| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07727484B2 |
Fluid bed apparatus module and method of changing a first module for a second module in a fluid bed apparatus
A fluid bed apparatus module (1) comprises an outer wall enclosing a processing chamber (9) and has a lower flange connection (4) and an upper flange connection (5), the lower flange connection being adapted to connection with a flange connection (14) of a supply of fluidising gas, and the upper flange connection being adapted to connection with a flange connection (17) of a filter chamber (18) for gas discharge. At least one partition element (6) is arranged in the processing chamber, so that at least one elongated channel is formed in the processing chamber, thereby defining a plug-flow area, and at least one substantially continuous product inlet (10) and at least one substantially continuous product outlet (11) are arranged in the module. Furthermore, a method comprises changing a first module for a second module in a fluid bed apparatus. |
| US07727483B2 |
Reactor for chlorosilane compound
In a reaction apparatus of the chlorosilanes for heating a reaction portion that is a section from the bottom end portion to a specified height in the carbon reaction vessel and that has an inside face to which silicon has deposited, and for reacting the chlorosilanes by making the chlorosilanes and hydrogen to come into contact with the inside face of the reaction portion, a gas penetration preventing processing for preventing the chlorosilanes supplied to the reaction vessel from penetrating a pipe wall of the non reaction portion in the reaction vessel is carried out to the inside face and/or the outside face of the non reaction portion on the side upper than the reaction portion in the reaction vessel. |
| US07727482B2 |
Method for carrying out chemical reactions in pseudo-isothermal conditions
Method for controlling the reaction temperature in a catalytic bed (24) of a reactor (1) in which a chemical reaction takes place in pseudo-isothermal conditions by means of at least one heat exchanger (12), crossed by a respective operating fluid, immersed in the catalytic bed (24). |
| US07727476B2 |
Device for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples
A device for aspirating and dispensing liquid samples comprising a pump that comprises a cylindrical chamber, a piston movable in this cylindrical chamber, and a piston drive that engages the piston. The device further comprises a tip connected to the cylindrical chamber with a line, and a channel system that discharges into the cylindrical chamber for flushing or rinsing the latter. The device is characterized in that the piston entirely seals this cylindrical chamber from the channel system, if the piston is positioned in the cylindrical chamber in such a way that a free piston end comes to rest between the channel system and the line. Preferably, the cylindrical chamber is located in a cylinder block, which comprises two parts that are separated by and enclosing an intermediate channel system. The channel system most preferably is implemented as a coherent cavity. According to a first embodiment, the cylindrical chamber is implemented as a sleeve that is inserted in a boring located in a cylinder block. According to a second embodiment, the cylindrical chamber is implemented as a boring located in a cylinder block. Furthermore, the invention also concerns systems with, for example, 384 or more such devices that are arranged in an array. |
| US07727471B2 |
Rare cell detection using flat-panel imager and chemiluminescent or radioisotopic tags
Disclosed is a system using a large area flat panel imager which is specifically adapted for rare cell detection methods. The system generally includes an imager having a sample receiving surface which can provide a digital or electronic image of a sample deposited on the surface. The system also includes a selectively positionable microscope and/or camera which are used to obtain high resolution images of the deposited samples. An electronic controller can also be used in conjunction with the imager, microscope, and/or camera to selectively position at least one of those components to focus on desired regions of the deposited sample. The noted system is particularly adapted for use with chemiluminescence or other tagging technologies. |
| US07727469B2 |
Automatic analyzer
In an automatic analyzer, when a sample is newly added, all sample barcodes on a sample disk are read. Immediately before dispensing it, second time reading is performed, and the result thereof is checked against that of the first time reading. A sample hand-contact preventing plate is provided above the reading position and dispensing position in order to prevent the sample from being exchanged after the second time reading. This hand-contact preventing plate has a damage-preventing configuration to protect a hand and fingers of an operator against a sampling probe. |
| US07727464B2 |
Process for operating a packaging transport system
A process for operating a packaging transport system in which objects packed in packaging which is bacteria-impermeable but gas-permeable are sterilized, whereafter the packaging, possibly after removal of some packaging parts, is sterilized again on its outer side in a sterilization chamber which acts as a transfer lock, and then guided into a sterile clean room. The objects involved may, in particular, be syringes having injecting needles, which are filled and sealed in a filling device located in the clean room. Sterilization in the sterilization chamber is accomplished by abruptly applying a vapor mix consisting of water steam and hydrogen peroxide vapor as a condensate layer on the outer side of the transport containers, and immediately removing the condensate layer and the uncondensed vapor mix from the sterilization chamber before any significant amount of hydrogen peroxide is deposited inside the transport containers. |
| US07727463B2 |
Steel pipe for an airbag system
A high strength steel pipe for an airbag system has a steel composition comprising C: 0.05-0.20%, Si: 0.1-1.0%, P: at most 0.025%, S: at most 0.010%, Cr: 0.05-1.0%, Al: at most 0.10%, at least one of Ti and Mn satisfying (1) Ti≦0.02% and (2) 0.4%≦Mn+40Ti≦1.2%, and a remainder of Fe. The composition may further include one or more of (i) at least one of Mo: 0.05-0.50%, Ni: 0.05-1.5%, V: 0.01-0.2%, and B: 0.0003-0.005%, (ii) at least one of Cu: 0.05-0.5% and Nb: 0.003-0.1%, and (iii) at least one of Ca: 0.0003-0.01%, Mg: 0.0003-0.01%, and REM: 0.0003-0.01%. The steel pipe can be manufactured by forming a pipe from the above-described steel composition to obtain prescribed dimensions, heating to at least the Ac1 transformation point and quenching, and then tempering at the Ac1 transformation point or below. |
| US07727457B2 |
Lacrosse head and method of forming same
A lacrosse head with improved weight and handling characteristics includes a frame element having a base portion, a scoop portion, and a pair of opposing sidewall portions extending between the base portion and the scoop portion. The frame element includes one or more cavities integrally formed within one or more of the sidewall portions, the base portion, and the scoop portion. In addition, the lacrosse head includes a no-skid surface integrated with a portion of the frame element. This surface is intended to create friction between the no-skid surface and a lacrosse ball, as well as to absorb kinetic energy of the lacrosse ball preventing the ball from inadvertently bouncing out of the lacrosse head or rattling therein. |
| US07727452B2 |
Process for continuous consolidation for obtaining a stratified material and device for its implementation
A process for continuous consolidation of at least one fold (22, 24), whereby the process includes unwinding a unit that consists of the at least one fold (22, 24) that is placed between two strips (26, 28) continuously along at least one curved path, the at least one fold (22, 24) being placed between guiding elements and a strip (26) to the right of the curved path to heat the at least one fold (22, 24) at least at the curved path and to exert tension on the strip (26) so that the latter compresses the at least one fold (22, 24) at least at the curved path, characterized in that it includes using strips (26, 28) whose width is greater than that of the at least one fold (22, 24) so as to be in contact on both sides of the at least one fold (22, 24). |
| US07727451B2 |
Sealing method of honeycomb molded body, and method for manufacturing cell-sealed honeycomb fired body
A molded body treating apparatus includes a support, at least one flat plate and a first movement mechanism. The support is configured to support a honeycomb molded body which has a first end portion and a second end portion in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb molded body and which includes a plurality of cells each extending along the longitudinal direction from a first end at the first end portion to a second end at the second end portion. Either the first end or the second end of each of the plurality of cells is sealed with a plug material paste. The first movement mechanism is configured to move the at least one flat plate along the longitudinal direction to press the either one of the first and second end portions. |
| US07727449B2 |
Method and device for producing fiber-reinforced plastic components
Production device and method for producing fiber-reinforced plastic components comprising a semi-finished prepreg product and a dry semi-finished textile product with an aeration and deaeration chamber and an exhaust line opening into the same for producing a vacuum and a semi-finished textile product chamber to receive a dry semi-finished textile product. Into the semi-finished textile product chamber an injection line for inserting resin opens, whereby a prepreg chamber for receiving a semi-finished prepreg product is provided. The prepreg chamber is located against the aeration and deaeration chamber in an air-permeable manner and the semi-finished textile product chamber is located against it at least in areas in an air-impermeable and resin-permeable manner. Due to the air-permeable membranes, a vacuum in the aeration and deaeration chamber generates a vacuum both in the prepreg chamber and in the semi-finished textile product chamber. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US07727446B1 |
Concrete floor manufacturing station and method of manufacturing a concrete floor
A manufactured building system has a pair of pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors. The pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors are adapted to contact each other on one parallel side edge to form peripheral edges and a central joining edge. A part of a building is coupled to a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. Also described is a Method of Transporting the pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floors with the partial building coupled there to, to a site. Also described is a Method of Manufacturing a pre-stressed multi-stemmed concrete floor. |
| US07727445B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical film
A method for manufacturing an optical film comprising the steps of: 1) casting a dope (a solution), prepared by dissolving thermoplastic resin film raw materials in a solvent, from a casting die onto an at least 1.8 m wide belt support, and 2) drying a cast web (a cast film) peeled from the belt support, wherein the belt support has a thickness (Te) at both right and left end portions, of 5-20% less than a thickness (T) of the remaining portion including the transverse center portion of the belt support, provided that the Te indicates a thickness at both right and left end portions, each having a width (We) of 2-25% of a total width (W) of the belt support when viewed from both right and left side edges thereof. |
| US07727444B2 |
Apparatus and method for manufacturing nonwoven fabric
An apparatus includes a spinning nozzle, a fiber drawing device and a water spray device. The spinning nozzle has spinnerets and a spinning solution is filled therein. The spinning solution includes a solvent and a fiber material. The solvent includes N-Methylmorpholine N-Oxide, and the fiber material includes cellulose. The fiber drawing device is disposed under the spinning nozzle and has a gas flow generating device therein for generating a gas flow which is ejected from the top of the fiber drawing device and toward the bottom thereof. The fiber drawing device also has a slit on the top thereof, and the spinning solution from the spinning nozzle would enter the fiber drawing device through the slit. The water spray device is disposed at the slit of the fiber drawing device, and the spinning solution would pass through the water spray device before entering the fiber drawing device. |
| US07727441B2 |
Method for producing tissue scaffold having aligned fibrils
A tubular tissue scaffold is described which comprises a tube having a wall, wherein the wall includes biopolymer fibrils that are aligned in a helical pattern around the longitudinal axis of the tube where the pitch of the helical pattern changes with the radial position in the tube wall. The scaffold is capable of directing the morphological pattern of attached and growing cells to form a helical pattern around the tube walls. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a tubular tissue scaffold is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device. A method for producing the tubular tissue scaffolds is also disclosed. Also, artificial tissue comprising living cells attached to a tubular tissue scaffold as described herein is disclosed. Methods for using the artificial tissue are also disclosed. |
| US07727436B2 |
Coating derived from polyesters crosslinked with melamine formaldehyde
A coating composition is based on a polyester mixed with an alkyl-etherified melamine formaldehyde. The coating composition is partially cured in a first stage to provide a thermoformable partially cured, tack-free, non-blocking, coating layer, followed by application to generally a contoured substrate and thermoforming to conform thereto. The contoured partially cured coating layer is then heat cured to form a cured coating. A hydroxyl-terminated polyoxetane containing repeat units derived from oxetane monomers having one or two pendent —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups, wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated, can be esterified with polyester-forming reactants to form a fluorinated polyoxetane-modified polyester. |
| US07727434B2 |
Membranes and methods of treating membranes
Membranes as well as a methods of treating membranes are disclosed. The method of treating a membrane includes contacting the membrane with a first solvent, contacting the membrane with an inert solvent, and contacting the membrane with an amine reactive compound. The first solvent includes a solvent having a Hansen solubility parameter in a range from about 10.0 to about 18. The membrane includes a polymer having an amine group. |
| US07727431B2 |
Method for production of a three-dimensional structured surface with haptically and/or optically detectable microstructures
The invention describes a method for production of a three-dimensional structured surface with haptically and/or optically detectable microstructures, in which the microstructures are fixed as a dataset, with the steps: a) preparation of at least a virtual or real elastic film; b) determination of the elongations and compressions produced in the elastic film in the shaping process of the structured surface; c) modification of the datasets so that the elongations and compressions are at least partially compensated; d) checking of an elastic film structured with the modified dataset for distortions in the microstructures; e) if necessary, repetition of steps b) to d), until a final dataset is obtained; and f) structuring of the elastic film, so that at least a structure-supporting surface is produced on the film. |
| US07727425B2 |
Method for manufacturing an ignition plug and ignition plug produced in that manner
Method for manufacturing a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug comprising a ceramic material between its electrodes: there is mixed, in a container containing a liquid, from 50 to 75% of a compound which is intended to form a conductive phase and from 25 to 50% of one or more materials which allow the formation of phases of yttrium garnet after thermal processing; operations are carried out for pulverizing, drying and sieving the admixture; the admixture is pressed or injected into a mould; sintering is carried out so as to obtain a ceramic material having porosity of between 0 and 30%; the ceramic material is used in order to constitute the material located between the electrodes of a high-energy, low-voltage ignition plug. Ignition plug manufactured in that manner. |
| US07727423B2 |
Anisotropic conductive film composition and film including the same
An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) composition includes a thermoplastic resin having a weight average molecular weight of about 150,000 to about 600,000, a thermosetting curing agent having a weight average molecular weight of about 100 to about 10,000, the thermosetting curing agent including an acrylate functional group or a methacrylate functional group, an organic peroxide, a silane coupling agent, and conductive particles. |
| US07727422B2 |
Electrically-conductive resin composition for porous fuel cell bipolar plate and method for the production thereof
The present invention provides an electrically-conductive resin composition for a porous fuel cell bipolar plate capable of forming a porous fuel cell bipolar plate having superior absorption of water produced (resulting in the reduction in a gas permeability) as well as limited elution of impurities (a high rate of electricity generating efficiency). An electrically-conductive resin composition for a porous fuel cell bipolar plate comprising an electrically-conductive material and a resin is provided, and the resin is a resin such as, a powdered resol-type phenolic resin having flow properties of from 5 to 100 mm at 125° C. |
| US07727421B2 |
Electrically conductive polymer compositions
There is provided an electrically conductive polymer composition, comprising a first electrically conductive polymer doped with an organic solvent wettable fluorinated acid polymer in admixture with a second electrically conductive polymer doped with an organic solvent non-wettable fluorinated acid polymer. |
| US07727415B2 |
Fine treatment agent and fine treatment method using same
A fine treatment agent according to the present invention is a fine treatment agent for the fine treatment of a multilayer film, including a tungsten film and a silicon oxide film comprising at least one from among hydrogen fluoride, nitric acid, ammonium fluoride and ammonium chloride. Thus, a fine treatment agent which makes fine treatment on a multilayer film, including a tungsten film and a silicon oxide film, possible by controlling the etching rate and a fine treatment method using the same can be provided. |
| US07727413B2 |
Dual plasma source process using a variable frequency capacitively coupled source to control plasma ion density
A method of processing a workpiece in the chamber of a plasma reactor includes introducing a process gas into the chamber, simultaneously (a) capacitively coupling VHF plasma source power into a process region of the chamber that overlies the wafer, and (b) inductively coupling RF plasma source power into the process region, and controlling plasma ion density by controlling the effective frequency of the VHF source power. In a preferred embodiment, the step of coupling VHF source power is performed by coupling VHF source power from different generators having different VHF frequencies, and the step of controlling the effective frequency is performed by controlling the ratio of power coupled by the different generators. |
| US07727412B2 |
Dry etching method
A dry etching method and the like that can process a layer to be processed in a fine pattern to have a peripheral portion of an angular shape, are described. This dry etching method forms a step portion 21 along a peripheral portion of a first mask layer 20 that corresponds to an outline of an etching pattern in such a manner that the step portion 21 projects toward an opposite side to a magnetic thin layer 18 (layer to be processed). |
| US07727411B2 |
Manufacturing method of substrate for ink jet head and manufacturing method of ink jet recording head
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a substrate for an ink jet head including forming an ink supply opening to a silicon substrate, including (a) forming, at the back surface of the silicon substrate, an etching mask layer, which has an opening that is asymmetric with a center line, extending in the longitudinal direction, of an area on the surface of the silicon substrate where the ink supply opening is to be formed; (b) forming a non-through hole on the silicon substrate via the opening on the etching mask layer; and (c) forming the ink supply opening by performing a crystal anisotropic etching to the silicon substrate from the opening. |
| US07727409B2 |
Magnetoresistance effect device and method of production thereof
A method of production of a magnetoresistance effect device is able to prevent or minimize a drop in the MR ratio and maintain the high performance of the magnetoresistance effect device even if forming an oxide layer as a surface-most layer constituting a protective layer by the oxidation process inevitably included in the process of production of microprocessing by dry etching performed in a vacuum. Two mask layers used for microprocessing are doubly piled up. This method of production of a magnetoresistivity effect device including a magnetic multilayer film including at least two magnetic layers includes a step of providing under a first mask material that is a nonorganic material a second mask material able to react with other atoms to form a conductive substance, and a device made according to the method. |
| US07727407B2 |
Amorphous material processing method
There are provided a method of processing an amorphous material which is capable of forming surface projections of uniform height in desired positions on the amorphous material, and a magnetic disk substrate using the amorphous material. A predetermined pressure is applied to selected parts of a surface of an amorphous material using fine particles having a hardness higher than that of the amorphous material to form high-density compressed layers, and a surface layer of the amorphous material is removed using a treatment agent that has a different removal capacity in the compressed layers and a remaining uncompressed layer, thus making the compressed layers project out. For example, the treatment agent may be an etching solution having a different etching rate in the compressed layers and the uncompressed layer. |
| US07727403B2 |
Automated simultaneous separation system for radionuclides in multiple samples and a method for automatically separating uranium (U) using the same
Disclosed herein are an automated simultaneous separation system for radionuclides in multiple samples and a method for automatically separating uranium (U) using the same, which can automatically and simultaneously separate multiple samples. The automated simultaneous separation system includes: a solution distributor (30) for distributing a separation solution in seven directions; independent columns (80) of the same number as that of the samples, the columns (80) containing resin for chemical separation; a 8-channel tubing pump (60) for separately injecting the samples into the columns (80); first and second 3-way solenoid valves (50, 90) mounted at the front end and the rear end of the columns (80), and a digital pump speed controller (70) for freely controlling injection speed of the samples and solutions according to separation steps. |
| US07727402B2 |
Dual-chamber chromatographic cartridge
A chromatography cartridge with a packed bed is manufactured from an inner and outer chamber, the inner chamber being in an insert that is slidable into the outer chamber with openings in each such that a slurry that is originally placed in the interior of the outer chamber flows into the inner chamber as the parts are being pressed into each other. During the assembly, the particles in the slurry are compressed to fill the smaller volume of the inner chamber and excess liquid is discharged through ports in both chambers. The construction allows for a highly precise and reproducible column filling process with a minimum of steps and operator intervention and thereby low cost and reduced error. |
| US07727398B2 |
Colored wastewater discoloration method
Colored wastewater from industries, agriculture and the like is discolored by adjusting pH of the wastewater and filtering the wastewater through a mixture of acid-treated sawdust produced from sawdust which has been disposed of after being used for fungi production and charcoal thereby to remove a color component fraction from the wastewater and through a filter material, for example acid-treated rice husk charcoal, in which autochthonous microorganisms are embedded thereby to absorb color components remaining in the wastewater. |
| US07727395B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing organic waste
A method for processing brewery waste that includes receiving spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater. The spent grain, low strength wastewater and high strength wastewater is processed with a plug flow anaerobic digester to produce a first output. A portion of the first output is processed with an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digester to produce a second output. A portion of the second output is processed with a fixed-film anaerobic digester to produce a third output. |
| US07727394B2 |
System and method of fluid filtration utilizing cross-flow currents
A filter system and method of filtering a feed liquid utilizing a combined plurality of filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a filter housing, a filter cartridge and a spiral passageway for imparting secondary flow currents, particularly Dean-Flow currents, to fluid flowing within the spiral passageways to prevent particulate build-up on filter surfaces so as to extend filter life and duration between replacement. The filter system can be operated within positive or negative pressure filtration processes. A dual-stage filtration process utilizing a cap filter and a cylindrical depth filter is also disclosed. |
| US07727387B2 |
Swimming pool skimmer pump assembly
A pool skimmer to operate independently of a pool filter pump. A pool skimmer has a bucket assembly similar to pool skimmers that use the filter pump to create a suction to draw and hold surface floating debris inside the pool skimmer where the debris can be removed from the bucket assembly and emptied. However, instead of using the pool filter pump, a sealed electrical pump assembly uses a rotatable magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. A magnetic impeller fits within the pump body and rotates in response to rotation of the magnetic assembly inside the sealed pump body. This creates a water flow forcing water out of the bucket assembly in contrast to using a filter pump to suck water through the bucket assembly as in conventional technology. Because each pool skimmer operates independently of others and of the filter pump, they may be located without regard to filter pump efficiencies. Moreover, the suction created is not enough to create a health hazard for users, especially small children. |
| US07727383B2 |
Process for producing petroleum oils with ultra-low nitrogen content
A highly effective liquid-liquid extraction process to remove nitrogen compounds and especially basic nitrogen compounds from aromatic light petroleum oils with excellent recovery employs de-ionized water, which can be acidified, as the extractive solvent. The product is an aromatic hydrocarbon with ultra-low amounts of nitrogen poisons that can deactivate acidic catalysts. The extracted oils are suitable feedstock for the subsequent catalytic processes that are promoted with the high performance solid catalysts, which are extremely sensitive to nitrogen poison. |
| US07727381B2 |
Hydrocracking catalyst and method of hydrocracking heavy oil
In a process of hydrocracking heavy oil with a catalyst in petroleum refining, asphaltene contained in heavy oil, and impurities including heavy metals such as nickel and vanadium, are efficiently removed with activated carbon, whereby the reduction in catalyst activity or formation of coke by the impurities can be prevented. The invention provides a hydrocracking catalyst comprising activated carbon extrudate as a carrier activated with steam and having a high distribution of pores having pore sizes in the range of 20 to 200 nm. |
| US07727378B2 |
Process to prepare a Fischer-Tropsch product
A process to prepare a waxy raffinate product by performing the following steps: (a) subjecting a Fischer-Tropsch derived product having a weight ratio of compounds boiling above 540° C. and compounds boiling between 370 and 540° C. of greater than 2 to a hydroconversion step and (b) fractionating the effluent of step (a) to obtain products boiling in the fuels range and a waxy raffinate product boiling between 350 and 600° C. |
| US07727377B2 |
System and process for the treatment of multiphase residues
A system 100 is described for the treatment of multiphase residues having unlimited content of water, oil and solids to obtain hydrocarbons and other products, said system comprising multiphase residue feed system 10, inert gas system 20 and reduced pressure system 30, tubular reactor 40 provided with three heating zones Z-1, Z-2 and Z-3 with a temperature gradient and transportation helicoid 42 to displace the residue mass throughout the reaction zones, the hydrocarbon products and water being collected in a system 60 of condensers 61, 62 and 63 linked to a system 70 of bubbling vessels 71, 72 and 73, reactor 40 being operated in the sealed mode and being provided with a multiphase residue inlet 43 and exit 44 of solid product. The solid product is collected in a system 50 comprising upper valve 51 and lower valve 52, and intermediate silo 53 and then directed to post-treatment system 90 for activation aiming at industrial utilization. The process using the system 100 of the invention is also described. Multiphase organic residues, petroleum residues, pure or in admixture in any amount, from chemical and pharmaceutical industries, paper and pulp industry, and mining industries can be processed in the inventive system. Besides, it is possible to recover phenols from foundry sands in the system and process described. |
| US07727375B2 |
Method and an arrangement to determine a running value of the gap during the electrochemical machining
A method and an arrangement (1) for determining an actual value of the gap (4) between the work piece (2) and the electrode (3) during a process of electrochemical machining. According to the invention first process control means (30) are arranged to supply a set of machining current pulses (Im) to the electrode and the work piece. Second process control means (32) are arranged to perform a measurement of an operational parameter (U) representing a value of the gap (4) in real time under operational conditions. The second process control means (32) comprise means to determine the actual value of the gap (55a) based on the measurement of the operational parameter and logical unit (55b) to actuate the positioning means (8) to translate the electrode (3) in case the measured value of the gap deviates from the preset value of the gap. |
| US07727374B2 |
Removing carbon dioxide from waste streams through co-generation of carbonate and/or bicarbonate minerals
Apparatuses and methods for removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from a gas stream are provided. The methods include obtaining hydroxide in an aqueous mixture, and mixing the hydroxide with the gas stream to produce carbonate and/or bicarbonate. Some of the apparatuses of the present invention comprise an electrolysis chamber for providing hydroxide and mixing equipment for mixing the hydroxide with a gas stream including carbon dioxide to form an admixture including carbonate and/or bicarbonate. |
| US07727359B2 |
Temporary wet strength resin for paper applications
A thermosetting resin comprising a reacted A) first partially crosslinked glyoxalated polymer comprising a reacted (i) first polyacrylamide backbone and (ii) a first glyoxal component; and B) a second crosslinked glyoxalated polymer comprising a reacted (i) second polyacrylamide backbone and (ii) a second glyoxyal component; such that the first polyacrylamide backbone has a molecular weight that is less than the molecular weight of the second polyacrylamide backbone; and the first polyacrylamide backbone and the second polyacrylamide backbone have a weight ratio ranging from 75:25 to 95:5. Methods for making and using the resin. Fibrous substrates made with the resin. |
| US07727358B2 |
Pulp comprising polypyridobisimidazole and other polymers and methods of making same
The present invention relates to fibrous pulp comprising a combination of polypyridobisimidazole fibrous structures and fibrous structures derived from another polymer. The invention further relates to processes for making such pulp and articles comprising the pulp. |
| US07727357B2 |
Polyareneazole/thermoset pulp and methods of making same
The present invention relates to thermoset and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example fluid seals and friction materials, as a processing aid including its use as a thioxotrope, and as a filter material. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, thermoset fiber fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures and (c) water whereby thermoset fiber fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such thermoset and polyareneazole pulp. |
| US07727355B2 |
Methods for producing recycled pulp and methods for modifying pulp fiber surfaces using liquid jet cavitation
The present invention aims to produce high-quality recycled pulp with little damage to fibers, high brightness and low residual ink by means of a force selectively acting on fiber surfaces during the process of recycling waste paper. Moreover, fiber surfaces are modified by means of a force acting on only the fiber surfaces to obtain high-quality pulp and to render harmless dirts deteriorating pulp quality.A method for producing recycled pulp characterized in that cavitation is generated and used to strip contaminants deposited on fibers and ash during the process of recycling waste paper. Contaminants such as ink deposited on fibers and ash are stripped/fragmented by means of the impact force induced by collapse of fine bubbles by actively introducing bubbles generated by cavitation into a pulp suspension. A jet system having one or more nozzles for jetting an aqueous slurry containing a material comprising cellulose into a vessel. |
| US07727352B2 |
Method of producing a polarizing optical element
A polarizing optical element is produced by firstly forming a polarizing multilayer structure (30) on a support (31). The structure comprises an orienting layer and a polarizing layer having dichroic compounds, the dichroic compounds being oriented by the orienting layer. The multilayer structure is then pressed against one surface of the optical element (40) through the support, with a portion of adhesive placed between the structure and the optical element. The support (31) for the structure is then removed, leaving the structure (30) bonded to the optical element (40). |
| US07727351B2 |
Process for producing anisotropic PSAs
The invention relates to a process for producing anisotropic pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) using conventional coating methods. It is envisaged that a PSA film be produced on a transport carrier and that it then be transferred to a further carrier material with simultaneous stretching, the elongation being as least 10%. |
| US07727349B2 |
Metallic double repair of composite arcuate flanges
A doubler assembly repairs at least one damaged aperture of a composite flange. The doubler assembly includes an insert, an adhesive, and a support. The insert is positioned in the damaged aperture to provide compressive load transfer through the composite flange. The adhesive is positioned directly on at least a portion of the composite flange proximate the damaged aperture. The support is positioned over the adhesive. |
| US07727348B2 |
Method of attaching printhead integrated circuits to an ink manifold using adhesive film
A method of attaching one or more printhead integrated circuits to an ink supply manifold. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a laminated film having a plurality of ink supply holes defined therein, the laminated film comprising a central polymeric film sandwiched between first and second adhesive layers, wherein a first melt temperature of the first adhesive layer is at least 20° C. less than a second melt temperature of the second adhesive layer; (b) aligning the film with the ink supply manifold such that each ink supply hole is aligned with a respective ink outlet defined in a manifold bonding surface of the ink supply manifold; (b) bonding the first adhesive layer to the manifold bonding surface by applying heat and pressure to an opposite side of the film; (c) aligning the printhead integrated circuits with the film such that each ink supply hole is aligned with an ink inlet defined in a printhead bonding surface of each printhead integrated circuit; and (d) bonding the printhead integrated circuits to the second adhesive layer. |
| US07727345B2 |
Copper alloy and method of manufacturing the same
Raw materials for a copper alloy are melted in a high frequency smelter and cast, and milling, rolling, and annealing are carried out. Then, rolling is again carried out. Thereafter, the materials are heated at a temperature of 900° C. for one minute and are quenched in water, to be solution treated. Subsequently, the materials are heated at a temperature of 500° C. for five hours for aging, and then are cooled at a cooling rate in a range of 10 to 50° C. per hour until the materials are cooled to a temperature of 380° C. |
| US07727342B2 |
Low carbon microalloyed steel
A low carbon microalloyed steel, comprising in weight % about: 0.05-0.30 C; 0.5-1.5 Mn; 0.04 max S; 0.025 max P; 1.0 max Si; 0.5-2.0 Ni; 0.05-0.30 V; 0-2.0 Cu; up to 0.0250 N; up to 0.2 Cb; up to 0.3 Cr; up to about 0.15 Mo; up to about 0.05 Al; balance Fe and minor additions and impurities. The steel has a carbon equivalent value, C.E., ranging between 0.3-0.65, calculated by the formula: C.E.=C+Mn+Si+Cu+Ni+Cr+Mo+V+Cb 6 15 5. |
| US07727339B2 |
Submerged arc flux
A highly basic particle flux for submerged arc welding that produces less than 7 ml/100 gr of diffusible hydrogen in the weld metal, which flux comprises a carbon dioxide containing compound with an effective amount of heat releasable carbon dioxide in the range of 0.5-3.5% by weight of the flux over 10% by weight of a low melting point compound and a binder. |
| US07727335B2 |
Device and method for the evaporative deposition of a coating material
According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for depositing a high temperature superconductor onto a substrate in vacuum comprising a refilling device for containing a stock of high temperature superconductor material, an evaporation device, that evaporates the high temperature superconductor material within an evaporation zone by means of an energy transferring medium, and a conveyor that transports the high temperature superconductor material continuously from the refilling device to the evaporation zone in such a way that the high temperature superconductor material delivered into the evaporation zone is evaporated essentially without residues. According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method to evaporate a high temperature superconductor coating onto a substrate in vacuum, comprising the steps of continuous delivery of granular high temperature superconductor material into an evaporation zone and the operation of a beam of an energy transferring medium, so that the delivered granulate is evaporated in the evaporation zone essentially without residues. |
| US07727334B2 |
Apparatus for pulling single crystal by CZ method
In a Czochralski (CZ) single crystal puller equipped with a cooler and a thermal insulation member, which are to be disposed in a CZ furnace, smooth recharge and additional charge of material are made possible. Further, elimination of dislocations from a silicon seed crystal by use of the Dash's neck method can be performed smoothly. To these ends, there is provided a CZ single crystal puller, wherein a cooler and a thermal insulation member are immediately moved upward away from a melt surface during recharge or additional charge of material or during elimination of dislocations from a silicon seed crystal by use of the Dash's neck method. |
| US07727329B2 |
Fiber cement building materials with low density additives
This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability. |
| US07727327B2 |
Low embodied energy concrete mixture
A method for making a low embodied energy cementitious mixture by blending a variety of post-consumer wastes, post-industrial wastes, as well as renewable, organic and recyclable materials with Portland cement or a material having similar cementitious properties. The primary materials are recycled concrete, coal-fired fly ash waste, silica fume, post-industrial waste, organic or inorganic waste fibers. Glass, brick, ceramics, ground tires and other waste products can also be included. |
| US07727325B2 |
Method for manufacturing pigment dispersion
A method for manufacturing a pigment dispersion includes mixing a solution in which a pigment is dissolved in an acid, and a reaction liquid that decreases a solubility of the pigment in the solution, in the presence of a dispersant for the pigment, and causing the pigment to precipitate. The solution and reaction liquid are mixed in the presence of the dispersant and a cyclic carbonate. |
| US07727318B2 |
Metal alloy compositions and articles comprising the same
Improved compositions are described for the protection of gas turbine parts at elevated temperatures. The compositions are of the MCrAlY type, wherein M is selected from nickel, or a combination of nickel with cobalt, iron, or combinations thereof. The compositions further comprise palladium, platinum, rhodium, or combinations thereof, hafnium, titanium, zirconium, or combinations thereof; and can further include silicon, germanium, or combinations thereof, wherein the composition results in improved Al retention properties. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising the coatings. |
| US07727315B2 |
Condensed water discharged apparatus for fuel cell system
A condensed water discharging apparatus for a fuel cell system is disclosed. The condensed water discharging apparatus includes: a drain tank installed around a hydrogen discharging line comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion formed on both distal ends of the drain tank, and a intermediate portion having at least a drain hole installed wherein the intermediate portion is disposed inside the drain tank so that condensed water is separated from hydrogen flowing in through the intermediate portion by gravity and is drained downwardly; and a drain pump connected to the drain tank to discharge condensed water drained through the drain holes of the intermediate portion. |
| US07727314B1 |
Methods for improved preconcentrators
The present invention relates generally to chemical analysis (e.g. by gas chromatography), and in particular to a compact chemical preconcentrator formed on a substrate with a heatable sorptive membrane that can be used to accumulate and concentrate one or more chemical species of interest over time and then rapidly release the concentrated chemical species upon demand for chemical analysis. |
| US07727312B2 |
Device for drying compressed gas
Device for drying a compressed gas in a non-dissipative manner, which mainly consists of a compressed gas supply (2), at least two pressure vessels (31, 32) with an input (33, 34) and an output (35, 36), and a take-off point (26), whereby the device (1) is additionally provided with a first distribution device (3) and a second distribution device (13) which is provided with one or several coolers (30) and whereby the device (1) can be controlled by means of nine or ten cut-off valves (7-12, 21, 22, 29, 38 and 40). |
| US07727309B2 |
Carbon dioxide absorbent
A carbon dioxide absorbent suitable for use in anesthesiology during low flow or closed circuit made of from 70 to 90% hydrated lime, from 0.1 to 17% of lithium hydroxide or its precursor, or a combination thereof, and from 5 to 25% water, wherein the absorbent provides low Compound A by-product, and high absorbency. |
| US07727304B2 |
Smelting process for the production of iron
A process for producing iron metal and slag by smelting iron-containing source material, having iron present as oxide and/or a partially metalized state, in a reactor containing a molten bath comprising or having a slag phase, utilises injection of fuel/reductant and oxygen-containing gas into the slag, by at least one top-submerged lance, to generate heating and reducing conditions in at least one reducing region in the bath. The source material is fed to the reactor, together with additional reductant and with flux, at or adjacent to the at least one reducing region, to subject the source material to smelting reduction which generates combustion gases comprising CO and H2. The rates of injection of the oxygen-containing gas and fuel/reductant by said at least one lance are controlled to achieve required, sufficient reducing conditions; and, in the reactor above the bath, the combustion gases generated by the smelting are post-combusted. The controlling of step (c) is conducted to result in the injected oxygen-containing gas having an oxygen content of from about 40 volume % to about 100 volume % and sufficient for a degree of combustion in excess of 60 wt % of the fuel/reductant injected by the at least one lance. |
| US07727302B2 |
Slag control in a channel induction furnace
A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. The method involves maintaining a slag layer on the molten bath that has a thickness that is sufficient to support the feed material while minimizing heat transfer through the slag layer and minimizing the resistance of vapor phase components from transferring through the slag layer. The fluidity of the slag layer is controlled by heating the slag layer and adjusting the chemistry of the slag layer. |
| US07727299B2 |
Extended surface pleat air filter
A high efficiency air filter for use in a standard return air grille is provided. Standard return air grilles possess filter receptacles for accepting air filters, a closeable cover with a cover flange for engaging air filters and a duct interface that leads away from the air grille to the remainder of the return air ducts. The air filter has a filter flange with a gasket that is sized to fit within the filter receptacle of the air grille, such that when the cover is closed, the cover flange seals against the cover and the filter receptacle. The gasket is affixed to a housing that is sized to extend beyond the filter receptacle into the duct extending beyond the return air grille. An extended pleat air filter is contained within and sealed to the walls of the housing such that air passing through the return air grille substantially passes through the air filter prior to entering the remainder of the return air duct. |
| US07727296B2 |
Collecting unit for semiconductor process
A collecting unit is disposed on an exhaust passage of a semiconductor processing apparatus to collect by-products contained in an exhaust gas. The collecting unit includes a trap body detachably disposed inside a casing and configured to collect a part of the by-products. The trap body includes fins arrayed in a flow direction of the exhaust gas and having a surface on which a part of the by-products is deposited and trapped. The collecting unit further includes a receiving mechanism disposed inside the casing and configured to receive a part of the by-products that peels off from the trap body or an inner surface of the casing to prevent this part from being deposited on a bottom of the casing. The receiving mechanism is configured to allow a part of the by-products held thereon to be in contact with a cleaning gas from above and from below. |
| US07727286B2 |
Stretch fabrics with improved chemical resistance
Durable stretch fabrics are made and processed from one or more crosslinked, heat-resistant olefin elastic fibers, e.g., a substantially linear, homogeneously branched ethylene polymer. The fabrics can be made by any process, e.g., weaving, knitting, etc., and from any combination of crosslinked, heat-resistant olefin elastic and inelastic (“hard”) fibers, e.g., cotton and wool. These fabrics exhibit excellent chemical, e.g., chlorine, resistance and durability, e.g., they retain their shape and feel (“hand”) over repeated exposure to processing conditions, e.g., stone-washing, dye-stripping, PET-dyeing and the like, and service conditions, e.g., washing, drying, etc. |
| US07727283B2 |
Tissue stabilizing implant method
The present invention relates to an implant for stabilizing body tissue. The implant includes a core formed of a material which expands when contacted with liquid and a retainer which at least partially encloses the core. |
| US07727280B2 |
Bone fusion device
A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and an extending block. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused. |
| US07727274B2 |
Porous synthetic vascular grafts with oriented ingrowth channels
A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a structure having interconnected, helically oriented channel-porosity to allow oriented ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can have a small internal diameter of 6 mm or less. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a fiber winding and extraction technique, a melt extrusion technique, and a particle and fiber extraction technique using either a layered method or a continuous method. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch. |
| US07727273B2 |
Medical devices and methods of making the same
Medical devices, such as stents, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device includes an alloy having tantalum, tungsten, zirconium and niobium. For example, the alloy can include from about 20% to about 40% by weight of tantalum, from about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of tungsten, and from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of zirconium. |
| US07727272B2 |
Bearing structure
A one-piece expandable flat bearing structure formed by at least partially elastically deformable struts which are separated from each other by openings in the bearing structure. The bearing structure can assume at least one compressed condition and at least one expanded condition and has at least one expansion direction. The bearing structure has anchor regions, from which spring struts, which are elastically resilient with respect to the anchor regions, extend to a resiliently deflectable end of the spring struts, a hinge strut adjoining said end. The spring struts and the hinge struts are of such a configuration and arrangement that both the compressed condition of the bearing structure and also the expanded condition of the bearing structure is stabilized by a spring action emanating from the spring struts. |
| US07727267B2 |
Self-powered steady-state skin-cooling support surfaces
A refrigerant-containing bladder or container is positioned underneath the body. Heat absorbed from the body vaporizes the refrigerant, which expands to cooler remote regions of the bladder. Heat is then withdrawn from the edges of the container by thermally conductive pathways that distribute heat from this container to a cooler area that is not underneath the body. The cooled refrigerant condenses, and is returned to the regions of the device that are under or adjacent to the central and warmest parts of the body. The heavier and warmer portions of the body force the bladder to the lowest point. Alternatively, heat is transferred from the body via a specific highly thermally conductive layer or layers of material(s) that is (are) soft, pliable, and comfortable to sit or lie on. This layer joins conductive materials that are configured to transport heat and diffuse it to the cooler environment. |
| US07727264B2 |
Intramedullary fixation device for metaphyseal long bone fractures
A fixation system (10) includes a device having a nail portion (12) and a plate portion (14), preferably horizontally and vertically offset relative to the nail portion by a neck portion (16). The nail portion (12) includes preferably threaded screw holes (24, 26), and the plate portion (14) includes longitudinally displaced peg holes (50, 52, 54), each of which is adapted to orient a peg (56, 58, 60) in a different orientation from the others. The system (10) also includes unicortical screws (28) having a reasonably large head (36) adapted to seat against the outer surface of the bone and a threaded shaft (32) adapted to engage in the screw holes (24, 26), and pegs (56, 58, 60) adapted to engage in the peg holes (50, 52, 54). Where threaded screw holes (24, 26) are used, bone is clamped between the nail portion (12) and the head (36) of the unicortical screws (28, 30). The pegs (56, 58, 60) provide stabilization and support for subchondral fragments. Moreover, as the pegs (56, 58, 60) preferably enter the subchondral fragments from a plurality of directions, additional fixation of the device (10) into the bone is provided. |
| US07727247B2 |
Living tissue ligation device
This invention includes a clip having arms which grip living tissue, a press tube serving as a clamping member which is fitted and mounted on the clip to close the arms of the clip, a coupling member which can be inserted into the press tube and engages with the clip, and projections serving as lock portions which hold the arms of the clip in a closed state when the clip engages with the press tube. |
| US07727246B2 |
Methods for endoluminal treatment
Methods of the invention include delivering a grasper, a clip applier, and an endoscope transorally to the site of fundoplication; grasping the fundus with the grasper (or similar device, e.g. corkscrew) and pulling it into the jaws of the clip applier; closing the jaws of the clip applier over the fundus and applying a clip to the fundus. |
| US07727236B2 |
Instrumentation for fixation devices
An instrument assembly for bone drilling. The instrument assembly can include a soft tissue sleeve defining an internal channel, and an irrigation cap removably coupled to the sleeve. The irrigation cap can include a delivery port connectable to an irrigation source for delivering irrigation to the internal channel, the port in fluid communication with the internal channel. |
| US07727235B2 |
Medical fixation devices with improved torsional drive head
The present invention provides a fixation device that includes an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one engaging member for applying the fixation device within tissue and securing the fixation device in the tissue once implanted formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end, a distal end and a radial cross-sectional geometry, where the drive head is mated to the elongate shank, and includes at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith. Fixation device kits utilizing the fixation device, and methods of fixation in tissue are also provided. |
| US07727234B2 |
Apparatus and method for anterior cruciate repair
A system and method for repairing anterior cruciate injuries in animals is disclosed. The system includes a fixture used to locate a pilot hole in a tibia, a drill guide used to locate and drill additional holes in the tibia, an angle gauge used to position the drill guide so that it is able to locate and drill additional holes in the tibia, a saw assembly that separates the proximal end of the tibia from the shaft of the tibia. The repositioned proximal end may be secured to the tibia by an optional fixation plate or by a suitable adhesive. |
| US07727232B1 |
Fluid-assisted medical devices and methods
A bipolar electrosurgical scraper device is provided comprising a handle, a blade having a thickness and a beveled distal end with the beveled distal end terminating distally in a scraping edge. The beveled distal end includes a first electrode and a second electrode with the first electrode and the second electrode provided along a width of the blade and spaced apart with respect to the thickness of the blade. The device also comprises a fluid passage at least one fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid passage. |
| US07727231B2 |
Apparatus and methods for forming lesions in tissue and applying stimulation energy to tissue in which lesions are formed
An apparatus including a tissue coagulation device that creates a current path and a stimulation electrode carried within the current path. |
| US07727230B2 |
Atrial ablation catheter and method for treating atrial fibrillation
A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A non-retractable ablation assembly is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, each having a lumen extending therethrough and a generally tubular electrode mounted between the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings. The tubular electrode is formed of a material having shape-memory and has at least one irrigation port through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the electrode. The ablation assembly further comprises a non-conductive protective tubing extending generally parallel to and along the outside of the tubular electrode. The protective tubing has proximal and distal ends extending into the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, respectively. The catheter further comprises at least one of an electrode lead wire and a temperature sensor wire, and preferably both, extending through the non-conductive protective tubing and catheter body, the electrode lead wire having a distal end mounted to a ring electrode mounted on the distal non-conductive tubing, and the temperature sensor wire having a distal end mounted on or under the distal non-conductive tubing. The catheter also comprises an infusion tube extending through the catheter body and having a distal end in fluid communication with the proximal end of the tubular electrode. |
| US07727227B2 |
Medical retrieval devices with laser and retrieval assembly
A medical device includes a sheath having a lumen and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the sheath. The elongate member is moveable relative to the sheath and includes a retrieval assembly. The retrieval assembly has a collapsed position within the lumen of the sheath and an expanded position when extended beyond a distal end of the sheath. The elongate member defines a lumen configured to receive a laser. |
| US07727216B2 |
Diaper for adults
A diaper for adults includes a front waist region, a rear waist region and a crotch region extending therebetween, wherein side edge portions of the front and rear waist regions are detachably connected to each other so as to form a waist hole and a pair of leg holes, the side edge portions have a dimension of at least 150 mm as measured in a longitudinal direction, and a position correcting system to correct relative position of first and second fastening components when the first and second waist regions are connected to each other comprises at least one spacing zone defined between setting zones for tow or more fastening components into which the first fastening component is divided in the longitudinal direction. |
| US07727211B2 |
Absorbent article having a replaceable absorbent core component having an insertion pocket
Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core designed so as to retain low levels of fluid in the crotch region, relative to the other core regions, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear ends of the article. The absorbent core has a non-removable absorbent core component in the crotch region and removable absorbent core components in the front or rear regions of the article. |
| US07727210B2 |
Multiple-component tampon applicator
A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip. |
| US07727203B2 |
Combined container-syringe
This combined container-syringe comprising a glass cylinder which can be pre-filled with a drug, an cylindrical tip provided at an exterior portion of an anterior end of the syringe, and a finger grip provided at an exterior portion of an posterior end of the syringe, and a drug is pre-filled therein and sealed by a stopper. Furthermore, an impact absorption part is provided around the exterior portion of the cylindrical tip and a diameter of the impact absorption part is greater than an outer diameter of a fitting part to the cylinder of the cylindrical tip. |
| US07727202B2 |
Multi-component piston stopper
A piston stopper for a medicine injector, wherein the stopper has a stopper body with a mesh section and at least one sealing element positioned at least partly around the circumference of the stopper body, wherein at least one of the sealing element and mesh section is connected to the stopper body in a material bond. A method for manufacturing such a piston stopper is encompassed. |
| US07727201B2 |
Dosing device with priming function
A device for the dosed administration of an injectable product, including a housing with a receptacle for the product and a drive mechanism movable via a dosing element supported displaceably in the housing, wherein the drive mechanism includes engagement elements situated together in groups, the distance between the groups corresponding to a dosing amount of the injectable product and the distance between the engagement elements corresponding to a priming amount of the injectable product, and wherein the dosing element is coupled to the drive mechanism so that the dosing element at one time interacts with a group of engagement elements to administer the dosing amount and at another time interacts with an engagement element to release the priming amount. |
| US07727196B2 |
Powerhead of a power injection system
A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes. Additional features include using historical data to provide optimum pressure limit values during an injection protocol, a removable memory device for storing and transferring information such as injection protocols and injector statistics, and password protection of such protocols. |
| US07727190B2 |
Enveloping needle stick protection device
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a needle stick protection device. The device includes a housing shaped and dimensioned for positioning about a syringe with an attached needle. The housing includes a first housing member telescopically coupled to a second housing member. A locking member is associated with a first slot of the first housing member for selectively engaging a first detent to control positioning of the second housing member relative to the first housing member. The locking member includes a first lateral retaining recess formed within the first slot for seating of the first detent when the second housing member is in its forward most position, the first lateral retaining recess being circumferentially located along a side of the first slot. The needle may be selectively covered and uncovered by selective alignment of the first detent with the slot in manner permitting controlled motion of the first housing member relative to the second housing member. The locking member further includes a lateral locking recess formed along the slot and adjacent a second side of the spring biased lock arm opposite the first side of the spring biased lock arm, wherein the needle is permanently covered when the detent is positioned within the lateral locking recess. |
| US07727186B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, nose and/or throat
Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc. |
| US07727185B2 |
Coaxial catheter system
A robotic medical system comprises a user interface configured for receiving at least one command, a first drive mechanism configured for receiving the outer medical implement, a second drive mechanism configured for receiving the inner medical implement, a linear drive arrangement (e.g., one of a drive screw drive arrangement, a rack and pinion drive arrangement, and a belt/pulley drive arrangement) mechanically coupled to the first and second drive mechanisms, and a motor array. The robotic medical system further comprises an electric controller configured for directing the motor array to cause the first drive mechanism to axially rotate the outer medical implement, to cause the second drive mechanism to axially rotate the inner medical implement, and to cause the linear drive mechanism to linearly translate the first and second drive mechanisms relative to each other in response to the at least one command. |
| US07727182B2 |
Manual breastpump with stimulation feature
A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode. |
| US07727181B2 |
Fluid delivery device with autocalibration
A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices. |
| US07727177B2 |
Four function surgical instrument
A unique four function surgical instrument that performs aspiration, irrigation, dilation and cauterization with an innovative trigger mechanism. An embodiment is “gun-like” in configuration having a housing with a depending handle and a protruding trigger, a forward extending pair of forceps-like arms that terminate in dilation/cauterization tips and a common conduit between the forceps-like arms. The unique trigger mechanism utilizes a pinch valve concept where the trigger button has an elongated portion that has two slide surfaces with offset a recesses that act like tracks on which pinch sliders follow and the pinch sliders act like valve stems that squeeze close and allow to open silicone tubing. The end result, being a single poll, two stage actuator such that a half a pump of the trigger delivers irrigation or aspiration and a full pump delivers the other. The instrument provides the advantages of small size, ergonomical and all-in-one so as to eliminate the need for a surgeon to fumble around in switching between instruments. |
| US07727176B2 |
Machine for extracorporeal blood treatment coupled to a support element
The invention relates to support element (4) comprising a main body (6) having a front wall (25) and a peripheral wall (32) projecting away from the front wall. The front wall and the peripheral wall define a housing compartment (33) designed to receive a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with a treatment unit for defining an integrated blood treatment module. |
| US07727174B2 |
Orthopedic device
An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position. |
| US07727172B2 |
Back brace having pull cord for size adjustment
A back brace includes a first brace member having a first connector, and a second brace member having a second connector and a coupler at two opposite sides thereof. The coupler is detachably connectable to the first connector. A first adjustment holder is affixed to one end of the first brace member and holds therein a first rod member. A second adjustment holder is affixed to one end of the second brace member and holds therein a second rod member. Two pull cords are inserted through the first adjustment holder and the second adjustment holder and run alternately back and forth over the first rod member and the second rod member to adjustably and abuttably hold the first and second brace members side by side. Two fastening members are fastened to distal ends of the pull cords and detachably connectable to the first and second connectors. |
| US07727170B2 |
Elastic hysteretic palpatory training apparatus and method of use thereof
An apparatus for elastic hysteretic palpatory training includes a wire or a computer controlled actuator having a plunger that at least partially elastically resists the application of a palpatory force. In use of the apparatus, an increasing palpatory force is applied to an end of the wire transverse to its axis or an end of the plunger of the actuator in a first direction. In response to the applied palpatory force, the wire or the plunger elastically resist displacement from a first position to a second position. The palpatory force is then withdrawn whereupon the elasticity of wire or the elasticity emulated by the plunger causes it to return toward the first position. The applied palpatory force versus displacement is detected in response to applying and withdrawing the palpatory force to the wire or the plunger. |
| US07727168B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sampling and analyzing body fluid
A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision. |
| US07727166B2 |
Lancet, lancet assembly and lancet-sensor combination
A lancet assembly has a lancet body with a needle end, a sinuous portion end, and a slot, a lancet tip connected to the needle end, a sinuous portion connected to the sinuous portion end, an anchor structure connected to the sinuous portion. The lancet assembly may also include a lancet enclosure having an elongated chamber with a needle end, an anchor end in communication with the elongated chamber opposite the needle end, and a lancet enclosure slot in communication with the elongated chamber and spaced from the needle end. The anchor end is configured to receive and hold the anchor structure in a substantially static position. The elongated chamber is sized to receive in sliding engagement the lancet tip, the lancet body where the lancet body slot is in communication with the lancet enclosure slot and the sinuous portion and to permit slidable movement of the lancet tip through the open end between a retracted position and an extended position. |
| US07727165B2 |
Peak flow measurement device
A peak flow measurement device comprises a hollow body (1) having an inlet (8) for receiving fluid and an outlet (3), wherein the inlet (8) and outlet (3) are spaced apart from each other, the cross-sectional area of the body being greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet and wherein in use the device is oriented such that the inlet is above the outlet and the measured peak flow is proportional to the maximum height (11) of fluid within the body. |
| US07727160B2 |
Ventilator patient synchronization
A method and apparatus that provides an expert system for determining respiratory phase during ventilatory support of a subject. Discrete phase states are partitioned and prior probability functions and observed probability functions for each state are defined. The probability functions are based upon relative duration of each state as well as the flow characteristics of each state. These functions are combined to determine phase probabilities for each state using Bayes' theorem. The calculated probabilities for the states may then be compared to determine which state the subject is experiencing. A ventilator may then conform respiratory support in accordance with the most probable phase. To provide a learning feature, the probability functions may be adjusted during use to provide a more subject specific response that accounts for changing respiratory characteristics. |
| US07727159B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting blood flow signal free from motion artifact and stress test apparatus using the same
An apparatus and method to detect a blood flow signal free from a motion artifact, and a stress test apparatus using the same, enhance data reliability of the blood flow signal by removing the motion artifact from the blood flow signal detected by photo-plethysmography. The apparatus to detect the blood flow signal includes a base pattern correlation coefficient calculating unit to determine peak points in the blood flow signal sensed from a body of an examinee using a blood flow sensing unit, and to calculate correlation coefficients of each peak point using a predetermined base pattern, and a motion artifact processing unit to determine the motion artifact using the calculated correlation coefficients and to remove the motion artifact from the blood flow signal. Thus, reliability of the blood flow signal is enhanced by effectively removing the motion artifact from the blood flow signal detected by the photo-plethysmography. |
| US07727158B2 |
Pulse wave data analyzing method, system, and program product
There is provided a pulse wave data analyzing method for extracting vital information out of pulse wave data concerning a living body. The method comprises a noise removal step of: detecting bottom values and peak values along a time axis in a time-series manner out of pulse wave data obtained by sequentially measuring a pulse wave of a subject for a predetermined period; making pairs with respect to the bottom values and the peak values adjacent to each other on the time axis to obtain bottom-to-peak amplitude values along the time axis, the bottom-to-peak amplitude value being a difference between the bottom value and the peak value in each of the pairs; and comparing each set of the two bottom-to-peak amplitude values adjacent to each other along the time axis to remove the bottom value and the peak value relating to the smaller bottom-to-peak amplitude value in the each set as a noise, if a ratio of the one of the two bottom-to-peak amplitude values to the other one of the two bottom-to-peak amplitude values is larger than a predetermined value. |
| US07727154B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
For the purpose of acquiring three-dimensional data for a contrast-enhanced image at an appropriate scan plane distance even for a different moving rate of an ultrasonic probe or for a different subject or imaged region, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an image producing section for producing an image based on received data obtained from one scan plane; a correlation value calculating section for calculating a correlation value between images; a low-MI scan control section for repeatedly conducting a scan with such a low MI value as not break contrast agent until a correlation value between an initial image and a current image becomes smaller than a threshold; and a high-MI scan control section for, when the correlation value becomes smaller than the threshold, capturing one image with such a high MR value as to break contrast agent and returning control to the low-MI scan control section. |
| US07727145B2 |
Capsule-type medical device and medical system
A method of transmitting images in a subject to an outside of the subject using a wireless signal is provided. The method including: (a) transmitting to the outside of the subject a first signal corresponding to a first image obtained using a first imaging device, by timing on a first illumination device for illuminating the subject to capture the first image of the subject; (b) transmitting to the outside of the subject a second signal corresponding to a second image obtained using a second imaging device, by turning on a second illumination device for illuminating the subject to capture the second image of the subject; and (c) repeating (a) and (b), where at least initiation of the transmitting the first signal and initiation of the transmitting the second signals is alternately performed and the first and second illumination devices are alternately turned on coincidentally with transmission periods of the first and second signals, respectively. |
| US07727143B2 |
Locator system for implanted access port with RFID tag
An access port locator system for adjustable gastric bands. The system includes an access port with an RFID tag with its antenna adjacent to the receiving portion of the port. The system includes a locator with radio frequency transmitter/receiver circuitry for sending read or interrogation signals to the RFID tag and for sending write signals to the tag to write treatment data to memory of the RFID tag. The locator also includes an antenna array with four patch antenna arranged in pairs to model two monopulse radar antenna systems. The locator also includes processor(s) and logic modules/circuitry for processing the tag response signals received by the antenna array to determine location information for the RFID tag and associated port, i.e., to identify the center of the port relative to the antennae array or array face such as with strength and direction information relative to the array face. |
| US07727142B2 |
Delivery tool for cardiac support device
A device for delivery of a cardiac support device for treating cardiac disease of a heart includes a multistage deployment mechanism and an actuating mechanism for controlling the positions of the deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism is operable to change between a retracted state and an extended state, and includes a plurality of independent stages, including, in one embodiment, a first stage including a guide structure for location adjacent a portion of the patient's heart when in the extended state. A second stage is movably coupled to the first stage, and is guided by the guide structure between the retracted and extended states. The second stage further releasably engages and supports the cardiac support device and positions the cardiac support device at the desired implantation location, guided by the guide structure of the stage. In some embodiments, the deployment mechanism may include additional stages. The actuating mechanism drives the deployment mechanism between the retracted and extended states, and independently controls the positions of the multiple stages of the deployment mechanism. |
| US07727137B2 |
Balloon brachytherapy applicator and method
Methods and applicator apparatus are disclosed for brachytherapy treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity in a patient, particularly a resection cavity. In treatment regimes requiring recovery time between successive radiation treatments, applicators of the invention are retained under the skin, with the skin allowed to at least partially heal, and are re-accessed later for one or more subsequent treatments. To reduce patient discomfort an anesthetic agent can be infused through the applicator to patient tissue, for insertion, balloon inflation or removal of the applicator. |
| US07727135B2 |
Conductive rubber roller
A conductive rubber roller comprising a conductive core material and provided thereon a rubber layer; the rubber layer being formed by using a rubber composition containing as rubber components at least a polar rubber and an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer; the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer having a melt peak temperature of from 20 to 30° C. and a melt enthalpy change ΔH of from 40 to 70 mJ/mg as measured with a differential scanning calorimeter; and the allyl glycidyl ether in the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-allyl glycidyl ether terpolymer being in a copolymerization ratio of from more than 10 mol % to 20 mol % or less. |
| US07727133B2 |
Sealing device
Apparatus for creating a seal between an axle journal and a bearing housing is disclosed, particularly for use in apparatus for dewatering or washing material suspensions. The apparatus includes a stator ring, a pair of diagonally disposed guide pins supporting the stator ring with respect to the bearing housing so that the stator ring can be angled in a plane with respect to the pair of guide pins, a sealing ring for creating a seal between the stator ring and the axle journal, a bellows for creating a seal between the bearing housing and the stator ring, and at least one resilient member for urging the stator ring in abutment against the sealing ring. |
| US07727131B2 |
Linked stretch tubing
A method and system are disclosed. The system may include a linked stretch tube. The linked stretch tube may include a first stretch tubing section having a first end and a second end; a second stretch tubing section having a first end and a second end; a first linking device permanently, flexibly connecting the first end of the first stretch tubing section to the first end of the second tubing section; and a first connection device flexibly connected to the second end of the first stretch tubing section. |
| US07727130B2 |
Weight-lifting apparatus and method of assembling same
A fixed weight/permanent weight-lifting apparatus including dumbbells and barbells is provided that have an elongated shaft with a centrally located handle and ends having a smaller diameter than the handle, a pre-coated head welded to each of these ends with a centrally located channel connecting its inner face and its outer face and a counter bore machined into its outer face of the head forming an inner collar. The channel has a diameter sufficient to receive the portion of the end of said shaft that extends beyond the inner collar. Each of the inner collars are joined to that portion of the end that extends beyond the collar. |
| US07727129B1 |
Dual lift apparatus
A dual lift apparatus is provided for use by up to two people to perform the same lifts and exercises simultaneously. The apparatus includes a frame, guide rods, weight guides and a weight bar. The guide rods are coupled vertically within the frame and the frame provides support for the weights to be lifted. The weight guide is operatively coupled to the guide rods, the weight guide having rollers and a lock device to allow the weight guide to move along a length of the guide rods and also to be locked at a particular position on the guide rods. The weight bar is coupled to the weight guide and provides the weight to be lifted by users. The apparatus may also include at least two benches to allow up to two people to use the apparatus simultaneously and each bench is independently adjustable to accommodate different sized users. |
| US07727124B1 |
Foldable and camming pivot mount for a resistance unit in a bicycle trainer
A bicycle trainer includes a frame and a resistance unit movably interconnected with the frame by an adjustment arrangement for movement through a range of operative positions and to an inoperative position. The adjustment arrangement includes an adjustment member that is selectively engaged with, and disengaged from, an engagement member. When disengaged, the adjustment member slides relative to the engagement member. The sliding movement of the adjustment member provides a first mode of operation to move the resistance unit to an initial engagement position adjacent the wheel, and the adjustment arrangement can be operated in a second mode of operation, such as by cam-type movement, to advance the resistance unit from the initial engagement position toward and against the wheel. |
| US07727123B2 |
Aquatic exercise device
An aquatic exercise device is adapted to be submerged in water, and moved through the water and/or rotated in the water to provide omni-directional and omni-rotational drag resistance. In one implementation, an aquatic exercise device includes a bar adapted to be grasped by one or two hands of a user, and a resistance mechanism attached to opposite ends of the bar. Each resistance mechanism includes a cuff and two or more fins extending outward from the cuff. |
| US07727122B2 |
Foldable treadmill
A foldable treadmill includes a base frame, a front frame pivotally mounted on the base frame, a rear frame pivotally mounted on the front frame, a movable frame pivotally mounted on the front frame and slidably mounted on the base frame, a driver mounted on the front frame and provided with a retractable inner tube, and a connecting bracket secured on the movable frame and pivotally mounted on the inner tube of the driver. Thus, the rear frame is folded when not in use to reduce the whole volume of the treadmill efficiently. In addition, the front end of the rear frame is lifted to change the inclined angle of the rear frame, so that the user can practice running or walking on a slope. |
| US07727120B2 |
Elliptical exerciser
A mechanism for an elliptical exerciser comprises a crank rotatably connected to a frame so as to have a free end rotatable in a circular path. A restriction member is rotatably connected to the frame. A transmission member is connected to the restriction member, and a central portion thereof is rotatably connected to the crank, whereby the central portion of the transmission member moves along said circular path while the first end of the transmission member is constrained by the restriction member to move along a reciprocating arcuate path, such that a free end of the transmission member moves along an elliptical path. A reciprocating member has a first end rotatably connected to the transmission member, with a second end of the reciprocating member being operatively mounted to the frame, such that a reciprocating movement of the second end of the reciprocating member along the frame causes the first end of the reciprocating member to move along said elliptical path by the combined constraints of the crank, the restriction member and the transmission member. A foot pedal is connected to the reciprocating member, whereby the foot pedal moves along another elliptical path. |
| US07727119B2 |
Human self-powered joint exerciser apparatus
An apparatus for exercising a joint, the apparatus includes a movable platform for supporting a portion of a patient's body including the joint, and a manually-powered system for moving at least a portion of the platform to flex the joint, wherein the patient selectively operates the manually-powered system to control the flexing of the joint. |
| US07727112B2 |
Control system for power transmission unit of vehicle
A control system for a power transmission unit of a vehicle transmitting power outputted from a prime mover is disclosed. The control system includes a resonance detecting/predicting device which detects or predicts a generation of a resonance of the power transmission unit resulting from a power transmission; a driving condition detecting device which detects a driving condition of a vehicle in case the generation of a resonance is detected or predicted by the resonance detecting/predicting device; and a resonance dampening control selecting device which selects a control for dampening the detected or predicted resonance on the basis of the driving condition of the vehicle detected by the driving condition detecting device. |
| US07727105B2 |
Planetary gearbox comprising a sliding coupling element and an actuator
A transmission including a ring gear engageable with clutch teeth. A shift fork connected to a cam roller is engageable with the ring gear. The cam roller includes at least one V-shaped groove, and an element is disposed between the V-shaped groove of the cam roller and a base of the shift fork such that rotation of the cam roller translates into displacement of the shift fork and the ring gear. |
| US07727102B2 |
8-speed transmission
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and two grounded members. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US07727096B2 |
Composite hockey stick system
A handle end is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. The stick includes a shaft coupling the handle end and the striking end. The shaft is fabricated of a relatively rigid material with limited flexibility. The shaft has a hole extending there through with a cylindrical wall defining the hole for varying the playing characteristics of the system. |
| US07727095B2 |
Hockey stick having a single, hollow primary tube
A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. A structure for a hockey stick is described by using a single, hollow tube of composite material, wherein tubular “ports” extend through the hollow tube. The ends of the ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick. |
| US07727091B2 |
Table tennis game apparatus and method of play thereof
A novel and versatile table tennis game and method of play thereof is disclosed. The table tennis table game is played on a playing surface in the shape of a hexagon having three pairs of equal length opposing edges. A net is placed in the center of the table to divide the playing surface into two or three separate playing areas. Two playing areas accommodates a maximum of three individuals on both sides of the net. Three playing areas accommodates either three individuals playing against each other or three teams of two individuals playing against each other. A folding support mechanism provides both support and storage for either a 2-piece or a 6-piece table top. |
| US07727087B2 |
Method for conducting business on the golf course incorporating the use of golf ball markers
A method of promoting business on a golf course using golf ball position markers including the steps of: providing replacement golf ball markers mountable on golf gloves, the markers having a corporate theme or logo to be promoted conveyed on the top side of each marker; distributing the markers to golfers and substituting the markers for non-promotion markers which do not convey the corporate theme or logo, so as to promote the corporate theme or logo to the golfers during play, whereby as consecutive golfers from a group of the golfers putt on each green in the series of greens comprising the golf course being played, the corporate theme or logo is recurringly conveyed to the group each time various markers in random order are used during putting on the greens. |
| US07727082B2 |
Golf swing guide
Disclosed are embodiments of golf swing guide apparatus and related methods and systems. Various embodiments disclosed herein may be used as a training tool to teach a desired swing motion to a golfer. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a guide bar positioned at some height above the ground. The guide bar may be configured to guide a golfer's backswing such that the swing begins in a desired swing plane. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to automatically retract the guide bar during, or after, the golfer's backswing such that it does not interfere with the forward movement of the golf swing. |
| US07727081B1 |
Pendulum putting stroke training aid
An apparatus for indicating the proper pendulum putting stroke to a golfer with An elongated display device that is positioned on a floor parallel to the stroke path of the practicing golfer, A display device containing multiple microcontroller module sections, each containing visual indicators spaced uniformly along the length of the sections, Each section being responsive to commands from a peripheral computing device to turn on a specific visual indicator, a peripheral computing device such as a personal computer running a computer program which calculates the putting stroke based on desired distance, green speed, and the golfer's personal rhythm rate in beats per minute, A peripheral computing device that after calculating the putting stroke time-position data, commands the display device to turn on and off consecutive visual indicators at a predefined time in such a way as to display a putting stroke path, and show the golfer the proper time-space dynamics to strike a golf ball a desired distance. |
| US07727079B1 |
Laser golf alignment device and method
A portable, expandable laser golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources, switchable on and off, that can be projected along the ground both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. In a folded configuration, the device can project in four directions creating a pair of axis lines running at right angles to each other. In an expanded configuration, one of the major axis lines can be separated into two parallel lines for putting alignment by sliding the halves of the device apart. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer. Various combinations of beams on or off can be selected by a selector switch under control of the user. The device can contain a rechargeable battery. |
| US07727075B2 |
Ball-and-socket joint and universal shaft
A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm. |
| US07727073B2 |
Coupling plate for engine-driven generator
A coupling plate for an engine-driven generator on which a balance weight can be mounted and which is simple in structure and is constituted by a same hole making pattern. In a coupling plate for an engine-driven generator driving a generator by an engine, a plurality of elastic disks overlapped integrally are provided, and the elastic disks have one of the inner circumference side and the outer circumference side in the radial direction connected to the engine and the generator as the input side and the other as the output side, and in each of the elastic disks, a plurality of holes including small-diameter weight mounting holes and large-diameter weight escape holes distributed/arranged with a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction are drilled so that the holes of the respective disks are positionally overlapped with each other. |
| US07727064B1 |
Interactive bingo gaming system and method
A system and method of playing an interactive bingo game. Each game session comprises a plurality of game events in which the bingo game draws at least one bingo number from a set of bingo numbers. The player is provided with one or more bingo cards. The game drawn bingo numbers are matched to the bingo cards and the player is awarded a prize according to a dynamic paytable. The dynamic paytable depends on a plurality of dynamic variables that are modified during the game session. The dynamic paytable further comprises a plurality of triggering events that are associated with a plurality of bingo patterns, and a threshold event that is engaged after one or more triggering events. The threshold event is configured to determine a plurality of prize credits awarded for each subsequent bingo pattern. For the chargeable action embodiment, the player is charged one or more credits for each of the game events and the credits that are charged are determined by said player. For the average bet embodiment, the player is only charged at the beginning of the game session. |
| US07727062B2 |
Game of chance and system and method for playing games of chance
A game of chance is provided in which a wagering game of skill and chance is played electronically automatically according to a predetermined set of rules. Such games of chance may include card games, such as poker and blackjack, or other games, such as dominoes, craps or backgammon. Such games may be reduced to games of chance, removing the element of player skill, and allowing such games to be played outside legal gaming jurisdictions. |
| US07727058B2 |
Flap of a motor vehicle ventilation system
The invention relates to a flap (2) of a motor vehicle ventilation system, which is disposed in a housing (1) in the mounted state and controls the air supply to the interior of the vehicle along with a second flap (4). The flap (2) according to the invention comprises a pivot axis about which the same can be pivoted. At least one portion of the flap area (2′) is pivotable and/or flexible to the pivot axis or shaft (2″) and/or another portion of the flap (2) juxtaposing the pivot axis. |
| US07727055B2 |
Flexible membrane for carrier head
A carrier head that has a base assembly, a retaining ring assembly, a carrier ring, and a flexible membrane is described. The flexible membrane has a main portion and an outer annular portion, wherein a junction between the main portion and the outer annular portion comprises a peripheral edge hinge and an annular recess above the hinge along the outer wall of the outer annular portion. |
| US07727051B2 |
Servo stroking apparatus and system
A servo stroking apparatus and system (10) for honing wherein the cam stroking motion follows a cam profile which produces a finite jerk profile for reducing machine vibration and optimizing one or more honing parameters. The cam profile can be selected for example from a simple harmonic cam profile, a cycloidal profile, a modified trapezoidal profile, apolynomial profile, and a modified sine profile, or a mix of cam profiles. The servo controlled stroker mechanism can include for instance a ball screw mechanism (36), a linearmotor (40), a fluid cylinder, a chain drive or a belt drive. One or more other servo controlled aspects of the honing operation can be synchronized with the servo controlled stroking operation, such as the, rotation of the honing tool. |
| US07727050B2 |
Vibrating device
The object of the present invention is to enable efficient vibration processing by applying a sufficient displacement amount and response speed to an object to be vibrated. In grinding of an outer surface of a workpiece W, first and second supporting members are provided for supporting two opposed points of the workpiece, and first and second vibrators comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements are arranged in blind holes formed in the center of the first and second supporting members. The first and second vibrators are activated with sine wave signals which differ in phase by 180 degrees so as to cause the first and second supporting members to expand and shrink in the back-and-forth direction. The displacement amount is amplified and the processing is performed. Also, the second supporting member can move back and forth toward the first supporting member. |
| US07727047B2 |
Toy and method of toy operation
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a drive mechanism for launching a figurine. The drive mechanism can include a housing, a rotary drive supported in the housing and being drivingly engageable with the figurine for launching the figurine outwardly from the housing, and a locking element movable between a locked position, in which the locking element engages the rotary drive to prevent movement of the rotary drive with respect to the housing, and an unlocked position, in which the locking member is moved away from the rotary drive. |
| US07727046B2 |
Beating appliance for cheering
A beating appliance (1) for cheering easy to beat and suitable for carrying, comprising a body portion having a plurality of tubular members (10), (20), and (30) reduced in diameter from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction and combined with each other so as to be extended/retracted. The tubular members (10), (20), and (30) adjacent to each other are brought into an extended state by connecting the inner peripheral surfaces of the large diameter side tubular members (10) and (20) to the outer peripheral surfaces of the small diameter side tubular members (20) and (30) in taper-stacked states, and brought into a retracted state by storing the small side tubular members (20) and (30) in order and in a nested state in the large diameter side tubular members (10) and (20). Also, a head cap (40) is fitted to one end of the maximum diameter tubular member (10), and an end member (50) having a diametrically grip end (51) is fitted to the other end of the minimum diameter tubular member (30). |
| US07727044B1 |
Animal call with improved air channel
An animal call includes a mouthpiece, a barrel, and a reed. The mouthpiece defines an air channel therein and has a reed bed proximate the air channel. The barrel is coupled to the mouthpiece and has an internal chamber that is fluidically coupled to the air channel of the mouthpiece. A surface comprising the air channel varies in order to maintain a substantially constant cross-sectional area magnitude along a length of the channel. The reed is disposed adjacent the air channel and proximate the reed bed. |
| US07727042B2 |
Fluorescent lamp and manufacturing method thereof
A method of manufacturing a fluorescent lamp is provided. One of a dispersed metal oxide precursor sol prepared by a sol-gel reaction and a fluorescent substance slurry is coated on a glass tube having at least one open side and then the other of the fluorescent substance slurry and the dispersed metal oxide precursor sol is coated on the glass tube. Next, passivation and fluorescent layers are simultaneously formed by baking the coated layers. Then, air is exhausted out of the glass tube and a discharge gas is injected into the glass tube. Finally, the glass tube is sealed. |
| US07727041B2 |
Method of applying light-converting material and device thereof
A light emitting device having a die that includes a light source that generates light of a first wavelength and a layer of phosphor particles covering the die is disclosed. The phosphor particles convert a portion of the light of the first wavelength to light of a second wavelength. The light source can be fabricated by attaching the light source to a substrate, and converting the light source by applying a light converting layer that includes a volatile carrier material and particles of a phosphor that convert light of the first wavelength to light of the second wavelength over the light source. The volatile carrier material is then caused to evaporate leaving a layer of the phosphor particles over the light source. A binder material can be incorporated in the volatile carrier for binding the phosphor particles to one another after the volatile carrier material is evaporated. |
| US07727039B2 |
Method of aging field emission devices
A method of aging a field emission device including a cathode and an anode arranged parallel to each other, an emitter arranged on the cathode to emit electrons to the anode, and a gate electrode arranged on the cathode adjacent to the emitter, the method including: supplying a voltage to the cathode; supplying a voltage to the gate; and then supplying a sufficiently low voltage to the anode so as to prevent a short-circuited portion between the cathode and the gate electrode from being permanently damaged due to an overcurrent. |
| US07727038B2 |
Collapsible flotation device having back support member
A collapsible flotation device is provided that uses a coilable spring coupled to a panel to collapse the device when the spring is coiled, and to expand the device when the spring is uncoiled configuration. The spring can be contained within a sleeve along the outer portion of the panel. A support member that traverses the panel is provided. An inflatable bladder disposed about a part of the outer portion of the panel and coupled to the support member buoyantly supports a body weight of a user. The combination of the inflatable bladder and the support member provide support for a user in a seated position on the panel. Many configurations are disclosed, including a multi-user collapsible flotation device, multiple connected single-user flotation devices, and so forth. A back support member and a headrest, both of which can be inflatable, provide additional support for a user to maintain a seated position on the panel. A foot support member is provided for the comfort of the user. |
| US07727031B2 |
Power converter connector having power rating for portable electronic devices
A keyed power source connector (32) and keyed device connector (14) that are backwards compatible, ensuring that the power rated device connectors can only mate with power source connectors power rated at or above the device connector power rating. One connector is formed as a plug, and the other connector is formed as a socket. The connectors have peripheral contoured body portions (16, 34) having a profile being a function of the respective connector power rating. A keyed portion (41, 62, 72, 82) of the power source connector plug will physically interfere with and not be receivable within a device connector socket when the device connector power rating exceeds the power source connector power rating. This connector system (10) ensures target portable electronic devices coupled to the device connector can not draw power exceeding the rating of the power source connector. |
| US07727020B2 |
Cable connector
A cable connector includes a connector housing attached to an outer shell. A seal is disposed at least partially between the outer shell and the connector housing. A shield is at least partially disposed about the connector housing adjacent to the seal. In one exemplary approach, the connector housing is removably attached to the outer shell. In another exemplary approach, the seal has a unitary configuration. |
| US07727013B1 |
Low PIM rotatable connector
A coupling arrangement between a coaxial connector body and an outer conductor of a coaxial cable that includes an annular contact groove provided in a bore of the connector body. The contact groove has a groove bottom, a connector end sidewall and a cable end sidewall. The connector end sidewall is angled to transition between a groove bottom width that is less than a groove top width. A spring contact has a non-deformed state width seated within the contact groove. The non-deformed state width is greater than the groove bottom width and less than the groove top width. In a non-deformed state the spring contact contacts the connector end sidewall, without contacting the groove bottom. |
| US07727010B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector (100) for connecting a sheet-like connection member includes an insulating housing (1) provided with a plurality of conductive terminals (2, 3) and a pair of retaining members. The housing defines a pair of slots (15) each with an upper groove (153) and a lower groove (154) at a front portion thereof. The retaining members (4) are embedded in the slots (15), and each comprises an upper arm (441) retained in the upper groove (153), a lower arm (442) received in the lower groove (154) and a soldering portion (42) extending from a bottom edge thereof. The lower groove (154) runs though the housing in an insertion direction of the retaining members (4). |
| US07727009B2 |
Panel mount light emitting element assembly
A light emitting element assembly for mounting to a panel. The assembly includes a housing configured to receive a light emitting element therein. In addition, the assembly includes a bezel having at least one latch arm extending from a surface of the bezel, wherein the bezel is configured to detachably engage a surface within the housing. The bezel is further configured to retain the assembly in a position relative to the panel. The assembly also includes a mounting structure having the light emitting element operably mounted therein. |
| US07727008B1 |
Electrical connector for conveying an electrical signal from a device to an organ of a human or animal body
The invention relates to an electrical connector for conveying an electrical signal from a device, in particular a cardiac device, to an organ of a human or animal body, in particular a heart, comprising a first electrically conducting wire and a second electrically conducting wire, wherein the wires are joined together in an electrically insulating sleeve, a first electrode, which is electrically connected to the first wire, and a second electrode, which is electrically connected to the second wire; wherein the first and second electrodes are constructed to deliver an electrical signal at the organ, wherein the first electrode forms an electrically conducting sleeve around a conducting part of the first wire and around a non-conducting part of the second wire, wherein at least the edges of the electrically conducting sleeve formed by the first electrode are at least partially embedded in the electrically insulating sleeve. |
| US07727001B2 |
Electrical connector assembly
A receptacle for an electrical connector assembly is provided and includes a housing having a contact retention portion for holding an electrical contact. The contact retention portion includes a connector face for engaging a plug assembly and a side proximate to the connector face. The receptacle also includes a guide post that is located adjacent to the side and extends along the side toward the connector face. The guide post includes a base and a tip. The guide post also has a curved contour and a planar side that extend from the base to the tip. |
| US07726996B2 |
Compression seal for coaxial cable connector and terminal
A compression seal for a coaxial cable connector has a main body with an upward facing surface or flange on the outer surface thereof, the upward facing surface or flange facing away from the main body. The outer surface of the main body also has at least one first portion having a first diameter and at least one second portion having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter. The compression seal may also have an outer body that receives the main body and also engages a connector at both ends. |
| US07726995B2 |
Connector
A connector includes substantially H-shaped contacts; fixtures fixing the connector to a substrate on longitudinal ends; a housing having a ceiling portion covering contact portions of the contacts, a protection wall at the end of the ceiling portion on the fitting opening side for preventing raising of the ceiling portion on being accidentally forced upward, extension walls at the longitudinal ends for holding the fixtures, and slits each between the extension wall and a bearing for a pivoting member; and the pivoting member having an actuating portion, urging portions, and anchoring holes and mounted on the housing such that between the connection portions and the pressure receiving portions of the contacts the urging portions perform a compact pivotal movement with rotation axis moving. The connector is mounted on one side surface of the substrate to achieve more reduced overall height and superior operationality of the pivoting member. |
| US07726990B2 |
Electrical connector having improved terminal switch arrangement
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a receiving hole for accommodating a mating plug, a first set of and a second set of switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25), and a flexible terminal (27) positioned between the switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The flexible terminal (27) has a retaining portion (270), a flexible arm (271) bent from the retaining portion (270) and a contact portion (275) formed on the flexible arm (271). The switch terminals (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) abut against the plug in a left-to-right direction. The flexible terminal (27) abuts against the mating plug in an up-to-down direction to provide a great insertion force in order to reach a good inserting or pulling feeling of the mating plug. |
| US07726988B2 |
Electrical connector having disconnection assist
An electrical connector assembly includes a plug assembly for mating with a header. The plug assembly includes a plug housing and a lever, where the lever includes gear teeth which cooperate with a tooth on the header in a rack and pinion fashion. The lever is locked to the plug housing when the lever is poised for the plug housing to be inserted into the header. A release member on the header releases the lever from the locked position allowing the lever to be rotated to the position where the lever gear teeth mesh with the header tooth, to draw the plug assembly into the header. A cam on the lever also contacts a contact surface in the header, which pre-lifts the plug assembly during disconnection. |
| US07726987B2 |
Card fixer
A card fixer is suitable to assist a card to be fixed in a slot of an electronic device. The card fixer includes a body and a clipping structure, wherein the body has a first side and a second side parallel to the first side. A hook is disposed on the first side of the body. The clipping structure extends out of the second side of the body for clipping the card thereon. When the clipping structure of the card fixer clips the card and the assembly of the card fixer with the card is inserted into the slot, the hook is locked on an inside wall of the slot. |
| US07726986B2 |
Electrical connector having metal shell equipped with a pair of outwardly protruding resilent arms offset from each other
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing (1) having four side walls interconnecting with each other and defining a receiving space (10) therein. Only one of the side walls defines a plurality of terminal grooves therein and a plurality of terminals (22) are mounted in said terminal grooves. A metallic shell (4) covers on the insulating housing and said shell (4) has a first resilient arm (431) extending in a first direction with a first contacting portion (4311) bending outwardly, and a second resilient arm (432) extending in a reverse direction toward the first resilient arm with a second contacting portion (4321) bending outwardly. The first and second resilient arms (431, 432) space away from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to said first direction, and said first and second contacting portions (4311, 4321) offset with each other in said first direction. |
| US07726981B2 |
Electric connection box with molded synthetic resin member with mold stripping holes used for engaging a cover
The present invention provides an electric connection box capable of reducing cost and capable of constituting small-sized formation by devising a structure of engaging a cover. The electric connection box including an electronic device and connected to a wire harness so as to electrically connect the electronic device and the wire harness includes a synthetic resin member including a mold stripping hole used for molding the synthetic resin member, and a cover including a engaging portion engaged with the hole. |
| US07726980B1 |
Socket for a baseless vehicle light
The invention relates to a socket for a baseless vehicle light. The light includes a lens, a circuit board having plural through holes, and a socket. The socket possesses a plugging groove, two plugging holes formed in the plugging groove, a slot bored in each plugging hole, two terminals respectively inserted into one of the plugging holes, a conductive pin located at one end of each terminal to extend through the slot to connect with the circuit board, and plural connecting members set on one side to correspondingly engage with the through holes. A waterproof resin is injected into the lens to cover on the circuit board and the socket to keep the circuit board positioned in the lens. Thus, a plug of an vehicle is, not cut off, directly plugged into the socket, enabling the light conveniently installed in a vehicle. |
| US07726979B2 |
Low profile board-to-board electrical connector having terminal tails arranged in middle of side wall
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing having sidewalls and end walls for defining a receiving groove, a number of contacts retained in the insulating housing, the contact including a mating beam extending into the receiving groove and a retaining beam retained in the sidewall. The contact further includes a tail portion extending out of the insulating housing from the retaining beam and a soldering portion formed on a tip end of the tail portion. The soldering portion is located between a highest point and a lowest point of the contact so that the height of the electrical connector upon a PCB can be reduced, which can also reduce the mating-height of the electrical connector after mating with a mating connector. |
| US07726978B2 |
Electrical connector with fastening mechanism
An electrical connector for use with an electronic package, includes an insulative housing with a number of contacts receiving in the insulative housing and a fastening mechanism assembled to the insulative housing adapt to secure the electronic package to the electrical connector. The fastening mechanism includes a cover with a base plate and a pair of sidewalls extending downwardly from the base plate. The cover has an opening in the center of the base plate and a number of pressing portions extending into the opening for pressing the electronic package contact with the contacts. |
| US07726974B2 |
Magnetic power and data coupling for LED lighting
Technologies are described herein for a conductive magnetic coupling system. The system includes a signal supply component that provides electrical and/or data signals to a signal consumption component that utilizes the signal to provide an output. The two components are magnetically coupled together such that the magnetic coupling mechanisms not only provide the bonding mechanism for securing the components to one another, but also provide the electrical and communicative continuity that allows for the transfer of electrical and/or data signals between the two components. Aspects provide for the repositioning of the signal consumption component along any section of a signal supply component configured as a magnetic track system. Aspects further provide for a flexible, fluid impermeable signal supply component in which a signal consumption component is repositionable along its length. |
| US07726973B1 |
Power cord quick disconnect assembly and associated method
The power cord assembly preferably includes an electrical outlet socket adapted to electrically coupled to the existing power source. The electrical outlet socket may have a first group of electro-conductive plates statically affixed to an outer surface thereof. A power cord is also provided, which remains physically spaced from the electrical outlet socket. An adaptor may be removably coupled directly to the power cord. Such an adaptor preferably has a second group of electro-conductive plates statically affixed to an outer surface thereof. The present invention further includes a mechanism for continuously transmitting an electric current from the electrical outlet socket through the adaptor and to the power cord while the first and second groups of electro-conductive plates are abutted against each other. The adaptor remains intermediately positioned between the electrical outlet socket and the power cord during continuous transmission of the electric current to the power cord. |
| US07726966B2 |
Mold unit with first and second modules
An exemplary mold unit includes a first mold module and a second mold module adjacent to the first mold module. Each of the first mold module and the second mold module includes a fixed mold and a movable mold capable of moving toward and away from the fixed mold. The fixed and movable molds are configured to form a plurality of shaping chambers therebetween when the fixed and movable molds are in a closed position. The fixed mold defines a main runner having an inner end capable of communicating with the shaping chambers for supplying molten material into the shaping chambers. |
| US07726965B2 |
Nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism for multiple gate injection molding machine
The object of the present invention is to provide a nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism used for multiple gate injection molding machine. And, a mechanism of the present invention is characterized that a nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism for use in a multiple gate injection molding machine having a plurality of resin injecting nozzles, each having disposed therein a gate pin that opens and closes a nozzle gate, the nozzle gates being opened by the gate pins when, in filling with a resin, a resin pressure exceeds a predetermined value and the nozzle gates being closed by the gate pins when the resin pressure falls below a predetermined value, the nozzle gate opening and closing timing adjusting mechanism comprising: timing pins, disposed at all or a portion of surfaces of an injection mold opposing the respective nozzle gates and advancing and retracting toward and from the nozzle gates; and opening and closing timings of the plurality of nozzle gates being adjusted by the nozzle gates being opened and closed by the timing pins directly or indirectly via the gate pins. |
| US07726960B2 |
Twin-plate rotary compressor
This invention relates to a twin-plate, rotary compressor and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to a twin-plate, rotary compressor comprising two conical plates for relative rolling motion within a casing, there being a line contact between the two conical plates; the line contact being maintainable during operation of the compressor; a central seal for sealingly engaging correspondingly-shaped recesses of the two conical plates; and an outer seal in mating relationship with the two conical plates; wherein the central seal is mounted on a drive shaft, the drive shaft being operatively connected to an output shaft of a motor; wherein the drive shaft, the central seal and the outer seal are for rotation about a third axis of rotation, the third axis of rotation being coincident with a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft and a center of the central seal. |
| US07726959B2 |
Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine
According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes an outer gerotor having an outer gerotor chamber, an inner gerotor, at least a portion of which is disposed within the outer gerotor chamber, and a synchronizing apparatus operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor. The inner gerotor includes one or more entrance passages operable to communicate a lubricant into the outer gerotor chamber. |
| US07726958B2 |
Hydraulic machine
A hydraulic machine has a gear wheel (2) with outwardly extending teeth and a gear ring (4) with inwardly extending teeth formed by rollers each of which is supported in a pocket (8) in the gear ring, and pressurized spaces are formed between the gear wheel and the inwardly extending teeth.To keep the wear of the machine small each pocket (8) has at least two different radii (R1, R2, Rn) whereby a radius (R2, Rn) at a smaller displacement from the edge (12) of the pocket is larger than a radius (R1) at a larger displacement from the same edge (12) of the pocket (8). |
| US07726955B2 |
Pump system
A pump system having a pump module (10) comprising a stator housing (28) with a chamber (30), a rotor (32) rotatably and axially slidably received in the chamber and comprising a first axial extension (46) with a liquid supply channel (50) and a second axial extension with a liquid supply channel (52), the first and second axial extensions having different diameters, and first and second sealing rings (54, 56), mounted around the first and second axial extensions. |
| US07726954B2 |
Diaphragm pump
A diaphragm pump and a method for aligning thereof, the pump including an electric motor, a motor shaft, driven by the electric motor for rotation about an electric motor shaft axis, an eccentric drive, driven by the electric motor, via the motor shaft, to provide reciprocal driving along a pump driving axis, the eccentric drive including an eccentric drive shaft rotating about an eccentric drive shaft axis, the eccentric drive shaft axis being coaxial with the electric motor shaft axis, a non-rigid coupling interconnecting the motor shaft and the eccentric drive shaft and a diaphragm pumping assembly having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet communicating with a pumping chamber, the pumping chamber having a diaphragm arranged to be reciprocally driven about the pump driving axis. |
| US07726949B2 |
Variable displacement compressor
A variable displacement compressor capable of controlling a piston stroke by openably controlling a displacement control valve to regulate a pressure in a crank chamber, comprising the displacement control valve disposed in a passageway from a discharge chamber to the crank chamber, and a fixed orifice provided in a passageway from the crank chamber to a suction chamber, the displacement control valve further comprising a pressure sensing member for the pressure in the suction chamber or the crank chamber, a valve element having a valve part opened and closed in response to the operation of the pressure sensing member, a valve chamber for disposing the valve part therein and allowing the pressure in the crank chamber to act therein, a partition wall disposed around the valve element, a pressure chamber partitioned from the valve chamber by the partition wall and allowing the pressure in the suction chamber to act therein, and a solenoid provided to the other end of the valve element, wherein a flow passage of non-contact structure is formed in the partition wall, and the number of sliding parts is reduced to lower a sliding resistance. |
| US07726946B2 |
Sanitary removable impeller hub and method
A hub mounting assembly for mounting a plurality of impellers onto a shaft has a first hub ring and a second hub ring. A first key piece is adapted to engage with the shaft and engage with at least one of the hub rings, and a first lock pin is adapted to engage with the shaft and engage with at least one of the hub rings. In the installed state, the first hub ring is adapted to be fastened to the second hub ring, to trap the key piece and lock pin in a position so that the hub rings together form a hub that is locked against rotation and axial movement with respect to the shaft. |
| US07726940B2 |
Seal arrangement and a method of seal assembly
Assembly of segmented seals can be problematic in areas of limited space for an introductory tapered mandrel and where there are the problems with damage to the seal surfaces 23, 24. By the present method and arrangement, a seal formed from segments 22 is expanded to an expanded state and then retained at that state by the use of a sacrificial material 26 in the gaps 25 between the segments 22 opened by expansion. The sacrificial material 26 is typically a low melting temperature wax and so is removed when the seal arrangement reaches its operating temperature. |
| US07726938B2 |
Turbine blade and diaphragm construction
An axial flow turbine blade and diaphragm construction comprises an annulus of static turbine blades 20 and inner and outer spacer rings 40, 42 having apertures 41, 43 shaped to accommodate inner and outer platform portions 22, 23 of the blades, whereby the platform portions and the spacer rings together form inner and outer port walls of the turbine diaphragm. A particular feature of the blades is that the inner and outer platform portions 22 and 23 have straight side edges 22B, 22C and 23B, 23C, which are joined to each other by curved leading edges 22D and 23D that in plan view have a shape that follows the edge of the corner fillet 24 in the region of the leading edge 26 of the aerofoil 21. |
| US07726937B2 |
Turbine engine compressor vanes
A gas turbine engine rotor stack includes one or more longitudinally outwardly concave spacers. Outboard surfaces of the spacers may be in close facing proximity to inboard tips of vane airfoils. The airfoils have dihedral and sweep. |
| US07726936B2 |
Turbine engine ring seal
Aspects of the invention relate to a ring seal for a turbine engine. The ring seal can be made up of a plurality of circumferentially abutted ring seal segments. Each ring seal segment can comprise a plurality of individual channels. The channels can be generally U-shaped in cross-section with a forward span, and aft span and an extension connecting therebetween. The channels can be positioned such that the aft span of one channel can substantially abut the forward span of another channel. The plurality of separate channels can be detachably coupled to each other by, for example, a plurality of pins. The ring seal segment according to aspects of the invention can facilitate numerous advantageous characteristics including greater material selection, selective cooling, improved serviceability, and reduced blade tip leakage. Moreover, the configuration is well suited to handle the operational loads of the turbine. |
| US07726931B2 |
Rotary lift table
A rotary lift table. The rotary lift table as claimed in the invention is equipped with a rotary lift table board for bearing flat objects, said rotary lift table board having a bearing surface which is pulvinated towards the top with a transverse ridge region whose longitudinal extension runs at least approximately at a right angle to a discharge direction. The flat objects lying on top of one another in a stack arrangement are adapted to the arched bearing surface and give the stack improved stability thanks to its profiling. |
| US07726930B2 |
Adjustable height jib for a hook-lift hoist
An adjustable height jib is disclosed for an arm of a hook-lift hoist for loading of equipment, containers or the like onto a truck for transport. The jib has an elongate body with a hook located on each of its opposing end portions. The jib is mounted on the arm for pivotal movement between a first position for loading containers of a first height and a second position for loading containers of a second height. A lock secures the jib in either position. A feature of the adjustable height jib is that, upon release of the lock, it will pivot between a longer position as the hook-lift hoist is operated toward the loading position and a shorter position as the hook lift hoist is operated toward the transport position. |
| US07726925B2 |
Fastener with prongs
A fastener with a flange having two pairs of parallel sides and arcuate corners. Extending upwardly from the top surface of the flange is an elongated shaft having one region adjacent the flange having relatively thicker threaded walls and another distal from the flange having thinner unthreaded walls. Two prongs are formed by making cuts in opposing straight sides adjacent to the diagonally opposing arcuate corners, and then bending peripheral portions of the flange including the arcuate corners adjacent to the cuts in a direction upwardly by substantially 90°. The depth of the cuts is such that when bends are made, the perpendicular distance between front surfaces of the two prongs is less than an outer diameter of the shaft. When the fastener is inserted in a piece of material, the prongs dig into the surface of the material to prevent the fastener from rotating when a threaded fastener is screwed into the shaft. |
| US07726924B2 |
Connecting structure for connecting metal elements and method using the same
An exemplary connecting structure (30), for connecting a first metal element (31) and a second metal element (32), includes a threaded weld bushing (34) and a fastener (36). The threaded weld bushing includes a main body (340) for being spot welded to the first metal element with a plurality of weld joints, and a collar (342) extending from one end of the main body for abutting the first metal element and connecting to the second metal element, and a fastener latching portion (346) defined in the main body and the collar. The fastener is configured for engaging with the fastener latching portion so as to prevent the second metal element detaching from the threaded weld bushing. |
| US07726919B1 |
Resurfacing machine tool
A machine tool includes a driver, a tool holder, and a locking device in the form of, for example, an alignment collar. In use, the machine tool carries a tool, such as a surface refinishing bit, which may be lowered into a workpiece bore, such as a cylinder head valve seat, and subsequently rotated by a machine spindle for resurfacing the bore. The machine tool receives a pilot shaft placed in a reference bore associated with the workpiece bore. The pilot shaft functions to ensure general alignment of the machine tool cutting axis and the refinishing surface. |
| US07726915B2 |
Machine for spectacle lens
A machine for spectacle lens, comprising a lens holding unit for holding left and right spectacle lenses, and a drill drive unit relatively moving in left and right directions and in front and rear directions with respect to the lens holding unit and for forming a hole on the spectacle lens held on the lens holding unit, wherein the lens holding unit has lens supporting base plates separated at left and right to match the left and the right spectacle lenses, the spectacle lenses at left and right are supported by the lens holding unit via the lens supporting base plates, and the left and right lens supporting base plates can be rotated around positions symmetrical with respect to the front-to-rear direction. |
| US07726912B2 |
Support structure
A support structure (1) that includes a support panel (11), at least one pile (14) having associated therewith at least one bracket (17) and at least one mounting strap (20). Each bracket (17) includes a lower portion (70), at least one extension (91, 92) extending upward from the lower portion (70), and a retainer (85) extending outward from a first surface (73) of the lower portion (70). The retainer (85) of the bracket (17) is received within an aperture (67) of an apertured sidewall (64, 215, 218) of the pile (14). At least one mounting strap (20, 23) maintains: the first surface (73) of the lower portion (70) of the bracket (17) in abutting relationship with the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile; and the retainer (85) within the aperture (67) thereof. A first surface (94) of the extension (91, 92) of the bracket (17) and the apertured sidewall (64) of the pile (14) together define a vertical slot (112) having an open top (115) and a closed bottom (118). The support panel (11) includes at least one downwardly extending sidewall (33) that is received within the vertical slot (112). Receipt of the sidewall (33) within the vertical slot (112) serves to support the support panel (11). The support structure may be used as a dock, such as a marine dock. |
| US07726910B2 |
Interactive leg guide for offshore self-elevating unit
A leg guide for use in a leg of a jack up unit adapted to provide sliding guidance of the leg during vertical movement of the leg. The leg guide has a first portion contacting an edge of a leg chord and a second portion contacting a face of the leg chord along a longitudinal plane opposite the contact plane of the first portion. The edge contacting guide has a deflecting guide unit, which uses a compressible member sandwiched between two rigid plates. As the leg moves, the teeth of the leg chord contact the edge guide unit, with the compressible member absorbing compressible loads acting on the leg chord. The second portion provides for a face plate mounted transversely to the edge contacting guide for reducing the build-up of horizontal moment acting on the leg chord during the vertical movement of the leg and for reducing bending moments acting on the leg. |
| US07726908B2 |
Solid waste treatment process
This invention involves a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) treatment processing technology. The process entails a type of MSW landfill treatment process. This invention features the following steps. Firstly: MSW separation. Second: organic trash landfill. Third: the recycling. |
| US07726906B2 |
Systems and methods for harnessing resources
A precipitation (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, etc.) harvesting apparatus 3000 comprising a basic storage chamber or cistern 3002, which comprises an open vessel 3003 (such as a children's inflatable pool) and an optional primary catchment membrane 3004 which is placed over and attached to the open vessel 3003 to form the storage chamber 3002. An optional extended membrane 3005 is shown extending upward and away from vessel 3003 and is shown optionally supported by optionally inflatable or collapsible support tubes 3006 which are in turn fastened to the ground 3008 or other surface on which the apparatus 3000 is resting using tie lines, cables, strings and/or the like 3010 which are attached to ground stakes 3012. A liquid dispensing conduit 3014 is shown connected to and leading away from the storage vessel 3003 for draining harvested rainwater or other liquid 3016 contained within the storage chamber. The apparatus also includes a filter 3018 located, for example, in proximity to the center of the catchment membrane 3004, wherein the membrane has an opening or port 3017 optionally located in proximity to the center of the membrane 3004. |
| US07726905B2 |
Asphalt reconditioning machine
An apparatus for reconditioning a paved surface includes a vehicle adapted to traverse the paved surface. The vehicle has a manifold with a plurality of jets disposed within a surface adjacent the paved surface and at least one of the jets has a high temperature, high pressure nozzle. The high temperature, high pressure nozzle has a hard material with a hardness of at least 2,000 HK. The jets are in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir through a fluid pathway, and the fluid pathway has a pressurizing mechanism and a heating mechanism for bringing the fluid to a high temperature and a high pressure. |
| US07726900B2 |
System for connecting two shafts in translation
A system for providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the ends of two essentially-coaxial shafts (1 and 2), whereby each shaft end includes a groove (11, 12) close to an axial end extension (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Moreover, the aforementioned ends are connected inside a sleeve (10) including the following: a first annular shoulder (13) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove of the first shaft, such that there is no clearance therebetween; a second annular shoulder (14) having a shape that is complementary to that of the groove (12) of the second shaft, but with a clearance therebetween; and a cavity (16) which is intended to receive the shaft ends, said cavity having an axial height which is greater than the sum of the axial heights of the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9). Further, the axial end extensions (17 and 8; 18 and 9) of the two shafts are in permanent mechanical and electrical contact. |
| US07726896B2 |
Colouring apparatus
An apparatus for enabling a liquid or dye to be conveyed from a nib of a source of liquid or dye to a fluid absorbent nib of a marker pen. The apparatus includes a tubular docking member having the source and the nib of the source at a first end and an open portion at a second end configured to receive and engage an end of the marker pen including the nib of the marker pen, the length of the docking member being such as to enable the nib of the marker pen selectively to be placed in contact with the nib of the source to cause liquid or dye to pass between the nib of the source and the nib of the marker pen. The liquid may comprise a translucent liquid such as water and the dye may comprise an indicator such as a water-based ink containing colored dyes, dispersed pigments or other coloring media. |
| US07726895B2 |
Pen retention apparatus
A pen retention device for releasably securing a pen to a tether is disclosed. The device includes the pen having an end and an annular interior surface defining a bore, a cap comprising an expandable retention interface disposed within the bore proximate the end, and an anvil securedly attached to the tether. The expandable retention interface includes a radially outwardly directed surface in contact with the annular interior surface. The expanding retention interface further includes a radially inwardly directed surface in operable communication with the anvil. The expanding retention interface is responsive to an application of force less than a release force by the tether via the anvil to expand and secure cap to the pen, and is responsive to an application of force greater than the release force to release the cap from the pen. |
| US07726894B2 |
Screw-type writing instrument having expansion and contraction function
The present invention provides a screw-type writing instrument having an expansion and contraction function in which an outer shaft cam, a cartridge holder and an inner shaft cam are coupled in a double screw manner, so that the expansion or contraction of the writing instrument and the advancing or retracting operation of a pen core can be simultaneously conducted, thus being convenient to use, and which, thanks to the contractible structure, is convenient to carry and hold. |
| US07726889B2 |
Optical device and method for removing foreign substances from the optical device
Foreign substances adhered to a focal plane shutter are shaken off by vibrationally driving the shutter a plurality of times in succession while the focal plane shutter, which controls the incidence of light on a photoelectric transducer converting an optical image of a photographic object into an electrical signal, shields the photoelectric transducer from light incident thereon. In other words, implementing vibrational removal of adhered foreign substances by means of overloading the focal plane shutter. |
| US07726885B2 |
Optical connector having a fitting protrusion or fitting recess used for positioning
An optical connector of a fitting pin positioning type includes multiple optical fiber insertion holes arranged in one row and fitting holes or fitting pins. The fitting holes or the fitting pins for positioning are respectively disposed on mutually opposite sides of a straight line connecting centers of the optical fiber insertion holes and are located point-symmetrically with respect to a center of the row of the entire optical fiber insertion holes arranged on the straight line. |
| US07726879B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus, control method for x-ray imaging apparatus, program, and storage medium
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a visible light imaging unit which captures an image of a visual field region with visible light, an X-ray irradiation unit which irradiates X-rays, an X-ray imaging unit which receives the irradiated X-rays and acquires a radiograph based on the X-rays, and a detection unit which detects an irradiated region irradiated with the X-rays based on the acquired radiograph. |
| US07726877B1 |
Method and apparatus of measuring temperature
The disclosure provides methods and apparatuses of measuring a temperature. A method of measuring a temperature can include generating a time varying signal that varies with time in a known manner, such as having a repeating sawtooth waveform. Further, the method can include generating a first intersecting signal that intersects with the time varying signal at a first time, and generating a second intersecting signal that varies with temperature and intersects with the time varying signal at a second time. Subsequently, the method can construct a pulse signal having a first edge corresponding to the first time and a second edge corresponding to the second time, with the pulse signal having a width corresponding to the temperature. |
| US07726874B2 |
Method and device for determining the capacity of a heat exchanger
A method and arrangement for determining the capacity of a heat exchanger is provided. The effective heat transfer coefficient for the heat exchanger is calculated from the measured inlet and outlet temperatures of the product and the measured inlet and outlet temperatures of the auxiliary medium. By means of the value, the outlet temperature of the product set for maximum flow of the auxiliary medium is determined as that at which the change in the heat content of the product is at least approximately the same as the change in the heat content of the auxiliary medium and the amount of heat transmitted by the heat exchanger for the product flow. The value is displayed to the user and permits a decision as to how much longer the heat exchanger can reliably be operated. |
| US07726872B2 |
Balance wheel, balance spring and other components and assemblies for a mechanical oscillator system and methods of manufacture
The application discloses a method of making a balance spring (100) from continuous fibers or ceramic by winding them around a cylindrical former (90), interspaced with a releasing agent (110). Also disclosed is a method of making a balance spring, preferably of a ceramic material (60), by applying it to a rotating former (70) mandrel or plate and subsequently heat treating. Balance wheels (30) having a moment of inertia which decreases with a rise in temperature due to a special arrangement of components (8, 9, 10) having different coefficients of thermal expansion are also disclosed. A mechanical oscillator system comprising a non-magnetic ceramic or continuous fiber balance spring (50) and a non-magnetic balance wheel (30) formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 6×10−6K−1 and having a plurality of non-magnetic poising or timing appendages (5) is also disclosed. |
| US07726870B1 |
Method for mixing fluids with an eductor
The invention relates to a method for mixing a static fluid with another component, such as a particulate material, a liquid, a compressible liquid or gas, or combinations thereof, using a motive fluid stream, producing a low pressure region within the static fluid using radial eductors in a tank. The invention further relates to a method for separating oil form an oil and water mixture using a motive fluid stream and air, producing a low pressure region in a tank with entrained air bubbles, wherein the oil attaches to the air bubbles and rises to the surface. |
| US07726869B2 |
LED track light device
An LED track light device includes a plurality of LED-units that fit within a track means. At least one LED element(s) is fitted within the LED-unit's geometric construction, and leads of the LED are connected by conductive means, resilient conductive means, contact means, and/or bus means to deliver electric signal from an AC or DC power source, circuit means, switch means, sensor means, timer means, and/or control means to the element(s) to provide a desired area-illumination light function. The LED-units have a geometric construction and space to allow the element(s) to be fixed in position or incorporated with reflector means that may be arranged to rotate, swivel, or tilt. Hanging means or other electric devices also can added to the said LED track light device or the LED-units to add more practical extra functions. |
| US07726868B2 |
Spread illuminating apparatus, transparent resin plate for use in spread illuminating apparatus, and method of injection-molding transparent resin plate
A spread illuminating apparatus of side light type includes a transparent resin plate integrally composed of a light conductor plate portion and a housing frame portion, a light reflecting sheet, and a light source, wherein an opening for housing the light source is provided at a side portion of the transparent resin plate, slits are provided along a boundary between the light conductor plate portion and the housing frame portion, and wherein a gate for injecting resin into a molding die cavity for the transparent resin plate is positioned outside the boundary of the light conductor plate portion and the housing frame portion and is positioned also between the opening and one of slits which are provided toward the side portion of the transparent resin plate having the opening and which are located clear of the opening. |
| US07726867B2 |
Backlight module with conductive mechanisms therein for providing power to lamps thereof
An exemplary backlight module (20) includes a lamp (231), a power supply for providing power to the lamp, and a frame (27) for receiving the lamp. The frame includes at least one lamp connecting mechanism. Each lamp connecting mechanism includes two electrical connecting tubes drill through the frame. Two ends of each lamp are electrically connected to the connecting tubes respectively at an inner side of the frame. Both of the connecting tubes are electrically connected to the power supply. |
| US07726865B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device
A backlight unit includes a prism sheet (an optical path changing portion and a light gathering portion) having lenses and being disposed to face an output surface of a light guide member, and a plurality of second prism inclined surfaces that are inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the output surface. Further, a lens surface that gathers light from the second prism inclined surfaces toward a normal line direction of the output surface according to the second prism inclined surfaces is provided, and a central position of the lens surface in a transmitting direction of the light guide member is matched with a central position of its corresponding second prism inclined surface. |
| US07726862B2 |
Indicator light using light guiding unit
An annular light guiding unit for portable electronic device comprises a first surface, a second surface located opposite to the first surface, and a wall connecting the first surface and the second surface together. The wall is defined a plurality of first wedged walls therein. |
| US07726856B2 |
Vehicular marker lamp
A vehicular marker lamp including a lamp cover that contains nanosized fluorescent material and light sources that excite the fluorescent material so as to cause the lamp cover to emit colored light. |
| US07726855B2 |
Lamp unit of vehicle headlamp
A lamp unit of a vehicle lamp includes a projection lens arranged on an optical axis extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a light-emitting element arranged so as to face upward behind a rear focal point of the projection lens and in the vicinity of the optical axis, and a reflector arranged so as to cover the light-emitting element from above and to reflect the light from the light-emitting element forward toward the optical axis. The light-emitting element has a plurality of light-emitting chips arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in a vehicle width direction. A mirror member is provided between the reflector and the projection lens. The mirror member includes an upward reflecting surface that upward reflects a portion of the reflected light from the reflector. A diffusing and reflecting portion that diffuses and reflects the reflected light from the reflector is formed in the upward reflecting surface so as to bridge over the optical axis in the vehicle width direction. |
| US07726853B2 |
Hinge for a lamp
A lamp hinge includes a first connector and a second connector pivotally connecting with the first connector. The first connector defines a circular groove therein. The second connector has a pivotal portion pivotally engaging the first connector, and a mounting portion connecting with a lamp head of the lamp. The pivotal portion defines a curved groove therein. The mounting portion defines a central hole therein. A plurality of ball bearings are movably sandwiched between the pivotal portion and the first connector and received in the circular groove and the curved groove. The ball bearings separate the first connector from the second connector a space. Two neighboring ball bearings define a gap therebetween, for providing passage of the electric wires of the lamp therethrough. The gap communicates with the central hole of the mounting portion of the second connector. |
| US07726851B2 |
LED lamp with a heat dissipation device
An LED lamp includes a heat sink, a plurality of vapor chambers mounted on the heat sink and an LED module mounted on the vapor chambers. The heat sink includes a base, a plurality of fins extending from a first surface of the base and a triangular ridge formed on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the base. The vapor chambers are mounted on the ridge of the base. The LEDs over two slopes of the ridge are oriented slantwise outwardly, thereby increasing an irradiation angle and area of the LED lamp. |
| US07726848B2 |
Solid-state illuminating apparatus
A solid-state illuminating apparatus (10) includes a first light reflector (11), a second light reflector (12), an annular light permeable cover (15) and a light source (13). The first light reflector has a bottom wall (111) and a peripheral sidewall (112) extending from and surrounding the bottom wall. The first light reflector has a reflective surface (113) formed on an inner surface thereof. The second light reflector has a reflective surface (121) facing toward the bottom wall. The light permeable cover is interconnected between a periphery of the sidewall and a periphery of the second light reflector. The first light reflector, the light permeable cover and the second light reflector cooperatively form a chamber (114). The chamber tapers along a direction from the second light reflector to the bottom wall. The light source is received in the chamber and located on the bottom wall. |
| US07726841B2 |
LED light device with changeable geometric system
An LED light device with a changeable geometric system has locks by which at least one LED or LED-unit installed within a housing-unit or joint-may be connected to deliver electric signals from a power source to desired LEDs. The LED light device's geometry will be changed when any variation is made to the positions of the original housing-units or joints. |
| US07726840B2 |
Modular LED lighting fixtures
Concatenatable lighting fixtures, each comprising a unitary cover member having a circuit board mounting platform integrally formed with suitable heat sinking and which mounts onto a cooperating base chassis. In one embodiment, the circuit board mounting platform extends farther from one end of the cover member than the other so as to facilitate placement of LEDs in a fashion which enhances lighting uniformity and minimizes dark spots. In one embodiment, first and second guide members may be positioned in respective opposite ends of adjacent fixtures, each guide member having a plurality of extending fingers with a flexible electrical conductor-carrying conduit disposed between the respective opposite ends and retained in position by the fingers. |
| US07726836B2 |
Light bulb with light emitting elements for use in conventional incandescent light bulb sockets
A light bulb apparatus mounted within existing incandescent bulb sockets is comprised of a plurality of interconnecting printed circuit boards (PCBs). An outline shape of any individual PCB is defined in essentially two dimensions a shape or a size of which may vary from one PCB to another. A first portion of this apparatus is equivalent to light bulb cap and is shaped and sized to be fitted into a conventional incandescent bulb socket. At this portion, at least three PCB side edges are lined up against with an inner side wall of a bulb socket. At least one PCB has a tip edge. A second portion of this apparatus is equivalent to a conventional bulb's glass bulb, and a plurality of light emitting devices are mounted on surfaces of the said PCBs and are connected to the circuit laid on boards. |
| US07726835B2 |
LED array
In an LED array comprising a plurality of radiation-emitting semiconductor chips each of which has a radiation outcoupling surface, the radiation emitted by the semiconductor chips being outcoupled substantially through said radiation outcoupling surface, and a cover body that is transparent to the emitted radiation, the transparent cover body comprises, on a surface facing toward the radiation outcoupling surfaces of the semiconductor chips, one or more conductive traces made of a conductive material that is transparent to the emitted radiation, and the semiconductor chips each comprise, on the radiation outcoupling surface, at least one electrical contact that is connected to the conductive trace or to at least one of the plurality of conductive traces. At least one luminescence conversion material is contained in the transparent cover body and/or applied in a layer to the cover body and/or the semiconductor chips. |
| US07726834B2 |
Corner mounted light fixture
A corner mounted lighting fixture having alignment features on its fixture base and on its diffuser for maintaining alignment with the corner during assembly and installation. The diffuser is positioned at an incline within the corner for improved light distribution. Attachment is along the axis of the corner for ease of installation. |
| US07726833B2 |
Device and method for generating stable, consistent, and high intensity oblong light
The invention teaches a new method to provide lighting for photography and other purposes. A consistent, stable, high intensity line-light source is created by using a cylindrical lens and a line-light source using feedback control. The positioning of the line-light source is adjustable to produce parallel, convergence, and divergence beams depending on the desired lighting characteristics. The invention also teaches a new apparatus using the current invention. |
| US07726828B2 |
Planar illumination light source device and planar illumination light device using the planar illumination light source device
The present invention provides a planar illumination light source device by which uniform illumination light can be obtained over a wide area without increasing the thickness of LEDs in the radiation direction even when a highly directional light source such as LEDs is used, and a planar illumination device using this. The present invention includes a highly directional light source, a light guiding body having a radiation plane in a radiation direction of the light source, a casing that encloses the light source and seals planes other than the radiation plane of the light guiding body, inside reflection means provided in the entirety of the area between the casing and the light guiding body, and radiation side reflection means provided on the radiation plane and reflecting light from the light source at a prescribed ratio. A light emitting diode group consisting of one or a plurality of light emitting diodes is used as the highly directional light source. |
| US07726827B2 |
Prism sheet and backlight module using the same
An exemplary prism sheet includes a transparent main body. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is opposite to the second surface. A plurality of micro-depressions are defined in the first surface. A plurality of elongated arc-shaped protrusions are formed on the second surface. Each micro-depression is defined by four connecting sidewalls. A transverse width of each sidewall of each micro-depression progressively decreases with increasing distance from the second surface. A backlight module using the present prism sheet is also provided. |
| US07726825B2 |
Lighted power outlet system and method
A lighted power outlet system having a plurality of outlets includes light emitters, such as light emitting diodes or other light emitting devices. The light emitters are internally positioned within the interior of the outlet system so that light is projected through terminal apertures of the outlets. The projected light is visible from locations exterior to the outlet system to assist in guiding alignment of plug prongs with the terminal apertures for engagement of electrical plugs with the outlets of the outlet system. |
| US07726821B2 |
Means and method to prevent liquids and flying debris from blocking the viewing pathway of an optical element
The invention comprises of a means and a method to keep clean a plurality of transparent surfaces, through which a plurality of images are captured by an optical element, which may be an optical sensor or a camera, where there is flying debris or liquids or liquids that can potentially stick to a plurality of said transparent surfaces and clog the view of said optical element. A plurality of channels transfer and direct fluid such as compressed air from an outside source to blow over and keep a plurality of said transparent surfaces free of debris or liquids. |
| US07726820B2 |
Projection type display unit having a curved housing
A cabinet of a projection type display unit includes a base cabinet on which main component parts are mounted, and a top cover made from sheet metal which is mounted so as to cover the base cabinet, wherein a rear face portion of the top cover is formed in the shape of a curved surface being laid-down U-shaped in side view. The U-shaped curved surface is formed on an ergonomic basis, so that the rear face portion can be gripped securely even with one hand. On the back side of the top cover, bosses are integrally formed by use of a resin which is a different material from the sheet metal of the top cover, and the base cabinet and the top cover are fixed by fastening screws to the bosses from the base cabinet side. |
| US07726818B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
An image forming apparatus which forms a whole image including a first part image and a second part image on a front side of an image forming target unit formed by overlapping portions of the first and second part images is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes: the image forming target unit; a first projector; a second projector; a first planoconvex lens; and a second planoconvex lens. |
| US07726817B2 |
Projector with lamp unit having a U-shaped insertion frame
This projector includes a lamp unit and a lamp unit housing unit. The lamp unit housing unit includes a substantially U-shaped insertion frame. And the lamp unit includes a lamp and a frame. Furthermore, the lamp unit includes an edge and a plate on the outside of the frame. The edge is a member which contacts against the end portion of the insertion frame in the exhaust direction, in the installed state in which the lamp unit is installed to the lamp unit housing unit. And the plate is a member which, in the installed state, contacts in the exhaust direction with its end edge portion against an installation surface formed upon the insertion frame. Moreover, in the installed state, the plate contacts in the engagement direction with its end edge portion against the aperture line which connects the two ends of the insertion frame. |
| US07726815B2 |
Focusing and astigmatism compensation device for a fundus camera
The invention relates to a device for observing the ocular fundus, in particular to a fundus camera. Said device comprises a light source (1b) for the provision of illumination radiation, an illumination optical path for directing the illumination radiation onto the ocular fundus and observation optics for reproducing the illuminated ocular fundus, the observation optics comprising a module (16b), whose refractive power can be electrically adjusted. |
| US07726814B2 |
Reflection microscope and method
An apparatus and a method for operating an endothelium reflection microscope. The apparatus includes an optical head, which comprises: (i) an illuminating system, (ii) a frontal eye observation optical system along a central channel in which an alignment-use light spot is received and imaged by a camera having a digital optical sensor, and (iii) an enlarged-imaging optical system for enlarged observation or photographing of the subject part by the digital camera. The apparatus further comprises a motor for operating the optical head, and a CPU controller for automatically controlling the motor, the illuminating system and the frontal eye observation optical system. The method comprises an endothelium image acquisition procedure in which the grey level inside a check area of the camera sensor is checked constantly during advancement along the Z-axis; when the grey level reaches a predetermined threshold value, a delay time (Δt) is triggered; and when the delay time (Δt) lapses, acquisition by the digital camera of one or more images of the endothelium is enabled. |
| US07726812B2 |
Device for preventing and treating myopia
A device for preventing and treating myopia includes a base, a spectacles frame (1), a holder (3) and a lens (2). The holder (3) is mounted on the base; a visual target (4) is placed on the base. The spectacles frame (1) is connected to the holder (3) by adjustable connecting parts (31,32,33,34,35), so the distance between the spectacles frame (1) and the visual target (4) which is placed on the base is adjustable. |
| US07726809B2 |
Contact lens, method for producing same, and pack for storage and maintenance of a contact lens
A contact lens (4) comprises a solid component capable of imparting shape and structure to said lens, and a liquid component, at least partially contained in the solid component, capable of favoring the compatibility between said lens and the eye of a user of said lens, wherein the liquid component comprises a solution capable of being used as a lachrymal substitute. |
| US07726808B1 |
Rimless spectacle lens bore polishing method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for improving the performance of rimless spectacle lenses. An abrasive wire is provided for polishing bore holes which are drilled in lenses. The abrasive wire includes a wire substrate with abrasive particles embedded along its length. The wire and particles are dimensioned for threading through the bore hole and allowing space to perform a soft-filing operation. By polishing the micro cracks formed during drilling, propagation leading to lens failure which arises from spectacle use can be reduced. |
| US07726804B2 |
Medium supplying apparatus, method for driving medium supplying apparatus, computer readable medium including drive-control program and recording device
A method for driving a medium supplying apparatus which supplies medium by a pick-up roller, wherein an operation of stopping rotation of the pick-up roller is inserted at least one of before an operation of supplying medium to a separating position where, when a plurality of sheets of medium are fed together by the pick-up roller displaced to the supplying position, an uppermost sheet of the plurality of sheets of medium is separated from a lower sheet or sheets, and before an operation of returning the separated lower sheet or sheets after separating the uppermost sheet from the lower sheet or sheets. |
| US07726796B2 |
Magnetic wire application apparatus, method thereof and printed material including magnetic wire
A magnetic wire application apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a drum using a solid ink; a magnetic wire application unit that applies a magnetic wire on the image formed on the drum by the image forming unit using the solid ink; and an image transfer unit that transfers the image, which is formed by the image forming unit on the drum by the solid ink and applied with the magnetic wire by the magnetic wire application unit, to a printing paper. |
| US07726790B2 |
Printhead module having funnelled ink distribution
A printhead module is provided having an ink delivery member supporting at least one printhead integrated circuit via an ink distribution member. The ink distribution member incorporates a laminated stack of layers for distributing ink from the ink delivery member to inkjet nozzles of the printhead integrated circuit via distribution apertures. The distribution apertures of each successive layer of the stack from the ink delivery member to the inkjet nozzles has a successively smaller diameter. |
| US07726789B2 |
Ink refill unit having printer ink storage actuators
An ink refill unit for replenishing an ink storage compartment of an inkjet printer is provided. The ink refill unit has a body containing a quantity of refilling ink configured to engage an interface of the storage compartment, and a plurality of actuators defined in the body for actuating a constrictor mechanism of the storage compartment as the ink refill unit engages the interface and deactivating the constrictor mechanism as the ink refill unit disengages the interface. The constrictor mechanism constricts a flexible tubular wall of the storage compartment by a predetermined amount. |
| US07726787B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
The present invention realizes the miniaturization of an ink jet recording apparatus by improving the tube arrangement (pull-around) structure. A flow passage of ink supplied from an ink cartridge is turned by approximately 90° using an elbow member, and ink tubes which are connected to the elbow member are arranged (pulled around) to extend toward an image recording part through gaps defined between a plurality of atmospheric-pressure introducing sleeves along an outer wall of the cartridge casing. Due to such an arrangement, compared to a case in which the ink flow passage is turned by approximately 90° using the flexibility of the ink tubes, it is possible to turn the ink tubes with a remarkably large radius of curvature and, at the same time, it is possible to decrease a size of a gap defined between the outer wall of the cartridge casing and other equipment such as a waste ink box. Accordingly, the present invention can realize the further miniaturization of a multi-functional device. |
| US07726785B2 |
Ink delivery assembly for a pagewidth printhead assembly
An ink delivery assembly feeds ink from an ink supply unit to an inkjet printhead. The assembly includes an elongate channel member that defines a plurality of longitudinally arranged parallel channels through which ink from the ink supply unit can be transported. A plurality of spaced apart sets of outlets is serially arranged along the channel member. Ink can be provided through the sets of outlets to the printhead. Each outlet of each set is in fluid communication with a respective one of the channels. |
| US07726784B2 |
Liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head according to one aspect of the invention comprises: a channel unit that comprises: a plurality of individual liquid channels each including a pressure chamber; and a first surface having a plurality of openings corresponding to a plurality of the pressure chambers; and a piezoelectric actuator unit having a second surface that is bonded to the first surface of the channel unit via an adhesive to cover the plurality of pressure chambers. One or more grooves are formed in the first surface of the channel unit to surround the plurality of pressure chambers. An outer edge portion of the second surface the piezoelectric actuator unit faces the groove. A supporting portion that faces the outer edge portion of the second surface of the piezoelectric actuator unit to support the piezoelectric actuator unit is provided in the groove. |
| US07726782B2 |
Image generating apparatus
This image generating apparatus comprises a control portion printing a print image by predicting an ambient temperature in an apparatus body substantially reaching a constant level after continuously printing the same print image from the data quantity of the print image and adding a heat quantity corresponding to the difference between the predicted ambient temperature in the apparatus body and a printing-time ambient temperature in the apparatus body detected by a second temperature sensor to a heat quantity of a thermal head decided in response to a printing-time temperature of the thermal head detected by a first temperature sensor. |
| US07726781B2 |
Micro-electromechanical nozzles having low weight heater elements
Provided is a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements. Each nozzle arrangement includes side walls located on a wafer substrate with a roof portion attached to said walls to define a printing fluid chamber. The roof portion defines an ejection port. Each nozzle arrangement also includes an inlet defined in the substrate to supply the fluid chamber with printing fluid, and at least one heater element having a mass of less than 10 nanograms suspended between the side walls in the fluid chamber. In operation, when electrical actuation energy of less than 500 nanojoules is applied to the heater element, the printing fluid undergoes thermal cavitation which increases fluid pressure in the chamber thereby ejecting printing fluid from the ejection port. |
| US07726780B2 |
Inkjet printhead having high areal inkjet nozzle density
An inkjet print head is provided having a nozzle areal density of at least 40000 inkjet nozzles per square centimeter on a printing surface. Each nozzle has an ink chamber on the printing surface having an ink ejection port, and a heater for heating the ink in the chamber to cause ink ejection from the ink ejection port. |
| US07726779B2 |
Printhead assembly having electrical connector assemblies
The invention relates to a printhead assembly. The assembly includes a printhead module having a plurality of modular printhead tiles each tile having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle assemblies for operatively printing on a printing medium. Also included are printhead controller integrated circuits for controlling operation of the printhead tiles. The printhead assembly further includes a number of electrical connector assemblies for operatively connecting the printhead tiles. Each tile is mounted to a modular support defining a raised portion and a recessed portion at an end thereof, the tile having electrical connecting strips which overlie the respective recessed portions. Each connector assembly includes a connecting member having a series of parallel spaced conducting strips, said member shaped and configured for fitment into a cavity defined by the raised and recessed portions of two abutting supports to connect the connecting strips of two tiles via said conducting strips. |
| US07726775B2 |
Liquid ejection recording head and liquid ejection recording apparatus
A liquid ejection recording head includes a liquid ejecting portion for ejecting liquid; a casing having a first side provided with the liquid ejecting portion, and a second side different from the first side; a first opening provided between the liquid ejecting portion and an edge of the first side; a second opening which is provided in the second side and which is in fluid communication with the first opening; and a projection provided in the second side between the second opening and such an edge of the second side as corresponds to the edge of the first side. |
| US07726772B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus including a liquid ejection head, a liquid receiver, a liquid receiver movement mechanism, and a lid body is provided. The liquid ejection head has a nozzle surface. The nozzle surface includes a nozzle opening. The liquid ejection head ejects a liquid from the nozzle surface. The liquid receiver has an opening provided in correspondence with the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head. The liquid receiver is capable of receiving the liquid ejected as a waste liquid from the nozzle opening of the liquid ejection head through the opening of the liquid receiver. The liquid receiver movement mechanism moves the liquid receiver between a receiving position at which the opening of the liquid receiver opposes the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head and a non-receiving position spaced from the receiving position. The lid body is arranged at the non-receiving position. The lid body contacts the liquid receiver in such a manner as to close the opening of the liquid receiver after the liquid receiver is moved to the non-receiving position by the liquid receiver movement mechanism. |
| US07726769B2 |
Determination of ink ejection amount error for a printer
A plurality of same ink nozzle arrays are provided, and multiple color patches are printed with mutually different dot recording rates respectively using one of the same ink nozzle arrays. Color specification value of the plurality of color patches is measured for each same ink nozzle array. The ink ejection amount error of each same ink nozzle array is determined based on the color specification values of the plurality of color patches for each same ink nozzle array. It is also possible to select among the plurality of color patches a preferable color patch that is closest to a specified reference color patch, and to determine the ink ejection amount error from the dot recording rate of the preferable color patch. |
| US07726768B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and printing method
A dark color (for example, cyan) ink dot formed by preliminary ejection can be made less noticeable, and the influence on the printing quality can be reduced, even in a case where the dark color ink is preliminarily ejected onto a light color (for example, yellow) image area. For this purpose, in a case where the dark color ink is preliminarily ejected onto the image area of high lightness, the amount of the ink applied for printing the area is reduced. For example, in a case where a cyan ink is preliminarily ejected onto an area to be formed of yellow dots, a piece of data for forming the yellow dot in the preliminary ejection position is deleted. This reduces an overlapping area of the yellow area and the ink dot formed by the preliminary ejection, and thus makes the ink dot formed by the preliminary ejection less noticeable. |
| US07726764B2 |
Method of using a mobile device to determine a position of a print medium configured to be printed on by the mobile device
A method of using a mobile device to determine a position of a print medium, the print medium configured to be printed on by the mobile device in a print direction, the mobile device including a printer, a first sensor and processing means, the print medium comprising a substrate defining first and second opposite faces, the first face bearing coded data indicative of at least one location, the method comprising the steps of: (a) using the first sensor to capture a first image of at least some of the coded data when the print medium is at a position within a media feed path within the mobile device; (b) using the processing means to decode at least some of the sensed coded data, thereby to determine at least one location; and (c) determining the position of the print medium based on the at least one location determined in step (b). |
| US07726757B2 |
Image forming apparatus and information processing method
The object of the present invention is to easily select a file when a user prints. In order to achieve this object, according to this invention, an information processing method in an image forming apparatus which stores a printing history in a print process, includes the steps of displaying accessible files stored in a predetermined storage location, selecting one of the displayed files (step S701), extracting, based on the printing history, a file related to the selected file (steps S703 to S706), and printing an arbitrary file of the selected and extracted files (steps S708 and S709). |
| US07726755B2 |
Slide rail assembly
An exemplary slide rail assembly includes a first rail having a pair of stop members, a second rail, a first release member and a second release member slidably attached to the second rail, a fixing board attached to the second rail, a pair of actuating members slidably attached to the fixing board, and a clip. The clip includes a pair of arms respectively abutting against the actuating members. The actuating members engage with the stop members to latch the second rail in the first rail in two opposite directions. One actuating member is driven by the first release member to disengage from one stop member so that the second rail is released along one direction. The other actuating member is driven by the second release member to disengage from the other stop member so that the second rail is released along the other direction. |
| US07726750B2 |
Latch for enclosure
An enclosure includes a back enclosure unit, a front enclosure unit hinged to the back enclosure unit, a rod coupled to the front enclosure unit, and a spring latch coupled to the back enclosure unit, wherein the rod engages the spring latch when the front enclosure unit is closed upon the back enclosure unit. |
| US07726742B2 |
Vehicle seat having a recliner mechanism
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back that is pivotally connected to a seat bottom, a lock mechanism that is configured to inhibit the seat back from pivoting when locked and to permit the seat back to pivot when unlocked, and a release and drive mechanism. The release and drive mechanism includes a mounting member, a drive gear that is rotatable with respect to the mounting member and that is connected to the lock mechanism, and a motor that is connected to the drive gear. The drive gear is rotationally limited to a defined angular range. The motor rotates the drive gear through the defined angular range which moves the lock mechanism to an unlocked state and thereafter causes the seat back to pivot. |
| US07726740B2 |
Backrest-tilting device
A back rest tilting device in a reclining chair formed of fewer parts. A force promoting unit energizes a back rest in an upright direction. A rotating force promoting unit with rubber torsion springs includes a laterally extending pivot shaft rotated integrally with the back rest and an elastic body filled between an outer tube locked to a support body coaxially with the core and the pivot shaft so that the elastic body is elastically deformed when the pivot shaft is rotated about the center axis of the outer tube to impart a returning rotating force to the pivot shaft. |
| US07726732B1 |
Chair mountable desk apparatus
A chair mountable desk apparatus includes a clamp is removably positioned on an armrest. A first panel has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The first panel is mechanically coupled to the clamp and a computer mouse is positionable on the top side. The first panel has a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a first end edge and a second end edge. A second panel has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge. A rod is attached to the lower surface and extends outwardly from the peripheral edge. A sleeve is attached to the bottom side of the first panel nearer to the first end edge than the second end edge. A keyboard is positionable on the upper surface. The sleeve receives the rod to position the second panel adjacent to the second lateral edge. |
| US07726726B2 |
Energy-absorbing system for vehicle door assembly
An energy-absorbing system for vehicle door assemblies is provided, including first and second brackets and a reaction plate. Each bracket attaches to an inner support panel of the door assembly via a mounting portion having leg members extending inward from opposing ends thereof. The reaction plate includes a generally planar portion with a flange portion extending from an upper edge thereof. One side of the reaction plate is attached to an inner surface of a trim panel, whereas the other side is attached to the leg members of the first and second brackets. One section of the flange portion abuts against an underside surface of an armrest assembly, and another section abuts against a b-side surface of a pull-handle. Both brackets are configured to sustain a minimum vertical loading condition (limit vertical deflection), and controllably deform under a threshold lateral loading condition to absorb and attenuate kinetic energy resulting therefrom. |
| US07726718B2 |
Structural support for a bolt collar
A structural support for a bolt collar in an automotive vehicle main structural support is provided and includes a rear wall having a rounded portion, a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the rear wall and a base extending from a lower portion of the rear wall and from a lower portion of the rounded portion in a direction opposite to that of the pair of side walls. The rounded portion extends outwardly from the rear wall in the same direction as the base in an arc-like fashion and forms a recess on an inside surface of the rear wall. Further, the rounded portion extends approximately halfway up the rear wall from the base. |
| US07726716B2 |
Traction device for drawing an object into its interior
A traction device (102) for use in picking or gripping or packaging objects. The traction device (102) draws an object into its interior. It comprises a surface (16) of deformable material, shaped substantially as a tube with an end portion turned inside-out, forming an opening to an interior, and an actuator (6) for moving the surface to draw the object into the interior. The surface of deformable material may be a part of a fluid-filled toroid body (10). The traction device can be used in combination with a bag to bag an object. |
| US07726713B2 |
Multi-use tool for firefighters
A multi-use tool having a generally “J” shaped hook structure which has a top portion, a middle shank portion attached to the top portion, and a curved bottom portion attached to the middle shank portion. The top portion has a loop portion to which a rope, life-line or escape line can be fastened. The curved bottom portion extends to a beveled tip. The multi-use tool also has a protruding member that extends from the curved bottom portion and has a substantially flat top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface. |
| US07726712B2 |
Box lifting device
A pair of devices for lifting boxes is disclosed. Each device comprises a handle, lifting surface, lifting plate and a plurality of lifting members in the form of angled teeth. During use, the teeth of each device are inserted into opposite sides of a corrugated box. A user is then able to lift the box using the temporary handles. The teeth are angled relative to a bottom edge of the lifting plates allowing a user's wrist to maintain a proper position to lift boxes over the user's head. During non-use the pair of devices they are connected with magnets such that the teeth of each lifting plate are received by corresponding openings in the other lifting plate. Each tooth may also include an extension portion for accommodating portions of a box thereby increasing the surface area of contact between the teeth and the box. |
| US07726711B1 |
Hearing aid battery removal tool and associated method
The invention as presently conceived discloses a hand tool that assists in the removal and replacement of hearing aid batteries. The tool has a specially designed tweezer frame to aid in holding and placement of the small batteries. One side of the tweezer tip has a magnet that provides additional capabilities with holding the battery. The opposite side of the tweezer tip consists of a sharp point that aids in positioning or removing batteries from the battery compartment. Although the tool can benefit anyone who wears a hearing aid, it is particularly useful for the elderly. |
| US07726709B2 |
Vehicle bumper structure
A vehicle bumper structure includes a pipe member that extends along the vehicle-width direction. A bumper shock absorbing member extends along the vehicle-width direction, and has a loading space in which the pipe member is placed. A fixing member has a first end portion which is fixed to a vehicle body and a second end portion to which the bumper shock absorbing member is fixed. A bumper cover may be provided on the outer side of the bumper shock absorbing member, and cover the bumper shock absorbing member, the pipe member, and the fixing member. |
| US07726707B2 |
Rotary pawl latch
A latch assembly for releasably securing a striker in a rotary pawl latch. The latch assembly includes a housing, a rotary pawl, and an actuator. The housing can have one sidewall having a notch for receiving the striker. A trigger can be pivotally attached to the housing such that the actuator releases the rotary pawl thus opening the latch. |
| US07726702B2 |
Flange connection for pipe
Assembly for connecting a pipe having a flanged end in fluid communication with an opposing part. The assembly includes an insert received coaxially within the pipe end and having a forward end face extending axially beyond the pipe end, a clamp ring received coaxially over the pipe end, and a flange piece which is fastenable to the opposing as received coaxially over the clamp ring. As the flange piece is fastened to the opposing part, the forward end face of the insert is urged into a sealable engagement against a confronting surface of the opposing part. |
| US07726698B2 |
Manifold comprising a body with a conical inner surface such that the cross-sectional area decreases in the direction of flow
A manifold (1) comprises a body (2) with a plurality of branch fittings (3) diverging therefrom. The inner surface of the body (2) is conical such that the inner cross-sectional area of the body (2) decreases in the direction of flow. The manifold (1) is particularly well suited for use in tap water systems. The manifold (1) can be manufactured e.g. from polyphenyl sulfone PPSU, polysulphone PSU, polyvinylidene fluoride PVDF, glass fiber reinforced polyamide PA, or cross-linked polyolefin plastic. |
| US07726697B2 |
Structure for connecting heat exchangers
A connection structure is provided for connecting heat exchangers (11, 12) to each other for exchanging heat between a first fluid flowing in body parts (13, 14) and a second fluid flowing in heat transfer pipes (15, 16) disposed in the body parts (13, 14). The connection structure includes connection holes (17, 18) provided in the body parts (13, 14) of the heat exchangers (11, 12) and a press-formable connection member (19), connected to the outer surfaces of the body parts (13, 14) for fluidly coupling the connecting holes (17, 18) so that the body parts (13, 14) are allowed to communicate with each other. |
| US07726696B2 |
Label assembly for applying a label to an object
A label assembly that includes a face sheet with at least one label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration structure aligned with the label shape. The registration structure is raised or raisable above the back sheet to allow an object for labeling to be positioned against the registration structure for proper alignment with the label. |
| US07726690B1 |
Vehicle for deploying a mobile surveillance module
A surveillance module may be deployed from a vehicle. The vehicle to deploy the surveillance module includes a first portion configured to accommodate a user to operate the vehicle. A second portion includes a module configured to accommodate the user and comprising a roof and an entrance accessible through an interior of the vehicle from the first portion. The second portion also includes a lifting mechanism coupled to the module and operable to move the module vertically from a retracted position to an extended position. A third portion defines an opening to accommodate the module, wherein the roof of the module couples to a periphery of the opening in the retracted position. |
| US07726689B2 |
Anti-tip system for a power wheelchair
An anti-tip system is provided for improving the stability of a powered vehicle, such as a powered wheelchair. The vehicle includes a drive-train assembly pivotally mounted to a main structural frame. A suspension system biases the drive-train assembly and its connected anti-tip wheel to a predetermined resting position. The drive-train assembly bi-directionally rotates about a pivot in response to torque applied to or acceleration forces on the vehicle. A linkage arrangement is provided and is characterized by a suspension arm pivotally mounting to the main structural frame about a pivot at one end thereof and an anti-tip wheel at the other end. The linkage may further include at least one link operable to transfer the bi-directional displacement of the drive-train assembly to the suspension arm. The link may include a bell crank member and/or may be resiliently compressible. |
| US07726688B2 |
Vehicle partition compatible with side air bags
A vehicle partition for separating front and rear occupant areas (or other restricted and permitted areas) in a vehicle having side air bags, the vehicle partition comprising a partition frame with upright portions spaced apart from the vehicle's respective inner side surfaces such that the partition does not interfere with deployment of the air bags. In some embodiments, access through openings defined by the spaced apart upright portions and adjacent vehicle side surfaces is restricted by cover members. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the partition frame are electrified to shock an occupant in a restricted area attempting to gain access to a permitted area through an opening in the partition. |
| US07726685B2 |
Airbag and airbag apparatus
An airbag and airbag apparatus in which a venthole is closed or opened by a small amount until an occupant hits the airbag, and the venthole is opened or opened by a large amount when the occupant hits the airbag. Inner panels 22A and 22B are provided inside of an airbag 10. Ventholes 18 and 18A allowing an inside and an outside of the airbag 10 to communicate with each other are provided in a rear panel 14. A lid member 60 for covering the venthole is provided on an outer surface side of the rear panel 14. The venthole 18A is a constantly-open type venthole that is not covered by means of the lid member 60. A tether 70 couples the lid member 60 with the inner panels 22A and 22B through the constantly-open type venthole 18A. |
| US07726684B2 |
Airbag deployment techniques
Airbag deployment system for a vehicle having a passenger compartment includes airbags arranged to substantially fill the passenger compartment upon deployment, an inflator system for inflating the airbags and a crash sensor system coupled to the inflator system for directing the inflator system to inflate the airbag. Multiple housings may be arranged around the passenger compartment, each including at least one airbag. Some of the airbags may be interconnected to provide a primary airbag and at least one secondary airbag extending from the primary airbag. The inflator system may be an aspirated inflator system. The crash sensor system may be an anticipatory sensor system. The airbags may be film airbags. One-way valves may be arranged between adjacent airbags. |
| US07726683B2 |
Stroller
A lightweight stroller 10 is provided. The stroller 10 includes front legs 12, rear legs 14, a seat support frame 70 connected to the front legs 12, a backrest support frame 34 connected to the seat support frame 70, a headrest plate 52 connected to an upper part of the backrest support frame, and a pair of side plates 50 disposed on the opposite sides, respectively, of the backrest support frame 34. A base sheet can be stably hold by the backrest support frame 34, the headrest plate 52 and the side plates 50 without increasing the length of connecting rods. |
| US07726678B1 |
Sliding fifth wheel assembly
A sliding fifth wheel assembly for slidably connecting a trailer hitch to a vehicle, comprising at least one rail connectable to the vehicle and a platform connectable to the trailer hitch. The platform is slidably mounted to the rail for movement between a forward position and a rearward position. At least one stop bar is connected to the platform, and at least one locking bar is pivotally mounted to the rail for selective engagement with the stop bar to retain the platform in either the forward position or the rearward position. The locking bar may be selectively engaged by at least one actuator. |
| US07726673B2 |
Cast trailing arm assembly for trailer suspension
A trailing arm assembly for a suspension includes first and second axle wraps. The first and second axle wraps are welded to each other to substantially surround an outer perimeter of an axle member. The first axle wrap is then welded to one side of the axle member at a first weld area and the second axle wrap is welded to an opposite side of the axle member at a second weld area. The first axle wrap includes a spring seat and the second axle wrap includes an arm body with a bushing receiver portion at one arm end. A bushing tube attached to the bushing receiver portion. The first weld area comprises a single window weld and the second weld area comprises first and second window welds that are positioned on opposing sides of the arm body. |
| US07726671B2 |
Wheeled shopping bag
A wheeled bag assembly having an elongated wheeled bottom assembly made out of a rigid and moldable material with an upperside, an underside, first and second lateral sides, first and second ends defined, respectively, by first and second folds along said underside, said first fold extending away from said underside a first predetermined distance. Wheel members mounted to the lateral sides opposite to a supporting fold with cooperative dimensions to permit the bottom assembly to be at rest at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to a supporting surface. A bag member with flat bottom wall is mounted over the upperside and extends upwardly defining an internal compartment and an upper end opening. A user tilts the bag assembly and pulls it from handles mounted adjacent to the opening causing the wheels to roll and the assembly to easily move with its contents. |
| US07726666B2 |
Actuator for a divided stabilizer of a motor vehicle
An actuator is provided for a two-part stabilizer, which builds up a spring rate in its opened position. A hydraulic absorbing unit (9) is arranged on the axle of the switchable coupling unit (8). The absorbing unit is connected to one stabilizer part (4), on the one hand, and to the other stabilizer part (5), on the other hand. The absorbing unit forms at least one pressure chamber (32) and a suction chamber (33) and assumes a blocked position in the locked position of the switchable coupling (8) and counteracts the relative twisting motion between the two stabilizer parts (4, 5) at a hydraulic spring rate in the opened position of the switchable coupling (8). |
| US07726665B2 |
Suspension system
A suspension system for an agricultural or construction industry vehicle is described. The suspension system comprises two hydraulic cylinders, which support a frame in relation to an axle of the vehicle, the hydraulic cylinders each having a piston-side chamber and a piston rod-side chamber and each of the chambers of the hydraulic cylinders being connectable to one another via connecting lines provided with a switch valve, a first supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the first hydraulic cylinder, a second supply line, which can be connected via a switch valve to the piston-side connecting line of the second hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic accumulator, in each case connectable to the supply lines via proportionally adjustable orifices, a hydraulic source, a hydraulic tank, a control valve device, and an electronic control unit. In order to prevent the activation of a suspension state in critical vehicle states, means for the detection and compensation of load states of the vehicle are provided in the suspension system. |
| US07726655B2 |
Games of chance with player-specified elements
A game to be modified in accordance with the invention involves a first random outcome and a second random outcome that are combined according to game rules to produce a game outcome. The game is administered by receiving a player request for a specific entry, the specific entry replacing one of the random outcomes and being selected from a finite set of possibilities not determined by chance. The requested specific entry affects the probable outcome of the game. The specific entry is combined with the remaining one of the random outcomes according to the game rules to determine the game outcome. According to one embodiment, the specific entry may be a score such as 18 which replaces the player's hand in the game of blackjack. |
| US07726654B2 |
Method of playing a card game
The present invention preferably relates to a casino card game played with a standard fifty-two card deck. The game is divided into a bonus round and a challenge round. Each player places an ante and a bonus wager at the start of the game and must place a third wager to continue into the challenge round. The dealer pays winning hands at two points in the game, at the end of the bonus round and at the end of the challenge round. The bonus round is paid according to each player's two card hand plus a third community card. The challenge round is played one-on-one with each player two card hand versus the dealer's. The player has the option to buy a new card and surrender a card of his choice during the challenge round for a predetermined price. |
| US07726652B2 |
Lottery game played on a geometric figure using indicia with variable point values
A system, method and lottery ticket that implement a lottery game that uses a geometric figure having a plurality of selection spaces from which a player selects at least one selection space. The selection spaces are then populated with one or more game indicia, with each game indicia having a point value, and prizes are awarded based upon the total number of points associated with the game indicia populated into the player-selected selection spaces. Other lottery games can also be played simultaneously therewith on the same ticket or round of play. |
| US07726651B2 |
Apparatus for ejecting sheets
An apparatus for ejecting sheets from a sheet transport path onto an auxiliary stack disposed upstream of a main stack, includes a planar sheet guide surface having a sheet ejection opening formed therein. The sheet ejection opening is closed by a sheet separating element and a flap, in a closed state. The separating element and the flap also serve as guide elements during the ejection of sheets. |
| US07726650B2 |
Automatic document feeder having mechanism for releasing paper jam
The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder having a mechanism for releasing paper jam by disconnecting the transmission device. The automatic document feeder includes a driving motor, a transmission device, a plurality of paper transfer rollers, a swing arm and a releasing arm. The driving motor is used for providing driving power. The transmission device and is coupled to the driving motor for transmitting the driving power. The swing arm is coupled to some of the transmission elements and operated in either a connection state or a disconnection state. The releasing arm is selectively contacted with the swing arm to have the swing arm enter the disconnection state or separated from the swing arm to have the swing arm enter the connection state. The paper jam is released when the swing arm is operated in the disconnection state. |
| US07726646B2 |
Sheet package with recloseable flap
A sheet in accordance with the present invention includes sheets as print mediums for a printer and a package member surrounding the sheets which have been stacked up. The sheet package is configured so that the sheets can be set in the printer together with the package member exposing part of the sheets. The package member is integrally provided with a flap part which can expose part of the sheets by being opened when the sheet package is set in the printer and cover the exposed part of the sheets by being closed when the sheet package is not used. |
| US07726643B2 |
Paper feeder having hard nip and flexible nip
A friction feeder apparatus for handling sheets of paper of differing thicknesses includes a first plurality of laterally spaced apart transport belts positioned in underlying relation to the paper and a second plurality of laterally spaced apart separator wheels positioned in overlying relation to the paper. The transport belts are staggered with respect to the separator wheels. A sheet of paper passing through the feeder apparatus is undeflected from the top as it encounters the transport belts and is unsupported from the bottom as it encounters the separator wheels so that the sheet of paper is not held flat as it passes through the feeder but instead is forced into a wave-like, sinusoidal-like shape. In a first embodiment, the separator wheels are downstream of a fixed nip roller and in a second embodiment, the separator wheels are upstream of the fixed nip roller. |
| US07726642B2 |
Large capacity bottom feed dispenser
A dispenser for dispensing flat media comprises a media storage bin at a first end and a discharge chute at a second end, with a coarse media separator located adjacent the media storage bin and a rear conveyor which is intermittently driven to convey the media towards a singulation separator, having a front conveyor which delivers media to a transport conveyor and to a discharge chute. A sensor senses media at a location just before the singulation separator. Media from the bottom of the storage bin are pass through the coarse media separator and lie on the rear conveyor in shingled arrangement, and are pulled into the singulation separator one at a time. The rear conveyor works only when the sensor senses the absence of media. |
| US07726640B2 |
Sheet cutting apparatus
A sheet cutting apparatus, including: a cutting knife for cutting a sheet bundle including a plurality of sheets; a sub-waste box capable of temporally receiving cutting wastage of a sheet bundle which has been cut; and a main waste box capable of receiving the cutting wastage received in the sub-waste box, in which the main waste box is constructed so that a wastage disposal operation of the cutting wastage received in the main waste box can be made while the sub-waste box temporally receives the cutting wastage. |
| US07726639B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and sheet bundle alignment method
When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray. |
| US07726638B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
Provided is a sheet processing apparatus for performing a bookbinding process by folding a sheet stack, including: a folding roller pair including a first roller and a second roller brought into press contact with the first roller to be contacted/separated with/from the first roller, for conveying the sheet stack while folding the sheet stack; a plurality of urging members capable of urging the second roller in a direction of the first roller; and an urging mechanism for changing a number of the urging members for urging the second roller according to a thickness of the sheet stack to be folded. |
| US07726637B2 |
Reconfigurable clamp and method of use thereof
A reconfigurable clamp is provided, where the clamp includes: a clamp body including a plurality of through holes formed within the clamp body; a plurality of movable pins which slidably fit within the through holes in the clamp body; wherein the movable pins incorporate a tapered section to facilitate locking of the movable pins; and wherein the clamp is reconfigurable by movement of the pins to conform to a surface geometry of an object of arbitrary shape through contact with that object. The clamped surface is represented as a series of discrete points corresponding to the ends of the plurality of pins. |
| US07726633B2 |
Plastic fence
A molded plastic fence having a unitary front fence section and a unitary rear fence section is provided. The unitary front fence section and the unitary rear fence section are coupled together to form a fence without visible molding artifacts. To emulate a traditional wooden fence, the fence sections preferably include various fence elements such as posts, slats and rails. The fence elements on each fence section typically have a planar member with an inner side and a raised edge extending from the inner side. The molding artifacts are disposed on the inner sides of the fence elements. The unitary front fence section and a unitary rear fence section are coupled with the raised edges engaging each other. In this configuration the molding artifacts are hidden from view and the fence elements appear as solid. |
| US07726632B2 |
Lateral impact containment system for vehicles, with high energy absorption and containment capacity
High contention and energy absorption capacity system to contain vehicle's side impact configured by an anchoring plate, configured by a post having a base, a frontal plate and a base plate and said post affixed to the terrain at regular intervals, configured by two or more systems of continuous horizontal rails arranged longitudinally and attached to the post by a clamp placed in the inner side of the rail and also constituted by a separating device that is characterized by the post's leg to be comprised by two tubular profiles, mutually facing, the base plate of the post having frontal and lateral-rear openings that permit a certain controlled displacement of the post's leg, as a separating device between the post and the rail there is a shock-absorbing system having high energy capacity that serves to endow the system with a high capacity to absorb the energy resulting from the impact of a vehicle and allow it to be redirectioned. |
| US07726623B2 |
Fastening device for an internal rear view mirror of motor vehicles on an inner side of a windshield
A fastening device for an internal rear view mirror of motor vehicles to be installed on an inner side of a windshield contains a holding part which is held in position on the windshield by adhesive bonding, to which holding part is detachably fastened a mirror foot of the internal rear view mirror. In order to obtain a statically precisely defined, highly rigid connection between the holding part and mirror foot, it is provided that the mirror foot, in its mounted operating position, is supported directly on the holding part merely by a six-point support and is fastened to the holding part by a separate retaining device. |
| US07726618B2 |
Universal ball and socket mount
The invention includes a mount with a knob including a shaft extending therefrom. A two piece socket housing defines a socket therebetween. The two piece socket has a portion formed as a first clamp element. A ball member is disposed in the socket and includes a slot and an attachment structure. A second clamp element has a connector, preferably an internally threaded nut captured therein. The shaft passes through a first portion of the two piece socket, the slot of the ball member, a second portion the two piece socket and terminates in the second clamp element, such that when the knob is manipulated, the two piece socket fixes the ball member in position and a clamping force is generated between the first clamp element and the second clamp element. |
| US07726617B2 |
Flat panel display mounting system
A television mounting system is disclosed. It includes a wall plate adapted to be secured to a wall and a monitor plate mountable on the wall plate. Expansion plates may be secured at selected locations on the monitor plate to accommodate mounting of various sizes of display screens, such as flat panel televisions. |
| US07726613B2 |
Water blast gun support apparatus and methods
A water blast gun support apparatus and methods for enabling the operator to direct the gun by a joystick attached to a pneumatic sinusoidal biasing control unit. Depending upon the direction the joystick is pointed by the operator, a controlled flow of air is delivered to pneumatic motion producing actuators which move the water blast gun to the desired position and maintain this position when the operator moves the joystick to its neutral position. The support apparatus absorbs the thrust of the water so that the operator is relieved from having to physically counter the force of the water. |
| US07726612B1 |
Control expansion for conventionally powered model railroads
A method and apparatus is shown to allow an integrated expanded control capability of digital locomotives on model railroad layouts that also permit compatible speed and direction operation simultaneously for non-digital or conventional locomotives alongside. The improvements employ mixed-mode control encoding and decoding algorithms and methods that are expanded beyond the prior art for control mode changes used on model railroad layouts. |
| US07726610B2 |
Systems and methods for providing differential motion to wing high lift device
Systems and methods for providing differential motion to wing high lift devices are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first deployable lift device with a first spanwise location, and a second deployable lift device with a second spanwise location different than the first. The wing system can further include a drive system having a drive link operatively coupleable to both the first and second deployable lift devices, and a control system operatively coupled to the drive system. The control system can have a first configuration for which the drive link is operatively coupled to the first and second deployable lift devices, and activation of at least a portion of the drive link moves the first and second deployable lift devices together. In a second configuration, the drive link is operatively coupled to at least the first deployable lift device and operatively decoupled from the second deployable lift device, so that actuation of at least a portion of the drive link moves the first deployable lift device relative to the second deployable lift device. |
| US07726606B2 |
Luggage compartment that can be lowered comprising a hydraulic cylinder locking mechanism
The invention relates to a lowerable luggage compartment (10), in particular for a passenger aircraft, having a pneumatic pressure spring (16) connected to the luggage compartment. In order to be able to latch the luggage compartment (10) in an elegant manner in its closed position, the pneumatic pressure spring (16) is a rigidly blockable pneumatic pressure spring with an externally controllable valve for selectively opening or shutting off the hydraulic system of the pneumatic pressure spring, and the hydraulic system of the pneumatic pressure spring (16) is shut off by means of the valve in the closed position of the luggage compartment (10). |
| US07726603B2 |
Sandwich-structure flat actuator and application to structural torsion
The present invention relates to a sandwich-structure flat active actuator that is symmetrical relative to the mid-plane comprising at least one piezoelectric flat layer having an active direction superpose and fixedly attached to at least one passive flat layer of fabric with rigid warp and weft oriented in two directions forming a mesh; the two directions of each layer of fabric are the same. The active direction of each piezoelectric layer is oriented along one and the same diagonal of the mesh of the layers of fabric. The invention is also aimed at a device consisting of two actuators mounted head-to-tail. The invention applies to the active torsion of structures such as, for example, a helicopter blade. |
| US07726595B2 |
Pepper mill
A pepper mill includes a receiving unit defining a receiving space, a grinding unit disposed at one end of the receiving space, and a stop unit dividing the receiving space into first and second space portions that are respectively distal from and proximate to the grinding unit. The stop unit is formed with a passage to permit peppercorns in the first space portion to fall into the grinding unit so as to be ground thereby through the second space portion when the pepper mill is disposed at a dispensing position, and is configured to stop a portion of residual ground pepper in the second space portion from reaching the first space portion via the passage when the pepper mill is disposed at a non-dispensing position. |
| US07726591B2 |
Rotor processor
A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume. |
| US07726586B2 |
Rotary atomizing head and rotary atomizing coating machine
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rotary atomizing head that paint supplied to an inner peripheral surface is spread on the inner peripheral surface uniformly so as to improve the quality of coating and to lengthen the life of the rotary atomizing head. An inner peripheral surface 67 diametrically expanded from the center of the rotary atomizing head to a peripheral edge 61b is formed and centrifugal force generated by the rotation is applied on the paint supplied to the inner peripheral surface 67 so as to discharge the paint outside atomizingly. A step part 68 is formed at the middle portion of the inner peripheral surface 67 between paint supply holes 65d, supplying paint or solvent to the inner peripheral surface 67, and the peripheral edge 61b of the inner peripheral surface 67. |
| US07726583B2 |
Separate type air conditioner
An indoor unit has first, second indoor side terminals to which first, second interconnection lines respectively, are connected at their one end, a third indoor side terminal to which a third interconnection line is connected at its one end, a relay with one end connected to the second indoor side terminal and another end connected to the third indoor side terminal, and a CPU. The outdoor unit has first, second outdoor side terminals as outdoor side power-receiving terminals to which the first, second interconnection lines, respectively, are connected at their other end, a third outdoor side terminal to which the third interconnection line is connected at its other end, and an outdoor control section to which electric power is supplied via the first, third outdoor side terminals. The CPU of the indoor unit turns off the switch part in the standby state. |
| US07726579B2 |
In-chassis TV chip with dynamic purse
An IC with a purse is permanently mounted on the main motherboard of a TV and communicates with the main CPU. The purse chip holds electronic funds, and the user can, by means of OSDs, purchase content and services using the funds. The user can replenish the purse from time to time. The purse chip does not contain personal identifying information, so it facilitates transfer of ownership when a TV is sold and anonymous transactions. |
| US07726578B2 |
Progressive unplugging multi-cards body
A card body comprises a first card body (ID-1 card 1), a second card body (plug-in card 2) and a third card body (mini card 3). The first card body has a first shape (ID-1 shape). The second card body comprises a second shape (plug-in shape). The first card body encompasses the second card body. The third card body comprises a third shape (mini shape). The second card body encompasses the third card body. The third card body has a cavity for receiving an electronic module. A first boundary separates the first shape (ID-1 shape) from the second shape (plug-in shape), and comprises a first number of apertures (5, 6, 7, 17, 18) and a first number of notches (19 and 20) defining a first mechanical inter-card body coupling strength (link between ID-1 card 1 and plug-in card 2). A second boundary separates the second shape (plug-in shape) from the third shape (mini shape), and comprises a second number of apertures (21) and a second number of notches (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) defining a second mechanical inter-card body coupling strength (link between plug-in to card 2 and mini card 3). A cumulated length of the first number of apertures (5, 6, 7, 17, 18) is greater than a cumulated length of the second number of apertures (21) and a cumulated length of the first number of notches (19 and 20) is lesser than a cumulated length of the second number of notches (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) so that the second mechanical coupling strength is greater than the first mechanical coupling strength. |
| US07726577B2 |
Contactless card
The present invention aims at providing a contactless card that enables a reader/writer to identify which card such reader/writer is communicating with in a set of card identification processes and that improves the possibility of protecting the cardholder's privacy. Contactless card (200) includes: power detection unit (203); random number ID generation unit (210) that determines an identifier that identifies card (200), every time power detection unit (203) detects that electric power has been supplied; ID storage unit (2081) that holds the determined identifier; sending/receiving circuit (204) that receives a command requesting that the identifier that identifies card (200) should be sent to reader/writer (100), and sending/receiving circuit (204) sends, to reader/writer (100), the determined identifier in the case where the received command is a first-received command, and the held identifier in the case where the received command is a second- or later-received command. |
| US07726570B2 |
Method for producing indicators and processing apparatus and system utilizing the indicators
The present invention discloses a method for producing graphical indicators and interactive systems for utilizing the graphical indicators. On the surface of an object, visually negligible graphical indicators are provided. The graphical indicators and main information, i.e. text or pictures, co-exist on the surface of object. The graphical indicators do not interfere with the main information when the perception of human eyes are concerned. With the graphical indicators, further information other than the main information on the surface of object are carried. In addition to the main information on the surface of object, one is able to obtain additional information through an auxiliary electronic device or trigger an interactive operation. |
| US07726569B2 |
Method for determining sampling timing and image reading apparatus using the same
An image reading apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converter that converts image data into an electric signal and outputs the image data; a clock controller that generates a plurality of sampling signals having different phases to sample a level of an output signal of the photoelectric converter; a phase determination unit that compares signal levels in a sampling order, each of the signals obtained by sampling, using a respective sampling signal, the output signal of the photoelectric converter, so as to determine an optimum phase of the plurality of the sampling signals when a condition is fulfilled in which an absolute value of a variation between signal levels being compared is less than a threshold value; a storage unit in which the optimum phase is stored; and a sampling unit that samples the output signal of the photoelectric converter using the sampling signal having the optimum phase. |
| US07726565B1 |
Insertable and removable magnetic stripe reader head protection device
An insertable and removable reader head protection device for a magnetic stripe reader is provided including a thin, non-ferromagnetic insertable panel that is disposed between the reader head and the magnetic stripe card, as the magnetic stripe card is inserted and swiped. The insertable and removable panel is adapted to protect the reader head from dirt, oil, and the like when inserted in the magnetic stripe reader and is adapted to be manually removable from this dirt-shielding position for manual cleaning. The reader head protection device provided includes embodiments both for use as an add-on accessory with existing types of magnetic stripe readers and for use during the initial manufacture of new magnetic stripe readers. When using the magnetic stripe reader head protection device the magnetic stripe reader owner will reduce downtime due to non-operational readers and reduce the cost of cleaning cards and service costs. |
| US07726554B2 |
Multiple punch and die assembly providing hand disassembly, punch length adjustment and replacement
A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector which is a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece. |
| US07726551B2 |
Container with folding lid
A folding closure that is foldable to a closed orientation having a pair of gabled lid sections oriented to be linearly aligned and abutting one another in an end-to-end relationship and a pair of lateral lid sections oriented to be linearly aligned with one another and abutting opposite sides of the gabled lid sections. |
| US07726550B2 |
Insert with a return mailer
A mailer is disclosed for distributing advertisements and invoices. The mailer provides an envelope for returning the invoices and a buck slip for displaying advertisements and incentives. The return mailer is attached to the mailer and removed from the mailer simultaneously upon the opening of the mailer. |
| US07726548B2 |
Reusable envelope structures and methods
The present invention provides reusable envelope structures, kits for forming reusable envelope structures, and methods of using envelopes formed from such structures and kits. Reusable envelope structures can be formed and kits can be formed for converting existing envelopes to reusable envelopes in accordance with the present invention. As such, envelopes may advantageously be provided that can be reused one or more times. |
| US07726546B2 |
Bonding apparatus and bonding method
A bonding apparatus (10) that bonds an electrode of a semiconductor die (12) and an electrode of a circuit board (19) using a metal nano paste includes a bump formation mechanism (20) that forms bump by injecting microdroplets of a metal nano paste on each electrode, a primary bonding mechanism (50) that carries out primary bonding to the electrodes in a non-conductive state by pressing the bump of the semiconductor die (12) against the bump of the circuit board (19), and a secondary bonding mechanism (80) that includes a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the primary bonded bump in bonding direction, and that carries out secondary bonding so that the electrodes become conductive by heating the bump up to a temperature higher than a binder removal temperature of the metal nano paste and a dispersant removal temperature of the metal nano paste, removing the binder and the dispersant, and pressurizing and sintering the metal nanoparticles in the bump. With this, it is possible to efficiently bond the electrodes with a simple and easy way while reducing a bonding load. |
| US07726545B2 |
Flip chip mounting process and bump-forming process using electrically-conductive particles as nuclei
A flip chip mounting process or a bump-forming process according to the present invention is characterized in that electrically-conductive particles are fixed on electrodes formed on an electronic component. A composition comprising solder powder, a convection additive and a resin component is supplied onto a surface of the electronic component, the surface is provided with the electrodes. The supplied composition is heated up to a temperature enabling the solder powder to melt. As a result, the convection additive boils or is decomposed so as to generate a gas. The generated gas produces a convection phenomenon within the supplied composition. Since the convection phenomenon promotes the movement of the solder powder, the solder powder can move freely within the composition. The electrically-conductive particles serve as nuclei for the solder powder to self-assemble and grow. As a result, the molten solder powder is allowed to self-assemble and grow in the vicinity of the electrically-conductive particles, which leads to a formation of connections or bumps. |
| US07726543B2 |
Method for the production of a soldered joint
A method for the production of a soldered joint between at least two contact partners (22, 23) of a bonding arrangement (21), with a formed piece of solder material (27) being arranged at a distance to the bonding arrangement. The formed piece of solder material is at least partially melted off. The at least partially melted off formed piece of solder material being thrust against a bonding arrangement in such a way that both bonding partners are wetted in a bonding area to establish an electrically conductive bonding. |
| US07726536B2 |
Upper bumper configuration for a power tool
A tool with a structure, a driver that reciprocates along an axis between a returned position and an extended position and a bumper that is coupled to the structure so as to be disposed between the structure and the driver. The bumper includes a beat piece and a damper. |
| US07726535B2 |
Stapler
A stapler for stapling together a workpiece, primarily a sheaf of papers, in which the stapler comprises a stapling unit and an anvil, which interacts with the stapling unit and on which the workpiece is placed, and against which stapling is performed, which stapling unit and an anvil are, driven relative to each other in a reciprocating stapling movement, during which movement stapling takes place, the stapling unit comprises a frame and a staple cassette which houses staple blanks and which is exchangeable, and which is detachably connected to the frame by attachment devices, and the staple blanks are fed one by one to an outlet channel by a feeding device incorporated in the stapler. |
| US07726531B2 |
Gondola pegboard covering system
A method for covering a retail display support structure to alter its appearance is provided. The method first includes the step of dispensing a length of covering material from a wound state on a roll. Next, the length of covering material is severed from roll to form a placard of the covering material having a dimension that corresponds to at least one dimension of the retail display support structure. Next, the placard is secured to retail display support structure to cover at least a portion of the retail display support structure. The placard may be secured to the retail display support structure by pushpins that push through the placard and into holes for supporting peg hooks or shelves. |
| US07726528B2 |
Bicycle carrier
A bicycle carrier, including a rack and a fork mount. The rack includes cross bars for mounting on a vehicle. The fork mount includes a head portion adapted to selectively clamp the fork mount to one of the cross bars, and a skewer assembly adapted to selectively secure forks of a bicycle to the head portion. The skewer assembly includes a skewer bolt, an actuator handle that is moveable between a first position and a second position, and an adjustment member threaded onto an end of the skewer bolt that permits longitudinal adjustment of the skewer assembly to accommodate different fork dimensions. The adjustment member is accessible when the actuator handle is in the first position, but is covered by the actuator handle when the actuator handle is in the second position. |
| US07726523B2 |
Pre-measured material dispenser with pivoting reservoir
A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of material from a container includes a discharge tube, connecting mechanism for connecting an upper end of the discharge tube to the mouth opening of the container, a measuring reservoir attached to a lower end of the discharge tube for capturing a pre-determined amount of material, and a pivot mechanism pivotably connecting the reservoir to the discharge tube. The reservoir is pivotable from a first position to a second position. With the reservoir in the first position, the reservoir and the discharge tube are insertable into a container having a relatively narrow mouth opening. With the reservoir in the second position, the discharge opening of the reservoir communicates with an opening in the second end of the discharge tube, in a dispensing ready position. |
| US07726519B2 |
Fluid dispenser device
A fluid dispenser device, comprising: a dispenser orifice (5); a reservoir (10) containing at least one dose of fluid; at least one piston (15) axially slidable in said reservoir (10) so as to dispense said fluid; a dispenser member (20) co-operating with said piston (15); and an actuator element (30) co-operating with said dispenser member (20); said device being characterized in that said dispenser member (20) is displaceable between a blocking position, preventing said actuator element (30) from being actuated, and a release position in which the actuation of said actuator element (30) displaces said dispenser member (20) so as to dispense a dose of fluid, said dispenser member (20) being displaced manually from its blocking position to its release position before said device is actuated. |
| US07726518B2 |
Dispenser for concentrated injection
A dispenser, particularly suitable for a liquid container, comprising a liquid pump provided with an inlet having an inlet valve and an outlet having an outlet valve, an air pump provided with an inlet having an inlet valve and an outlet having an outlet valve, a mixing chamber which is in communication with the outlet of each pump, and a dispensing part provided with an outflow channel with an outflow opening, wherein the outflow channel is in communication with the mixing chamber, and wherein the outlet valve of the air pump is arranged adjacent to the outlet of the liquid pump. |
| US07726517B2 |
Liquid draw-back system for a dispensing package
Provided is a liquid dispensing package for a container adapted to contain a liquid that includes a hand operated liquid transport assembly coupled to an actuator, a liquid distribution subsystem in fluid communication with a discharge tube from the liquid transport assembly, wherein downward motion of the actuator, provided by a user, causes liquid to travel through the discharge tube to the actuator top surface, and a liquid draw-back subsystem wherein upward motion of the actuator, provided by a return spring, permits draw-back of liquid from the top surface of the actuator. |
| US07726516B2 |
Pump
A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect. |
| US07726512B2 |
Universal food-holding receptacle for use with beverage containers of diverse shapes and sizes
An aid for dining in stand-up and similar situations where a person may simultaneously support a plate and a beverage container by a single hand. The invention comprises a universal food holding receptacle that is stably mountable on upright beverage containers of widely diverse shapes and sizes. The user holds a lower portion of the beverage container in one hand and uses the other hand for other activities such as taking food items from the food holding receptacle that is supported on the beverage container. The food holding receptacle is stably mounted on the beverage container in loose-fitting relationship so that the receptacle can be repeatedly mounted on and demounted from the beverage container in a facile manner while dining. The same food holding receptacle may also be used, after turning upside-down, to stably support beverage containers of diverse shapes and sizes. |
| US07726511B2 |
Reverse osmosis filtration system storage tanks
A reverse osmosis product water storage tank having first and second molded shells coupled together to form an enclosure, a bladder within the enclosure and coupled to separate product water from squeeze water within the enclosure, a first port through a wall of the enclosure to provide water access to the product water side of the bladder, a second port through a wall of the enclosure to provide squeeze water access to the squeeze water side of the bladder and wherein the inner surfaces of the enclosure having a topography configured to define a plurality of channels between the inner surfaces of the enclosure and the bladder when the bladder is full of product water for accommodating squeeze water flow into the enclosure between the enclosure and the bladder when the bladder is full of product water. |
| US07726510B2 |
Brush wiping device and method of use
A brush wiping device and a method of using the brush wiping device is disclosed. The brush wiping device can be attached to an upper surface of a container which is capable of housing a fluid, for example, paint. The brush wiping device includes a first surface, a second surface and a thickness therebetween. The brush wiping device also includes an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The inner perimeter extends completely through the thickness of the brush wiping device and is configured to include a brush dipping aperture, a brush wiping aperture and a brush transfer aperture. The brush transfer aperture communicates with both the brush dipping aperture and the brush wiping aperture. The brush wiping device further includes an attachment member used to removably secure the brush wiping device to the upper surface of the container. |
| US07726506B2 |
Container closure and closure lid for said container closure
A closure lid for a connecting element of a computer container, comprising an inner part which is maintained on an outer part of said lid and which is provided with an annular groove on the outer periphery thereof, said groove being defined by an annular web on the outer side of the lid and having a sealing ring inserted therein. In order to provide a closure lid which is embodied in such a way that it is possible to prevent the sealing ring from being raised radially from the base of the groove as a result of existing pressure and therefore to relieve the pressure inside the container before the open position of the closure container is reached, the annular web disposed on the outer side of the lid is provided with an uneven bearing surface for the sealing ring. |
| US07726505B2 |
Vacuum pump valve
A vacuum pump valve includes a valve body and a suction element. The valve body includes a sealing platform sealedly attached on the container at the opening thereof, and a guiding sleeve upwardly extended from the sealing platform to form a suction channel, wherein the sealing platform has an operation hole formed thereon at a position within the suction channel and at least a through ventilating groove communicating the receiving cavity of the container with an exterior thereof. The suction element is disposed within the suction channel of the valve body, including an enlarged sealing head adapted to seal on the sealing platform to enclose the ventilating groove thereof, and a guiding shaft extended from the sealing head to slidably mount at the sealing platform at the operation hole to move the sealing head between a releasing position and a sealing position. |
| US07726504B2 |
Fire-protective packaging system and method
A packaging system or method for protecting combustible material in a sprinkler-provided environment has an outer layer with a combustible surface covering a fire-retardant protection layer. Combustion of the surface of the outer layer promotes effective sprinkler operation, while combustible material is protected by the fire-retardant protection layer. |
| US07726501B2 |
Three-dimensional frame structure or support structure for transporting and/or storing an object and method for the production thereof
A three-dimensional frame structure or support structure for transporting and/or storing at least one object, which has a multitude of support elements, which are or can be joined to one another and extend at least along the outer edges of the frame structure or support structure while defining it. Each support element is made of a multilayered composite of tightly packed sheets or boards made of a corrugated paper or cardboard material, particularly corrugated board. A method for easily and rapidly producing a three-dimensional frame structure or support structure of the aforementioned type. |
| US07726499B2 |
Bottle holder
A bottle holder with an indented base, which has a body sized and shaped to receive a bottle. At least a portion of the body is radially expandable. A grip is attached to the exterior of the body and a securing base is located within the interior of the body. The securing base is sized and shaped to receive the indented base of a bottle and, when in use, to prevent radial movement of the bottle. When a bottle is inserted into the body, it is received by the indented base and is securely held in the bottle holder by the grip. |
| US07726498B2 |
Hermetically sealed container and vacuum test substance-collecting container
It is the object of the present invention to provide a sealed container which comprises a container comprising a thermoplastic resin and a stopper which is hardly slackening even when used in combination with the container, and a vacuum specimen-sampling container comprising the sealed container.The present invention is a sealed container, which comprises a container with an end being closed and the other end being open, comprising a thermoplastic resin, and a stopper being detachable and capable of sealing the open end of the container, the stopper having a head portion capable of being grasped, a leg portion A being extended downward from the head portion, being along an internal wall surface of the open end of the container, and being capable of exerting a fitting force to the internal wall surface, and a leg portion B being extended downward from the head portion, being along an external wall surface of the open end of the container, and being capable of exerting a fitting force to the external wall surface, and at least a portion of the leg portion B of the stopper contacting with the container and at least a portion of the container contacting with the leg portion A of the stopper having a deflection temperature under load of 60° C. or more under a load of 0.45 MPa or 0.46 MPa. |
| US07726497B1 |
Removable externally mounted slewing crane for shipping containers
A slewing crane is assembled and installed at the end of a shipping and stowage container having block-shaped corner fittings. Left and right rotatable mounts engage top corner fittings on the container, and a cross piece section engages the rotatable mounts. A boom section has upper and lower hinges rotatably mounting it on the cross piece section via the hinges' axially aligned pins to extend outwardly from the cross piece section. A hoist on the boom section lifts and moves loads, and first and second displacement mechanisms connected to the boom section linearly displace the hoist and angularly displace the hoist and boom section in a slewing motion around the axis of the axially aligned pins. An element connected between the cross piece section and a corner fitting is tensioned by a turnbuckle to securely engage both rotatable mounts and hold the slewing crane on the container. |
| US07726495B1 |
Award racks
An award rack includes a strip of material. The strip of material includes an offset portion formed on each end. A fastener opening is formed through each offset portion. A substantial middle portion is created between the two offset portions. The award rack is attached to a flat surface with fasteners. A second embodiment of the award rack includes a strip of material, a pair of strap holders and a pair of straps. The pair of strap holders are attached to the strip of material and a pair of strap holders retain the pair of straps. A third embodiment of the award rack preferably includes a shelf, a first rack, a second and at least one figurine. The third embodiment of the award rack is preferably formed from a single plate. A fourth embodiment of the award rack includes at least two bar hangers and at least one notched bar. |
| US07726494B2 |
Density current baffle for a clarifier tank
A density current baffle for use in a clarifier tank maintains a first baffle portion having a lower end, an upper end and an intermediate central portion. The lower end of the baffle portion is coupled to a side wall of the clarifier tank and the upper end of the baffle portion is disposed, at a predefined angle, away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the first baffle portion slopes upwardly and away from the side wall. |
| US07726492B2 |
Separator device
A separator device comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a magnetic separator rod or element being located within the housing to collect and separate from the flow of fluid through the housing magnetic particles carried by the flow of fluid. |
| US07726491B2 |
Bituminous froth hydrocarbon cyclone
An apparatus for processing bitumen froth comprising a cyclone body having an elongated conical inner surface defining a cyclone cavity extending from an upper inlet region with a diameter DC to a lower apex outlet with a diameter DU of not less than about 40 mm; an inlet means forming an inlet channel extending into the upper inlet region of said cyclone cavity; and a vortex finder forming an overflow outlet of a diameter DO extending into the upper inlet region of said cyclone cavity toward said lower apex outlet and having a lower end extending an excursion distance below said inlet channel, said excursion distance being operable to permit a portion of bitumen that passes through said inlet channel to exit said overflow outlet without having to make a spiral journey down said cyclone cavity, wherein a lower end of the vortex finder within the cyclone cavity is disposed a free vortex height (FVH) distance from said lower apex outlet. |
| US07726487B2 |
Complementary personal lubricant compositions
This invention relates to novel compositions and methods of use by which the compositions of this invention are applied topically to one or more body parts of at least two individuals who bring said body parts into contact with the other individual and, when said body parts come into contact with each other, permit the formulations to interact and thereby achieve an unexpected sensation to each individual. |
| US07726485B2 |
Momentary switch integrated in packaging of an article
The present invention relates to a switch for use with an article formed from paperboard. The article includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel each have a sliding surface facing one another. The first and the second panels are in sliding relation to one another between a first position and a second position. The switch comprises a conductive pathway disposed on the sliding surface of the first panel and a first contact surface is disposed on the sliding surface of the second panel and a second contact surface is disposed on the sliding surface of the second panel. The second contact surface is in spaced relation to the first contact surface so as to prevent electrical communication between the first and second contact surfaces. The conductive pathway of the first panel is in spaced relation to at least one of the first and second contact surfaces of the second panel when the first and second panels are in the first position. The conductive pathway bridges the first and second contact surfaces when the first and second panels are in the second position to thereby permitting electrical communication between said first and second contact surfaces. |
| US07726484B2 |
Packaging material of gas-bag type, process for packaging article, and process for producing packaging material
The objects of the present invention are to provide a packaging material of gas-bag type for packaging easily deformable parts or devices of office equipment or OA equipment having various sizes and shapes such as containers containing toner, containers containing developing agent, photoconductors, process cartridges, and complex units of a developer and a toner collector.In order to achieve the object, a packaging material of gas-bag type is provided which comprises tube-like bodies and connecting portions, wherein the tube-like bodies are able to swell by being injected inner gas, the connecting portions connect the tube-like bodies in parallel, the tube-like bodies are bendable so as to wrap an article to be packaged, and the packaging material is formed from substantially flat two sheets of one front sheet and one back sheet in a condition that the inner gas is substantially evacuated from the tube-like bodies. |
| US07726483B2 |
Stacked containers
The container can be locked into a stack of containers. A container cover locks onto the top of a container base to define a sealed area for storage. Additionally, the bottom of a second container base can be locked onto the top of the cover of a first container. In this fashion, when closed containers are stacked, they form a locked stack that is more structurally rigid and therefore less precarious than a traditional, non-locked container stack. When not in use, the bases can be formed into a nested stack, and their covers can be locked together to form a locked cover stack. The locked cover stack can be locked to either the top or bottom of the nested base stack to form a rigid stack. In some embodiments, a cover can be turned upside down and its bottom face locked onto the bottom face of a base. |
| US07726480B2 |
Display pack and packaging method and apparatus
A display pack for a consumer product is made of two sheets of corrugated cardboard and a clear plastic container with a flat insertion portion sandwiched between the cardboard sheets. The two cardboard sheets are adhered together in a peripheral area of the package by a heat-sensitive adhesive, and the corrugations of the cardboard sheets are crushed and flattened in the peripheral area. To seal the package, the peripheral area of the two cardboard sheets is subject to sufficient pressure to crush the corrugations inside the cardboard sheets and flatten them in that area. Heat is applied to the outer side of the cardboard sheets in the peripheral area and conducted to the adhesive material between the two sheets to activate the adhesive material. A sealer machine with a heated sealing press or parallel sets of heated rollers may be used to carry out the sealing process. |
| US07726475B2 |
Multiple disc storage container
A disc storage container for holding multiple discs comprising, a front container cover, a back container cover, and a spine, and attachment means on the spine, the front container cover and back container cover being moveable between a container open position enabling access to the contents of the container and a container closed position for storage purposes. A multi-tray assembly for retaining a plurality of discs within the container, the multi-tray assembly comprising two connectors and two trays for retaining and holding discs, each connector comprising a container-engaging member for engaging to the attachment means on the spine of the container and two holding means for rotatably holding a respective tray, so that each tray can be rotated about the holding means of the connectors to allow access to the discs retained by the trays when the container is in a container open position. |
| US07726473B2 |
Cigarette ejecting box and blank for same
A cigarette box includes an inner case (2) enclosing a bundle of cigarettes, an outer case (8) enclosing the inner case (2) in a manner allowing the inner case (2) to be moved up and down, and having a hinged lid (12) forming a part of a top wall thereof and a window (10) formed in a side wall to partly expose the inner case (2), and a link (20) connecting the inner case (2) and the hinged lid (12). When the inner case (2) is pushed up through the window (10) of the outer case (8), the link (20) urges the hinged lid (12) upward so that hinged lid (12) is opened. In an open position, the hinged lid (12) provides an access opening (16) projecting from the plane of the top wall of the outer case (8) and facing sideways of the outer case (8). |
| US07726471B2 |
Soapbox
This soapbox is capable of draining wet bar soaps very quickly and efficiently and keeps water away from the surface of the bar soap. The unique design of the soap rack and its rack-bars keep the soap bar significantly dry and minimizes the wastage of soap. After its use, the bar soap will be conveniently stored in a compact, watertight box without the worry of spoiling the surroundings with the soapy water. |
| US07726467B1 |
Conveyor coupler system
A conveyor coupler system for efficiently increasing the longevity and productivity of the conveyor. The conveyor coupler system generally includes a coupler including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion. The first portion includes a first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion extends within the first portion and includes at least one slot. The second portion includes a second connecting portion extending within the second portion and including a plurality of ridge members. The first connecting portion connects to a first planetary gear structure of a conveyor unit and the second connecting portion connects to a second planetary gear structure of the conveyor unit. |
| US07726461B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for controlling the spacing of and ejecting conveyed objects
In one embodiment, apparatus for controlling spacing of objects conveyed by an object conveyor and for selectively ejecting objects from the object conveyor include flights that extend transversely across the object conveyor to limit travel of the objects to control their relative spacing, and ejectors associated with the flights that can be selectively actuated to eject the objects whose travel has been limited by the associated flights. |
| US07726460B2 |
Tray transfer system
The present invention relates to a tray transfer system (TTS). This system is designed to automatically transfer trays of mail between dollies and conveyor belts. The TTS is an efficient method for shipping, moving, storing, loading, and unloading mail trays. It allows mail-processing centers to physically and temporally separate the process of sorting mail and the process of moving mail into automation compatible trays (ACT). |
| US07726445B2 |
Pump-jack scaffold stabilizer
A stabilizer for bracing a pump-jack scaffold to a roof is provided that includes an arm having a plurality of slots for engaging and disengaging one or more anchor points on a roof and a base or foot coupled to the arm for relative movement with respect to the arm and engagement with a scaffold post and with the roof. The slotted arm permits engagement and disengagement with fasteners in the roof without requiring removal of the fasteners from the roof. |
| US07726441B2 |
Acoustic vibratory plate
There is provided an acoustic vibratory plate having at least first to third laminated bodies layered. In the acoustic vibratory plate, the first and third laminated bodies are formed of a polymer material, and the second laminated body is formed of a polymer material different from the polymer material forming the first and third laminated bodies in dynamic internal loss. |
| US07726435B2 |
Construction machine
In a hydraulic excavator wherein a control valve unit having a plurality of control valves in a united form and an operation pattern switching valve for switching from one to another among combined patterns of operating valves and control valves are disposed side by side in front and rear positions respectively within a valve accommodating space formed between an upper frame base plate and a floor plate in an upper rotating body, the operation pattern switching valve is inclined forwardly downward in a state in which its upper surface side including an operating lever thereof faces an operation port being formed to the floor plate. |
| US07726433B2 |
Airbag device for vehicle
In a plan view seen from above a vehicle, a cover (20), which closes an airbag deployment opening (14) formed in a hood outer panel (12), is elongate, and has an arc shape. The center portion of the cover (20) in a vehicle-width direction protrudes toward the front of the vehicle. Hinge portions (20E) of the cover (20) are formed in the vehicle rear-side edge of the cover (20) at positions near both end portions in the vehicle-width direction. Each clip (28), which fixes the cover (20), is disposed in a vehicle front-side edge (20J) at a position offset outward from a center portion (20K) in the vehicle-width direction. Thus, the clips (28) are prevented from interfering with an airbag that has passed through the airbag deployment opening (14) and has been deployed. |
| US07726431B2 |
Steering drive for a wheel of a ground conveyor with an apparatus for recording the actual angle of the steered wheel
Steering drive for a wheel of a ground conveyor with an apparatus for recording the actual angle of the steered wheel, with a steering motor, a steering controller or regulator driven by a steering angle transmitter, the input signal of which is given to the steering motor, a steering drive coupled with the shaft of the steering motor, the output side of which is connected with a steering plate, which mounts the steered wheel, and a rotation angle sensor, which records the rotation angle of the steering plate, wherein the shaft of the steering motor is designed as a hollow shaft, through which a sensor drive shaft is inserted and which is connected on the drive side with the output side of the steering drive and works together with the angle sensor on the side of the steering motor facing away from the steering drive. |
| US07726428B2 |
A/C condenser damage protection device
A device protects at least a portion of an A/C condenser of an automotive vehicle against damage from stones and other road debris. The device includes a guard having a plurality of spaced apart louvers for intercepting and deflecting the stones and other road debris but permitting air to pass through the guard between the louvers. |
| US07726426B2 |
Hub drive and method of using same
A hub drive includes an in-hub motor and a shifting in-hub transmission coupled with the motor. A hub drive wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel. A vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel for rotating the wheel with respect to the chassis. A method includes providing a shifting transmission and a motor coupled with the transmission in a hub of a wheel, providing electrical power to the motor, and rotating the motor with the electrical power. The method further includes rotating the transmission with the motor and rotating the wheel with the transmission. |
| US07726410B2 |
Multi-stage inertization process for preventing and extinguishing fires within enclosed spaces
The present invention relates to an inertization process for decreasing a risk of fire and for extinguishing fires in a protected room, wherein an oxygen concentration in the protected room is first lowered to a specific base inertization level, and wherein the oxygen concentration in the protected room is maintained at the base inertization level. In the event of a fire, additional inert gas is introduced based upon the extent of the fire in the protected room to further decrease from the base inertization level to a first lowered level. The oxygen concentration is maintained at the first lowered level for a first preset time interval, and further decreased from the first lowered level to a full inertization level, if the fire has not yet been extinguished once the first preset time interval has elapsed. |
| US07726409B2 |
Fire suppression systems
Non-reactive test agents may be used to test fire suppression systems in which reactive fire suppression agents may be used to release catalytic fire suppression agents for transport by naturally occurring flows paths downstream to the vicinity of flame holding regions for fire suppression for example, in aircraft. |
| US07726399B2 |
Method of enhancing hydraulic fracturing using ultra lightweight proppants
A subterranean formation having natural fractures, which is to be subjected to hydraulic fracturing, is first pre-treated with an ultra lightweight (ULW) proppant having an average particle size between from about 12/20 to about 40/70. The small ULW proppant flows into the natural fractures and packs the fractures. The formation is then subjected to hydraulic fracturing. The pre-treatment serves to enhance the effective propped fracture length of the formation during the hydraulic fracturing by reducing the loss of fluid from the subsequently pumped fracturing fluid. The method is applicable to hydrocarbon bearing formations as well as non-hydrocarbon bearing formations and has particular applicability to coal beds. |
| US07726395B2 |
Expanding multiple tubular portions
Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular. |
| US07726379B2 |
Device for driving a closing or sun-protection screen and installation comprising such a device
A device including a tube for winding and unwinding a screen which is controlled in rotation by a gear motor and which is supported on a fixed head and wherein a rotational part mounted within the tube is kinematically linked to rotate with the tube with the part including elements that are used to reflect a position of the rotational part and which elements are detected by senors that are connected to an electronic processing unit. A tightly sealed partition secured to the head is further provided to define, on one side, a first compartment for receiving at least the rotational part and, on the other side, a second compartment for receiving at least the electronic processing unit. |
| US07726378B1 |
Door supported for movement on tracks between full and partial open and closed positions
A door assembly includes multiple door panels arranged in series along laterally spaced tracks, extending laterally between the tracks, and supported for movement on the tracks. A first pair of hinge plates is secured to a first door panel, each member of the first pair being located at an opposite lateral side of the first panel. A second pair of hinge plates is secured to a second door panel, each member of the second pair being located at an opposite lateral side of the second panel. A first release pin alternately disconnects and connects the first and second hinge plates at the first lateral side of the door panels. A second release pin alternately disconnects and connects the first and second hinge plates at the second lateral side of the door panels. |
| US07726376B2 |
Locking device for a tire mounted on a wheel rim to optimize dynamic balancing of a tired wheel
The present invention relates to a locking device design to act between a tire and its respective wheel rim for dynamically balancing a tired wheel. The locking device is arranged to be installed on a tired-wheel maintenance machine having a support frame and a rotatable support for a wheel rim of a deflated tired wheel and locking-unlocking means for locking-unlocking the wheel rim to and from the rotatable support. The locking device comprises holding belt anchorable to the support frame and an engaging group designed removably to engage the tire of the deflated tired wheel, while its respective wheel rim is controllably angularly shifted. |
| US07726375B2 |
Laminator
A laminator 100 in which the diaphragm can be mounted simply and easily without the use of a mounting frame. The laminator 100 includes an upper chamber 110, on the bottom surface of which is mounted the diaphragm 140, and a lower chamber 120 on which the upper chamber 110 is stacked and in which is disposed a support base 130 on which a workpiece A that is to be laminated is set. The diaphragm 140 is larger than the upper chamber 110, and an excess portion of the diaphragm that protrudes outside the upper chamber when the diaphragm is mounted on the upper chamber is folded upward and clamped against the sides of the upper chamber by multiple clamps to fix the diaphragm in place on the upper chamber. |
| US07726371B2 |
High-efficiency wheel product
The invention is a high-efficiency wheel product for use with various ground vehicles. The product is designed to provide rolling support to the vehicle and to accommodate various surface conditions, for example, smooth pavement, rough pavement, potholes, dirt roads, and other conditions. The wheel product includes a multi-chambered pneumatic tire designed to minimize energy loss between the tire and a rolling surface by substantially reducing tire flex, a main source of energy loss in ground vehicles. Additionally, the product can reduce the need for conventional drive train elements such as shock absorbers. |
| US07726370B2 |
Vehicle wheel comprising a wheel rim and rubber tire
A vehicle wheel with a wheel rim and a solid tire positioned on the wheel rim. The vehicle wheel has an annular upper shell having a first wedge-shaped surface and composed of at least two upper segments. Further, the vehicle wheel includes an annular lower shell composed of lower segments and having an outer circumference having a second wedge-shaped surface. Moreover, the second wedge-shaped surface is structured and arranged in a diametrically opposed manner to the first wedge-shaped surface. Additionally, the annular lower shell is arranged on the rim, the annular lower shell is arranged against the annular upper shell, and the annular upper shell is connected to the solid tire. |
| US07726369B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having lateral grooves provided with tie bars
A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with at least two circumferential grooves and lateral grooves extending from the circumferential grooves so as to form blocks which are circumferentially divided by the lateral grooves and arranged in at least three circumferential rows axially divided by said at least two circumferential grooves. Each of the lateral grooves is provided with a tie-bar rising from the groove bottom to a certain height as to connect the opposite groove walls with each other. The tie-bars in the lateral grooves extend towards the adjacent circumferential grooves but terminate before the circumferential grooves so as to provide certain distances therebetween, and the distances are gradually decreased from the axially outside to the axially inside of the tread portion. The inclination angles of the lateral grooves are gradually decreased from the axially outside to the axially inside of the tread portion. |
| US07726368B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having shallow groove extending between zigzag sipes
A pneumatic tire includes a shallow groove provided between zigzag sipes adjacent in the circumferential direction of the tire, which can reduce production cost of the mold, facilitate trimming operation and decrease waste from trimming while reduction of driving stability during turning on a wet road surface and occurrence of curing trouble are suppressed. The pneumatic tire has a tread surface where land portions are defined by grooves. The land portions have tread surface sections, in which a plurality of sipes extending in a zigzag manner in the widthwise direction of the tire are arranged at prescribed intervals in the circumferential direction of the tire. A shallow groove extends between adjacent sipes. The shallow groove is placed such that parts of land portions sectioned on the opposite sides of the shallow groove are not separated, but partially communicate with each other. |
| US07726365B2 |
Electric pencil sharpener
An electric pencil sharpener includes a motor, a transmission subassembly and a cutter subassembly driven by the motor, a feeding subassembly and at least one resilient adjusting means. The feeding subassembly includes a feeding gear set coupled to the transmission subassembly and two feeding rollers adapted to sandwich a pencil to be sharpened, at least one feeding roller is driven by the feeding gear set. The pair of brackets is arranged in parallel, respectively defining slide ways to movablely support the feeding rollers. A feeding space is defined between the two brackets. The at least one resilient adjusting means connects the two feeding rollers outside or inside the feeding space, adapted for keeping the feeding rollers nipping the pencil and engendering a pencil feeding friction. |
| US07726362B2 |
System, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid
A system, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid pumps the liquid into a container of the substance to produce a solution. The container may be part of a container assembly including a port assembly for coupling with the container to produce an inlet and/or and outlet port for the container. The container assembly may be received within a receiving chamber for causing the coupling. The solution may be permitted to flow out of the outlet port when the solution rises within the container to a level of the outlet port so that the substance is partially diluted before flowing out of the outlet port. |
| US07726361B2 |
By-pass line connector for compounding system
A bypass for a tube set for directing the flow of a fluid component includes an inlet passage for fluid connection with a source of said fluid component, an outlet passage for fluid connection with a first bag compartment, and a bypass passage for fluid connection with a second bag compartment. A flow control device in the bypass passage is operable in a first position in which the flow control device seals the bypass passage, and a second position in which the flow control device unseals the bypass passage to receive a tubing line connected with said second bag compartment. |
| US07726360B2 |
Fuel supply station information distributing system, fuel supply station information distributing server, and fuel supply station information displaying device
Fuel supply station information distributing system includes at least one vehicle, an information distributing server and at least one station, which are interconnected through communication line networks. The information distributing server transmits at every given time a request-to-send for vehicle information to the vehicles as well as a request-to-send for station information to the stations. The information distributing server then creates a fuel supply station information associating for each vehicle based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle and the station information received from the stations, and distributes it to the vehicle. When the vehicle receives the fuel supply station information from the information distributing server, it is displayed on the car navigation screen for notifying the driver. |
| US07726359B2 |
Method for transferring a cryogenic fluid
A method for transferring a cryogenic fluid from a floating vessel. The cryogenic fluids to be transferred can include liquefied hydrocarbon gases such as LNG. The method includes the steps of pumping a reduced flow of a cryogenic fluid into a first end and/or a second end of a conduit to begin pre-cooling the conduit. Pre-cooling also includes pumping a reduced flow of the cryogenic fluid into the conduit at a point intermediate the first end and the second end so that different sections of the conduit are cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring the cryogenic fluid, an increased flow of the cryogenic fluid is pumped into the first end of the conduit to transfer the cryogenic fluid from the floating vessel. The cryogenic fluid can then be directed from the second end of the conduit to a storage tank on shore or onboard a second floating vessel. |
| US07726358B2 |
Method for loading LNG on a floating vessel
A method for loading LNG on a floating vessel through a conduit having the inlet, an outlet and an intermediate port located between the inlet and the outlet. The method includes the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the inlet and the step of pumping a reduced flow of LNG into the intermediate port so that different sections of the conduit can be cooled simultaneously. When the conduit has cooled to a temperature suitable for transferring LNG, the method further includes pumping an increased flow of the LNG into the inlet of the conduit. The LNG can then be directed from the outlet to a storage tank onboard a floating vessel. |
| US07726357B2 |
Resealable containers and assemblies for filling and resealing same
Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth. |
| US07726354B2 |
Pump bottle cap
A container lid assembly (2) that includes an integral pump (6P) so as to create pressure differential within a container. This pressure differential may be lower than atmospheric pressure so as to be at least a partial vacuum within the container. Alternatively, the pressure differential may be a state of higher than atmospheric pressure within the container. There are several features of the present invention that can be used in synergy, but are of value when implemented separately. These features include a pump configuration (120) that activates the reciprocating linear motion of the piston (10) by the rotational movement of a pump actuating element; a contents-dispensing mechanism (150) for removing contents from the container while maintaining the at least a partial vacuum within the container, a vacuum indicator, and a filter configured to filter the gases entering the pump from the interior of the container. |
| US07726346B2 |
Outer tubular reinforcement member
A tubular structural member that provides adjustable directional resistance to a device. When orientated in a certain manner with respect to the direction of use, the tubular structural member will provide a different stiffness to the device it is affixed. The tubular structural member may be integrated with these devices so that these devices can have adjustable resistance and stiffness. |
| US07726341B2 |
Multi-way valve
A multi-way valve has a housing with a stepped bore forming two piston guiding regions and a shoulder ring with two sealing shoulders. The housing also has a first, second and central transverse bores which are spaced along the cylindrical bore. A contact piston has a piston rod and sealing members secured thereon. The guide members are pressed fit onto opposite ends of the piston rod. |
| US07726336B2 |
Siphon system for a submersible turbine pump that pumps fuel from an underground storage tank
A submersible turbine pump (STP) is provided. The STP includes a manifold having an integral siphon connection coupled to a fuel flow path in the STP and a siphon cartridge removably inserted into the manifold via the siphon connection. In general, the siphon cartridge includes a nozzle that directs fuel from the fuel flow path through a venturi when the STP is energized, thereby creating a vacuum in a chamber within the siphon cartridge. A connection point of the siphon cartridge is fluidly coupled to the chamber such that a fluid connection is provided from the exterior of the siphon cartridge to the vacuum. |
| US07726335B2 |
Check valve apparatus for fuel delivery systems
A check valve for a combustion engine fuel system includes a polymeric poppet valve including a valve stem and a valve head that terminates the valve stem. A valve seat is adapted for cooperation with the valve head of the poppet valve, and includes a valve seat body and an elastomeric valve seat seal supported by the valve seat body and adapted for sealing against the valve head of the poppet valve. The check valve is particularly adapted for use with a fuel pump within a fuel system. |
| US07726332B2 |
Durable water heating system providing rapid hot water delivery
A durable water heating system providing rapid hot water delivery includes a water heating unit connected to a water source. A hot water line connects the water heating unit to at least one water delivery fixture. A return line of substantially the first cross-section connects to the hot water line adjacent the water delivery fixture located at a greatest distance from the water heating unit. A flow velocity reduction device has a first end, a second end, a first cross-section, an aperture and that extends from the first end to the second end. The aperture and has a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section. Attachment fittings are provided adjacent the first and second ends. When the device is installed in the return line, velocity of water circulating through the system will be substantially reduced, thereby reducing wear on the system while providing rapid hot water delivery at the fixture. |
| US07726323B2 |
Device and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articles
A device for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article, especially of a wafer, near the edge, in which the liquid is applied to a first surface, flows essentially radially to the outside to the peripheral-side edge of the wafer-shaped article and around this edge onto the second surface, the liquid wetting a defined section near the edge on the second surface and thereupon being removed from the wafer-shaped article. |
| US07726322B2 |
Cosmetics case
The present invention relates to a cosmetics case including a cover having a lock protrusion and a hinge protrusion; a base case to which the cover is pivotally connected; an intermediate case installed in the base case and in which a button and a spring are installed; a powder case receiving solid powder therein, installed in the intermediate case and supported by the spring; and a grinding member rotatably installed in a coupling groove of the intermediate case to grind the surface of the solid powder received in the powder case. The present invention provides the cosmetics case capable of rotating in both directions, in which rotation in one direction permits grinding of the solid powder and rotation in the other direction permits pressing down of the surface of the solid powder, thereby preventing the ground powder from being discharged outwards, and after use, the cover is closed to prevent impurities from being put into the solid powder. |
| US07726319B1 |
Method for removal of water associated with bone while diminishing the dimensional changes associated with lyophilization
A method for dehydrating a monolithic bone intended for implantation is provided. The method serves to conserve at least one of the biomechanical properties of the bone during the dehydration of the bone and its subsequent packaging. Also provided is a monolithic bone for implantation and a method of using the bone for the repair of damaged bone. |
| US07726318B2 |
Radiation blocking patch for radio-therapy
A flexible, relatively flat and thin patch, optionally made of biodegradable material, substantially attenuates ionizing radiation from normal but sensitive anatomy during radio-therapy, particularly breast brachytherapy. The patch is of such a thickness as to substantially attenuate radiation by distance or consists of a material that has been formulated with radio-attenuating filler or is of radio-attenuating material. An alternative version consists of a thin patch that is coated with radio-attenuating material. |
| US07726317B1 |
Apparatus to protect a piercing
An apparatus to protect a body and facial piercing and its affected area during a healing period, has a body assembly. The body assembly has top and bottom faces, an exterior wall, and an interior wall. The body assembly further defines a cavity that extends inwardly from the interior wall. A permeable cover covers the top face and the cavity to allow ambient-air to enter and circulate therethrough. This allows healing of a body or facial piercing, and specifically the opening created by the piercing, and the surrounding area around the piercing. A removable cover covers the bottom face and the cavity. The bottom face has an adhesive, and the removable cover is removably attached to the bottom face. |
| US07726314B1 |
Nebulizer, filter or inhalant mask encouraging use thereof
The present invention is a generally conical nebulizer, aerosol, filter or inhalant face mask for sealing against the atmosphere a wearer's mouth and nose, the improvement comprising a representation of a face on the outside surface with an exhaust valve located where the mouth would be located. The exhaust valve is adapted to visibly lift outward and up from the outside mask surface to imitate a flapping tongue. |
| US07726313B2 |
Breathing mask with individual adaptation to the shape of the face
A sealing frame for a breathing mask is provided that can be adapted to the contours of the face of a mask user in a simple manner. The sealing frame (1), includes a soft plastic material (5) with embedded metal strips (6). |
| US07726312B2 |
Harnesses
A harness for use with breathing apparatus has: a flexible hip plate 12 and a flexible bandolier-style shoulder panel 14, linked together by a strap 15, and a waist belt 16 fastenable by a sprung fastener. In use, the flexible hip plate 12 rests against the hip of a user (the left hip in this example), the waist belt is fitted around the waist of the user, and the shoulder panel 14 rests against the shoulder opposite to the hip against which the flexible plate is resting (the right shoulder in this example). At least the bandolier-style panel 14, and optionally also the hip plate 12 of the harness 10, are made of a resilient material which, though flexible, allows the harness substantially to retain its operational configuration even when not being worn. The material is preferably a composite, and may comprise closed cell, open face foam, such as compression moulded EVA foam. Two layers of such foam may be used in a sandwich construction, and may be glued or otherwise bonded together. |
| US07726310B2 |
Medical aerosol non-diluting holding chamber
A flexible bag aerosol holding chamber is sealed around the outlet passage of the actuator for a pressurized metered-dose inhaler. An elastic-loaded mouthpiece is sealed around the inlet passage of the actuator so that the user may intermittently break the seal around the inlet passage by withdrawing the mouthpiece, thus allowing inhalation of a portion of the aerosol contents of the chamber. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aerosol contains a compound which has traditionally been smoked such as nicotine or a cannabinoid. The user may draw upon the chamber's contents a number of times at a frequency analogous to smoking until the chamber is fully collapsed. One inhaler actuation, and one filled chamber, are comparable to one cigarette. The collapsible bag chamber allows for economy of inhaler actuations relative to user inhalations, without the aerosol being diluted by ambient air. |
| US07726306B2 |
Intra-oral nebulizer with rainfall chamber
An improved nebulizer places a venturi in a rainfall chamber and in close proximity to or inside a patient's oral cavity. One or more medicine feed lines feeds the medicine to a location proximate to a venturi. The rainfall chamber contains a sump communicating with the venturi for collecting medication not delivered to the patient and for recycling that medication for delivery to the patient. A medicine receiver may be pre-filled with a standard unit dose of medication. |
| US07726305B2 |
Variable resistance pulmonary ventilation bypass valve
A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve, an air carrying conduit and a retention device for securing system elements in position. The system also includes a flow restriction device for controlling the flow of air through the air carrying conduit. |
| US07726303B2 |
Controlled medicament ejection
Controlled ejection of a fluid-based solute medicament includes determining an indication of a characteristic of the medicament in at least one ejection chamber, and ejecting the medicament from the at least one ejection chamber based on the determined indication. |
| US07726302B1 |
Inhalator for treatment of bronchial disorder in horses
A device for the treatment of bronchial disorders in horses by inhalation therapy comprising an inhalation spacer (1) with a first (5) and a second (10) opening, an activatable drug atomizer (7) which can be connected with the first opening (5) of the inhalation spacer, and connecting means (11, 14) comprising a hopper-shaped part (13) which at the hopper opening has such size as to be able to cover one of the horse's nostrils, and a valve arrangement comprising two one-way valves (16, 18), one of which (16) allows influx of inhalation air from the inhalation spacer into the hopper-shaped part (14) of the connecting means (11, 14), and the other allows outflux of exhalation air from the hopper-shaped part (14) to the surroundings, and where the inhalation spacer (1) has at least one additional opening (8) with an appertaining one-way valve (9) which allows influx of air from the surroundings into the interior (4) of the inhalation spacer (1). |
| US07726292B1 |
Handheld balloon launching apparatus
A handheld balloon launcher includes a housing with an axially offset chamber formed therein. A vertically registered intake port defines a linear passageway in which filled water balloons are stacked. A launching plate is selectively adaptable along a longitudinal length of the chamber. A trigger mechanism activates the launching plate between a compressed and an extended position. A mechanism returns the launching plate to the compressed position while simultaneously depositing one of the water balloons in front of the launching plate. The returning mechanism includes a spring member with a diameter equal to a diameter of the chamber and anchored to a proximal end thereof, and extendable along the longitudinal length of the chamber. The launching plate maintains a static relationship with the returning mechanism, and the returning mechanism is independently operable from the triggering mechanism. |
| US07726290B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder and an exhaust gas tract, in which an exhaust gas sensor, that can be heated in a controlled manner, is arranged. An exhaust gas temperature of an exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust gas tract is determined as a function of the heating power (P_HEAT) supplied to the exhaust gas sensor. An estimated value of the exhaust gas temperature is determined as a function of a physical model of the combustion of the air/fuel mixture and of the exhaust gas tract as a function of at least one operating variable of the internal combustion engine, but independent of the heating power supplied to the exhaust gas sensor. Model parameters of the physical model are adapted as a function of a deviation of the estimated value and of the exhaust gas temperature determined by the supplied heating power. |
| US07726289B2 |
Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
In at least a first cycle at startup, an opening timing of an exhaust valve is controlled to 45 degrees before-bottom-dead-center of an exhaust stroke, or to a retard side of the normal closing timing that is set after warm-up is complete. Also, the closing timing of the exhaust valve is preferably controlled to an advance side of top-dead-center in a second cycle at startup and thereafter at the latest. Accordingly, the amount of unburned HC discharged during a cold start of an internal combustion engine is reduced. |
| US07726284B2 |
Fuel supply system of internal combustion engine
The fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine includes an electronic control unit (ECU) for transferring the engine from a state in which a high-pressure fuel pump does not deliver any pressurized fuel to a state in which the high-pressure fuel pump begins to deliver the pressurized fuel by gradually varying an output period of a drive signal for controlling opening/closing behavior of a solenoid valve while monitoring changes in fuel pressure detected by a pressure sensor, and for estimating a mounting error between angular mounting positions of the high-pressure fuel pump and a pump actuating cam with reference to a rotation signal from a state of the solenoid valve drive signal when a change in the fuel pressure has been detected. The solenoid valve drive signal is corrected based on the value of the mounting error estimated by the ECU. |
| US07726282B2 |
Direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine and fuel injection method for same
A direct injection spark ignition internal combustion engine includes a fuel injector for directly injecting fuel into a cylinder and intensifies a tumble flow using the fuel injected into the cylinder bore at a time near an intake stroke bottom dead center during homogenous combustion. The thrust force of the fuel injected from the fuel injector is set to intensify the tumble flow based on at least one of the state of the combustion chamber, the temperature of the injected fuel, and the orientation of the injection hole. |
| US07726280B2 |
Intake charge-regulating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, and engine incorporating same
An intake charge regulating apparatus for an engine includes a throttle body having a throttle bore formed therein for communicating with an intake port, and a throttle valve for controlling flow through the throttle bore. A throttle-driving mechanism includes an electric motor and a transmission mechanism for decelerating a driving force of the electric motor and for transmitting the driving force to the throttle valve. A camshaft sprocket is fixed to an end portion of a camshaft, which is included in a valve train for driving intake and exhaust valves in a cylinder head to open and close. The throttle-driving mechanism is arranged opposite a side where the camshaft sprocket is located in an axis direction of the crankshaft. The electric motor is disposed between the throttle body and the cylinder head in top plan view. |
| US07726279B2 |
Remote control system of an internal combustion engine for a boat
An electronic control device on an internal combustion engine side connected to an abnormal internal combustion engine detects an abnormality and outputs the abnormal signal; the target throttle opening angle signal is transmitted to the electric throttle actuator to set a throttle opening angle of an abnormal internal combustion engine to a predetermined opening angle; the abnormal signal is transmitted to the electronic control devices on a remote control device side of a normal internal combustion engine; and the electronic control devices on a remote control device side of a normal internal combustion engine, on receiving the abnormal signal, transmit the target throttle opening angle signal to the electronic control devices on an internal combustion engine side of a normal internal combustion engine. |
| US07726278B2 |
Internal combustion engine control apparatus
In order to accurately detect an abnormal state of a rotation direction detection unit for detecting a rotation direction of a crank shaft, provided is an internal combustion engine control apparatus including: a rotation detection unit including the rotation direction detection unit for detecting the rotation direction of the crank shaft of an engine to output a rotation direction signal, and a rotation speed detection unit for outputting a pulse signal according to a rotation speed of the crank shaft; a stop position calculation unit for calculating, based on an output from the rotation detection unit, a stop position of the crank shaft when the engine stops; and an abnormal state detection unit for detecting the abnormal state of the rotation direction detection unit when an actual rotation direction of the crank shaft differs from the rotation direction of the crank shaft based on the rotation direction signal. |
| US07726277B2 |
Engine idle warm-up of a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine
A homogeneous charge compression ignition engine is fueled within a warm-up region of engine temperatures using a minimally defined fuel mass schedule and injection timings and simple interpolative techniques. |
| US07726274B2 |
Internal combustion engine cylinder head
An internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, a block, and a cylinder head having at least one gas exchange channel for conducting gases to and from the cylinder is disclosed. A tube passes through the cylinder head and into a gas exchange channel, which tube is sealed in a gastight manner. In one embodiment, the tube is configured in one piece with the gas exchange channels; the cylinder head is a cast part. With such a tube through the gas exchange channel, the engine can be compactly configured. |
| US07726266B2 |
Cooling circuit for an internal combustion engine
A cooling circuit comprises a cylinder block and a cylinder head block, these blocks each including cooling elements the form of integrated portions of circuit. The cooling circuit also includes at least a first, a second and a third separate external loops for external recirculation or reinjection mounted in parallel and looped on the integrated cooling elements. A circulating pump is connected fluidically to the integrated cooling element and to the three recirculation loops causing the fluid to circulate in the integrated cooling element and in the three recirculation loops. The at least three recirculation loops offer at least one common fluid node and are at least partially overlapping. A single actuator controls the flow of liquid circulating in the at least three recirculation loops. |
| US07726253B2 |
Fibre mat and a method of manufacturing a fibre mat
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fiber mat adapted for use in the manufacture of a fiber-reinforced device, said fiber mat comprising at least two essentially longitudinally extending and parallel batches of fibers. Novel aspects of the method according to the invention involves that the method comprises that the batches are joined by holder means that span above or below each batch, whereby the holder means impart an influence to each batch which is essentially symmetrical about an axis situated longitudinally between the batches. A symmetrical influence about an axis longitudinally between the batches accomplishes that influence from one side is matched by influence from an opposite side. Hereby it is prevented that the batch will undulate. Simultaneously the batches are clearly separated, whereby resin is more easily conducted longitudinally of the batches. |
| US07726252B2 |
Systems and methods for edge measurement
A method for straightening the edges of a work piece. The method includes the steps of determining the average edge position of each edge of the work piece, calculating an average edge line for each edge of the work piece, determining an actual corner point for each corner of the work piece, calculating a determined edge line through each of the actual corner points of the work piece, determining a number of actual edge points, determining if actual edge points are within the determined edge lines, and adjusting the determined edge lines inward until the actual edge points are within the determined edge lines. |
| US07726247B2 |
Boat and automobile storage apparatus
A dual-use automobile-boat storage pallet, having a structural support framework of generally rectangular shape with first and second side members and a plurality of cross-members. The storage pallet includes an apparatus for holding a boat that is width adjustable and height adjustable and includes a plurality of folding bunks that are mounted on and supported by two or more of the cross-members. The storage pallet includes an apparatus for holding a car, which includes a first automobile tread plate and a second automobile tread plate supported by the first and second side members of the structural support framework. The dual-use automobile storage pallet can include an optional pair of forklift tine guides. |
| US07726244B1 |
Mine counter measure system
A method of destroying mines in a minefield buried under the surface includes deploying a munition including a plurality of kinetic energy rods each having a stabilizer into a position above the minefield and deploying the rods above the minefield to fall towards the minefield each aligned along a velocity vector to penetrate the surface and destroy the mines. |
| US07726243B2 |
Igniter safe and arm, igniter assembly and flare so equipped and method of providing a safety for an igniter assembly
A parachute flare igniter assembly includes a novel safety for arresting the motion of a slider when subjected to external forces, but allows slider motion when subjected to intended cable actuation forces. The igniter safety includes a housing, a slider, a cable and a sleeve. The slider, connected to the cable, is slidably received within the housing. The cable moves the slider by applying a cable force conventionally obtained by actuation of a parachute associated with the flare and connected to an end of the cable opposite an end connected to the slider. The sleeve is connected to the cable and is disposed between the housing and the slider, so that the sleeve will arrest the slider with respect to the housing when the cable force is not present. A flare and a method of providing a safety in an igniter assembly is also provided. |
| US07726238B2 |
Silk screen sample press with quartz flash cure unit
One embodiment of this invention discloses a silk screening device which includes an integrated quartz flash unit. The invention improves upon prior art systems and relates to a system whereby both a silk screen squeegee unit and a quartz flash unit are slidably mounted on a common set of rails, in order to allow each to be easily placed and removed from the silk screening platform. |
| US07726235B1 |
Top cooker apparatus
A relatively compact cooking assembly includes means for selectively positioning a cooking element above several cooking zones of a lower grill. In addition to a lower heated metal surface having several cooking zones, which may be delineated by vertical barriers or splash plates, the system includes an upper assembly comprising an upper member in which a radiant heating element is positioned, said assembly being adapted to fit over the back splash plate of the grill and extending the depth (back to front) of the grill, and further adapted to be raised or lowered and selectively raised or lowered as well as positioned by a sliding motion above a designated zone in predetermined sequence. |
| US07726230B1 |
Semiautomatic pistol
The semiautomatic pistol has a rigidly fixed barrel and sights attached thereto. The body of the pistol receives a breechbolt that moves axially in line with the fixed barrel. Cartridges are transferred from the magazine up to the action in the breechbolt, and spent cartridge cases are ejected out of a side eject port disposed on the pistol. Dismounting of the breechbolt is facilitated by a pivotal dismounting post at the rear of the eject port. |
| US07726229B2 |
Rotatable and retractable rear gun sight
A rotatable and retractable rear gun sight is disclosed. The rear gun sight is coupled to a body of a gun. Three different apertures are provided for rear sight viewing of targets of three different distances. The apertures can be rotated out of view or into use depending on the estimated target distance. The rear gun sight can also be flipped down. |
| US07726217B2 |
Self-adjusting locking pliers
The self-adjusting locking pliers include a fixed assembly having a fixed jaw supported at one end. A moveable jaw is pivotably supported on the fixed assembly at a slidable pivot connection. The slidable pivot connection includes a pawl provided with teeth. A rack of teeth includes first and second sets of teeth offset from one another by 1/2 of the pitch that may each be engaged by the teeth formed on pawl. A lever is attached to the fixed assembly and a linkage transmits a force applied to the lever to the jaws and locks the jaws in the clamping position. The linkage allows the angle between the links to be preset to thereby control the clamping force applied to the work piece. The movable jaw is selectively attached to the linkage in one two positions such that the jaw span may be adjusted without affecting the geometry of the linkage. |
| US07726215B2 |
Movement converter for an isodistant shifting sensor system
A device is provided for transmitting a biaxial pivoting movement of a gearshift lever (2) into a planar movement of a gearshift lever position transmitter with a guide element (20, 27, 31, 32) for limiting the movement of the gearshift lever position transmitter to a movement in a noncurved plane. The device includes a transmission element (19, 7a) for transmitting a pivoting movement of the gearshift lever (2) about a first pivot axis (11) into a pivoting movement of the gearshift lever position transmitter in a noncurved plane, and with a hinge joint for converting a pivoting movement of the gearshift lever (2) about a second pivot axis (12) into a linear movement of the gearshift lever position transmitter in the noncurved plane. The positions (15a) of the gearshift lever (2) can be detected in the noncurved plane. |
| US07726213B2 |
Opto-mechanical tilt and inertial force sensor
A sensor having a mass that moves relative to a structure is disclosed. The mass is attached to the structure by a rigid member such that the mass moves around a pivot point on the structure, the pivot point remaining fixed with respect to the structure as the mass moves. A code scale is attached to the mass. An imaging system that is fixed with respect to the structure forms an image of the code scale. A controller provides an indication of a position of the mass relative to the structure using the code scale image. The rigid member can include a surface having the code scale thereon, the surface rotating about the pivot point as the mass moves such that the surface remains at a fixed distance from the pivot point as the mass moves. |
| US07726208B2 |
Combined steering angle and torque sensor
A combined steering angle and torque sensor that inductively and with eddy current damping generates two absolute angle measurement signals over an angle range of 360 degrees including a first damping rotor being disposed on an end of an input shaft of steering column divided by a torsion element; a second damping rotor being disposed on an end of an output shaft of the steering column; at least one carrier being fixed to a housing of the steering column and through which the steering column passes at a right angle, the at least one carrier being fitted with flat coils in a complete angle range; and at least one passive actuating element, without periodically repeated structures, being borne on each of said first and second damping rotors, the actuating elements being in two different locations of said angle range acting on the flat coils of the at least one carrier. |
| US07726207B2 |
Pressure sensing mat
A generally flexible pressure sensing mat for a vehicle seat includes a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer. The mat includes a plurality of cells, each cell being defined by a respective opening of the spacer. In each cell, at least two electrodes are arranged between the first and second carrier foils and, in response to pressure acting on the pressure sensing mat at a cell, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the carrier foils thereby causing variation of an electrical resistance between the at least two electrodes of the cell. The pressure sensing mat includes at least one rigidifying element, the least one rigidifying element being associated to an individual cell for locally reducing flexibility of the pressure sensing mat at the individual cell. |
| US07726205B2 |
Transducer for a rotating body
A load cell assembly for sensing force and/or moment components on a rotating body supported by a frame includes an axle having opposite ends joined to the frame. A hub is supported by the axle and rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. A load cell body joined to the hub and the rotating body is used to sense force and/or moment components between the hub and the rotating body. |
| US07726203B2 |
Multiphase Coriolis flowmeter
A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable flowtube, and a driver connected to the flowtube that is operable to impart motion to the flowtube. A sensor is connected to the flowtube and is operable to sense the motion of the flowtube and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to determine a first flow rate of a first phase within a two-phase flow through the flowtube and determine a second flow rate of a second phase within the two-phase flow. |
| US07726200B2 |
Integrated sensor for airfoils of aircraft, particularly of airplanes and helicopters, as well as rotor blades and airplane airfoil
An integratable sensor for an airfoil of an aircraft such as an airplane and a helicopter comprises a sensor capsule, in whose inner chamber a measuring element for measuring an environmental parameter is situated. A capsule carrier is implemented to accommodate and removably attach the sensor capsule and is integratable in an airfoil of an airplane or a helicopter. Elastic contact elements are used for secure electrical connection of the sensor capsule to the capsule carrier. The sensor capsule is replaceable, while the capsule carrier is permanently integrated in the airfoil, in particular in a rotor blade. The measuring element is, for example, a pressure sensor. |
| US07726198B2 |
Strain sensor
A strain sensor comprises a capacitor formed on a substrate, the capacitor having a layered structure in which a lower electrode, a metal oxide film of perovskite structure and an upper electrode are laminated consecutively on the substrate, the capacitor being adapted to be mounted upon a specimen, and a measuring circuit that measures a leakage current flowing through the capacitor between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. |
| US07726196B2 |
Piezoelectric pressure sensor containing pre-stressed measuring elements
The invention relates to a piezoelectric pressure sensor comprising piezoelectric measuring elements located in a housing, which are pre-stressed between the housing base and a membrane provided at the pressured side of the housing. According to the invention the piezoelectric measuring elements are placed on the outside of a pre-stressing element, which is located essentially along the longitudinal axis of the sensor. |
| US07726190B2 |
Device, method and program for inspecting microstructure
A speaker unit has a plurality of sound sources each outputting a sound wave. The compressional, sound wave output from the speaker unit arrives, or vibrates air, which moves a movable part of a three-axis acceleration sensor, or a microstructure of a chip to be tested TP. As the movable part thus moves, a value in resistance accordingly varies, and such variation is measured as based on an output voltage provided via a probe. A control unit determines a property of the three-axis acceleration sensor from a value in property as measured or measurement data. Furthermore, the plurality of sound sources can be spaced by a pitch of a predetermined value set as based on their difference in the distance to the movable part of the three-axis acceleration sensor and the wavelength of the test wave to apply a composite test wave to the movable part such that the composite sound wave's composite sound field is maximized. |
| US07726189B2 |
Nonlinear micromechanical resonator
A micromechanical resonator having an actuator configured to provide an excitation, a second component configured to move within a plane at a second frequency in response to the excitation of the actuator, and a first component coupled with the second component such that the movement of the second component at the second frequency induces resonant excitation of the first component that is substantially completely out of the plane. |
| US07726187B2 |
Thermal type flow meter and engine control system using the same
A thermal type flow meter has a first heating resistor, a second heating resistor for blocking heat transfer from the first heating resistor to a console, a temperature measuring resistor interposed between the two heating resistors, and a controller for calculating a flow rate unrelated to temperatures of fluid from temperatures of the resistors and currents supplied to the heating resistors. |
| US07726178B2 |
System and method of non-invasive control of apparatus tightness
System for the non invasive control of the tightness condition of apparatus, in particular of the constancy of said condition of m homogenous series, each one of n apparatus, which in the absence of said pressure constancy would have not acceptable, not uniform characteristics and performances, especially of electronic mechanical, hydraulic and similar apparatus. The system includes (a) a first sub system including a pneumatic chamber, set at a sampling reference pressure, for the pressure control of each one of said n apparatus of each one of said m homogenous series; (b) a second sub system of treatment and feeding of pneumatic fluid to said chamber in order to support and stabilize said reference pressure; and (c) a third sub system of comparison and detection of undesired deviations over said reference pressure, of the detected pressure in the chamber occupied, on turn, by each one of the n apparatus of each of the m series. |
| US07726172B2 |
Testing device for acoustic probes and systems
A hand-held testing device tests operation of acoustic elements of an acoustic device. The hand-held testing device has a housing, a power supply local to the housing, an acoustic transducer, and circuitry. The circuitry is disposed within the housing and is provided in electrical communication with the power supply and with the acoustic transducer. The circuitry is configured to identify production of a voltage pulse by the acoustic transducer in response to receipt of a received acoustic signal by the acoustic transducer from one of the acoustic elements and to operate the transducer to transmit a transmitted acoustic signal to the acoustic element. |
| US07726168B2 |
Adjusting cylinders in rolling stands, including vertical edging stands
An adjusting cylinder for long, rapid lifting movements in rolling stands, includes vertical edging stands, wherein each cylinder has at least one piston, which acts through the bearing chocks of at least one work roll or of an interposed roll to adjust a work roll on both sides, wherein each adjusting cylinder has a piston that is equipped with two oppositely directed piston rods, and each piston is inserted in a recess in the cylinder base or cylinder cover, such that the base and cover have coaxially arranged bores through which the piston rods pass. The surface formed by one piston and the piston rod is smaller than the surface formed by another piston and the piston rod. |
| US07726167B2 |
Tooling System
A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements (24) arranged in an array, each element being supported on a cross rail (22) and being moveable relative to the other elements in the array. Each element terminates in a threaded support post (25) extending from a first end of the element, and is associated with a corresponding internally threaded aperture in the cross rail upon which the element is supported. The tooling system further comprises an adjusting component in the form of a fork (46) which is driveable in rotation and engageable with an element of the array to drive the element in rotation, upon rotation of the fork. |
| US07726166B2 |
Multi-step press system
A multi-step press system includes a press that consists of a press frame, a table provided on the press frame and a ram provided above the table for making movement in a Z-axis direction. The table has a standby station into which workpieces are loaded one by one and a plurality of press-forming stations in which the workpieces are sequentially press-formed. The system further includes a press die set consisting of a lower die attached to the table and an upper die attached to the ram. The lower die and the upper die are adapted to simultaneously press-form the workpieces placed in the press-forming stations. On one side of the press, there is provided a destacker for periodically loading the workpieces into the standby station. A transfer feeder is provided between the table and the ram for simultaneously picking up and transferring the workpieces. |
| US07726165B2 |
Manufacturing process to produce a necked container
The present invention provides a necking system including a plurality of necking dies each necking dies having an at least partially non-polished necking surface and a non-polished relief following the necking surface. The present invention further provides a method of necking an metal container including providing an metal blank; shaping the blank into a bottle stock; and necking the metal bottle stock, wherein necking includes at least one necking die having an at least partially non-polished necking surface. |
| US07726162B2 |
Method of shaping container bodies and corresponding apparatus
Method wherein a) a container (1, 6) is placed in a two halves mould (2) having an internal shaped wall (21), b) an internal pressure P of a fluid is build up so as to shape the skirt (12), is characterized in that an external pressure P′of a fluid is applied in an upper space (101) contiguous to an external or upper surface (100) of the open top end (10) and/or in a lower space (141) contiguous to an external or lower surface (140) of the shaped bottom end (14), so as to have, during the span of time Δt, a pressure difference ΔP|P−P′1 low enough to prevent any distortion of the shaped open top end (10) and/or the shaped bottom end (14), so as to form a shaped metallic container (1′, 6′). An apparatus for carring out the method is also disclosed. |
| US07726158B2 |
Damper pin in drum type washing machine
A damper pin in a drum type washing machine is disclosed. The present invention includes a cabinet forming an exterior of the drum type washing machine, a tub provided within the cabinet, a damper having one end connected to the tub and the other end rotatably connected to the cabinet, a damper pin rotatably joining the damper to the cabinet to have prescribed elasticity, and an elastic member provided within the damper pin. Therefore, the present invention prevents the damper pin from being loosened for duration, thereby reducing noise and abrasion in driving the drum type washing machine. |
| US07726156B2 |
Sinker for knitting system and knitting system showing reduced wear
Proposed is a sinker (2) provided with a region (23) of reduced thickness on its working part (9). As a result, a clearance space is created on at least one side of the sinker (2). This clearance space makes it possible to reduce the distance between the sinker (2) and the latch needle (3) or to reduce the wear between these two elements. The clearance space furthermore does not change the distance between the sinker and the latch needle on the other side of the sinker. The sinker (2) according to the invention preferably has a clearance space on both sides, so that this sinker can be used in circular knitting machines which are designed for both rotational directions. |
| US07726153B2 |
Method of manufacturing glass particulate stacked body
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a glass particle deposited body in which a taper portion formed at an end portion of the glass particle deposited body is reduced without increasing the number of burners.The invention allows the glass particle deposited body to be manufactured in such a manner that a plurality of glass particle synthesizing burners are arranged to be opposed to a rotating starting rod, wherein the starting rod and the glass particle synthesizing burners are relatively reciprocated to move a turn-back location of reciprocating movement in a certain direction, and then move the turn-back location of reciprocating movement in the reverse direction if the turn-back location is moved to a predetermined position, until each burner is returned to an initial position, which operation is defined as one set of operation, with an average reciprocating movement distance of one set being less than double a burner-to-burner interval, whereby the glass particles are deposited on the starting rod by repeating one set of operation. |
| US07726152B2 |
Magnetic jewelry clasp and article of jewelry
A releasable and separable magnetic clasp for a body-part encircling article of jewelry, such as a bracelet or necklace, or the article of jewelry itself comprising such clasp, the main body of the article being of semi-rigid, non-articulated construction and having an inherently curved configuration, and composed of one or more cables, braids or bundled wires or fibers. The clasp comprises a pair of ferrules joined to the main body. The ferrules are axially curved to match the inherent curve of the main body. A curved insertion member having a first magnet extends from one of the ferrules and is received by a bore present in the other ferrule, and a second magnet or magnetically receptive metal member is disposed within the bore, such that with the two ferrules joined the first magnet abuts the second magnet or metal member in order to maintain the clasp in the closed configuration. |
| US07726151B2 |
Variable cooling load refrigeration cycle
A method and apparatus for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of a working fluid in an evaporator of a refrigeration system by providing a constant volumetric displacement compressor and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the high pressure and low pressure portions of a refrigeration circuit to superheat, and hold substantially constant, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor. In doing this, the pressure of the refrigerant in the low pressure portion of the circuit, including the evaporator, and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant remain substantially constant. As a result, the temperature of the saturated refrigerant in the evaporator remains substantially constant. |
| US07726148B2 |
Refrigerator ice compartment seal
An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions. An improved latch and seal are provided for the ice bin assembly to allow removal of the bin assembly and to ensure a positive seal between the bin assembly and the front cover of the ice compartment. |
| US07726145B2 |
Temperature control unit for electronic component and handler apparatus
A temperature control unit for an electronic component and a handler apparatus, which are excellent in responsibility during cooling and heating, is obtained. The temperature control unit for an electronic component includes a cooling cycle device having a refrigerant passage circulating through a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator; a thermally conductive block having an outer surface capable of coming in contact with the electronic component that is an object to be temperature-controlled, where an inner surface corresponding to the outer surface is placed opposite to the outer surface so as to be brought in contact with or apart from the evaporator; at least one first heater for heating the thermally conductive block; and a compressed air feeding circuit for feeding compressed air between facing surfaces of the evaporator and the thermally conductive block to part them. |
| US07726144B2 |
Thermal management using stored field replaceable unit thermal information
A method of managing conditions in a data center comprises storing information relating to field replaceable unit thermal properties in at least one field replaceable unit non-volatile memory and generating information for real-time dynamic temperature mapping of the data center based on the field replaceable unit thermal property information. |
| US07726143B2 |
Vehicle cooled instrument panel compartment
A glove box assembly for a vehicle is provided and includes a storage bin, a dedicated climate controlled bin, and an air flow manifold. The air flow manifold is arranged to receive cooled air from a vehicle heating ventilation and air conditioning unit and direct the flow of cooled air into the climate controlled bin for cooling the climate controlled bin independent of the storage bin. The air flow manifold is further arranged to draw cooled air from the heating ventilation and air conditioning unit upstream of a blend door when air conditioning is operating so as to provide cooled air to the climate controlled bin independent of a vehicle cabin temperature setting. |
| US07726141B2 |
Refrigerator, and method for controlling operation of the same
A refrigerator is provided which can individually cool a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber by dividing a heat exchange region of an evaporator into a freezing chamber side region and a refrigerating chamber side region, forming individual circulation passages for supplying cool air from each region to the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber, and forming a freezing chamber fan and a refrigerating chamber fan on each circulation passage. Further, a method for controlling operation of the same is provided which can efficiently perform a cooling operation and reduce power consumption by effectively controlling the operations of each component. |
| US07726140B2 |
System and method for using hot gas re-heat for humidity control
A humidity control method is provided for a multi-stage cooling system having two or more refrigerant circuits. A hot gas re-heat circuit having a hot gas re-heat coil, an evaporator and a compressor, such as the evaporator and compressor utilized in one of the refrigerant circuits, is provided. The hot gas re-heat coil is placed in fluid communication with the output airflow from the evaporator of the re-heat circuit. Humidity control is performed during cooling operations and ventilation operations. During a first stage cooling operation using only one refrigerant circuit and having a low cooling demand, the request for humidity control activates the hot gas re-heat circuit for dehumidification and activates a second refrigerant circuit to provide cooling capacity. During a second stage cooling operation using multiple refrigerant circuits and having a high cooling demand, the request for humidity control is suspended until completion of the second stage cooling demand. |
| US07726135B2 |
Energy transfer apparatus and methods
The invention provides an energy transfer apparatus having an energy transfer chamber (optionally bounded by an energy transfer tube) in which rotating flow is established. Preferably, the apparatus has a cold-fluid-discharge end and a hot-fluid-discharge end. Also provided are methods of using such apparatuses. |
| US07726131B2 |
Floatwall dilution hole cooling
A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided, the combustor having an outer shell with an outer surface exposed to cooling air and an inner surface, and at least one floatwall panel attached to the inner surface of the outer shell and having a trailing edge. At least one dilution hole is in the floatwall panel near the trailing edge and in communication with the outer surface of the outer shell, and at least one local air impingement hole is in the outer shell downstream of each at least one dilution hole, that directs the cooling air towards the trailing edge of the floatwall panel. |
| US07726124B2 |
Blast simulator with high velocity actuator
A high velocity actuator, which may be used as a blast simulator, is provided with an actuator cylinder tube having an opening at first and second cylinder ends, and an actuator piston rod slidably mounted within the actuator cylinder tube and extending through the opening in the first cylinder end. A control valve concentric to the actuator cylinder tube is configured to be coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and controls admittance of the fluid under pressure to the actuator cylinder at the second cylinder end to act on the actuator piston rod to extend the actuator piston rod towards the first cylinder end. |
| US07726123B2 |
Wave energy device
A wave energy device in the form of a self buoyant heave-resistant vessel (10) comprising two or more discrete flow paths into which water can be urged by wave action and a bi-directional energy extractor in fluid communication with said path(s) and atmosphere, arranged to extract energy from air movements in said path(s) caused by said wave action. |
| US07726122B2 |
Hydrodynamic torque converter
A hydrodynamic torque converter including a housing connectable to a drive element for rotation in common around an axis of rotation, the housing being fillable with a fluid; a pump wheel in the housing; a turbine wheel in the housing and connected to a takeoff element; and a supporting/sealing hub area on an axial side of the housing and facing away from the drive element, the supporting/sealing hub area comprising a first hub element permanently connected to the housing; and a second hub element connected to the first hub element for rotation in common around the axis of rotation, the second hub element being axially movable relative to the first hub element, the second hub element comprising an outside circumference, a sealing surface on the outside circumference, a first axial end facing away from the drive element, and a rotational driver formation at the first axial end. |
| US07726121B2 |
Engine part
An engine part has a construction which prevents the surface discoloration/deterioration associated with a high-temperature exhaust gas, irrespective of the type of Cr used in the formation of a chromium plating layer (hexavalent chromium or trivalent chromium). The engine part includes a metal substrate, a chromium plating layer covering at least a region of a surface of the metal substrate, the region being heated to a temperature of about 350° C. or more, and an intermediate plating layer provided between the metal substrate and the chromium plating layer. The chromium plating layer has a thickness of about 0.2 μm or more in the region. |
| US07726116B2 |
Turbofan engine nozzle assembly and method of operating same
A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine aircraft engine is provided. The nozzle assembly includes a nacelle and a core cowl positioned at least partially within the nacelle such that the core cowl and the nacelle are aligned substantially concentrically to each other defining an annular fan bypass duct. A first member couples the nacelle to the core cowl and includes a first flap hingedly coupled to each sidewall of the first member. An opposing second member couples the nacelle to the core cowl and includes a second flap hingedly coupled to each sidewall of the second member. The first flaps and the second flaps are selectively positionable between a first operational position and a second operational position to vary a throat area of said fan bypass duct. A turbofan engine assembly and a method for operating the same are also provided. |
| US07726114B2 |
Integrated combustor-heat exchanger and systems for power generation using the same
A combustor-heat exchanger system comprising a plurality of cans. Each can includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder forming an annular space in between, wherein the inner cylinder is configured to receive and combust a fuel and compressed oxidant to generate heat and a hot gas. The outer cylinder is configured to receive a portion of a gas lean in carbon dioxide from a turbine system and utilize the heat from the inner cylinder to generate a heated gas. The combustor-heat exchanger further includes an inlet volute along the surface of the inner cylinder configured to receive the portion of the gas lean in carbon dioxide and distribute the gas lean in carbon dioxide into an axial flow through the annular space of each can. The combustor-heat exchanger also includes an outlet volute along the surface of the outer cylinder configured to receive the heated gas from each can, a first manifold to distribute the gas lean in carbon dioxide stream into each inlet volute and a second manifold to receive the heated gas from each can and generate a hot discharge stream. |
| US07726113B2 |
Gas turbine engine assembly and methods of assembling same
A method for assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a low-pressure turbine to a core turbine engine, and coupling a counter-rotating fan assembly including a first fan assembly and a second fan assembly to the low-pressure turbine such that the first fan assembly rotates in a first direction and the second fan assembly rotates in an opposite second direction. |
| US07726102B2 |
Method and machine for filling capsules or similar with at least one product, in particular a pharmaceutical product in granules
A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber. |
| US07726099B2 |
Semi-automatic (human powered) case sealing machine
A case sealing device is provided for applying a sealing tape to a surface of a case to be sealed. The device includes a work surface. A first portion of the work surface defines an entry region and a second portion of the work surface defines an exit region. A taping assembly is mounted adjacent the work surface between the entry region and the exit region. The taping assembly includes a taping head and a taping head linkage. The linkage has a rotatable first end and a second end. The second end is secured to the taping head. The taping head is adapted to hold an associated roll of tape. The taping head and the taping head linkage are configured to cooperate to dispense a strip of the tape from the taping head onto the surface of the case to be sealed as the case to be sealed is brought into contact with the taping assembly during sliding movement from the entry region to the exit region of the work surface. |
| US07726092B1 |
Window sill and trim corner assembly
The present invention is a window sill and trim corner assembly. The window sill and trim corner assembly may extend around a window or other opening in a structure. |
| US07726088B2 |
Flooring system
A joint for connecting two adjacent flooring panels together in a substantially vertical manner includes a rotatable locking member made of plastic, metal or another resilient material. The rotatable locking member is located within a groove or opening of one flooring panel and the second flooring panel has a tongue shaped to mate with the rotatable locking member. Upon installation, the rotatable member rotates and locks around the back of the tongue via a groove above the tongue. The rotatable locking member includes a resilient arm which is bent away from its initial rest position upon installation, so that when the rotatable locking member locks onto the tongue, the resilient arm is bent providing a biasing force which holds the panel securely in position. |
| US07726079B2 |
Means for dehumidification, perspiration, ventilation or the impermeabilization of walls, floors and/or ceilings
A device for the dehumidification, perspiration, ventilation or impermeabilization of walls, floors and/or ceilings by the use of a double fretted membrane of the known type, the shape of which defines longitudinal channels, characterized in that there is provided a peripheral section having a tubular body from which two pairs of longitudinal ribs perpendicular to each other and extending all over the length of the section project. Each pair of ribs is able to receive a peripheral edge of the double membrane. |
| US07726077B2 |
Gutter cover system
A gutter cover system including a gutter cover and a bracket member having a shaft with a wall end having a curved member with a raised profile, and a swivel end; a tab member extending upwardly from the raised profile and forming an outwardly directed slot; and a lip member affixed to the swivel end configured to be mating received within the lip of a gutter. The gutter cover including a planar panel for positioning on the roof, an arcuate nose, and a lower member with a foot configured for matingly inwardly insertion into the slot; the raised profile structured to facilitate installation of the bracket member and installation of the gutter cover on the bracket member. |
| US07726073B2 |
Sliding shoe for a window frame
A sliding shoe for a sliding/pivoting window having a shoe body which is of two piece construction. A cam trapped between the two portions of the shoe has a cam-shaped body, which rotates in complementary cam-shaped openings through the shoe portions to expand the shoe laterally, and a chamfered cam-shaped annulus which rotates in a complementary bevelled seat in the shoe body to expand the shoe in a direction perpendicular to the lateral expansion. The shoe is thus locked in position in the frame channel very early in the rotational cycle of the cam, and provide secure locking engagement against the sides, top and bottom of the channel when the sash is pivoted only slightly out of the plane of the frame. |
| US07726064B2 |
Folding crustacean trap
A crustacean trap that includes a collapsible frame assembly surrounded by a collapsible net body. The frame assembly includes a lower collar perpendicularly aligned and attached to a hollow mast. The mast extends upward from the lower collar and slides through an upper collar. Pivotally attached to the upper collar are four radially aligned upper legs. Pivotally coupled to the lower end of each upper leg is a lower leg that is vertically aligned under the upper leg. Each lower leg extends inward and pivotally connects to the lower collar. The upper and lower collars are aligned and registered so when the mast is extended downward through the upper collar, the upper collar and the lower collar separate thereby forcing each upper leg diagonally downward from the upper collar and forcing each lower leg horizontally outward from the lower collar. |
| US07726063B2 |
Snake trap
An apparatus for trapping a snake comprising a base wall having a smooth interior surface and an exterior surface, first and second side walls having a smooth interior surface and an exterior surface and having first edges attached to opposing edges of said base wall, a top wall having a smooth interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposing edges attached to second edges of said first and second side walls, wherein said first and second side walls, said base wall and said top wall define a tunnel therein, the tunnel including a first area for placing a sticky pad for trapping the snake coming into contact with the sticky pad and at least one second area through which the snake must pass before reaching the first area, the second area having a smooth inner surface for denying traction to the snake trapped on the sticky pad and having a sufficient length and width to allow substantially an entire body of the snake to enter the tunnel prior to encountering the sticky pad. |
| US07726061B1 |
Dual beam laser module
A dual beam laser aiming module for a firearm has a dual-laser alignment housing with a first IR laser assembly in a first cavity and that provides a first beam axis. A second visible laser assembly is adjustably located in a second cavity to provide a second beam having an axis parallel to the first beam axis. A housing for the dual-laser alignment housing is adapted to be fixed to the firearm. The dual-laser alignment housing has a rounded exterior surface that interfaces with a corresponding rounded surface in the interior of the cavity of the laser housing. The dual-laser alignment housing is adjustably pivoted with respect to the laser housing with a four-point laser alignment mechanism to align the parallel first and second axes further in parallel to a centerline of a barrel of the firearm. |
| US07726059B2 |
Lockable safety for firearm
A firearm including a safety that moves between a safe position that does not permit firing of the firearm and a fire position that permits firing of the firearm, and a lock that locks the safety in the closed position wherein the lock includes an ambidextrous locking mechanism actuable from both sides of the firearm. |
| US07726058B2 |
Muzzleloader firearm with quick-release breech plug
A muzzleloader firearm has a barrel with at least one lug retaining structure that includes an internal annular groove and an internal annular shoulder that is both adjacent the annular groove and positioned between the annular groove and the breech end of the barrel. Each annular shoulder is provided with lug entry cutouts, which are radially spaced about the shoulder. The firearm also has a breech plug that is provided with multiple lugs forming at least one discontinuous external shoulder. The lugs are spaced and sized so that they align with the lug entry cutouts. Preferably, the number of external shoulders on the breech plug match the number of internal annular grooves in the barrel. The breech plug is installed in the barrel by aligning the lugs with the lug entry cutouts, and then rotating the plug so that the lugs are no longer aligned with the lug entry cutouts. |
| US07726056B2 |
Knock down signpost
There is provided a knock down signpost comprising a post member (6) and a lower body member (10) held together by a spring (3) having a preload when the post is vertical, acting two flat surfaces (8) creating an initial resistance to motion off the horizontal. Two steel cables (114) transmit the force of the spring and are spaced apart which allows the cables to act as a non rotation mechanism. Two round protrusions (16) in the post member (6) locate into two matching clearance holes (14) in the lower body for post alignment. A shock tube (4) is fitted over the cable and internal to the spring to prevent over compression and provides a mechanical stop. As the top assembly is rotated chamfered edges (15) of the post member (6) engage and interlock into an annular groove (13) to act as a pseudo-hinge. |
| US07726051B2 |
Wheel-type working machine and method of controlling the same
A hydraulic excavator includes: an oil-pressure cut valve for suspending pressure oil supply to a PPC valve; a lock switch for operating the oil-pressure cut valve; and a control device for controlling a switching of the oil-pressure cut valve. The control device includes: a lock-state determining unit that determines a lock state of working equipment by considering the status of the lock switch; a traveling-state determining unit that determines a traveling state of the hydraulic excavator; an alert-issuing controlling unit that issues an alert urging locking of the working equipment; and a relay control unit that actuates the oil-pressure cut valve to suspend the flow of pressure oil. The alert-issuing controlling unit issues the alert and the relay control unit actuates the oil pressure cut valve when the hydraulic excavator is determined to be traveling and the working equipment is determined not to be in the lock state. |
| US07726049B2 |
Squeegee blade
A squeegee blade includes a mounting plate with a surface. A relatively rigid support member is attached to the surface of the mounting plate and a relatively flexible blade is attached to the surface of the mounting plate adjacent to the support member so that the blade is supported by the support member against compression toward the mounting plate. |
| US07726048B2 |
Automated machine repositioning in an excavating operation
A method of repositioning a machine during an excavating operation from a first machine position to a second machine position is provided. A target distance to the second machine position is selected. An operator input device configured to send a control input signal to a control module to initiate a repositioning phase is activated. During a repositioning phase, the machine is moved toward the second position while an operator maintains control of movement. A determination is made when the machine has traveled the target distance. The machine is stopped under automated machine control at the second machine position. |
| US07726043B2 |
Studded footwear
Some studded footwear, such as sports shoes, require studs to be specifically oriented relative to the shoe sole. The studs may be specifically oriented in the receptacles, and thus the receptacles need to be oriented relative to the sole of the shoe. Means are provided therefore for orienting a specifically-oriented receptacle for a shoe stud in a multi-layer shoe sole comprising co-operating orienting means on the receptacle and an outer shoe sole, the co-operating orienting means being operative to physically retain the receptacle in the correct orientation relative to the outer shoe sole at least until an inner shoe sole is secured to the outer shoe sole. Thus the co-operating orienting means serve to ensure that a specifically-oriented receptacle is physically held in the correct orientation relative to the shoe sole, at least until the shoe sole is completed by attachment of an inner shoe sole. |
| US07726040B2 |
Apparatus and method for the uniform drying of board materials
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the uniform drying of boards, such as gypsum wallboards. The apparatus includes a dryer through which a series of boards are conveyed in a side-by-side relationship. While in the dryer, heated air is delivered over the boards via a series of separate air channels. A bypass duct delivers a portion of or a totality of unreheated air to the outermost channels where the cooler air displaces a volume of the warmer air. As a result, the air in the outermost channels is cooler than the air in the interior channels. Air from the outermost channels is then directed over the exposed longitudinal edges of the boards. |
| US07726039B2 |
Tape measure housing
The invention provides a tape measure housing having resilient material located at its outersurface. The resilient material defines one or more gas-filled cavities, each of which is located on a line tangential to an outer wall of the housing between the outer wall of the housing and an outer wall of the resilient material. This provides improved shock protection. |
| US07726037B1 |
Fence post centering assembly and method
A fence post centering assembly and method includes an elongated member that has a first end and a second end. A first head member and second head member are provided. Each of the first and second ends is removably engaged with one of the first and second head members. Each of the first and second head members includes a receiving slot. A first post is positionable in the receiving slot of the first head member and a second post is positioned in the receiving slot of the second head member to ensure a proper positioned between the first and second posts. |
| US07726036B2 |
Contour measuring probe
An exemplary contour measuring probe includes a guide (12), a movable rack, a counter-balancing mechanism, a linear measuring scale (24), and a displacement sensor (26). The movable rack comprises a tip extension (20) for touching a surface of an object. The tip extension (20) is pushed to move towards the object under a gravitational force acting on the movable rack. The counter-balancing mechanism is configured to partially counter balance the gravitational force acting on the movable rack. The linear measuring scale (24) displays values of displacements of the tip extension (20). The displacement sensor (26) detects and reads the displacement values displayed by the linear measuring scale (24). |
| US07726031B1 |
Knife system
A knife system for providing efficient replacement of a knife blade. The knife system generally includes a body, a lever pivotally connected to the body, a collet connected to the body, and a shaft connected between the lever and the collet. When the lever is in a closed position, the shaft applies tension to the collet resulting in frictional engagement with a blade within the collet. An illuminating unit is preferably positioned within the body directing light towards the blade within the collet to illuminate a work area. |
| US07726028B2 |
Cutting device for pipelines
A cutting device for cutting or bursting a pipeline includes a basic body having at least one cutting or perforating element, wherein the cutting or perforating element discontinuously cuts the pipeline in the longitudinal direction or at least discontinuously weakens the pipe material. |
| US07726026B1 |
Powdered metal inlay
Hot-isostatic-pressure (HIP) is used to bond a cemented carbide inlay (e.g., an inlay ring) on a metal substrate (e.g., a hull ring). For example, an inlay ring is made from a powdered metal inlay preform typically comprising at least one metal carbide and at least one nonvolatile cement. The inlay preform is compressed and sintered to make an inlay ring having a predetermined shape, the inlay ring having a modulus of elasticity substantially greater than that of a hull ring. An inlay ring and a hull ring are sealingly vacuum brazed together with at least one evacuated bonding area between them. HIP is applied to compress the hull ring against the inlay ring, thus fusing the hull ring and inlay ring in at least one evacuated bonding area. Following HIP, the inlay ring and hull ring form a fused assembly in which the inlay ring substantially retains its predetermined shape. |
| US07726017B2 |
Method of fabricating an electrical feedthru
A method and apparatus for electrically interfacing between two or more distinct environments. The method and apparatus are directed to an electrical feedthru with exterior traces traversing a core. The electrical feedthru may be very small, facilitating its use in MEMS devices. The electrical feedthru may also include an over-mold shaped to create a mechanical seal between the two or more distinct environments without the use of an O-ring. The electrical feedthru is not limited to any particular geometry, it may be adapted to fit between any two environments, and thus the traces are not necessarily parallel to a central axis of the core. |
| US07726016B2 |
Manufacturing method of printed circuit board
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board. The method includes the steps of preparing an insulating substrate having a front surface and a back surface and a layer of metal foil formed on each of the front surface and the back surface; selectively forming a plating layer for forming a land on at least one of the metal foils; adjusting a thickness of the plating layer; and forming the metal foils into lines. |
| US07726015B2 |
Method of making electrically conductive patterns on a substrate
The invention concerns a method which consists in coating uniformly the non-developable surface (6) with an electrically conductive material (9), which is in turn coated, by spraying, with a pattern (10) of polymerizable protective material, said pattern being polymerized as it is being formed, and then selectively eliminating, through the openings (10.8) of said pattern (10), the portions of said electrically conductive material (9) which do not over said electrically conductive patterns. |
| US07726013B2 |
Method of manufacturing circuit board including transfer chip having a plurality of first pad electrodes connected to wiring
A circuit board manufacturing method, including forming a transfer chip, the forming of the transfer chip including, forming a wiring above a first substrate, forming a plurality of first pad electrodes so as to be connected to the wiring and so as to be included in the transfer chip, and joining the transfer chip with a member such that the plurality of first pad electrodes contact the member. |
| US07726002B2 |
Processes for making spinal intervertebral implant, interconnections for such implant
A cortical bone implant is formed of two or more planks of bone which are connected with one or more offset pins. The pins may be right circular cylinders inserted into a corresponding offset bore which offset bends the inserted pin. The bending creates compression and tensile loads in the pin which loads creates friction compression forces on the planks connecting them to the pins by friction. The pins may have different shapes to form offset configurations in place of the offset bores for friction attachment to the planks. The implants may be formed of flat or L-shaped planks or bones formed into other shapes including interlocking arrangements. Processes and fixtures are disclosed for forming the pins, planks and implants. Various embodiments of the pins, planks, implants and processes are disclosed. |
| US07726000B2 |
Method of securing first and second splined members together
A method is provided for securing first and second splined members together, such as a midship tube shaft to an end fitting in a driveshaft assembly, to prevent relative axial movement from occurring therebetween. Initially, a first splined member is provided that includes an outer surface having a recess and a plurality of external splines provided thereon. Also, a second splined member is provided that includes an inner surface a plurality of internal splines provided thereon. The inner surface of the second splined member is disposed about the outer surface of the first splined member such that the plurality of internal splines cooperate with the plurality of external splines. Then, a portion of the second splined member is deformed into the recess of the first splined member to secure the first and second splined members together, while preventing relative axial movement from occurring therebetween. |
| US07725998B2 |
Washing-machine disassembling method and disassembling apparatus, recycled resin and resin product
A method of disassembling a washing machine is a disassembling method for a washing machine including a reduction-gear unit secured on the outside of a water tub and a dehydration tub disposed in the water tub, and the method includes a release step of applying force, along the axial direction of a rotary shaft, in the direction of separating the reduction-gear unit and the dehydration tub from each other to release connection between the reduction-gear unit and the dehydration tub. This scheme can be employed to provide a method of disassembling a washing machine that can recover resin included in the washing machine at a high recovery ratio. |
| US07725996B2 |
Method for producing actuator device
A method for producing an actuator device, comprising the steps of: forming a vibration plate on a substrate; and forming a piezoelectric element composed of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode on the vibration plate, wherein in the step of forming the piezoelectric element, the upper electrode is formed on the piezoelectric layer by sputtering, a temperature of 25 to 250 (° C.) and a pressure of 0.4 to 1.5 (Pa) are used during the sputtering, and upon the sputtering, the upper electrode having a thickness of 30 to 100 (nm), stress of 0.3 to 2.0 (GPa), and specific resistance of 2.0 (×10−7 Ω·m) or less is formed. |
| US07725994B2 |
Buckle, injection molding die and injection molding method
A plug (20) has a guide bar (24) to be inserter in a socket (30). The guide bar (24) has a to-be-held section (241) at a tip end thereof, a dent (244) at a middle portion thereof, and a sub to-be-held section (242) at a base end thereof. When making an engagement, the plug (20) is slanted relative to the socket (30), so that the guide bar (24) contacts contact points (P1), P2). When the plug has been inserted into a depth end of the socket, the to-be-held section (241) and the sub to-be-held section (242) are held by a holding section (342) and a sub holding section (343) of the socket (30), thereby stabilizing engagement posture. |
| US07725993B1 |
Safety buckle with passive catch
A passive latch provided in a clasped buckle provides a clasping action with no active release. The passive latch is disengaged when the buckle parts are separated through application of a separation force. The separation force can be provided in part by a component of a pinching force applied to another latch mechanism to release the other latch mechanism. The buckle may include other child resistant features, and can be composed of impact modified nylon to resist loss of tolerances or deformation to contribute to maintaining the child resistant features. |
| US07725992B2 |
Mechanical fastener
A mechanical fastener is disclosed. The mechanical fastener generally comprises the male component of a hook and loop fastening system. The male component contains a plurality of protrusions that have been surface modified. In particular, the protrusions have been surfaced modified in a manner that prevents damage to a female component during engagement and disengagement but yet still forms a firm attachment with the female component. |
| US07725991B2 |
Low insertion effort fastener with offset for wing
A resilient clip for engaging a structure and having a body portion with a pair of top flanges and a pair of abutting coupling flanges. Each of the abutting flanges has an engagement surface and an engagement member, which engages the mounting structure. The elastic abutting flanges also have a base portion and a transition portion. A ramped surface of the engagement feature extends above the base portion. A substantially flat peripheral surface of the engagement feature in the transition portion is adapted to engage the panel to provide resistance to removal of the fastener from the mounting aperture. To manufacture a clip, a punch is used to apply a force to displace material of the elastic abutting flange portion into a die cavity to form the engagement. The elastic abutting flange portion is bent at a location passing through the engagement feature. |
| US07725988B2 |
Hinge assembly and mobile device having the same
Disclosed are a hinge assembly and a mobile device having the hinge assembly. In the mobile device, a rotation portion 14 slides and rotates on a base portion 10, so as to be inclined to the base portion 10. For this reason, the rotation portion 14 is connected to the base portion by means of the hinge assembly 20 so as to slide and rotate on the base portion 10. The rotation portion 14 slides on the base portion by a predetermined distance, and then rotates to be inclined at a desired angle with respect to the base portion 10. The rotation portion 14 easily rotates with respect to the base portion of the mobile device, so that the status of the mobile device can be easily converted. Further, when the status of the mobile device is converted, the front, rear, left and right of a display screen is not changed. As a result, the mobile device should not have a structure of changing a display direction of the display screen. Further, there is an advantage in that an electric connection between the base portion and the rotation portion by means of a connection link mechanism can be stably achieved. |
| US07725985B2 |
Surface cleaning implemenent with magnetic coupled fan
A surface cleaning implement has a suction nozzle, a fan in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, a suction-driven turbine motor for driving the fan and a magnetic coupling between the fan and the motor. The surface cleaning implement can be in the form of an accessory tool that has a housing with a suction opening adapted to be connected to a vacuum hose and mounting the suction nozzle, the fan and the motor and the housing mounts a recovery tank that is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle. The accessory tool can further comprise a fluid dispensing assembly for storing and distributing fluid to the surface to the cleaned. The fluid dispensing assembly can comprise a turbine-driven fluid pump. |
| US07725978B2 |
Drainage structure cleaning apparatus
An apparatus for cleaning a culvert includes a rod pushing and pulling machine, a rod string made from a series of extension rods coupled end to end, which rod string is mounted at a proximal end to the rod pushing and pulling machine. A debris removal tool is mounted on a distal end of the rod string. The debris removal tool may comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the rod having a coupling at its proximal end. A bucket is mounted at the distal end of the rod, which bucket has an end opening positioned so that movement of the bucket along the culvert scoops debris into the bucket. |
| US07725976B1 |
Apparatus and method for the automated cleaning of articles
An apparatus, formulation and method for cleaning soils, such as paint drips or splashes, from the outside surface of filled aerosol paint cans and other articles is provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reservoirs containing liquids for cleaning and rinsing articles. Articles to be cleaned travel on a conveyor system comprised of one or more mechanical conveyors. During the cleaning operation, one or more brushes apply cleaning solution to the articles, an air knife blows excess cleaning solution and/or solid soils off of the articles, and a jet spray rinses the articles. Another air knife may be used to dry the cleaned articles. The apparatus also includes a plurality of recirculation devices for removing solids from the cleaning and rinsing liquids so that these liquids may be reused in the cleaning operations. A cleaning formulation comprised of a glycol ether and hydrocarbon solvent is also provided. |
| US07725974B2 |
Shoe and foot cleaning and disinfecting system
A cleaning and disinfecting system for the cleaning and disinfecting of footwear or feet. The system provides for cleaning and disinfecting the bottom of the feet or footwear. An optional brush on a wand provides cleaning to upper foot areas as required. The system is automatically activated only when a person stands on the device, thereby minimizing the volume of fluid required to perform the process. Optionally, a venturi component allows the addition of a cleaning or disinfecting fluid with the cleaning solution or water. When the system is attached to a hot water line and fitted with heating elements, it can be used to remove snow from shoes and boots. |
| US07725972B2 |
Toothbrush
A head for an electric toothbrush having first and second brush parts, one of which is rotary and the other is reciprocally moveable or static. Preferred forms have elastomeric oral hygiene parts, and electric toothbrush heads with novel “V” sectioned oral hygiene parts are also disclosed. |
| US07725970B2 |
Control system and method for supplying detergent and other fluids to multiple washing machines
A washing machine control system is combined with a working fluid dispensing system and a payment processing system to provide a merged system for automatically providing detergents, bleach, softeners and the like in a pay-as-you-go laundry environment, such as public laundry facilities in Laundromats, dormitories, apartment complexes and the like. |
| US07725969B1 |
Climbing and rappelling accessory and method
A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor. |
| US07725966B2 |
Temperature controlled stroller blanket
A temperature controlled stroller blanket for controlling the ambient temperature around a child in a stroller is disclosed. The blanket is configured to be placed beneath the child within the stroller compartment. The blanket is constructed with a plurality of sealable pockets. The pockets are sized to receive and hold temperature packs for producing heat or extracting heat (cooling). The blanket also preferably includes a plurality of slits configured to permit passage of the straps of the stroller harness system to secure the child in the stroller. The temperature packs act to warm or cool the ambient air around the child, creating a comfortable environment within the stroller compartment. Once the packs expire, they may be removed and recharged or replaced. |
| US07725965B2 |
Portable structure having collapsible frame
A collapsible frame is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The frame includes a first side support assembly and a second side support assembly. Each side support assembly includes a collapsible first support member including a first platform and a collapsible second support member coupled to the first support member at a plurality of pivot points. The second support member includes a support joint movable with respect to the first platform for facilitating moving the collapsible frame between the closed configuration and the open configuration. |
| US07725962B1 |
Massaging sink neck rest
A massaging sink pillow structure disclosed herein designed to be placed over the edge of a standard sink used by a barber or beautician for shampooing or rinsing hair. The sink pillow is a waterproof, saddle-shaped structure with a front section designed to be placed against the front outside surface of the sink and a rear section designed to be placed against the front, inside surface of the sink. The sink pillow includes an upper, U-shaped indented section designed to fit into the U-shaped opening on the sink. Mounted inside the sink pillow is a plurality of page motors aligned in rows that are selectively activated to massage the user's neck in one direction or in alternative directions from front-to-back and back-to-front directions when the user's neck is placed over the U-shaped indented section. |
| US07725950B2 |
Device for the hand and forearm of the user
In one embodiment, a device for the hand and forearm of a user may include a glove portion and a sleeve. The sleeve is integrally attached to the glove portion and includes an elastic portion and a flexible support portion. The elastic portion is configured to contact a substantial portion of a forearm of a user and the flexible support portion is configured to minimize impact to the forearm. In another embodiment, a device for the forearm of a user may include a sleeve. The sleeve includes an elastic portion and a flexible support portion. The elastic portion is configured to contact a substantial portion of a forearm of a user and the flexible support portion is configured to minimize impact to the forearm and enhance catching of a ball. The elastic portion being configured to interact with a glove of the user. |
| US07725948B2 |
Face mask with offset folding for improved fluid resistance
A face mask for improved fluid resistance is provided. The face mask may include a body portion with a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers may have a plurality of folds that form a plurality of first creases in the first layer and a plurality of second creases in the second layer. The body portion may have an outer facing surface and an inner facing surface opposite from the outer facing surface. At least one of the first creases may be misaligned with at least one of the second creases in order to provide improved fluid resistance of the body portion. |