably engages a shaft of an adjusting member causing tightening of a connection between a bicycle seat, a seat post and the adjusting member and producing simultaneous adjustment of a wedge sub-assembly provided at an interface between a distal end of the adjusting member and the seat post. Rotation of the fastener driver in the second direction causes at least partial disengagement of the threadable connection between the driver and the adjusting member, resulted in loosening connection between the seat post and the adjusting member.
US07722113B2 Interior parts for a vehicle
An interior part for a vehicle including a first rib(s) extending on the side that faces a vehicle body at a time of mounting the interior part to the vehicle body, and a second rib(s) extending to cross the first rib, in which an inserting portion(s) that is inserted into an opening(s) provided in the vehicle body is formed at portion(s) where the first rib and the second rib cross each other and projects toward the vehicle body, and this inserting portion(s) is provided with a third rib(s) that extends toward the vehicle body from the first rib and a fourth rib(s) that extends toward the vehicle body from the second rib.
US07722112B2 Composite panel for a trailer wall
A composite panel of a wall of a trailer has inner and outer skins and a core material positioned between and secured to the skins. The core material defines or includes a plurality of voids which extend vertically along a height of the core material. At a plurality of points in a cross-section taken along the height of the core material, the core material is secured to both the skins. Alternatively, at any point in a cross-section taken along the height of the core material, the core material is secured to at least one of the skins. The voids through the composite panel provide a vent path from an interior of the trailer to an exterior of the trailer when top ends of the voids are separated from the top rail of the trailer and when bottom ends of the voids are separated from the bottom rail of the trailer.
US07722111B2 Truck box with external storage structural frame
A truck box includes front and rear corner brackets and an inner side panel having a first end fixed to the front corner bracket and a second end fixed to the rear corner bracket. A rail longitudinally extends substantially the entire length of the inner side panel and has a first end fixed to the front corner bracket and a second end fixed to the rear corner bracket. The rail has a center portion fixed to the inner side panel. The first and second ends of the rail are transversely offset and spaced apart from the inner side panel.
US07722104B2 Mobile target range trailer
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mobile target range trailer. The mobile target range trailer includes an extendible main body having telescopically intercoupled outer and inner sections, a hitching element coupled to the main body proximate a first end of the body, and a plurality of wheels coupled to the main body proximate a second end of the body. The outer and inner section of the main body cooperatively define an interior space. The main body is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position to increase the maximum dimension of the interior space. Such a configuration enables the trailer to be transported in a retracted position and shifted to an extended position while stationary to provide an increased interior space for targeting.
US07722103B2 Cabriolet
A cabriolet motor vehicle is provided, which comprises a roof constructed from at least two roof segments, which may be brought into an open position, rear roof columns stiffened by an upper roof cross member (“Targa part”), and a rollbar (“Targa bar”) situated in the area between a front frame and the Targa part, and is distinguished in that the at least two roof segments are stackable using a movement mechanism into a roof segment stack situated between the Targa bar and the target part, and the roof segment stack is pivotable into the passenger compartment using at least one connecting rod attached to the upper roof cross member of the Targa part.
US07722101B2 Cargo shipping container spreader and method
An apparatus and method for lifting and collapsing a collapsible cargo container includes a frame, and vertical guides for aligning the spreader with the cargo container. First and second pusher assemblies engage the end walls of the container to pivot the end walls against the ceiling of the container, where uplocks retain the end walls in a stowed away position. Foldable side walls are then buckled by the weight of the ceiling with assistance from the spreader, until the side walls occupy a predominantly horizontal position between the ceiling/end wall combination and a floor of the cargo container, resulting in a compact configuration. The spreader unfolds the container using steps discussed above in a reverse order.
US07722100B2 Sign holding extrusion-attachment arrangement
A sign hanging tool assembly for the attachment of a sign holding extrusion to a ceiling rail in a ceiling. The assembly comprises an extrusion tool mounted on an end of an elongated pole. The extrusion tool comprises a T-frame and a bias arm shaft. The T frame has a rear flange for engagement with a slot on the sign holding extrusion. The bias arm shaft is spaced apart and parallel to the rear flange for locating and engaging the sign holding extrusion therebetween.
US07722097B2 Surface mounted electric rim strikes
An electric rim strike including a housing having a cavity defined therein; a pivotally rotatable keeper having a front blocking face; a pivotally rotatable locking bar having a rear blocking face; and an actuating mechanism that selectively pivots the locking bar. The keeper, locking bar, and actuating mechanism are disposed within the cavity of the housing. The actuating mechanism being operationally connected to the locking bar and driving the locking bar and the keeper from a first state to a second state. The rear blocking face of the locking bar opposes the front blocking face of the keeper to prevent the locking bar and keeper from freely rotating relative to each other.
US07722090B2 Method and apparatus for an improved luer fitting connection
A method and apparatus for an improved luer fitting connector, in one embodiment, has a luer fitting connector including a male or female luer fitting member and a locking member. The locking member may have at least one of a skeletal handle, a finlike handle, a cavity grip, and an undulating grip. The luer fitting connector also may include a male or female luer fitting member having a conical restraining surface and a locking member having a plateau shaped protrusion. A method of assembly of luer fitting connector members may include providing a male or female luer fitting member having a conical restraining surface and providing a locking member having a plateau shaped protrusion. The method also may include mounting the locking member upon the male or female luer fitting member from the rear.
US07722088B2 Light and reinforced undersea coaxial pipe element
A unit element of undersea pipe, in particular for providing a bottom-to-surface connection, constituted by an assembly of two coaxial pipe elements of the PiP type (1) presenting an inner pipe element (2) and an outer pipe element (3) coaxial thereabout with an annular space (41) between the pipes, preferably including a thermally insulating material (42) in the annular space, and including at each end a junction piece (6, 6a-6b) in the form of a steel forging for connecting together two of the unit elements of axial pipe (1), the junction forgings (6) being welded to the ends of both of the inner and outer pipes, the unit elements being characterized in that the inner pipe element (2) comprises in its main portion an inner tube (21) of metal presenting thickness that is small relative to the thickness of the ends of the inner pipes that are welded to the junction forgings (6), the thickness of the inner tube being less than 50% the thickness of the ends of the inner pipe, the inner tube (2) being covered in a material (22) comprising longitudinal continuous fibers wound around the inner tube so as to cover the surface of the inner tube entirely.
US07722085B2 Undersea pipe including an internal liner
A pipe (1) comprising at least two pipe elements (11, 12) having internal liners of plastic material (2), the pipe elements being assembled end to end, in which the ends of the two pipe elements are welded (5) together and in which the ends of the internal liners (2) of plastic material of each of the pipe elements are joined together by a tubular junction sleeve (3) of material that withstands corrosion and that co-operate with the ends (2a, 2b) of the liners by mutual engagement via a notched surface (32), said liner ends (2) presenting reduced thickness (2a, 2b) and being bonded against the steel wall of said pipe by adhesive (4a, 4b).
US07722084B2 Delivery slip
A delivery slip 10 includes a first sheet 11 having a first sheet base 11A, both surfaces of which are provided with print letters P1; and a second sheet 12, which is provided separately from the first sheet 11, and, one surface of a second sheet base 12A is provided with an adhesive layer 12B, while the other surface is provided with print letters P2. The first sheet 11, being in a folded state, is temporarily stuck to the second sheet 12 through a releasable treatment layer 11B, and is to be held between the second sheet 12 and an adherend W by attaching the adhesive layer 12B, which is exposed outside of the first sheet 11, to the adherend W.
US07722082B2 System and method for inserting numeric labels automatically
A system for inserting numeric labels automatically includes: a setting module (10) configured for setting label properties of inserting numeric labels to define a numeric labels configuration; an input/output module (12) configured for reading the label properties, importing a technical drawing file to be inserted with the numeric labels; a selecting module (14) configured for extracting an array of references to be inserted with the numeric label from the technical drawing file; and a labeling module (16) configured for labeling the references in the array of references with numeric labels correspondingly according to the numeric labels configuration. A related method is also disclosed.
US07722081B2 Combat vehicle restraint system
A combat vehicle restraint system accommodates a wide range of soldiers, both with and without battle, arctic, or chemical gear. The restraint system includes lengthened belts and an adjustable buckle position. The belts include loops for locating and grasping the belts, and separate lap and shoulder belts with small narrowing ends to prevent catching on gear. The belts are extendable from Inertial reels which are calibrated for off-road operation. The buckle engages each belt separately and includes a single action release. The buckle position is easily adjusted using an oversized knob so that a soldier may easily find and adjust buckle length in the dark, wearing heavy gloves, or with muddy slippery fingers. The latch/unlatch mechanism and associated hardware is an open frame type to reduce or eliminate affects of mud, dust, water or other contaminants on operation.
US07722078B2 Gas generator and restraining device using same
A gas generator includes, a housing having a gas discharge port closed, from the inside thereof, by a closing member; an ignition device accommodated inside the housing; and a gas generating agent ignited and burnt by activation of the ignition device to generate combustion gas. The gas discharge port includes a plurality of gas discharge port groups or a plurality of gas discharge ports, the plurality of gas discharge port groups or the plurality of gas discharge ports are opened by different pressures, respectively, and among the plurality of gas discharge port groups or the plurality of gas discharge ports, at least the gas discharge port group or the gas discharge port that is opened by higher pressure is covered with a cooling member from the outside.
US07722077B2 Airbag configuration in a vehicle
An airbag configuration provides an airbag outlet opening in a front instrument panel wall region. A given safety distance is provided between the airbag outlet opening and a potential head impact region of a vehicle occupant. The potential head impact region is provided in a head-impact instrument panel wall region adjoining the front instrument panel wall region in a direction away from a windshield and towards the vehicle interior. The safety distance is provided in such a manner that the airbag, after advancing in the direction of the vehicle interior by a distance corresponding to the safety distance between the airbag outlet opening and the potential head impact region, has a filling pressure which is reduced in accordance with predetermined limit values in comparison with the initial filling pressure in the airbag at the beginning of the airbag activation.
US07722075B2 Airbag apparatus
An airbag apparatus includes an airbag, a retainer, a bag ring to sandwich a periphery of an opening of the airbag between the retainer and the bag ring, and a gas-generating device inserted into the airbag for discharging a gas for development of the airbag. The bag ring includes an airbag-holding portion to sandwich the periphery of the base end portion of the airbag, an engaging portion provided at an end portion of the airbag-holding portion adjacent to the stitching portion and engaging the stitching portion when the base cloth panel is displaced from the bag ring, and a gas flow-regulating portion provided on an inner side of the airbag-holding portion. The flow-regulating portion has an inclined portion relative to a gas blowing direction for protecting the stitching portion from the gas ejecting from the gas-generating device.
US07722071B1 Handcycles
The present invention encompasses several improvements to handcycles. This invention introduces a blend between lean steer and pivot steer. The front wheel may be turned with only minimal twisting of the operator's legs. This invention uses two bearings and quick release axle to connect the front and rear frame together and provide the steering axis. This invention incorporates a means for adjusting the bike from fully reclined to a body forward position. The invention also incorporates a means of crank adjustment. In the embodiment of our new design the cable and housing are attached to the brake and shift levers by means of an intermediate device for the purpose of directing the shift and brake cable away from the rider's field of view.
US07722070B2 System and method for connecting parts
A system and method for connecting dissimilar materials is described. In one embodiment, the system may be used to produce a break apart frame that includes a first section and a second part which is disengagably connected to the first part by fastening members. The first part includes a head tube, a top tube and a down tube. The second section includes a bottom bracket, a seat tube, a pair of seat stays and a pair of chain stays. A connection tube extends from the bottom bracket so as to be disengagably connected to the down tube. An end tube is connected to the seat tube and disengagably connected to the seat tube.
US07722069B2 Bicycle suspension system
A bicycle suspension system is provided with a damping unit and a damping control unit to control movement of upper and lower telescopically connected tubes. A damping force adjustment valve selectively adjusts a fluid flow rate of fluid passed a damping piston. The damping piston has a fluid flow port that is axially spaced with respect to a fluid flow passage of a damping lockout mechanism such that a flow path is formed in an axial direction by the fluid flow port of the damping piston and the fluid flow passage of the damping lockout mechanism when the damping lockout mechanism is in a non-lockout mode. A first actuating member operates the damping force adjustment valve and a second actuating member operates the damping lockout mechanism such that the damping force adjustment valve remains in a set position when the second actuating member is being operated.
US07722061B2 Steering dampers and vehicles including same
A steering damper includes a cylinder housing, a piston, a piston rod, and a valve member. The cylinder housing includes an inner surface and the inner surface defines an inner area. The piston is at least partially disposed within the inner area and is movably engaged with the inner surface of the cylinder housing. The piston and the inner surface of the cylinder housing cooperate to define a first chamber and a second chamber disposed upon opposite sides of the piston. The piston rod is attached to the piston. At least one of the piston and the piston rod at least partially defines a passageway extending between the first chamber and the second chamber. The valve member is associated with the passageway and is movable to adjust restriction of fluid flow through the passageway between the first chamber and the second chamber. A vehicle is also provided.
US07722059B1 Complete wheel bracket assembly for a modular base assembly for vehicle model making
A complete wheel assembly is provided for connecting to a modular base assembly for vehicle modular making. The complete wheel assembly includes a wheel guide assembly fixedly attachable to the modular base assembly and a wheel bracket attachable to a wheel hub and wheel. The wheel bracket provides a quick connection to the wheel guide assembly. The wheel bracket includes adjustable plates to move the wheel horizontally and vertically relative to the modular base assembly for correct positioning of the wheel. The wheel bracket also includes a pin for maintaining the wheel hub and wheel in proper horizontal alignment.
US07722054B2 Chuck with torque indicator
A chuck for a driver having a rotatable drive shaft, the chuck having a cylindrical body member having a nose section and a tail section. A plurality of jaws is slidably positioned in the body, and each jaw has a jaw face and threads. A nut is rotatably mounted on the body in engagement with the jaw threads. A nut retainer member includes a first portion fixed to the body and a second portion engaging the nut. The chuck includes a plurality of recesses and a deflectable pawl biased toward and engaging the plurality of recesses. In a first state, one of the deflectable pawl and the plurality of recesses travels with the body and the other with the nut, and in a second state they travel together.
US07722053B2 Outer ring and clamp-type joint for vacuum apparatus
An outer ring of a clamp-type joint for vacuum apparatus is disclosed. The joint includes a base forming an outer circumferential side and a pair of brims respectively extending from the top and bottom of the base toward the center axis of the joint, the inner side of the brims on which the brims come into contact with the O-ring being in the form of a convex sector, of which the arc faces the O-ring. The radius r of the circle forming the sector is 0.6-2.5 mm and the thickness (t0) satisfies the following formula: t1−0.2≦t0≦t1+0.4. In the formula, t1 is a thickness (mm) of the center ring at the point at which the center ring engages with the O-ring. The clamp-type joint can exhibit stable sealing performance at a high temperature of 250° C. or more without cracking of the O-ring.
US07722052B2 Rotation shaft seal
A rotation shaft seal to prevent inner leak from increasing along high-pressurization of sealed gas. A staged portion is formed on an outer case, and an end face on an inner side of the staged portion is covered with rubber to form a ring rubber portion of which end face is covered. A rubber end face of the rubber portion and a face on a peripheral edge of a seal element are pressed to each other.
US07722051B2 Seal ring
A seal ring for sealing an annular clearance between two members, which are made rotatable relative to each other. The seal ring is provided with a relief 5 throughout the circumference of a sliding face side to confront the side wall face 72 of an annular groove 71. This relief 5 is set to have a radially smaller width in the vicinity of a separate portion 2 and a radially larger width at a position apart from the separate portion 2, and the portion of the relief 5 to transit from the narrower portion to the wider portion is set to have a gradually changing width.
US07722050B2 Mechanical seal bearing protector
A mechanical seal has an axially floating seal face (21) in sliding contact with an axially stationary seal face (22). A biasing means (33), such as a magnet, biases the floating seal face towards the stationary seal face. The axially floating seal face and the biasing means are rotationally fixed relative to each other and the axially stationary seal face is free to rotate relative to the axially floating seal face. The seal may be used, for instance, as a bearing protector or isolator.
US07722043B2 Game medium shooting mechanism
It is an object to provide a game medium shooting mechanism in a game device that uses an approximately disk-shaped game medium, which makes it possible for a game player to easily shoot a medal and devote oneself to play the game even when the game player continuously shoots the medal for a long time.The game medium shooting mechanism 100 includes an accumulating part 101 for accumulating an approximately disk-shaped game medium M, first sloped walls 104 and 106 that are continuously sloped up and extended from the accumulating part 101, a first shooter 108 that includes a first slot 108-1 for inserting the game medium M therein on a position adjacent to the first sloped walls 104 and 106, and a first guide 113 that is extended on the first sloped wall for making the game medium M slidingly roll into the first slot 108-1 under the gravity. When the game player slides the approximately disk-shaped game medium M that are accumulated on the accumulating part 101 upward along first sloped walls 104 and 106 that are continuously sloped up and extended from the accumulating part 101 and then releases the game medium M, the game medium M slidingly falls along the first sloped wall 106 under the gravity, and is caught by the first guide 113 that is extended on the first sloped wall.Also, the first guide is configured to make the game medium M slidingly roll into the first slot under the gravity.
US07722040B2 Sheet carrying device and sheet carrying method for image forming apparatus
In an embodiment of the invention, a cam of a pitch adjustment mechanism can be slid and moved along a first shaft. When a sheet is a standard paper, the pitch adjustment mechanism is ejected from an adjustment position by an urging force of a movement spring and is moved to a standby position, and slide contact between the cam and a second shaft is released. When a sheet is a thick paper, a solenoid is turned on, the pitch adjustment mechanism is disposed at the adjustment position by a plunger, and it is prevented that the registration roller pair abruptly come in contact with each other after the thick paper passes through.
US07722036B2 Sheet conveying device and image forming system
A sheet conveying device connected between image forming device and post-processing device of which sheet conveying speed is higher than that of image forming device. The sheet conveying device includes: feed-in roller for feeding in a sheet ejected from image forming device; conveying roller for conveying the sheet; ejection roller for ejecting the sheet to post-processing device; conveying path from feed-in roller to ejection roller; and controller for controlling sheet conveying speeds of the rollers, wherein the controller performs control such that: when sheet conveying device feeds in the sheet ejected from image forming device, the conveying speeds of the rollers are the same as conveying speed at which image forming device ejects the sheet; and when image forming device has completed ejection of a trailing edge of the sheet, the conveying speeds of the rollers are the same as conveying speed at which post-processing device feeds in the sheet.
US07722035B2 Method and apparatus for correcting the lateral position of a printing material, printing material conveying system and machine processing printing material
A method for correcting the lateral position of a printing material, includes gripping the printing material with a transport unit, rotating the transport unit in a lateral position correction angular range for correcting the lateral position of the printing material, and rotating the transport unit out of the lateral position correction angular range while retaining the correction of the lateral position of the printing material. An apparatus for correcting the lateral position of a printing material, a printing material conveying system and a machine for processing printing material, are also provided.
US07722031B2 Image forming apparatus including a sheet feed cassette capable of effectively transporting a sheet recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feed cassette for storing a sheet. The sheet feed cassette includes a protective sheet which is provided on a portion of the sheet feed cassette that contacts the sheet so as to prevent adhesive material from sticking thereto. The image forming apparatus further includes a sheet conveyance path that transports a sheet, and a protective sheet provided on a portion of the sheet conveyance path that contacts the sheet so as to prevent an adhesive material from sticking thereto.
US07722028B2 Feeder separation technology
A bottom friction feeder comprises a material magazine assembly, a gate assembly including a guide subassembly and a singulation gate subassembly, a back wedge assembly, and a bottom friction belt assembly.
US07722026B2 Sheet conveyer device and image forming apparatus with error judging system
A sheet conveyer device to convey a sheet in a conveyer path, including a first roller pair arranged in an intermediate position in the conveyer path, a feeder to feed the sheet toward the first roller pair during a feeding operation, a discharge portion, on which the sheet is discharged, a second roller pair arranged in the conveyer path in a position closer to the discharge portion than the first roller pair, a control unit to control the first and the second roller pairs to rotate synchronously, and a judging system to judge whether a sheet feeding error has occurred in the feeder, is provided. The control unit controls the first and the second roller pairs to rotate synchronously in a second direction during the feeding operation and in a first direction when the judging system judges that the sheet feeding error has occurred during the feeding operation.
US07722025B2 Apparatus for processing sheets inserted vertically, in particular an automatic validating machine for documents, such as cheques
An apparatus (10) suitable to process sheets (13), in particular comprised of an validating machine (10) for the validation of documents (13) such as cheques or similar documents, comprising a vertical guide (11), and a pair of arms (22a, 22b) suitable to hold and support a cheque (13) along a respective lower edge (13a) in a first hold position (Pi), when the cheque (13) is inserted into the vertical guide (11), wherein in response to the presence and alignment of the cheque (13) in said first position (Pi), two pairs of rotating rollers (42a, 42b, 44a, 44b) automatically engage the cheque (13) from opposite sides, the arms (22a, 22b) are moved out of contact with the lower edge (13a) of the cheque (13), in order to free the feeding path of the cheque towards the interior of the validating machine, and the cheque is also fed vertically, in a downward direction, by means of the two pairs of rollers from the said first position (P1) to a second processing position (P2) in the validation zone for being validated. The cheque (13) inserted into the validating machine (10) can also be moved in a horizontal direction, for example, in order to perform the detection of data recorded on the cheque (13) by means of a magnetic detection unit (76). The validating machine (10) permits easy and practical manual insertion of the document to be validated from above, in a vertical direction, still at the same time ensuring correct and safe alignment of said document in the vertical guide, whereupon it activates and controls in a completely automatic manner the related validation cycle.
US07722019B2 Portable vise
A portable vise, particularly for use in supporting elongated member, provides a convenient design for safely cutting, drilling, welding, and painting. An elongated member is inserted through an aperture of a vise body. The vise rests upon the ground or other work surface such that one end of the elongated member is supported over the work surface while the other end of the elongated member rests upon the work surface.
US07722016B2 Float for humidification chamber
A float for a humidification chamber has formed-in-place conformable seal, which may be accomplished by overmolding a thermoplastic elastomeric material to the float. The float may be comprised of sections sealingly joined together at an elevation above the water level defined by the buoyancy of the float and also above the water level within the humidifier chamber when filled.
US07722014B2 Surface mount
A surface mount includes a base for receiving a hollow object that is to be secured with the mount to another surface. The interior area includes a movable anchor than can be advanced toward the wall that defines a hollow object receiving area, so that a hollow object is pinched or compressed between the anchor and its respective wall.
US07722010B2 Valve holding member
A valve holding member made of a sheet metal includes a hub part (33) having a guide hole (34) through which a valve stem (23) and a plurality of arm parts (32) formed at the peripheral edge of the hub part. The arm parts are extend from the peripheral edge in an axial direction and in a radially outward direction with respect to the axis of the valve stem. The valve holding member also includes any one of a first reinforcing protrusion (35) formed in at least one of the arm parts which extends along a longitudinal direction of the at least one arm part and protrudes radially outward or inward with respect to the axis of the valve stem, a tubular reinforcing part (35c, 35e) formed around the guide hole and extending from the hub part in the axial direction, and a second reinforcing protrusion (35b) formed in the hub part and protruding in the axial direction.
US07722007B2 Flip chart easel with improved pivotal strut mechanism
A foldable easel strut assembly is provided for supporting the easel when the easel is in use, and for moving the legs of the easel to a storage position when the easel is to be stored. The invention comprises an easel support board to which a rear leg assembly is pivotally connected. A pair of forward struts are pivotally connected at a first end to the support board. A pair of rear struts each have a first end pivotally connected to a second end of a corresponding forward strut, and a second end of each rear strut is pivotally connected to the rear leg assembly. Each rear strut includes a stop flange that abuts an upper edge of a corresponding forward strut when the rear leg assembly is pivoted away from the support board to a maximum position. In an embodiment, two front legs are pivotally connected to the support board, and the rear leg assembly comprises a rear leg member that pivotally folds against a bracket, and the bracket folds against the support board, when the easel is in its storage position.
US07722006B2 Catch device of a lengthwise adjustment mechanism of a motor vehicle seat with two pairs of rails
A catch device of a lengthwise adjustment mechanism of a motor vehicle seat comprises a first pair of rails and a second pair of rails, each having a bottom rail and a seat rail. A first detent ledge is associated with the bottom rail and comprises first detent openings and first detent webs. A first stopper unit is disposed in proximity to the first detent ledge and cooperates therewith, comprises two stopper teeth for engaging the first detent openings independently of one another and for disengaging therefrom together and is associated with the seat rail of the first pair of rails. A second detent ledge is associated with the bottom rail of the second pair of rails and comprises second detent openings and second detent webs. A second stopper unit is disposed in proximity to the second detent ledge and cooperates therewith, comprises a stopper means for engaging and disengaging the second detent openings and is associated with the seat rail of the second pair of rails. An actuation unit has a hand lever and comprises actuator means through which the hand lever is connected to the two stopper units for common actuation of the stopper units. The second stopper unit has only one stopper means, which is a coherent part and is either in or out of engagement with at least one second detent opening.
US07721998B2 Self-powered spacecraft attitude control system and method
A system and method are provided for operating a control moment gyro (CMG) in a spacecraft. The CMG includes a spin motor, and a CMG rotor that is coupled to the spin motor and is configured to rotate about a spin axis. Electrical power from a power source is supplied to the spin motor to rotate the CMG rotor about the spin axis. A determination is made as to whether the power source can supply sufficient electrical power to the spin motor. If the power source cannot supply sufficient electrical power to the spin motor, the spin motor is rotated by the CMG rotor to generate and supply electrical power to the power source.
US07721989B2 Multi-path inlet for aircraft engine
An inlet for an aircraft, missile or other high speed airborne mobile platform, to receive intake air and compress the intake air for delivery to an engine of the mobile platform. The inlet has an array of inlet elements placed in side-by-side arrangement. Each inlet element has a passage for delivery of intake air. The array provides for compact volume and effective aerodynamic performance. The inlet may be mounted for rotation to start the inlet when at a supersonic speed. The inlet is shorter in length than traditional inlets and can be integrated into a wider variety of airframes, or at locations on existing airframes that would be difficult or impossible to integrate a traditional inlet on.
US07721988B2 Unmanned helicopter
The invention relates to an unmanned helicopter comprising an internal combustion engine and an associated fuel tank. The unit (1) formed by the internal combustion engine and the gearbox is arranged essentially in a self-supporting housing (2) which is at least partially closed all the way round, and preferably consists of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFK), a nose body (3) being connected to the front of said housing. In this way, a compact structure can be achieved.
US07721979B2 Shower spray device
A shower spray device is described in which the side wall of the water distribution chamber consists of a sealing element.
US07721978B2 Fluid dispenser nozzle, a dispenser device including such a nozzle and a method of fabrication
A fluid dispenser nozzle including a resilient sealing lip fitted on a substantially rigid support, the sealing lip being adapted to bear in leaktight manner against a shutter member belonging to the support that also includes a fastener member connected to the shutter member via a movable connection, the fastener member carrying the sealing lip. The movable connection is adapted to enable the shutter member to be moved from a first position in which the shutter member is spaced apart from the sealing lip to a second position in which the shutter member bears against the sealing lip and elastically deforms the sealing lip.
US07721976B2 High speed rotating atomizer assembly
An atomizer assembly (10) drives an atomizing bell (108) to apply paint onto a part (14). The atomizer assembly (10) includes a core (24) having at least one paint line (26) extending therethrough, a turbine device (40) circumscribing an axis (A) and disposed in the core (24), and a turbine unit (62) surrounding the pain line (26) and having a shaft (104) rotatable relative the turbine device (40) with several turbine blades (130) connected to the shaft (104). A plurality of nozzles (64, 66, 68) are defined in the turbine device (40) and are positioned relative a turbine wheel (106) connected to the shaft (104) to drive fluid, i.e. gas onto the turbine blades (130). An annular wall (94) extends outwardly from one of the terminal ends of the turbine device (40) to define a seat (96) for engaging the core (24) to maintain a fixed gap between the paint line (26) and the shaft (104) and to eliminate contact therebetween.
US07721975B2 Heated saltwater highway deicing machine
My invention is different in that it uses high temperature water to dissolve either evaporated granular salt, evaporated salt blocks, evaporated salt buttons, solar salt blocks, bulk or bagged solar salt crystals, or halite rock salt crystals to create a highly saturated, highly concentrated salt brine with or without adjuncts such as waste beet juice, molasses, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride to deice streets, roads, bridges, highways, sidewalks, curb cuts, building entrance steps, and airport runways and airplane taxi ways leading to airport runways. The use of the heated salt brine and adjuncts such as waste beet juice or molasses will prevent the solution from being diluted by holding it place with the sucrose or fructose based molasses used to bind the brine to the surface requiring deicing. The use of calcium chloride and magnesium chloride as adjuncts will increase the heated salt brine's effectiveness at lower temperatures.
US07721973B2 Valve
A valve comprising a body and a plug is disclosed. The body has a pair of ports and a tubular structure having a side wall and an open end and defining interiorly a first subchamber communicating with one port. The wall has an opening. The body defines a second subchamber communicating with the other port, extending around the wall and beyond the end to communicate with the end and the opening. The plug has an opening, is mounted to the structure and telescopes between first and second positions. At the second position, the plug is disposed at least partly in the second subchamber and the valve defines, between the ports: a first flow path through the wall opening; and a second flow path through the open end of the structure, via the plug opening. At the first position, the plug and structure restrict flow through the first and second paths.
US07721972B2 Appliance control with automatic damper detection
Methods and systems for operating a fuel fired appliance that may include an optional hardware component such as a damper are disclosed. In some cases, the presence of the optional hardware component is detected, and it is determined whether the optional hardware component is required for future operation of the fuel fired appliance. The fuel fired appliance may be operated normally if the optional hardware component is present and required, or, in some cases, if the optional hardware component is determined to be not required. If the optional hardware component is absent but required, normal operation of the fuel fired appliance may be stopped.
US07721971B2 Image processing system, image processing method and computer readable information recording medium
In an image processing system, in which code data is transmitted between at least one client and a server, the client includes a selecting unit to select a processing function to execute; and a notifying unit to notify the selected processing function to the server. The server includes a selecting unit to select a type of a stream of code data transmitted between the server and the client, based on the notified processing function; and a notifying unit to notify the client of the selected type of stream.
US07721967B2 Remote crane bar code system
In general terms, the present invention provides a method of automatically scanning an inventory field to allow the selection of a desired item for retrieval. A camera is positioned in the crane trolley located above the field. The camera continuously performs a scan of the field displaying an image to the operator of the items being scanned. This real-time image allows the operator to distinguish between items scanned in the field. The operator can subsequently choose the desired item triggering the camera system to automatically capture desired information from the item which is in turn communicated to an inventory control system. The camera system mitigates the requirement of a second individual to communicate information between the field and the operator.
US07721959B2 Optimizing inventory in accordance with a constrained network
In one embodiment, optimizing inventory includes accessing service level band sets. Each service level band set is associated with a policy group, and includes service level bands. Each service level band of a service level band set has a service level priority with respect to any other service level bands of the same service level band set. An inventory band set is determined for each service level band set. Each inventory band set includes inventory bands, where each inventory band satisfies a corresponding service level band assuming an unconstrained network. Each inventory band of an inventory band set has an inventory priority with respect to any other inventory bands of the same inventory band set. A feasible supply chain plan that satisfies the inventory band sets is generated in order of the inventory priorities until a constrained network is depleted.
US07721958B2 Coinless vending system, method, and computer readable medium using an audio code collector and validator
A system, method, and computer readable medium, wherein a vending machine comprising an audio code collector and a code validator is adapted to receive audio tones from a mobile device, and wherein the audio tones include authentication codes and dispense codes to control dispensing of product from the vending machine.
US07721952B2 Presenting misaligned stacks of media
A method of operating a self-service terminal is described in which a stack of media is presented to a customer. If it is detected that at least some of the stack remains within the terminal, the remaining media is advanced out of the self-service terminal.
US07721946B2 Senior citizen communication system
A system and method is disclosed whereby a patient at a senior care facility can send and receive messages via the inter-net. Tools are provided to manage the patients, the patient's relative contact, mail and photo collection. Relatives can be designated to suggest changes to the contacts and edit the contents of the patient's contacts files. The messages may be audio, video or text and the user friendly system helps the patients navigate through the process. Notification is provided so that the relatives and patients know when a message had been received. Further notification is provided if a prolonged period lapses after receipt of a message to a patient and the message has not been read.
US07721945B2 Method and system of pre-loading preferred access contact information in memory
A method (300) and system for pre-loading preferred access contact information can include a transceiver (28), memory (24) for pre-storing preferred access contact information for a predetermined merchant in an electronic phonebook or a speed dial number slot, a presentation device (26) and a processor (22) coupled to the transceiver and memory of a portable communication device (20). The processor can be programmed to track accesses to the preferred access contact information from the memory and report the number of accesses to a server accessible by the transceiver. The processor can be programmed to automatically present an advertisement stored in memory to a user when the user accesses the preferred access contact information. Note, the manufacturer of the portable communication device 20 can charge a fee to the predetermined merchant for pre-storing the preferred access contact information in the electronic address book or in a speed dial storage slot.
US07721943B2 Two way electronic media mailer
A two way mailer for conveying an item from a sender to a recipient and back is disclosed. The two way mailer comprises a base panel, a sender address panel, and a recipient address panel. The base panel and the sender address panel may be made from a single contiguous piece of material or from non-contiguous pieces of material. The recipient address panel is preferentially part of the same contiguous material as the base panel and the sender address panel. The sender address panel is affixed by at least one adhesive region to the base panel to form a pocket for containing the item during mailing. The size of the pocket eliminates free space and flushes the item with an edge of the pocket which first enters automated postal processing equipment. In this configuration, a fragile item may be conveyed from the sender to the recipient and from the recipient back to the sender without damage to the item.
US07721942B2 Rigid wrapper for holding packets of cigarettes
Packets of cigarettes (2) sold in multiples are wrapped in a rigid carton (1) with a predominating longitudinal axis (L) that extends parallel to the longitudinal axes (7) of the single packets (2) and presents a prismatic shape of polygonal section.
US07721940B2 Cardboard box having an expandable volume
A box for packaging objects, said box including a first belt made up of four vertical panels and terminated by a return tab, each vertical panel being extended by two opposite side flaps designed so that, once they have been folded over at right angles, they form a bottom and a first top for said box, each of at least two of the side flaps having a cutout on a fold line parallel to its outside edge, which cutout enables a tongue to be detached from said flap, said box further including a second belt made up of four other vertical panels and terminated by another return tab, each vertical panel being extended by a single other side flap designed to form a second top for the box, each of two other side flaps being provided with at least one opening or at least one notch for receiving said tongues.
US07721939B2 Sputter target and backing plate assembly
A method for aligning the sputter target onto a backing plate having a peripheral arcuate-shaped flange on its bonding surface to provide an aligned and uniform solder bonded interface; and the sputter target/backing plate assembly so produced.
US07721936B2 Interlock and surgical instrument including same
A surgical instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector comprising a moveable cutting instrument to cut an object and a motor coupled to the end effector. The motor actuates the cutting instrument in response to a current therethrough, causing the cutting instrument to move between a proximal-most position and a distal-most position. The instrument includes an interlock coupled to the end effector and to the motor to prevent actuation of the cutting instrument based on the current through the motor.
US07721935B2 Surgical stapling device
A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a single use loading unit, or “SULU”. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes. The handle portion includes a spindle and barrel assembly drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member positioned in the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly.
US07721932B2 Endoscopic stapling devices and methods
Described herein are endoscopic staplers used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach and used to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside of the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn inwardly into a vacuum chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue on the exterior of the stomach to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow the opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with one another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between the tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form between them. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention. After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.
US07721931B2 Prevention of cartridge reuse in a surgical instrument
A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a control unit and a staple cartridge including a transponder. The control unit is configured to transmit a first wireless signal to the transponder and to receive a second wireless signal from the transponder to determine one of a first electronic state and a second electronic state of the transponder based on the second wireless signal.
US07721929B2 Staple cartridge
An opening portion (104) is formed at a rear face of a staple cartridge (103), a slide door (106) is provided at the opening portion (104), and the slide door (106) is maintained at a closing position by a tension coil spring (107). When the slide door (106) is pushed down, also a pressing plate (109) is moved down by being pushed by the slide door, the opening portion (104) is opened and a staple pack (121) can be inserted into the cartridge. A staple can be refilled to an electric stapler (101) in a state of mounting the staple cartridge (103), and time and labor of attaching and detaching the staple cartridge is dispensed with.
US07721928B2 Nail-driving device with safety unit
A nail-driving device includes a body having a nail ejection portion, a nail-striking member, an activation switch, a trigger mechanism, a force-transmitting member, and a safety mechanism. The force-transmitting member is connected pivotally to the safety mechanism. When the safety mechanism is limited in a first position, and when the trigger mechanism is actuated, the force-transmitting member activates the activation switch to thereby move the nail-striking member relative to the body. When movement of the safety mechanism relative to the body is allowed, and when the trigger mechanism is actuated, the force-transmitting member moves the safety mechanism from the first position to a second position such that a contact portion of the activation switch serves as a fulcrum.
US07721927B2 Power drive nailing machine
A nailing machine includes a contact rod substantially in a straight shape and an operating dial. The contact rod is slidably and rotatably supported by a nose portion. The operating dial is slidably penetrated to be inserted by the contact rod, rotatably provided integrally with the contact rod and provided rotatably and by being restricted from being moved in an up and down direction with respect to the nose portion. A length of projecting the contact member in a direction of a front end of the nose portion is adjusted by rotating the contact rod by way of the operating dial.
US07721926B2 Vehicle storage structure
A vehicle trim component that has a concealed storage compartment includes a mounting portion and a pair of generally parallel tracks that at least partially define an access opening of the trim component. A flexible lid slidably is disposed between the tracks for movement between a closed position and an open position relative to the access opening. The lid includes a flexible portion and a reinforcement portion coupled to the flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured and arranged to span the access opening when the lid is in the closed position. The reinforcement portion has an array of sliding members and an array of hard, rigid reinforcement inserts. Free ends of each of the reinforcement inserts are located in the tracks. The sliding members are disposed on each of the reinforcement inserts to isolate the reinforcement inserts from contacting the tracks.
US07721925B1 Universal removable roof rack mounting system
A universal roof rack mounting system includes small, nearly imperceptible, permanently attached pads and removable cross bar towers. The pads extend only about one quarter inch from an automobile roof and may be painted to match the color of the roof. The cross bar towers may be quickly and easily attached and detached from the pads, and the cross bar towers include a passage which accepts known roof rack cross bars including, both round and rectangular cross bars. An adjustable latching action between the pads and the cross bar towers allows a range of cross bar tower lean angles, thereby allowing the mounting system to adapt to any vehicle roof. The cross bar towers include locking release covers, and the cross bar towers are easily removed, with or without cross bars attached, by unlocking and lifting the tower covers, and the rack system can be lifted off as a unit.
US07721924B2 Bracelet connection tool
A bracelet connection tool is disclosed that assists in the installation of a bracelet. The bracelet installation tool includes a base, a support beam, and a clamp. The support beam supports the clamp in a spaced relationship with the base. The clamp is capable of engaging a portion of the bracelet during installation. A method of installing a bracelet with the bracelet connection tool is also disclosed.
US07721923B2 Apparatus and method for textile maintenance
An apparatus for textile maintenance comprises a base component containing a plurality of holes and at least one coupling member. Multiple base components may be interlocked by means of the coupling member(s). Retention members snugly fit into the plurality of holes of a base component. The retention members support one or more textile pieces adjacent to a base component. Additionally, the retention members may be used to stack a base component onto another base component. A user may then use a base component or any combination of base components to perform textile maintenance, such as drying or starching.
US07721922B2 Receptacle
The present invention includes a receptacle for a cosmetic or care product although other substances may be used in conjunction with the present application. The receptacle includes a body with a single opening. An insert is secured in the opening and includes a passage for extracting the cosmetic or care product.
US07721919B2 System for applying a working pressure to a content of a pressure package with the aid of a propellant
A system for applying a working pressure to a content of a pressure package. The system comprises a pressure package configured to hold a content to be delivered, a high-pressure chamber configured to hold a propellant, a pressure controller connected to the high pressure chamber by a feed-through and configured to control the working pressure on the content of the pressure package with the aid of the propellant on the basis of a predetermined reference pressure, and a movable member positionable in at least a control position and a neutral position. The movable member, in the control position, clears the feed-through to enable control of the working pressure. The movable member, in the neutral position, blocks the feed-through, so that control of the working pressure is then impossible. The movable member has a handle for positioning the movable member in the neutral position or in the control position.
US07721914B2 Container for dispensing medicaments having a compressible medium therein
The invention relates to a medicaments dispensing container (e.g., a cassette or tray), which hold one or more types of medicaments, and configured for secure and intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a container for dispensing medicaments includes: a housing for storing an aggregate of medicament units stored loosely with respect to one another; an outlet defined in the housing to dispense the medicament units; and a compressible medium located within the housing and configured to expand so as to move the medicament units toward the outlet for dispensing.
US07721912B2 Hinge assembly using substantially straight hinge pin
A hinge assembly incorporates a substantially straight hinge pin for securing a lid to a container. At least one end of a hinge line is initially closed via a plastic wall. The substantially straight hinge pin is secured in the hinge line via passing the hinge pin through the plastic wall. Subsequently, residual axial and radial stresses caused by passing the hinge pin through the wall cause the opening to contract, thereby retaining the pin. By providing a hinge assembly including a substantially straight hinge pin, the assembly process can be more easily automated.
US07721911B2 Rotating type cup lid
A rotating type cup lid, includes a cover having a cover portion with a first through hole formed therein, a wall surface disposed around the cover portion, and a flange connecting surface extended from the bottom edge of the wall surface. The rotating type cup lid further includes a rotating body corresponding to the cover portion of the cover. A protruding knob passes through a central circular hole and a downwardly tapered edge is formed at the periphery of the rotating body that is embeddable into an internal surface of the a first latch portion of the cover. The rotating surface of the rotating body includes a second through hole corresponding to the position of the first through hole, a punchable hole with X-shaped break lines, a small opening corresponding to a smaller straw, and a closed surface having no hole, each of which may be rotated into alignment with the first through hole.
US07721908B2 Container having a slideable cover
A container comprising a plastic container base, a plastic container lid, and a pair of first and second tracks is provided. The container base has a bottom, front and back ends, and a pair of sidewalls that define a storage area. The container lid is slideably disposed on the plastic container base and includes a cover portion that encloses the storage area when the plastic container is in a closed position. The pair of first tracks are included one on each of the sidewalls. The pair of second tracks depend downwardly from opposing sides of the cover portion and slideably engage the pair of first tracks. As such, the container lid is slideable from the closed position to an open position to form a dispensing opening between the front end of the container base and a forward edge of the cover portion.
US07721898B2 Coating material for leukocyte removal filter and the filter
It is intended to provide a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which is excellent in the capability of removing leukocytes. It is further intended to provide a filter whereby both of leukocytes and platelets can be highly efficiently removed from a blood product containing leukocytes and platelets. The above objects can be achieved by using a polymer for coating a leukocyte removal filter material which comprises a unit originating in a hydrophobic polymerizable monomer, a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a basic nitrogen-containing part, and a unit originating in a polymerizable monomer containing a protonic neutral hydrophilic part.
US07721894B2 Shock-absorbing packing material, and shock-absorbing packing material for television receiver
The shock-absorbing packing material has a pair of first grooves each formed in a portion of the interior face of the first wall in connection with the interior face of the second wall, and a pair of second grooves each formed in a portion of the interior face of the first wall in connection with the interior face of the third wall.
US07721890B2 Package system for a powdery, granular, paste-like or liquid sterile product
Package system (2) for a powdery, granular, paste-like or liquid sterile product comprising a plastic outer tray (4) and a plastic inner tray (6). The inner tray (6) is to be sealed with a first plastic cover to form a sterile receptacle for the sterile product. The outer tray (4) is to be sealed with a second plastic cover to form a sterile receptacle for the inner tray (6). The inner tray (6) has a spout (40) for the application of the sterile product.
US07721882B2 Disk protective enclosure
A holder for a disk having a central opening includes a base, a forwardly projecting ring for supporting the disk, a diaphragm supported within the ring member, and a button structure projecting forwardly from the diaphragm for engaging the central opening. Retainer members project radially outwardly from the central opening proximate the front face surface for releasably holding the disk when the diaphragm member is in a relaxed position. Downward pressure on the button structure deflects the diaphragm to move the retainer members inwardly for releasing the disk. The retainer members are on hook stem members that are rigidly joined to an inner extremity of the diaphragm in radial alignment with circumferentially spaced ring attachment locations of the diaphragm. Button stem members rigidly connect a button member to the diaphragm in alternating circumferentially spaced relation to the hook stem members to provide greatly enhanced lateral support of the disk.
US07721881B2 Cigarette case with cigarette ejection mechanism
A cigarette case includes an outer casing hingedly secured to a cover; a U-shaped first pusher proximate the other side of the outer casing and including at least one longitudinal groove or arcuate section; a trigger member secured onto the other side of the outer casing; a spring biased hinge-type ejector lid on a top corner of the outer casing; a sliding cross-shaped second pusher; and a sliding V-shaped member resiliently interconnecting the second pusher and the cover. A plurality of cigarettes are contained in a space defined between the first pusher and the second pusher such that pulling up the trigger member a predetermined distance will lift the first pusher to cause the at least one cigarette engaged therewith to open the ejector lid.
US07721880B2 Mixing dispenser
A dispenser comprises a container having a first aperture therein and a first closure element for sealingly closing the first aperture wherein the container has a second aperture and a second closure element for closing said second aperture, the second closure element including a pressing element operable to press inwardly towards the second aperture, a blister pack, locating element locating the blister pack to span across the second aperture and sealing element sufficient to ensure the second aperture is sealingly closable against leakage of the intended contents of the dispenser. The construction and arrangement is such that in end use the container holds a first substance and the blister pack holds a second substance and when the pressing element is pushed the blister pack is ruptured enabling the mixing of the contents thereof with those of the container.
US07721878B2 Package for containers
A package is formed from a carton and containers extending through a bottom panel of the carton. First and second struts and a brace in the carton interior provide support for the containers accommodated within the carton.
US07721877B2 Quick splice conveyor belt system and method therefor
A conveyor belt system includes a splice rod having a j-shaped hook on each end thereof and a plurality of links for receiving the splice rod therethrough. The links further include a specially modified link end for securing the rods.
US07721876B2 Adjustable side rails for article conveying system, and conveyor and system incorporating same
An assembly is disclosed for positioning side rails for an article handling conveyor extending in a conveying direction. The assembly includes a frame, two side rails movably mounted to the frame on opposite sides of the conveyor and extending along the conveying direction, each side rail including an input gear. A gear train extends between an actuator and the at least one input gear, whereby movement of the actuator in one direction or the other moves the side rails simultaneously toward or away from the each other via the gear train and the input gear. Multiple rail assemblies along a conveyor, across different sides of a conveyor, and/or along or across different conveyors can be employed. The multiple assemblies can be controlled by a common controller.
US07721872B2 Transfer apparatus
A transfer apparatus has a first conveying device for holding and conveying a transferring-work to be transferred; a second conveying device for holding and conveying a carrier work on which the transferring-work is placed; and a transfer device to receive the transferring-work from the first conveying device and transfer the transferring-work to the carrier work of the second conveying device. The transfer device has two or more end-effectors that revolve along the same circumference to convey the transferring-work, and each of the end-effectors revolves independently of the other end-effectors. Each of the end-effectors has a holding surface that holds the transferring-work, and the holding surface is able to advance and retract along a revolution axis of each of the end-effectors.
US07721868B2 Method for adjusting a banknote processing machine
The invention relates to a method for adjusting a bank note processing machine by which threshold values of sensors are defined for recognizing the condition of bank notes.The invention starts out from a method for adjusting a bank note processing machine by which threshold values of sensors are defined for recognizing the condition of bank notes, wherebya number of bank notes is processed by means of the bank note processing machine and data of at least one sensor are stored,the condition of the bank notes is recognized by means of the stored data and at least one threshold value,a relation between the recognized condition of the bank notes and the at least one threshold value is determined and displayed,at least one threshold value is changed on the basis of the displayed relation, and at least the condition and the relation are determined again and the relation is displayed again.
US07721866B2 Traveling operation device and working vehicle
The present invention provides a traveling operation device that is configured so that the speed-change lock mechanism shifts from the speed-change locked state to the unlocked state when the brake operation mechanism is operated. The present invention also provides a traveling operation device including a forward-side speed-change pedal and a rearward-side speed-change pedal for operating a traveling stepless speed-change device provided in a working vehicle, wherein the forward-side speed-change pedal and the rearward-side speed-change pedal are arranged spaced apart in a vehicle width direction so as to define a footrest region in between at one of left and right step boards in the working vehicle. The present invention also provides a working vehicle in which the driver's seat is exposed and which includes supporting members for supporting a pair of left and right mud-shield foot-guards arranged on a front side with the driver's seat as a reference and a width indicator lamp detachable mounted to at least one of the pair of left and right foot-guard supporting members so that a light-emitting portion of the width indicator lamp faces forward.
US07721865B2 Segment-type friction material
A segment-type friction material has blocks each composed of four segment pieces. Five blocks are stuck by adhesion to a core metal 2 along an entire circumference thereof so as to constitute one surface of the segment-type friction material. Gaps are provided between the five blocks to form oil grooves that make an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to flow. Five oil grooves are formed in total on one surface as a whole of the segment-type friction material.
US07721861B2 Clutch mechanism for use in power tools
The present invention discloses a clutch mechanism to adjust eccentricity in a power tool. The clutch mechanism comprises an outer race mounted radially on an annular main body which is mounted on an eccentric shaft. At least one first connecting member is disposed between the outer race and the annular main body. At least one second connecting member is disposed between the annular main body and the eccentric shaft. The first connecting member makes the outer race and the annular main body rotate relative to each other at one way. The second connecting member makes the annular main body and the eccentric shaft rotate relative to each other at one way. The annular main body has an axial projection formed thereon to connect with an eccentric mechanism in the power tool. With this type of clutch mechanism, the adjusted eccentricity will not change during working and torque can be transferred stably.
US07721860B2 Power coupling device
There is provided a power coupling device comprising first and second coupling members, at least one of which is capable of rotating about a common axis and relative to each other. The first coupling member has a pocket, and the second coupling member has notches. The power coupling member also comprises first and second struts arranged at least partly in the pocket. Each of the first and second struts is urged to emerge from the pocket and capable of engaging with one of the notches. The first strut is capable of transmitting torque between the first and second coupling members only in a first direction, and the second strut is capable of transmitting torque between the first and second coupling members only in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The power coupling device further comprises first and second retainer plates arranged between the first and second coupling members capable of moving in a plane perpendicular to the common axis, for example, of rotating about the common axis, and independently from each other. The first retainer plate has a first hole which the first or second strut can pass through. The second retainer plates has a second hole which the first or second strut can pass through when the second hole is aligned with the first hole and the first or second strut. By moving the first and second retainer plates, this power coupling device can achieve the neutral state and the bidirectional lock state in addition to forward and reverse lock states.
US07721859B2 Rotary force controlling apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
A rotary force controlling apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same are provided. The rotary force controlling apparatus includes a clutch device having a shaft, and a rotary body mounted at one end of the shaft. A housing receives and rotates together with the shaft. A power transferring member is rotatably mounted in the housing and selectively rotates the housing by a clutch inserted between the housing and the power transferring member. A positioning unit protrudes from the periphery of the housing and positions a stop location of the rotary body. A solenoid unit is spaced apart from the clutch device and is selectively turned on and off. The positioning unit includes a first positioning unit that positions an initial location of the rotary body when the solenoid unit is turned on; and a plurality of second positioning units that are separated from the first positioning unit and stop the rotary body at a predetermined location when the solenoid unit is turned off. Since the solenoid unit is turned off when the rotary body is stopped, the solenoid unit is prevented from being overheated.
US07721855B2 Locomotive dynamic braking grid package configuration
In a locomotive having a dynamic braking capability, a method for maintaining an airflow path to a resistive grid disposed within a resistive grid enclosure having an enclosure inlet and an enclosure outlet is provided, wherein the method includes generating an inlet airflow into the enclosure inlet, creating a heated inlet airflow by associating the inlet airflow with the resistive grid such that the inlet airflow absorbs heat generated by the resistive grid, directing the heated inlet airflow toward the enclosure outlet to generate a heated outlet airflow, redirecting at least a portion of the heated outlet airflow to be thermally associated with a structural portion of the enclosure inlet such that the temperature of the structural portion of the enclosure inlet is increased above a predetermined temperature to reduce blockage of the enclosure inlet by snow and recirculating the redirected heated outlet airflow with ambient air being drawn into the resistive grid enclosure.
US07721854B1 Assured running clearance caliper
A brake mechanism fixed to a member allowing limited reciprocal motion and providing a restorative force to the movable member in one direction of movement thereof. A brake mechanism includes a rotor fixed to and wheel about an axle axis has a caliper assembly spanning the rotor with inboard and outboard friction members supported on either side of the rotor for selectively engaging the rotor and braking the wheel. A piston is fixed to the caliper of the inboard friction member for moving the inboard friction member toward the rotor and including a piston seal which, upon removal of fluidic pressure from the cylinder, resiliently urges the inboard friction member away from the rotor. A bracket is fixed to the vehicle supports the caliper on a pair of generally cylindrical guide pins fixed to one of the anchor bracket and caliper assembly and is movable within a pair of generally cylindrical guide pin bores of the anchor bracket and caliper assembly. A pair of central cylindrical shells and an end engaging a pin shoulder to provide the restorative force and a radially outer portion of reduced rigidity such as a plurality of fins frictionally engaging the aperture.
US07721852B2 Control device of elevator
In an elevator control apparatus, the presence/absence of an abnormality in an elevator is monitored by an abnormality monitoring portion. The abnormality monitoring portion makes a determination on the presence/absence of an abnormality in the elevator based on information from a sensor, and outputs a signal for stopping a car upon detecting an abnormality. The history of information on the result of determination by the abnormality monitoring portion is recorded in a history information recording portion.
US07721851B2 Bottom guiding device for elevator car and landing doors
The bottom guiding device according to the invention for telescoping elevator car and/or landing doors with at least one fast-moving door (3) and one slow-moving door (1) moving parallel to and within a small distance from a threshold plate (5) of a car and/or landing door respectively, is characterized in that it implements a threshold plate (5) on the car and/or landing side, formed with at least one lower edge parallel to the travel path of the doors (1, 3) and forming a bottom guide track (31) for the doors; a bottom plate (11) integral with the slower door (1) and extending with a small clearance below the faster door (3), provided on the threshold side with a guide track (13) parallel to the travel path of the doors (1, 3) and accommodating a guide element (19) integral with the faster door (3) and close to its rear lower end; at least two distant guide elements (25) integral with said bottom plate (11) on the slower door and accommodated on said (31) on the threshold plate so as to slide freely; and at least one guide element (33) integral with the faster door (3) and accommodated on said guide track (31) on the threshold plate, arranged substantially at the front end of the faster door (3) and sufficiently far from said guide elements (25) on the slow door (1) when the doors are opened and face each other.
US07721848B1 Safety shield
The present invention provides a safety shield for installation in an aerial bucket. The safety shield provides an adjustable panel which may be extended to a variety of positions to protect a user from unintentional contact with harmful surfaces such as electrical wires.
US07721847B2 Acoustic panel
An acoustic panel is provided with a plurality of grooves in a front face and at least one well in a back face. The well is defined by a first end wall and an opposing second end wall and opposing side walls extending between the end walls. The grooves and the well intersect and have a sufficient combined depth to form a plurality of holes through the panel. The grooves may extend substantially from one end edge to the opposing end edge. The well may be substantially elongate and extend from a position adjacent to, and spaced from one side edge of the panel to a position adjacent to, and spaced from the opposite side edge of the panel. The well may include a substantially flat bottom and receive an acoustic fill material that may be held in place by compression and friction.
US07721846B2 Sound absorbing material
Sound absorbing board (10) is made from recycled high density foam granulate (12) that has been mixed with a binder (14) and consolidated under pressure. Pores (16) are present in spaces between the granules. Each granule includes small pores (18). Sound is absorbed by thermal diffusion and viscous friction.
US07721844B1 Vibration damping apparatus for windows using viscoelastic damping materials
An improved vibration damping system is provided for use with window structures. The window damping system employs both air-film damping technology and viscoelastic damping materials to increase mechanical and/or acoustic vibration damping in window structures.
US07721843B1 Visual acoustic device
A visual-acoustic device is provided that contains an acoustic detector to produce sound waves in communication with a moiré pattern generator that produces moiré patterns corresponding to the sound waves. The device includes a rigid plate having a first repetitive pattern and a flexible plate spaced from the rigid, plate and having a second repetitive pattern corresponding to the first repetitive pattern. The sound waves induce movement of the flexible plate such that the second repetitive pattern moves with respect to the first repetitive pattern to produce the moiré pattern. The visual-acoustic device can be arranged as a visual-acoustic stethoscope.
US07721837B1 Tethered separable occupational safety cage for transportation vehicles
An occupant safety cage (1, FIG. 1) for a transportation vehicle (e.g., a car, truck, etc.) that is separable from but tethered to the vehicle's mainframe and/or remaining portions of the vehicle, is attached by means of stretch and deform cushion mounts (2, FIG. 2) and/or stretch and tear strap mounts (3, FIG. 3) and/or extendable tether cable mounts (4, FIG. 4) and allows the occupant safety cage (1) to separate in any and all relative directions and remains tethered at a safe distance by a controlled design intent of said mounts from the sacrificial areas of the vehicle in stages of implementation (see FIGS. 5 and 6) as resulting from the forces and/or inertia level(s) from thereof as caused by a high-speed collision at the front and/or rear and/or sides of the vehicle as shown in the drawings (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).
US07721834B2 Prevention of inadvertent inertial engagement of a transfer case clutch
A method for controlling operation of a transfer case in a motor vehicle driveline that includes by an engine controlled by a throttle having a variable position, and a transmission driveably connected to the engine for producing multiple ratios of the speed of a transmission input relative to the speed of a transmission output. The transfer case transmitting rotating power in response to an electric signal applied to a clutch. The method includes determining that the engine throttle position is less than a first reference throttle position during a period of predetermined length; determining that a speed of the vehicle speed is in a predetermined range; determining that the transmission is operating in a speed ratio greater than a reference speed ratio; determining that the engine throttle position is greater than a first reference throttle position; and increasing the torque capacity of the clutch for a predetermined period.
US07721833B2 Hybrid vehicle, control method of hybrid vehicle, and power output apparatus
When a drive power demand Pv* is greater than 0, the control procedure of the invention sets the greater between an engine speed demand Nereq and a lower engine speed limit Nemin to a target rotation speed Ne* of an engine (step S160). The engine speed demand Nereq represents a rotation speed of the engine at a specific drive point that ensures efficient output of an engine power demand Pe*. The lower engine speed limit Nemin represents a rotation speed of the engine at another specific drive point for a constant-speed drive of a hybrid vehicle at a current vehicle speed V. When the drive power demand Pv* is equal to 0, the control procedure of the invention cuts fuel supply to the engine and sets the lower engine speed limit Nemin to the target rotation speed Ne* of the engine (step S190). The engine is accordingly driven at the rotation speed of not lower than the lower engine speed limit Nemin and has a quick response to a demand for output power increase from the engine. This arrangement desirably reduces the loading of a battery and prevents premature deterioration of the battery.
US07721827B2 Rock bit having a seal gland with a conical sealing surface
A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.
US07721824B2 Multiple inserts of different geometry in a single row of a bit
A method for designing a roller cone drill bit having a plurality of cutting elements in a row. The method includes defining a pitch pattern for the plurality of cutting elements such that a first group of adjacent cutting elements are arranged in a first pitch and a second group of adjacent cutting elements are arranged in a second pitch in the row, wherein the first group of adjacent cutting elements have a different extension length than the second group of adjacent cutting elements, evaluating the pitch pattern of the plurality of cutting elements in the row, and modifying at least one of the plurality of cutting elements based on the evaluating of the pitch pattern of the plurality of cutting elements.
US07721823B2 Moveable blades and bearing pads
An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.
US07721821B2 Underground boring machine and method for controlling underground boring
A method and system for controlling a horizontal directional drilling machine having a boring tool. A rate of rotation and a rate of thrust are selected by an operator. Controls allow an automatic boring operation mode to be initiated to maintain the selected rate of rotation and thrust without further input from the operator. Periodically, when the rotation and thrust are interrupted, such as to modify the drill string, the automatic boring operation mode is interrupted. The automatic boring operation mode may be resumed without requiring the operator to select the rate of rotation and rate of thrust. The rate of rotation is resumed before the rate of thrust to reduce drill string shock loads and increase drilling performance.
US07721820B2 Buffer for explosive device
A buffering device for use in conjunction with a downhole tool string, wherein the tool string includes a ballistics device. The buffering device includes a mandrel attached within a tool string and proximate to the ballistics device. An anchor is disposed on the mandrel and a disk plate is coaxially placed on the mandrel that is slideable thereon. The disk plate is proximate to the ballistic device. A resilient member, such as a spring, is coaxially placed on the mandrel between the disk plate and the anchor. The pressure wave produced by activation of the ballistic device pushes the disk plate toward the anchor and compresses the spring there between. Since the disk plate extends outward into sealing contact with casing lining the wellbore, compression of the spring dissipates energy waves produced by activation of the ballistic device.
US07721808B2 Hybrid wellhead system and method of use
A hybrid wellhead system is assembled using a plurality of threaded unions, such as spanner nuts or hammer unions, for securing respective tubular heads and a flanged connection for securing a flow control stack to a top of a tubing head spool. The tubing head spool is secured by a threaded union to an intermediate head spool. The intermediate head spool is secured by another threaded union to a wellhead. Each tubular head secures and suspends a tubular string in the well bore. The hybrid wellhead system is capable of withstanding higher fluid pressures than a conventional independent screwed wellhead, while providing a more economical alternative to a flanged, or ranged, wellhead system because it is less expensive to construct and faster to assemble.
US07721807B2 Method for managing hydrates in subsea production line
A method for managing hydrates in a subsea production system is provided. The system has at least one producing subsea well, a jumper for delivering produced fluids from the subsea well to a manifold, a production line for delivering produced fluids to a production gathering facility, and an umbilical for delivering chemicals to the manifold. The subsea well has been shut in, leaving produced fluids in a substantially uninhibited state. The method generally comprises the steps of pumping a displacement fluid into the chemical injection tubing, pumping the displacement fluid through a chemical injection tubing provided in the umbilical, further pumping the displacement fluid through the manifold and into the production line, and pumping the displacement fluid through the production line so as to displace the produced fluids before hydrate formation may begin. Preferably, a chemical inhibitor is placed in the chemical injection tubing before the displacement fluid is pumped into the chemical injection tubing.
US07721802B2 Fluid level sensing device and methods of using same
A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.
US07721799B2 Flow control packer (FCP) and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) system
A flow control packer (FCP) includes a packer mandrel, and an inflatable element fixedly attached at each end to the mandrel. The inflatable element includes circumferential grooves and flow control grooves formed on an outside surface thereof configured to press against the inside diameter of a conduit to provide a flow resistant surface for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through the conduit. A system can include one or more flow control packers (FCP) configured to control fluid flow through different sections of the conduit.
US07721789B2 Heat pipe type cooler
To realize a integrally constructed cooler of the heat pipe type which ensures the achievement of sufficient cooling capacity and the realization of a simple, compact and inexpensive cooler, that is especially low in height, employing and incorporating ingeniously a heat pipe, there is provided a heat pipe type cooler comprising: a heat receiving plate; a heat radiator having a configuration of a plurality of horizontally oriented vertically spaced heat radiation plates; and a heat pipe H having a generally U-shaped or V-shaped profile, the middle portion of which is secured to the heat receiving plate; and wherein each end of the heat pipe H passes through the heat radiation plates.
US07721788B2 Cooling jacket
A cooling jacket for cooling a heat-generating element through transmitting heat-generation into a coolant flowing within an inside of the cooling jacket, which is mounted within an electronic apparatus, and includes a base portion, and a cover portion. The base portion includes a heat-transfer surface in proximity to a surface of the heat-generating element, and a plurality of wall portions. Each wall portion is defined to extend into a direction perpendicular to the heat-transfer surface, thereby defining flow passages for the fluid coolant between the wall portions. The cover portion is attached on the base portion surrounding a periphery of the base portion, thereby defining a passage for guiding the fluid coolant into the base portion. The base portion builds up the sector-shaped flow passages and a summit portion at a central portion of the base, and has a configuration that is thermally isotropic to the heat-generating element.
US07721787B2 Refrigeration-type dryer apparatus and method
A drying device includes an air/air heat exchanger and an air/refrigerant heat exchanger. The air refrigerant heat exchanger includes a phase change material.
US07721784B2 Article of jewelry and method of manufacture
A method and system for creating an article of jewelry that contains an anatomical image using a digital image of an anatomical body part such as a fingerprint, handprint, footprint, or the like to create a computer numeric controlled (CNC) software program that drives a machine for producing a wax model of the anatomical image. The wax model is used in a lost wax casting process to create a casting that is used in an article of jewelry. The present invention further provides an article of jewelry containing a novel bail assembly for attaching the article of jewelry to a chain or the like in an aesthetically pleasing manner that hides the attachment hole of the casting.
US07721778B2 Convertible laptop bag
The present invention relates to a convertible bag for carrying a laptop that can be converted from a tote configuration to a skin or sleeve configuration and back again. The convertible bag includes a body that is shaped and configured to receive a laptop computer; a pair of handles connected to the body, each handle defining an aperture that is sized to receive a hand or a portion thereof; and at least three fasteners, one fastener attached to each handle and one fastener attached to the body, whereby two or more of the at least three fasteners are positioned to engage one another when the pair of handles are in a first position that exposes the apertures and when the pair of handles are in a second position folded against the body.
US07721777B2 Modifiable and customizable article carrier built of zipper strips
The invention relates to an article carrier and, more specifically, to a customizable and modifiable article carrier built from a plurality of zipper strips. Each strip includes two bands of flexible material adjoined along an adjacent edge. The opposing edges of the bands have a toothed edge operable to lock to a toothed edge on an adjoining strip via a zipping mechanism. A plurality of strips are combined to form an article carrier compartment with optional closures and carrying straps.
US07721774B2 Filling device for use with a container
A filling device is disclosed for allowing substances to fill a beverage container. The filling device may direct a flow of liquid into a container. The filling device may have a bowl with a round and a flat portion, a neck, a wall dividing the bowl into sections, and a plurality of fingers at the terminal end of the neck. One section of the filling device may allow the substance to fill the beverage container while the other section allows air to escape.
US07721772B2 Protective devices for aircraft fuel filler ports
Protective devices are provided subjacent to the filler port within an aircraft's wing fuel tank so as to protect the lower wing skin from being struck by a nozzle associated with refueling equipment. When inserted into the filler port, the nozzle is brought into contact with the protective device which serves to deflect the nozzle in laterally (e.g., in an inboard direction) to thereby prevent the nozzle from striking the lower wing skin. Thus, when initially inserted into the filler port in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to a horizontal plane, the terminal end of the nozzle will contact with the arcuately concave inner surface of the device such that continued insertion of the nozzle into the filler port will cause the nozzle to assume an angularly canted condition in an inboard direction (i.e., a direction toward the aircraft's fuselage).
US07721769B2 Paper machine fabric with trapezoidal shaped filaments
A fabric for use on a paper machine includes a plurality of filaments woven together. At least a portion of the filaments have a generally flat machine side base, a generally flat web side face, and a pair of generally flat side walls extending between the base and the face. The portion of the filaments having a generally trapezoidal shaped cross section is defined by the base, the face and the pair of side walls.
US07721768B2 Loom and a method for weaving single-web loop velvet
A single-web loom for loop velvet fabric wherein weft yarns are inserted in a shed (F1) formed by warp yarns and wherein individually controlled electric actuators are used to move at least one warp yarn guide heddle into one of at least four positions (N1, N2, N3, N4) defining at least three warp yarn sheds (F1, F2, F3), and wherein warp yarn guide rods are simultaneously inserted into each of the sheds (F2, F3) other than the shed (F1) into which the weft yarns are inserted for forming loops or pile.
US07721767B2 Method of determining the helix angle of a helical formation for a conduit
A Method of Determining the Helix Angle of a Helical Formation for a Conduit. A method of determining the helix angle of a helical formation (4) within a conduit (1). The method includes specifying the internal dimensions of the conduit (1) and an intended fluid mass flow through the conduit (1). The helix angle is determined from the pressure drop and the turbulent kinetic energy for a conduit (1) having the specified internal dimensions and intended fluid mass flow.
US07721765B2 Power steering system frequency suppressor
A frequency suppressor for a hydraulic system is shown and described. The frequency suppressor comprises a housing that contains a substantially fixed mass of a compressible substance. The volume of the compressible substance is varied to dampen frequency disturbances in the hydraulic system.
US07721761B2 Diverter integrated into a side sprayer
A diverter assembly configured to be connected to a faucet assembly that may be installed on a sink. The diverter assembly includes a diverter and a mechanism for dispensing fluid, such as a sprayer. The diverter assembly may be connected to a tube connected to an outlet of the faucet. The diverter assembly may redirect flow from the outlet of the faucet to the sprayer upon activation of the sprayer.
US07721760B2 Device and valve combination for reversing the flow of flowing media
In a device for reversing the flow of flowing media including two multi-way valves (21) which are fluidically interconnected and mounted on an adapter plate (32), the two valves are identical and are fluidically connected with one another by being pushed one into the other via rotationally symmetrical sealing members that seal in the radial direction.
US07721758B2 Valve with increased dynamic response
A valve (1) comprises: a body (2); a bushing (3) slidably mounted on said body; a valve spool (4) slidably mounted on said bushing; said bushing and spool having respective control edges (5) that are adapted to cooperate with one another as a function of the relative position between said bushing and spool to vary the size of a control opening therebetween; a first drive (11) operatively arranged to controllably move one of said bushing and spool relative to said body; and a second drive (12) operatively arranged to controllably move the other of said bushing and spool relative to said body; whereby said first and second drives may be selectively operated to move said bushing and spool simultaneously in opposite directions to increase the dynamic response of said valve.
US07721756B2 One-piece spring and poppet incorporated into a valve seat assembly and associated method for manufacturing a one-piece spring and poppet
A combined spring and poppet assembly incorporated into a valve housing which communicates with a fluid inlet and outlet. The integral assembly includes an elongated and three dimensional shaped, resilient body positioned in linearly displaceable fashion within the valve housing, and along a path established between the fluid inlet and outlet. The body includes a forward-most disposed poppet which seats against the fluid inlet in a normally flow disrupting fashion. The body further includes an integrally formed spring biasing portion. Upon a pressure in the fluid inlet exceeding a predetermined value, the poppet being caused to unseat from the inlet and to displace linearly against the spring portion, concurrent with fluid flow being established across the outlet.
US07721755B2 Valve for controlling the flow of fluids
A valve assembly to dispense fluid from fluid containers including a member that is rotatably slideable in a tube between open and closed positions. The valve assembly utilizes sealing beads to provide seals so that fluid cannot be dispensed from the assembly when the assembly is in the closed position. The valve assembly also includes a tamper evident indicator to show a user whether or not the valve assembly has been previously actuated. The tamper evident indicator may include a tab that is broken when the valve assembly is first actuated. The tamper evident indicator may also include a skirt that either detaches from a knob or fractures when the valve assembly is first actuated.
US07721752B2 Pressure relief valve for a packaging container
The invention relates to a pressure relief valve, comprising a base body, which is covered by a valve membrane. The base body which is located on the inner face of a packaging container, permits the escape of excess pressure from the packaging container into the atmosphere by means of passages and perforations that are configured in the wall of the packaging material. The inventive pressure relief valve thus responds particularly well. i.e. allowing particularly low opening pressures, by means of the special configuration of its base area.
US07721751B1 Fuel dispensing system
A fueling station comprising an above-ground tank, above-ground piping, and above-ground fuel pump modules adapted for easy construction, installation, and maintenance.
US07721748B2 Pole brace and ballasting device
A pole brace and ballasting device having at least one or more releasably connecting weight containers adapted to retain and discharge a dry or fluid load bearing material therein of adequate length and sufficiently ridged to brace a pole. A hand activated clamp or clamps for attachment to a variety of pole dimensions both angular and round, while allowing for the closing of the tent's outer protective cover; with the capacity to selectively suspend the ballasting load to prevent it from coming at rest with the ground for an increase in its effectiveness.
US07721747B2 Covered play apparatus
A cover assembly for a play area, such as a sandbox, comprises a frame disposed over the play area and a covering material attached to the frame. The frame is constructed so as to be convertible between a first configuration in which children can enter and play in a fully enclosed play area and a second configuration in which the play area is shaded, but open to the outside.
US07721741B2 Oral appliance for treating a breathing condition
In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device. In certain embodiments, a removable receiver, which may be one of a plurality of removable receivers with different dimensions, is removably positioned within a recess in a posterior surface of a lower arch and is engaged by a connector of an upper arch to define the relative positions of the arches.
US07721736B2 Self-contained micromechanical ventilator
The portable ventilator of the present invention provides a hands-free ventilatory support device in critical care, emergency, and resource-limited environments. The portable ventilator utilizes ambient air and includes a two dual head compressor system to provide a consistent air supply to the patient. The ventilator device is battery operated and is capable of providing up to 60 minutes of care. In a preferred embodiment, the portable ventilator of the present invention also includes a pneumatic subsystem, a control subsystem, a power subsystem and an alarm subsystem. The portable ventilator of the preferred embodiment includes a dual head and single head compressor system that operates alternatively, to provide a consistent and continuous inhalation and exhalation cycle. A portable ventilator of a second preferred embodiment includes a sole dual-head compressor that operates to provide a consistent and continuous inhalation and exhalation cycle.
US07721735B2 Portable gas powered positive pressure breathing apparatus and method
A portable positive pressure breathing apparatus includes a demand valve with a supply inlet port adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of oxygen and an outlet port adapted to be connected to the inlet of a patient's breathing appliance. The demand valve further includes a reference chamber and a valve assembly responsive to the reference chamber/appliance inlet pressure differential for connecting/disconnecting the inlet port to and from the outlet port. At least one manually adjustable back pressure regulator is connected to the pressure source and the reference chamber for setting the pressure in the reference chamber (and inlet to the breathing appliance) at a selected level above atmospheric pressure.
US07721726B2 Gas radiation burner
A gas radiation burner includes a gas supply member for injecting a gas; at least one mixing pipe producing a mixed gas by sucking air together with the gas injected by the gas supply member, the at least one mixing pipe uniformly injecting the mixed gas; a burner pot having a lateral side opening connected to the at least one mixing pipe to accommodate the mixed gas supplied by the at least one mixing pipe; a burner mat provided over the burner pot to emit radiant heat generated by combustion of the mixed gas supplied by the burner pot; and a burner housing provided on the burner mat to provide a combustion room.
US07721722B1 Water-powered toy guns and method
A toy gun is operated by water under pressure, supplied from a conveniently available source of water under pressure, such as a garden hose connected to a municipal water supply, a household water supply, or a similar source of water under pressure, to launch a projectile, such as a water-filled balloon, along, and preferably through, the barrel of the gun. The projectile is coupled with a firing chamber, preferably by being placed in the firing chamber, adjacent the barrel, and water under pressure is admitted to an actuator for actuating an air compressor which, in turn, creates compressed air that is accumulated in an air chamber and then selectively released to the firing chamber to launch the projectile from the barrel.
US07721720B2 Fuel control system and associated method
A fuel control system for controlling the purging of alternate fuel in an internal combustion engine at shutdown includes: at least one valve device configured to deliver a fuel supply to the engine; a first fuel source configured to provide a primary fuel to the valve device; a second fuel source configured to provide an alternate fuel to the valve device; and a controller connected to the valve device and adapted to be connected to an ignition system. The controller is configured to control the valve device responsive to a status of one of the engine and the ignition system.
US07721719B2 Fuel activation apparatus for methane gas
There is provided a far infrared radiator capable of highly activating methane gas prior to combustion to thereby attain an enhancement of thermal efficiency at combustion. In a passage of methane gas prior to combustion, there is positioned absorbent material (58) produced by mixing at least carbon with tourmaline as an absorption material of absorptivity higher than that of the material of the methane gas passage. Energy-absorbing coating (59) is applied to an fixed on the external surface of the absorbent material, and on a circumferential surface of the energy-absorbing coating there are positioned magnet (54) and far infrared radiator (57) produced by mixing tourmaline with at least iron powder and carbon.
US07721718B2 System for controlling an air to fuel ratio
A method of controlling an air to fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine may include receiving a request for a modification of a first flow of fuel to at least one combustion chamber, modifying the first flow of fuel in response to the request, receiving a first signal indicative of a first air supply condition, displacing a second flow of fuel in response to receiving the signal and controlling the modification of the first flow of fuel by the displacement of the second flow of fuel.
US07721713B2 Electromagnetic fuel injector and method for assembling the same
An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprising: a metallic cylindrical-shaped vessel provided at a tip end thereof with a fuel injection port, the other end thereof being closed by a stationary core provided centrally thereof with a through-hole; a movable member arranged between the stationary core and the fuel injection port and provided at a tip end thereof with a valve element, which opens and closes the fuel injection port, a maximum outside diameter of the movable member being smaller than a minimum inside diameter of the through-hole; and an electromagnetic drive mechanism that reciprocates the movable member.
US07721710B2 Warm up strategy for ethanol direct injection plus gasoline port fuel injection
A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder of the engine; a first injector configured to inject a first substance to said cylinder; a second injector configured to inject a second substance to said cylinder; and a controller configured to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder, where said fuel is injected by only one of said first and second injectors during said start and/or warm-up.
US07721708B2 Control system for general-purpose engine
In a system for controlling a general-purpose air-cooled internal combustion engine having two cylinders each equipped with a throttle valve and a fuel injector, and a cooling fan that selectively directs air onto the cylinders, a throttle driver selectively drives the respective throttle valve of each cylinder to open or close. The system also includes an injector driver that selectively drives the respective injector of each cylinder to open, and a controller that controls operation of the throttle driver and injector driver in such a way that the throttle opening and an amount of fuel to be injected are different for each cylinder, such that an engine speed becomes substantially constant, thereby enabling the engine to obtain desired output characteristics.
US07721704B2 Device and method to increase fuel burn efficiency in internal combustion engines
A reciprocating piston engine wherein the movement of a piston within the combustion chamber creates vortices in the fluid within the chamber and wherein the orientation of the vortices is more normal to the axis of movement of the piston than parallel to the axis of movement of the piston. The vortices may be created by a device for attachment to the crown of a piston or by the configuration of the crown of the piston. The vortices may be created by a plurality of vanes extending outwardly from the center of the piston to the periphery thereof.
US07721703B2 Combustion control system for internal combustion engine
In an embodiment, the invention provides an internal combustion engine, including a first fuel injector that supplies a first fuel to a first predetermined region in a combustion chamber, and a second fuel injector that supplies a second fuel to a second predetermined region in the combustion chamber. The second fuel has an octane number that is different than an octane number of the first fuel, and the second predetermined region is different from the first predetermined region. An ignition device is configured to start ignition of one of the first and second fuels based on an ignition signal. An operation condition detector detects at least one engine operating condition. A controller is configured to provide the ignition signal to the ignition device and to determine which one of the first and second fuels to ignite by the ignition device based on the engine operation condition.
US07721700B2 Engine unit and straddle-type vehicle provided with the same
An engine unit for a motorcycle that efficiently supplies lubricating oil to a clutch mechanism includes a connecting rod connected to a crank shaft, an oil pump, a clutch shaft having a clutch shaft body and a centrifugal type clutch, and a reduction mechanism having a reduction shaft in parallel to the crank shaft. The oil pump supplies lubricating oil to a connection of the crank shaft and the connecting rod. The clutch shaft body is arranged in parallel to the crank shaft. The clutch shaft body is closer to the crank shaft than is the reduction shaft. Lubricating oil supplied to the connection to scatter is led to the clutch shaft.
US07721698B2 Starter of small engine
Energy is stored in the horse power spring to surely start the engine. The stopper having the engaging engageable with the end behind the rotation direction of the cam plate depressed area is arranged at near the cam plate which is integrally formed with pulley fixed to the engine crank shaft and has the depressed area o the disk rim, and the urging means supporting the stopper in a movable manner to the engaging position where the engaging engages with the depressed area and toe the avoidance position for avoiding the rim of cam plate, and normally urging to move the stopper to the avoidance position, on the other hand, enabling the stopper to move to the engaging position from the outside, and urging not to move the stopper to the avoidance position until a sufficient rotation load is added to the cam plate at the engaging position is provided.
US07721696B2 Cam follower for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine
Proposed is a cam follower (1) for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, having a roller (3), which is rotatably mounted on a journal (2), as a cam thrust face, which journal (2) runs with its outer casing (4) in a respective bore (5, 6) of a first and second guide wall (7, 8) of the cam follower (1), between which guide walls (7, 8) the roller (3) is held, which outer casing (4) is composed of a first and a second section (9, 10), which first section (9) intrinsically has a greater diameter than the second section (10), wherein the journal (2) has an axial travel limitation in one direction by means of its collar (11) which is situated between the sections (9, 10), and in the other direction by means of a radially projecting element such as a securing ring (12), which collar (11) and which securing ring (12) abut against one of the guide walls (7, 8).
US07721693B2 Method for adjusting the rotational angle position of the camshaft of a reciprocating internal combustion engine in relation to the crankshaft
A method for adjusting the rotational angle position of the camshaft (3) of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine relative to the crankshaft (5) is provided. The crankshaft (5) is drivingly connected to the camshaft (3) via an adjusting drive (1), which is embodied as a triple-shaft gear mechanism, having a crankshaft-fixed drive shaft, a camshaft-fixed output shaft, and an adjustment shaft drivingly connected to an electric motor (4). A stop element is connected to the drive shaft and a counter-stop element is connected to the camshaft (3). The crankshaft rotational angle measuring signal and a position signal for the rotational angle of the adjusting shaft are detected during the starting step of the internal combustion engine. A phase angle signal for the position of the rotational angle of the camshaft (3), based on the initial position, in relation to the camshaft (3) is determined with the aid of the angle measuring signal, the position measuring signal and a gear variable of the triple shaft gear. After immobilization of the crankshaft (5) and the camshaft (3) in a reference position in relation to each other and after detection of the reference position, the phase angle in relation to the reference position is measured and is controlled to a target value signal.
US07721692B2 Cam phaser having pre-loaded spring for biasing the rotor through only a portion of its range of authority
During assembly of an improved phaser, a rotor bias spring is captured by a spring retainer that is fitted or formed into the cover, allowing the spring to be installed in a pre-load position and forming a sub-assembly that is then attached to the remaining components. Grounded and active spring tangs are captured in separate slots in the spring retainer. A pocket within the rotor receives the active tang of the bias spring. The pocket has a tapered bottom ramp that lifts the active tang from the slot wall in the retainer and positions the active tang within the pocket in a retarding direction. Lifting the active tang of the bias spring prevents friction between the spring and the retainer slot wall as would occur as the rotor moves in a retarded direction. In advancing, spring rotation stops when the active tang contacts the end of the retainer slot.
US07721688B2 Variable compression ratio internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio mechanism made up of a case-side bearing-forming portion, a block-side bearing-forming portion, and a shaft-shaped drive portion. The case-side bearing-forming portion is formed in an upper portion of a crankcase. The block-side bearing-forming portion extends outward from a lower end portion of an outer wall surface of the cylinder block. The block-side bearing-forming portion is linked to the case-side bearing-forming portion by the shaft-shaped drive portion. Slit-shaped stress reduction groove portions each having an opening in a region between the block-side bearing-forming portion and cylinder bores are formed in a lower surface of the cylinder block. Therefore, even when the block-side bearing-forming portion presses the outer wall surface, the stress reduction groove portions reduce the stress, so that the deformation of the wall surface of each cylinder bore can be restrained.
US07721687B1 Non-reciprocating, orbital, internal combustion engine
A combustible fluid operated engine free of lost momentum during piston reciprocation has respective series of cylinders and pistons on counter-rotating carrier wheels. Fuel is injected into the cylinders from the pistons. The carrier wheels are variably spaced relatively to vary the combustible fuel compression. The power output is variable.
US07721686B2 Method and system for controlling a free-piston energy converter
A method and system for controlling a free-piston energy converter is disclosed in which effects of events, like combustion events, in at least one of at least two cylinders, are decoupled from each other by predicting forces acting on the moving mass of the converter during a stroke of the moving mass and by evaluating or estimating a value representing a force which is exerted onto the moving mass, so that the moving mass reaches a desired reference condition or state, like a desired reference kinetic energy, at a certain position along the stroke.
US07721683B2 Integrated engine thermal management
The invention relates to a cooling strategy for an internal combustion engine (1) which has at least one cylinder head (2) and an associated cylinder block (3). A coolant flows in a coolant circuit (4), with at least one control element (6, 7, 8, 9) being assigned to the coolant circuit (4). During a warmup of the internal combustion engine, in successive phases, the coolant flow is conducted to separate cooling regions by the control elements (6, 7, 8, 9), wherein in an operating mode at operating temperature which follows the warmup, the coolant flow is conducted to separate cooling regions by the control elements (6, 7, 8, 9) taking into consideration the operating states of the internal combustion engine.
US07721678B2 Pet shelter
The inventive pet shelter described herein overcomes these drawbacks. The pet shelter has a non-deformable steel cage defining a space therein suitable for the enclosure of a pet and deformable pieces removably attachable to the perimeter of the steel cage. The steel cage has a top shelter section and a side shelter section formed by a guide following door, wherein the guide following door can be recessed into the pet shelter and underneath and adjacent to the top shelter section. The deformable pieces are oriented on corners and edges of the steel cage.
US07721675B2 Method for providing information on the occupancy of milking stations of a milking system
The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device for associating animals with milking stations. For this purpose, the animals are detected by sensors and subjected to identification processes, thereby providing information units for an individual animal. The detection by sensors and the identification processes are tuned with each other in such a manner that the respective sensorically detected data are associated with the data obtained by the identification processes. The latter represent animal-related information units that are made available at milking stations. The sensory detection can for example be carried out by photoelectric sensors.
US07721672B2 Electrically illuminating indicator needle and light guiding member
An electrically illuminating indicator needle and a light guiding member therefor that allow such a control as length of the needle can be varied while undergoing less unevenness in luminance and can be manufactured at a lower cost are provided.The electrically illuminating indicator needle comprises a plurality of planes of incidence, a plurality of light reflecting surfaces disposed to correspond to the planes of incidence so as to reflect light coming from the planes of incidence, a light guiding member disposed to correspond to the light reflecting surfaces so as to cause the light reflected on the light reflecting surfaces to emerge, and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed to oppose the planes of incidence.
US07721670B2 Kayak having deck fairing
An improved kayak provides a rigid open cockpit hull with air chambers attached to the hull. The air chambers provide a generally convex shape for increased maneuverability and also provide cushioning against impact to reduce the risk of injury to the kayak pilot. The air chambers allow for an open cockpit kayak with an exterior surface having a similar shape as a conventional closed cockpit kayak, providing a similar level of maneuverability and allowing for completion of maneuvers such as rolling the kayak from an inverted position in the water.
US07721657B2 Pivotable table
A pivotable table has a lower housing and a table top which can be moved from a storage position, in which the table top is arranged substantially perpendicularly in the lower housing, into a use position, in which the table top is arranged substantially horizontally above the lower housing and is carried by the lower housing. The table includes at least one carrying arm that has an end region which is connected pivotably to the table top and a remote end region which is connected to the lower housing via a carrying arm guide. The table also includes at least one supporting arm, the two end regions of which are connected in each case to the table top and to the carrying arm, at least one of these two connections being of displaceable configuration via at least one supporting arm guide.
US07721656B2 Monorail vehicle
A monorail vehicle includes a cabin for housing a driver, passengers and/or load and also includes one or more driving assemblies, the driving assemblies being suitable for running within a guiding duct on the ground, the cabin being connected to at least one driving assembly by an elongated elevation structure. The elongated elevation structure is actuated in order to vary the elevation of the cabin with respect to the ground during regular travel of the vehicle.
US07721655B1 Transport system
A transport system comprising a cable traveling subsystem movable along a cable that is attached to and extends from a mounting subsystem. The cable traveling subsystem comprises a wheel that rotates along a length of the cable. The cable traveling subsystem further comprises a movable gate which keeps the cable traveling subsystem in physical communication with the cable even should the wheel become disengaged from the cable, and which further allows the cable traveling subsystem to travel though the mounting subsystem thereby resulting in the cable traveling subsystem's uninterrupted flow of motion.
US07721651B2 Irritation member
Disclosed is an irritation grenade (1) comprising a receptacle (2) with at least one compartment (12) within which an effective charge (3) is accommodated and which ends in one respective discharge port (21, 22) on opposite sides of the receptacle (2) while being locked by means of a closure (15). A rocker-arm type igniter (4) is provided to ignite the effective charges. The combustion gases of the effective charges (3) are deflected in part by parts of the rocker-arm igniter (4) such that the irritation grenade is displaced when the effective charges (3) are ignited. In order to prevent this from happening, the cross section of the discharge ports (21, 22) of the compartments (12) is embodied smaller on the side opposite the rocker-arm igniter (4) than the cross section of the discharge ports (21) on the side of the rocker-arm igniter (4) such that recoil forces which are generated when the effective charges (3) are burned and act upon the irritation grenade (1) are substantially identical on both opposite sides.
US07721650B2 Modular time delay for actuating wellbore devices and methods for using same
An apparatus for controlling a wellbore energy train may include a firing head, a detonator cord associated with the firing head, and a plurality of serially aligned modules. Each module may include an enclosure, a first portion of a high order detonation material positioned at one end of the enclosure, a second portion of the high order detonation material positioned at the other end of the enclosure, and a low order detonation material interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A method for controlling an energy train generated in a wellbore may include serially aligning a plurality of the modules along the path of the energy train, and detonating at least one of the plurality of modules by detonating a detonator cord.
US07721646B2 Offset printing groups of a printing press for newspaper printing and a web-fed rotary printing press
An offset printing group is part of a printing machine which is used for printing newspapers. The offset printing group includes a printing cylinder and a transfer cylinder. The length of the transfer cylinder corresponds to at least six widths of newspaper pages. Two blankets are arranged adjacent each other on the peripheral surface of the transfer cylinder. A width of each of these blankets in the axial direction of the transfer cylinder corresponds to three widths of newspaper pages.
US07721644B2 Food package holder
An apparatus is provided for substantially maintaining a position of a plurality of packages (30) between a pair of trays (102 and 104) inside the drum of an agitating retort when the agitation process is applied to the packages. When the first tray (102) is stacked on the second tray (104), a volume formed between the first and second trays. Within the volume, a first positioning system (106) for holding the packages (30) in a desired position is coupled to one of the trays. The packages (30) are positioned within the volume and retained in the desired position by the first positioning system. A second positioning system (114) may be employed to hold the packages at the opposite end of the packages from the first positioning system. The second positioning system (114) may include a resilient pad that grips the adjacent portion of the packages.
US07721640B2 Cable operated gas cylinder
A cable operated gas cylinder comprises: a base tube; a spindle which is inserted at hollow part in said base tube; a cylinder which is mounted within said spindle; a piston dividing the gas-filled space within said cylinder into upper part and lower part; a pipe holder sealing airtight the upper part of said cylinder; a gas opening/closing pin which is mounted penetratingly through central part of said pipe holder and for controlling getting in and out of the gas filled within said cylinder; a release arm for controlling the opening/closing of said gas opening/closing pin; a cable for controlling turning of said release arm when being pulled by external force; and a taper holder which receives said release arm therein and rotationally intervenes within said spindle, wherein said release arm and said taper holder are capable of rotating together as said cable rotates.
US07721638B2 Slicing machine, and method of use and components thereof
An ergonomically designed food slicing machine including a rotatable blade for slicing bulk food product, a motor operably connected to the rotating blade, and a base portion located below the rotatable blade which defines a food slice receiving area. The machine may be provided with a sliced food receptacle operably connected to a scale, a visible indicia correlating to the distance between the gauge plate and rotatable blade, a blade sharpening assembly, a sled for securing the food product and an operator adjusted optimum stroke setting system for automatic operation of the slicing machine.
US07721632B2 Power tool machine with a holding apparatus
A power tool machine includes a base, a fence, a cutting arm, a motor, a saw blade and a holding apparatus. The base has an operating surface for supporting a workpiece. The fence mounted on the operating surface has a standing surface substantially perpendicular to the operating surface for abutted by a side of the workpiece. The cutting arm pivotally coupled to the base. The saw blade mounted to the cutting arm is rotatable by the motor. The holding apparatus includes a supporting device mounted on the base, a connecting device including a body connected to the supporting device, wherein a length direction of the connecting device is substantially perpendicular to a length direction of the supporting device, an adjustable device pivotally coupled to the connecting device, and a pressing device connected to the adjustable device for selectively pressing another side of the workpiece.
US07721631B2 Combined wrench and marking system
Self-contained, combined wrench and marking system, and method for installing a fitting and for automatically marking an installed fitting. The self-contained combined wrench and marking system has a wrench that may include a wrench head for rotating a fastener during a fastener tightening operation, a torque measuring mechanism for measuring a torque applied to the fastener during the fastener tightening operation, and an angle measuring mechanism for rotating the fastener to a preset angle during the fastener tightening operation. The self-contained combined wrench and marking system also has a marking system for automatically marking the fastener after the torque is applied to the fastener and after rotating the fastener to the preset angle.
US07721630B2 Automatic sizing one-handed locking pliers
An automatically adjustable locking pliers or tool includes a jaw fixed to a first handle and a jaw that pivots about the first handle. The pivoting jaw is connected to a lower tightening handle. A lever connects the tightening handle and first handle. A self-adjusting sizing and locking mechanism includes a thumb jaw sizing piece located near the jaws and movable to open the jaws so that they can be sized around a workpiece. When the thumb jaw sizing piece is released, the jaws automatically size and clamp lightly around the workpiece. The locking mechanism uses balls between a locking rod and a tapered surface. Locking occurs when the balls wedge between the rod and the tapered surface. A release cylinder is connected to a release paddle movable to unlock the mechanism. The sizing piece and locking mechanism are operable to automatically size and lock the pliers or tool.
US07721629B2 Adjustable ratchet
A wrench is configured to engage a fastener for rotation. In one embodiment, the wrench comprises a base, a pair of jaws, a pair of threaded shafts, an adjusting ring, and/or a sleeve. The position of the pair of jaws along the base may be adjustable to accommodate fasteners of different sizes.
US07721625B2 Harmonic gear drive
A harmonic gear drive includes: a rigid spline; a flexspline including an attachment portion, teeth, and a thin-walled flexible portion provided between the attachment portion and the teeth; and a member attached to the thin-walled flexible portion. The member is made of a material whose elastic modulus is lower than that of the flexspline.
US07721619B2 Vehicular shift lock device
A vehicular shift lock device including (a) a shift lock member movable between a locking position which is located on a predetermined path of movement of a shift lever from one operating position to another operating position and in which the shift lock member inhibits the movement of the shift lever, and an unlocking position which is spaced from the locking position and in which the shift lock member permits the movement of the shift lever, and (b) a guide member which guides the shift lever so as to move along the predetermined path of movement, wherein the guide member defines the locking position of the shift lock member when the shift lock member is moved in a direction intersecting the predetermined path of movement of said shift lever.
US07721617B2 Heat-treated rack bar
A method of heat-treating a rack bar includes a step of continuously conveying a rack bar provided with a rack teeth portion and a ball screw portion by a quenching means, and a step of sequentially applying a quenching treatment to each circumferential surface of the rack teeth portion and the ball screw portion. The quenching treatment is preferably and sequentially applied to each entire circumferential surface of the rack teeth portion and the ball screw portion.
US07721608B2 Tray for handling devices to be tested
The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have been solved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety of different DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test station using a universal test station connector. The tray allows for the association therewith of a personality module which serves to provide the proper physical connections and to electrically condition the test station to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allows for sealed environmental testing of the DUT without impacting any physical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray also allows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion without interfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT and without imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT and the test station.
US07721601B2 Hydrogen storage tank and method of using
A hydrogen storage tank for containing solid-state hydrogen storage media, and method for determining the hydrogen fill level in the tank. The tank has at least one compartment for storing the storage media, passages for transporting hydrogen gas to and from the compartment, and a heat distribution system for establishing a substantially uniform temperature in the storage media. A look-up table is generated for the tank that relates hydrogen pressure changes in the tank versus hydrogen fill levels in the tank as a function of temperature. The tank is filled to full capacity by adsorbing hydrogen on the storage media. Thereafter, hydrogen is released from the storage media for a time period during which there is a substantially constant demand on the tank, the change in pressure of the released hydrogen gas is measured, and the look-up table is applied to determine the hydrogen fill level in the tank.
US07721600B1 Flow measurement apparatus and method
A flow measurement cartridge assembly for measuring liquid flow in a partially filled channel and a method for measuring liquid flow using the cartridge assembly, the cartridge assembly comprising: a frame for insertion into a discharge opening of the channel; a level detector secured in the frame for determining a liquid level in the channel; and at least one flow measurement device secured in the frame.
US07721590B2 Resonator sensor assembly
An improved method and assembly, wherein the method generally includes the steps of providing a coated or uncoated sensor element having an exposed sensing surface; attaching the sensor element to a platform so that the exposed sensing surface is spaced from the platform; and optionally applying a protective layer over the platform while maintaining the sensing surface as exposed. The assembly includes a resonator having a free portion with a sensing surface is incorporated onto a platform, components of the sensor are physically shielded from harsh operating conditions, the requisite space is maintained between the free portion of the resonator and the platform, and the sensing surface of the resonator remains exposed for sensing.
US07721587B2 System and method for improving the precision of nanoscale force and displacement measurements
An apparatus and method for improving the precision of nanoscale force and/or displacement measurements using electro micro metrology (EMM).
US07721586B2 Press brake tool seating technology
Press brake tool holders suitable for releasing and securing press brake tools. Provided in certain embodiments are a press brake tool holder and a press brake tool, in combination. Methods of using press brake tool holders are also provided. In some embodiments, the tool holder has a mechanism for tool seating, such as a mechanism adapted for moving a tool generally parallel to a pressing axis of the tool holder.
US07721583B1 Pipe bending shoe
A pipe bending shoe including a support frame, a pipe channel defined by a first bending frame connected with the support frame and by a second bending frame connected with the support frame, and a plurality of flexible straps spaced along the pipe channel and spanning the pipe channel transversely between the first bending frame and the second bending frame in order to provide a transversely segmented pipe sling, wherein the pipe sling maintains a constant convex longitudinal sling profile during bending of a pipe using the pipe bending shoe.
US07721581B2 Slide block for articulated spindles
The present invention pertains to a slide block for articulated spindles on drives of rolling mills, whereby the articulated spindle (1) has a flat peg (2), whose tongue (3) meshes with a cylindrical opening of the spindle head (4), which opening lies at right angles to the axis of rotation, between which [spindle head] and the flat peg (2) is arranged the slide block (5). The slide block (5) is embodied in a composite construction, with a metallic inner body (6) and an outer layer (7) made of polymer fiber material surrounding this [inner body].
US07721578B2 Opening curled portion of metal can and forming method thereof
A method for configuration of an outwardly curled portion formed on an opening portion of a metal can, in which both inner and outer faces of a metal sheet forming at least around the opening portion are covered with a resin film, in which the curled portion formed above an inclined face by curling an upper end of a trim end portion so as to confine it inside of the curled portion, as being squeezed in the can radius direction so as to contact a lower end thereof with the inclined face, and in which the metal sheet layers are folded in the can radius direction via the resin films except around both upper and lower ends of the curled portion. Accordingly, the trim end portion of in the curled portion can be prevented from getting rusty, and deterioration in the appearance of the curled portion can be avoided. Moreover, the strength of the curled portion is enhanced so that the resistance against the deformation is improved.
US07721577B2 Manufacturing process for extending a length of service of component parts
A method for working a component to reduce a propensity for advanced dynamic change analyzes affects of a StressWave process on at least one location on a size and shape of the component. The component is also analyzed as to the affects of adding at least one feature on a size and shape of the component. A beginning shape of the component is then extrapolated.
US07721575B2 Socks
An object of the present invention is to provide a sock which offers a fit, and does not cause fatigue, blood congestion, or the like if worn for a long period of time. The sock has a length from a toe to at least an ankle, and is knitted from a knitting yarn. The sock has a base knit structure knitted at an inside half region of an arch part of the sole from an upper thread and under thread, and has an auxiliary thread further inserted together with the upper thread, so as to form a knitted part which is contracted and reduced in extensibility.
US07721570B2 Primary spacer emblematic for a golf ball marker
An ornamental device comprising a primary rigid plate with a space between the primary rigid plate and the surface of an object such as an article of clothing or cap, the space providing a receptacle to releasably hold a secondary rigid ball marker either frictionally or magnetically held, the device further being able to accommodate a secondary ball marker on top.
US07721566B1 Collapsible interconnected panels of phase change material
An apparatus having a plurality of phase change material-containing wall panels. The wall panels have a thickness and sides. The wall panels define an inner major surface and an outer major surface. The sides of the wall panels are hingedly interconnected to define a closed structure. Two diametrically opposed hinge interconnections are proximate the inner major surface. The remaining hinge interconnections are proximate the outer major surface.
US07721565B2 HVAC lateral condensate drain channel
The present invention relates to HVAC units with condensate drainage systems, for use in motorized vehicles.The present invention provides for at least two or dual condensate drain paths with no extra parts required pre-distribution of the treated air from the HVAC unit, the drainage means or channel situated to allow condensate to ‘fall back’ or, to run upstream back from the evaporator in the opposite direction to the air in the main airflow or stream which continues to run downstream from the drainage area to be conditioned by the heat exchanger.
US07721561B2 Apparatus and method for controlling fan operation
An apparatus and method for controlling fan operation in a system having a fan are provided. The apparatus includes a temperature sensor configured to detect at least one internal temperature of the system as a whole or component devices thereof, a power supply configured to convert one or more different input powers into predetermined voltage levels and supply the voltage levels to the fan, and a controller connected to the temperature sensor and the power supply and configured to control operation of the fan, wherein the controller controls fan operation based on a fan control mode selected by a user and the sensed at least one internal temperature. The method includes selecting a fan control mode from a plurality of fan control modes, detecting at least one internal temperature of the system as a whole or component devices thereof, controlling operation of the fan based on the selected fan control mode and the detected at least one internal temperature, including comparing the detected at least one internal temperature with a preset temperature, and if the detected temperature is lower than the preset temperature, decreasing a preset fan operation speed. Noise and power consumption can be minimized by controlling the fan operation depending on the specific states of the system.
US07721559B2 Multi-type air conditioner and method for controlling the same
Multi-type air conditioner including a plurality of compressors, a plurality of temperature sensors mounted in the plurality of compressors for sensing temperatures in the compressors respectively, and an equalizing pipe in communication with the plurality of compressors, for uniform distribution of oil among the plurality of compressors according to the temperatures sensed at the plurality of temperature sensors respectively, thereby distributing oil among the compressors uniformly at an exact time point at which the oil is distributed among the compressors non-uniformly, not only to permit improvement of the performance of the compressors, but also to permit improvement performance of the air conditioner having the compressors.
US07721558B2 Multi-air conditioner and group-unit control method thereof
Disclosed herein are a multi-air conditioner and a group-unit control method thereof, wherein a plurality of indoor units can be controlled on a group basis. The method comprises the step of grouping the indoor units into a plurality of groups, the step of if an air conditioning operation condition of a specific one of the indoor units is changed, sending, by the specific indoor unit, the changed operation condition to all the other indoor units according to a predefined communication protocol, and the step of by each of the indoor units, receiving an air conditioning operation condition sent from a different one of the indoor units in the same group and performing an air conditioning operation based on the received operation condition. According to the invention, the plurality of indoor units can be more efficiently controlled on a group basis through inter-indoor unit data communication. Further, the group-unit control is not restricted by whether a controller is used or not. Moreover, it is easy to add or change an object to which the group-unit control is to be applied.
US07721557B1 Method and system for propane extraction and reclamation
A method and system are provided for extracting propane vapors from a propane storage tank, and condensing the extracted vapors to form a useable liquid propane product.
US07721556B2 Single-use, self-heating or self-cooling container, particularly for beverages and method for manufacturing the same
A single-use, self-heating or self-cooling container, particularly for beverages, producible in a plurality of sizes, comprises a first receptacle (2) containing a beverage and inserted into a second receptacle (3), a first compartment (11) formed between the first and the second receptacle and a second compartment (12) formed on the base of the second receptacle and separated from the first compartment by a breakable diaphragm (13). In these compartments (11, 12) are separately and respectively arranged at least a first and a second component of an exothermic or endothermic reaction, and the first component is arranged in the first compartment (11) annularly around the first receptacle (2), while the diaphragm (13) extends as a separation of these compartments substantially against the base (4) of the first receptacle.
US07721552B2 Method for operation of a gas turbine group
A method of operating a gas turbine power plant comprising of a first gas turbine group, consisting of a compressor and a turbine which are connected mechanically with one another, and a second gas turbine group, including a combustion device, which is placed in the gas flow stream between the first group's compressor and turbine, whereby the second gas turbine group consists of a compressor, a fuel injection device, a combustion chamber and a turbine, whereby the second gas turbine group's compressor and turbine are mechanically coupled to one another and at least one of the gas turbine groups having a device for the extraction of work, whereby the fact that a first flow of water and/or steam is heated with heat from the flue gas from the first group's turbine, that further amounts of water and/or steam are heated with heat from a gas stream that is compressed by the first group's compressor, and the produced water and/or steam is injected into the gas stream in such amounts that at least 60% of the oxygen content of the air in the stream is consumed through combustion in the combustion device, and in that the combustion gas that is fed into the turbine of the second gas turbine group has a pressure in the range 50-300 bar.
US07721549B2 Fan variable area nozzle for a gas turbine engine fan nacelle with cam drive ring actuation system
A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flap assembly which varies a fan nozzle exit area through a cam drive ring. The flap assembly generally includes a multiple of flaps, flap linkages and an actuator system. The actuator system rotationally translates the cam drive ring relative an engine centerline axis which results in a follower of the flap linkage following a cam surface to pivot each flap such that the flap assembly dilates about the circumferential hinge line. Rotation of the cam drive ring adjusts dilation of the entire fan nozzle exit area in a symmetrical manner. Another cam drive ring includes a multiple of movable cams which engages the follower of the flap linkage of each flap such that pivotable movement of a particular number of the multiple of movable cams about a respective cam pivot results in vectoring of the FVAN.
US07721546B2 Gas turbine internal manifold mounting arrangement
A mounting system for an annular internal fuel manifold of a gas turbine engine includes three supports equally spaced apart about the annular fuel manifold, the three supports having at least two pin supports disposed between the fuel manifold and a surrounding gas generator casing. Each pin support includes a radially extending pin co-operating with an aligned ring slidingly disposed around the pin for relative sliding displacement therebetween. The pin supports providing axial constraint while permitting the fuel manifold to radially displace relative to the surrounding gas generator casing due to thermal size change.
US07721545B2 Device for injecting a mixture of air and fuel, combustion chamber and turbomachine both equipped with such a device
The invention relates to a device for injecting a mixture of air and fuel into a combustion chamber of a turbomachine where the supply of air is improved. The invention relates more particularly to a new type of sliding bushing.
US07721543B2 System and method for cooling a combustion gas charge
The present invention relates to a system and method for cooling a combustion gas charge prior. The combustion gas charge may include compressed intake air, exhaust gas, or a mixture thereof. An evaporator is provided that may then receive a relatively high temperature combustion gas charge and discharge at a relatively lower temperature. The evaporator may be configured to operate with refrigeration cycle components and/or to receive a fluid below atmospheric pressure as the phase-change cooling medium.
US07721542B2 Exhaust gas recirculation mixer
An exemplary mixer includes a cylindrical wall having a center axis, a substantially tubular wall defining a volute oriented about the center axis, an inlet to the volute, an exit to the volute provided by one or more openings in the cylindrical wall wherein the volute imparts a tangential velocity component to gas exiting the volute and a mount to mount the mixer to an inlet to a compressor wherein the tangential velocity component imparted by the orientation of the volute is in the intended direction of rotation of a compressor wheel of the compressor. Such a mixer can improve compressor stability, especially where the gas is exhaust gas for exhaust gas recirculation. Other methods, device, systems are also disclosed.
US07721539B2 System for controlling engine fueling to limit engine output power
A method for controlling fueling of an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine may include an intake manifold, one or more exhaust manifolds and a turbocharger coupled between the intake and exhaust manifolds. The method may comprise estimating an operating condition of the turbocharger, determining a maximum value of an operating parameter as a function of the estimated operating condition of the turbocharger, measuring a value of the operating parameter, determining an error value as a function of the maximum value of the first operating parameter and the measured value of the operating parameter, and limiting fuel supplied to the engine based on the error value.
US07721528B2 Exhaust gas purifying apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a first filter and a second filter. The first filter traps particulates in exhaust gases from said engine. The second filter is provided for failure detection and disposed downstream of the first filter. The trapping state of the second filter is detected and a filtering capability of the first filter is diagnosed based on the detect trapping state of the first filter.
US07721526B2 Turbofan engine
A turbofan engine has a fan on a front side thereof and a turbine driving the fan. The turbofan engine includes a disk rotationally driven by the turbine, a spinner detachably mounted at a front side of the disk, a spiral blade integrally mounted on a surface of the spinner, and a rear moving blade detachably mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the disk. The spiral blade and the rear moving blade form a first-stage moving blade of the fan.
US07721525B2 Aircraft engine inlet having zone of deformation
An inlet assembly for an aircraft engine nacelle includes an inner barrel, an outer barrel radially spaced from the inner barrel, and a rear support for supporting the outer barrel relative to the inner barrel. The rear support includes at least one radially extending stiffener and at least one energy absorber defining a zone of deformation adjacent the inner barrel. The rear support is deformable in the zone of deformation in response to forces applied during a fan blade-out event to prevent fracture of the rear support.
US07721524B2 Integrated airbreathing and non-airbreathing engine system
An engine assembly includes a gas-turbine engine having a tailcone portion and a bypass duct, a rocket engine combustion assembly located at the tailcone portion of the gas-turbine engine, and a movable nozzle segment subassembly that is selectively engageable with the gas-turbine engine bypass duct in an open position and with the rocket engine combustion assembly in a closed position.
US07721523B2 Ground based pulse detonation combustor for power generation
A ground based power generation system contains at least two compressor stages, a combustion stage and a turbine stage. An intercooler is positioned between the two compressor stages and a regenerator is positioned between the compressor stages and the combustion stage. The combustion stage contains at least one of a pulse detonation combustor and constant volume combustor. Downstream of the combustion stage is the turbine stage. Heat for the regenerator is supplied from the turbine stage. Further, a bypass flow device is included which re-directs flow upstream of the combustion stage to downstream of the combustion stage and upstream of the turbine stage.
US07721522B2 Torque load transfer attachment hardware
A bushing for assembling an exhaust duct liner with an exhaust duct in a gas turbine engine comprises a body, a bushing opening and a first tab. The body is insertable into a duct opening in an exhaust duct. The bushing opening receives a shaft of a liner fastener, wherein the fastener is connectable with a duct liner. The first tab extends into the duct opening and prevents rotation of the liner fastener.
US07721520B2 Chain disconnecting and connecting tool
A highly durable and compact chain disconnecting and connecting tool that may be used for a chain at a sprocket part for winding the chain and that can receive an operational load at two places is provided. A first block has an engaged pressure actuating member coupling member. A second block is coupled with the first block turnably by the coupling member and has a cutout on one side and a through hole on another side of the block. The tool is attached to the chain from an opening while positioned engagement with an edge projection of a tap bolt that is screwed with the first block and with the cutout or the through hole.
US07721516B2 Harvesting machine combination for the utilization of plant remains
A harvesting machine combination for the utilization of harvested plant remains is provided and includes a combine with an outlet for harvested crop remains, a self propelled forage harvester that includes a conveyor to take over the harvested crop remains from the outlet of the combine, a discharge arrangement for the harvested crop remains, an engine for the drive of the conveyor and a container to take up the harvested crop remains delivered by the discharge arrangement. The combine is equipped with a transmitting arrangement for the transmission of position data and/or operation direction and speed data of the combine. The forage harvester is equipped with a receiving arrangement that interacts with an automatic steering and speed input arrangement of the forage harvester that can be operated on the basis of the data received by the receiving arrangement in order to permit the forage harvester to follow the combine automatically.
US07721515B2 Agricultural harvesting machine with a foreign-object detection device
An agricultural harvesting machine for harvesting and/or processing crop material has a transfer device for transferring crop material, an intake device that includes a foreign-object detection device for detecting foreign objects in a monitoring region of a crop material flow, in the case of which, when a foreign object in the crop material flow is detected by the foreign-object detection device, the agricultural harvesting machine is braked automatically, and/or at least one energy storage medium is withdrawn in order to reduce the ground speed, it being possible to adjust the value for the braking effect and/or the withdrawal of the energy storage medium.
US07721513B2 Construction for multi-layered vacuum super insulated cryogenic tank
A construction for a multi-layered vacuum super insulated cryogenic tank and a method for making the same is disclosed. The cryogenic tank uses an inner tank that is wrapped with multiple layers of radiation shielding and is suspended within a frame by one or more suspension members. The frame is enclosed within a fluid tight outer tank that fits snuggly against the frame. An ultra-high vacuum is created between the inner and outer tanks.
US07721511B2 Method and machine for banding logs of sheet material
Banding machine in which logs of sheet material are fed by a conveyor belt to a banding device that is adapted to band the logs with a banding web to form a tubular wrapper around the logs. The banding device includes a pusher operated by an actuator, which pushes the log into a channel, in which a packaging sheet is arranged, stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle. The conveyor belt and the packaging apparatus are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). A pusher is be provided, operated by a piston at the first height (H1), in addition to a pusher provided at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Further, a lifting member is provided, which receives the log from the first pusher and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).
US07721509B2 Device for packing items in a box, and a method for the same
A device for packing items in a box is provided with a conveyor for supplying items in a conveyance direction, a pushing device comprising a pressure plate, which pressure plate is movable in a horizontal pushing direction extending transversely to the conveyance direction, for moving at least one item onto a flap that is movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, a box being positionable below the flap. The device is additionally provided with two guide plates situated on either side of the flap, which guide plates extend transversely to the pressure plate. The device is further provided with a retaining plate extending parallel to the pressure plate and movable in the pushing direction. The device is also provided with a stop situated between the retaining plate and the pushing device, which stop is situated at a distance above the flap that is less than the height of the item, the item and/or the stop being deformable during the movement of the item on the flap.
US07721506B2 Panelized roofing system and method
The panelized roof sheathing construction system includes a plurality of panels attached to a building frame structure in substantially abutting relationship. Each panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop the outward facing surface of the panel. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. Joints between panels are sealed by strips of water resistant tape or the like. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding a roll of paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, cutting the mat and paper into segments of predetermined lengths, transferring the segments onto a loading screen, subjecting the segments to heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting the segments into panels of predetermined sizes. A method of drying-in a building using the panels of the invention is also contemplated.